Moving to France for training is an adventure as exhilarating as it is transforming. For Hexagone Aviation School's international students, this experience goes far beyond their studies: it opens the door to a rich culture, a unique way of life, and a deep immersion in a modern, dynamic and diverse society.
Living in France means adopting a new way of life. It means discovering new habits, new cultural references, a new language and a new way of life. It means learning to feel at home in a new environment, while retaining your own identity. At Hexagone, we accompany you every step of the way, so that your integration is smooth, pleasant and enriching.
France is a country of contrasts, diversity, high standards and freedom. We live it with curiosity, respect and openness. This text will help you better understand what awaits you on a daily basis.
Finding accommodation is often one of the first challenges you face. As an international student, you have several options to choose from: private or public student residences, shared flats, studio apartments or rooms in private homes. Prices vary according to location, but in the Beauvais area, rents are generally more affordable than in major cities.
As soon as you arrive at Hexagone, our team will guide you through all the formalities: signing a lease, security deposit, taking out home insurance, opening electricity and internet meters. We'll also help you understand your rights and obligations as a tenant.
It is also possible to benefit from housing subsidies offered by the French government (APL or other CAF schemes). Here again, we are at your side to help you put together the necessary applications.
In France, public transport is well developed. In Beauvais and the surrounding area, bus routes serve the main neighborhoods, train stations and business parks. A student pass entitles you to reduced fares.
For journeys to Paris or other cities, regular trains and regional bus services are available. What's more, Beauvais has an international airport, a real asset for students coming from abroad or wishing to travel at lower cost.
Cycling is also an increasingly popular option. Numerous cycle paths enable you to get around freely and safely. It's an economical, ecological and pleasant way to discover the city.
France is renowned for the quality of its healthcare system. As an international student, you can access health care by joining the French social security system. This is compulsory and free of charge for non-Europeans, and enables partial reimbursement of medical consultations, medicines, analyses, etc.
However, it is strongly recommended that you take out a complementary health insurance (mutuelle) to cover the remaining costs. There is a wide range on offer, and some companies offer specific formulas for students.
General practitioners, specialists and pharmacies are within easy reach. In case of emergency, dial 15 (Samu) or 112 (European number). In the vicinity of the school, you'll find several doctors' surgeries, a hospital and mental health facilities.
Gastronomy is an integral part of French culture. Beyond the clichés about bread, cheese and croissants, living in France means learning to cook with fresh produce, to eat a balanced diet, to discover local specialities, and to make every meal a convivial moment.
Supermarkets, farmers' markets and small shops offer a wide variety of products, accessible to all budgets. Vegetarian, vegan, halal and kosher options are also available, depending on individual needs and preferences.
Access to healthy, varied food is an important pillar of daily well-being. Hexagone will point you in the direction of good local addresses, as well as practical applications for managing your shopping budget, discovering simple recipes or locating the most suitable restaurants.
Life in France is structured by customs that can sometimes come as a surprise when you come from elsewhere. The respect of timetables, the use of "vouvoiement" in formal relations, the importance given to critical thinking, or the central role of debate in exchanges can be destabilizing at first.
This doesn't mean you have to change who you are. But understanding these social rules will make it easier for you to fit in, and to get along with other students, teachers, shopkeepers and authorities.
Politeness, punctuality, attentiveness and mutual respect are values deeply rooted in French society. It is also a country where freedom of opinion and expression is guaranteed, within a republican and secular framework.
France offers an inexhaustible wealth of culture. Every city, every region, every neighborhood abounds with places to discover. Museums, monuments, shows, festivals, cinema, exhibitions... culture is omnipresent and often accessible at reduced rates or free for students.
In Beauvais, you can admire the famous Saint-Pierre cathedral, attend concerts, take part in local events, or simply stroll through the narrow streets of the city center. Paris is less than 80 minutes away, with its world-famous museums, bookshops, theaters and typical cafés.
Community life is also highly developed. Participating in a club, project or local initiative is a great way to meet people, practice the French language and get involved in the community.
In France, foreign students can work up to 964 hours a year, or around 20 hours a week. This is a great way to make ends meet, gain independence and develop professional experience.
Whether it's a student job, an internship or a one-off assignment, you can work while you pursue your studies. Hexagone helps you understand your rights, prepare your administrative file, write your CV in French and look for opportunities.
This period of professional activity will also give you a better understanding of the French working world, its codes, requirements and opportunities. It's an important step for those who wish to settle here permanently.
Living in France means learning to create your own balance. Between studies, social life, rest, administrative tasks, discoveries and challenges, it's important to find a personal rhythm that suits you.
Hexagone Aviation School doesn't just train you to fly or to learn the science of aviation. Our mission is also to provide you with human support during this period of your life. Each student is considered as a whole, with his or her own needs, projects and ambitions.
Here you'll find a school on a human scale, attentive, dynamic and open to the world. A place where you can live your French experience to the full, in a caring, demanding and stimulating environment.
