October 2, 2025
4.3 - 158 Reviews

Study Abroad in Lyon

Lyon, France is a vibrant and bustling city located in the Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France. Known as the gastronomic capital of France, Lyon is a must-visit destination for any foodie looking to indulge in the rich flavors and culinary traditions of French cuisine. It is also a top destination for American college students seeking a unique study abroad experience in Europe.

With a population of approximately 515,695, Lyon offers a mix of historical and modern attractions. The city boasts numerous museums, galleries, and historic landmarks, including the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière, a stunning basilica that offers panoramic views of the city, and the Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon), a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its charming cobblestone streets, Renaissance architecture, and hidden passageways known as traboules. Students can also explore the many parks and gardens, such as the Parc de la Tête d'Or, a large urban park that includes a zoo, botanical garden, and lake.

Lyon's bustling city center offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes, as well as a vibrant nightlife scene. The city hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, including the Fête des Lumières, a spectacular light festival held in December.

Lyon is generally considered a safe city for students, with low levels of crime and a friendly local community. The city also has a strong public transportation system, including a network of trams and buses, making it easy to navigate and explore.

While the number of American students studying in Lyon may fluctuate annually, it remains a favored choice for those seeking an exceptional study abroad program in France. It is advisable to take necessary safety precautions, such as being mindful of one's surroundings and avoiding solitary walks late at night, when studying abroad. Though the cost of living in Lyon may be less expensive than in other major French cities, students should still budget accordingly and make use of the student discounts available on attractions, transportation, and food.

Below you will find our list of Study Abroad and Internship programs in Lyon, France. It is an index to international education in Lyon, listing university-level study abroad, internships, volunteer opportunities, and intensive language school programs oriented to American college and university students. Some pre-college and post-graduate study abroad options are also included. We invite you to read the student reviews, see the ratings scores, and use this site to compare programs and understand what other students have encountered during their education abroad.

You can also see other study abroad programs in France or use our advanced program search

Study Abroad in Lyon - Featured Programs

Study Abroad in Lyon - All Programs

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Study Abroad Reviews for Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Lyon: Lyon - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Lyon: Lyon - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

The Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Lyon or INSA Lyon is a Grande École d'Ingénieurs...

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Study Abroad Reviews for Youth For Understanding (YFU): YFU Programs in France
Youth For Understanding (YFU): YFU Programs in France
Aix-en-Provence, France: Alès, France: Amiens, France plus 56 other locations

Bonjour! Known for food, art, dance, music, literature and much more, France is a country that is easy to fall in love with. You will experience the joy of living, or “joi...

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Study Abroad Reviews for Linguistic Horizons: Custom Internship Placements in Europe
Linguistic Horizons: Custom Internship Placements in Europe

Customized Internships for all majors in a variety of European countries!  Linguistic Horizonsarranges customized internship placements for univesity students and recent g...

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1 review
Study Abroad Reviews for University of Texas at Austin: French Summer Study in Lyon
University of Texas at Austin: French Summer Study in Lyon

The French Summer Program is an intensive language and culture program directed by the Department of French and Italian of the University of Texas at Austin in cooperation...

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Study Abroad Reviews for WSU Faculty-Led Italy: Food, Wine, and Culture of Italy and France
WSU Faculty-Led Italy: Food, Wine, and Culture of Italy and France

Do you have an interest in Italian and French gastronomy? Imagine being able to create a delicious meal of traditional Tuscan or Lyonnaise recipes … serving wine using tra...

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Study Abroad Reviews for WMU: Lyon Summer Program (Faculty-led)
WMU: Lyon Summer Program (Faculty-led)

During the month of July, the class will be in residence in Lyon for French language and culture study (17-20 hours per week) at the Institut de Langue et de Culture Fra...

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Study Abroad Reviews for IPSL Global Engagement in France: French Language, Culture, and Volunteering
IPSL Global Engagement in France: French Language, Culture, and Volunteering
Aix-en-Provence, France: Montpellier, France: Annecy, France plus 3 other locations

Vouloir, c’est pouvoir*IPSL’s French language program offers participants an opportunity to study language while exploring the beautiful cities of Aix-en-Provence, Annecy,...

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