Q & AMoving/Living/WorkingFrench government paying for French lessons

Question:

Hello! I am looking to move to Paris by myself. I would like to figure out a way to take a course to learn French. I heard that the government would pay for Americans to learn French in France. Is this true? Also, could I enter France with a tourist visa then apply for a long-term visa if I decide to stay past three months? Or get a student visa...? I want to avoid having to fly back to the US apply for the visa and then wait three months for it and fly back. HELP!! Thank you!

Answer:

What I've heard is that the French government will pay for French lessons of those that just received their long-term visa that is if they do not speak 'good French'. About coming on a tourist visa and changing it to a long-term, it's possible but sometimes the person must go back to the US to get their long-term visa. It never seems to be the same for each person. A lot depends on the person doing the paperwork processing.