So You Want to study in France

France is recognized for its quality education in the arts and sciences. Who has not heard of the Sorbonne and its history? Who has not discussed the impact of the French revolution in modern culture, or looked with admiration at the speed of the TGV (train a grande vitesse) - one of the last French technological creations? If you are trying to decide whether France is the right place for your university, you should see the following information.

1. Universities vs. Colleges

The universities offer degree courses in all disciplines and fields - academic, research and professional. In the academic year 2002-2003, French universities enrolled over 1.5 million students. Foreign students represent about 10 percent of the total entrants. Since French universities are public institutions, membership is open to any student holding a French baccalauréat or an equivalent degree for beginning university studies in your country of origin (eg high school diploma, Bachillerato, etc.).

Postgraduate schools can be public or private, but the main difference between them and the universities is that the specialist schools are selective in their admissions and enroll far fewer students than universities. Usually train students for careers in engineering, management, arts, architecture and other fields. Grandes écoles are specialized schools that are very selective. Many offer program management and engineering to prepare their graduates for competitive industries. These programs are very prestigious and appreciated in France and around the world.

2. Schools of Management

France has about 230 private schools of business and management, many of whom are affiliated with chambers of commerce and industry. International students who have completed two years of post-secondary education may apply for admission, take the examination for admission, and 3 years to earn a degree in economics. Graduates can apply for an MBA or master degree.

Among the best known business schools and management are the Ecole des Hautes Etudes Commerciales, known as HEC, the École Supérieure de Commerce de Paris (ESCP-EAP), the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Sciences Economiques et Commerciales (ESSEC) the Ecole des Hautes Etudes Commerciales du Nord (EDHEC), the Ecole de Management de Lyon (EM Lyon), and INSEAD.

The MBA in France

Master of Business Administration programs are very popular in France. In fact, some of the best international business schools are in this country. Many French MBA programs are taught in English. The classes tend to involve students of many nationalities. Admission is very selective and usually include TOEFL and GMAT exams for English-based programs. Some programs may also request interviews.

3. Faculty of Engineering

France has about 240 public and private schools of engineering. All grant Diplôme d'ingénieur, a master's degree that takes 5 years to complete. Each school has its own specialties. Each school has different application requirements, but these usually include an application file, and an oral exam. Students with up to 4 years of college education may apply to transfer students.

Master's Degrees

Many schools offer 1 year mastère Specialists in engineering. Admission requirements for this program include a diplôme of ingénieur or 5 years of post-secondary education. About 20 schools offer the Diplôme d'Ingénieur de Specialization. Students with 5 years of post-secondary education can get this title degree in 1 year. Students with 4 years can earn in two. These programs are very popular among international students, because it can accommodate four-year degree holders.

PhD
Students can earn a doctorate in engineering, after 3 years of successful work in the laboratory of an engineering school, often in collaboration with industry.

4. Selection and application of an academic program

You can easily look up an academic program, visit the following site: Search EduFrance. After selecting some suitable programs, you will need to fill out an application. This can be done, in the majority of cases, through CampusFrance or directly contacting the school. Admission requirements are different for each program and institution, the admission decisions, but most are made in June, a few months before the academic year starts in September.

5. Location and costs

The location of your program is one of the most important factors in choosing the curriculum. Average living expenses in France amount to 1,000 euros per month. However, keep in mind that the cost of living in Paris is much higher than the cost in other regions. There are many regions in France - you can choose to live near the Mediterranean Sea in Nice and quiet in the quiet town of Lille - one hour from Paris. CampusFrance, the leading developer of advanced studies in France, says:

"Paris has no monopoly on high-quality education I warn you that it is almost impossible to find cheap accommodation in Paris around the country there are institutions of high reputation in all fields, not just universities; ... Indeed , most business schools and many engineering schools are best outside of Paris. "

The straight average for the university programs is approximately $ 300 per academic year. In public schools of engineering, the annual tuition is about $ 600. Lectures at other institutions, especially schools of business, is much higher. Contact the school directly for information on business registration fees.

6. Student Visa

Students admitted to an institution will receive a letter that will allow them to apply for a student visa at the French consulate in their countries. (Citizens of an EU member country you do not need a visa). Students from third countries who intend to study in France for more than 6 months must obtain a student visa.

CapusFrance offers these 3 pieces very important tips:

1 - A tourist visa can not be converted into a student visa in France or in any other EU country.

2 - If you plan to complete two programs in succession (like a program in French as a foreign language, followed by an academic program), obtain admission to both programs before applying for a visa so that the visa will be valid for all the duration of the study period. French visas can not be extended in France.

3 - The students of all nationalities (except European Union nationals) residing in France for more than 3 months must obtain a student residence permit (which is distinct from a visa), within two months of their arrival in France.

7. Working in France

Foreign students can work in France, if they have a residence permit and are enrolled in an institution that participates in the student health plan of the French system of social protection (Social Security). French law allows international students to work part-time (19.5 hours per week) during the academic year and full-time during vacations. The minimum hourly wage in France is 8.27 euros gross, before taxes.

The French labor law, states: "As a condition of employment, individuals who are not French citizens must hold a valid work permit." Students who wish to work for pay must obtain a temporary work. (Students from the European Economic Zone, Algeria, Togo and are exempt from this requirement.) Contact an official international students in your school for more information.