1. In the Unites States, college campuses are like little towns within a town.
In France, it is rarely a "campus" in the strict sense... but rather a set of buildings.
2. In the United States, admission is much more selective than in France.
In France, there isn't really any selection process for entering; it is sufficient just to apply.
3. In the United States, class participation is very important and highly valued.
In France, speaking up is more intimidating.
4. In the United States, most universities have a gym (and sometimes even two or three) on campus.
In France, gyms are much less common and they're rarely free.
Oh, and sports at French universities are nothing like at American colleges.
5. In the United States, social life is central to university life.
In France, social life is fun, but not essential in order to have a successful college career.
6. In the United States, many students have a fake ID to purchase alcohol and get into bars.
In France, they drink in bars, at clubs, in the street, in the park, in class...
7. In the United States, three quarters of students have a job outside of their studies, and some even take on two or three small jobs.
In France, it is also common to take on a job or internship on the side.
8. In the United States, students often go to class in the most comfortable outfit possible.
In France, they dress "normally" :)
9. In the United States, the choice of classes is very diversified.
10. In France, students have to know very early on what career they would like to pursue, and specialize in the relevant field of study from their first year in university.
11. In the United States, the graduation ceremony is a real event, pretty much like it's portrayed in TV and movies.
In France, some universities organize ceremonies, but most often, receiving one's diploma is much less grandiose than in the United States.
Humm quand je repense à la Fac, tu valides les année jamais de remise de diplôme digne de son nom. Alors que t'as transpiré comme jamais.
They look at the results on the Internet, get their diplomas at the administration office, and that's that, it's done. Even though more and more French colleges are now trying to hold ceremonies. And generally, French parents don't really care, as long as their kids get their diplomas. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
12. In the United States, winter break lasts super long, but not summer break.
In France, classes begin in October and they have shorter breaks, between one and two weeks at a time.
13. In the United States, having to read 500 pages before the next class is kind of normal...
In France, they are given bibliographies at the beginning of the semester and they do with them as they please.
14. In the United States, libraries are open all days of the week. They are often open 24/7, or they close very late.
15. In France, libraries are kind of a pain.
Logique de la fac de droit: nous foutre des partiels le 2 janvier et laisser qu'une seule bibli ouverte ...
Many libraries close on Sundays, during vacations, between noon and two, at 7pm... And it's often a struggle to find empty seats.
16. But, all the many perks of going to college in the US does have its price: in the United States, college tuition costs tens of thousands of dollars per year.
In France, registration costs a few hundred euros.
This post was translated from French.