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All about France

France ranks third most innovative country in the world. It is one of Europe’s largest countries, bordered by six countries other nations: Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg to the northeast, Switzerland and Italy to the southeast and Spain to the southwest. France is the most popular tourist destination in the world, bringing tens-of-millions of visitors each and every year. There are many reasons why so many people enjoy visiting the diverse country, including the natural beauty, the amazing climate, outdoor recreational activities such as golf courses, art museums and galleries and so much more. There are many different activities that outline the history of the country which are enjoyable to visitors, especially considering its turbulent past.

People in France are courteous and very formal. And then there is Paris. You cannot talk about France without first talking about Paris, the capital of the country. Paris has it all, and it is one of the most majestic capital cities in the entire world. The Eiffel Tower is located in Paris, as well as The Louvre. Paris exemplifies wealth and design; therefore, the region is very expensive. There are endless cultural attractions found in Paris. France is rich in history and culture. You can find people from all backgrounds and heritages in the country. The food in France is another benefit of being in the country. People in France are exquisite in every aspect of their life.

Why Study in France?

France is amongst the top three study destinations for international students and one of the most prestigious educational systems in the World. The lovely and sophisticated France attracts around 300,000 international students from both EU and non-EU countries every year. There are many rational and interesting things that would draw us to France for their educational journey. Some of those are:

  • Affordability: One of the main reasons behind the popularity of France is that Universities have much lower tuition fees when compared to other European countries. And the reason for affordability is because the tuition rates at public institutions are set by the government.
  • Freedom to study on your own convenience: The Universities in France offer students the chance to attend their institutions, on a full and part time basis, with a number of class schedules and courses available. These courses will all vary by the college, as well the times that you can attend. However, it is quite easy to find something that accommodates your schedule and allows you to go to University in your own time. And having this leverage, a student can also work as the law in France also says that full-time students have a legal right to work part time.
  • Weather: France experiences mild temperature throughout the year, which is neither too hot nor too cold, with regular rainfall. Each region in the country has its own particular climate - cooler to the north and west and warmer in the south. In winters there is plenty of snow. Summers are hot, with the sun shining across the country. The average temperature in winters is 8°C to 3°C. In summers, it is 15°C to 25°C.
  • Safety in France: When we talk about safety and health, France is one of the safest metropolitan areas in Europe. Violent crime rates are fairly low although some petty crimes like pickpocketing are not unheard of. France is the healthiest country to be in. And France ranks fifth in the world in the responsiveness of its health services to the needs of the population.
  • Economy: France is known for its World-class economy. France has the world’s fifth-largest economy and the country is Europe’s second-largest market. France is also the Europe’s leading destination for manufacturing investments.
  • France welcomes everyone: No matter what country you are coming from, you can expect to be welcomed with open arms. There is so much diversity in France. It is one of the things that keeps the country such an amazing place to be for all. It is always nice to know that you will fit right in with the crowd when you arrive. No one will question the fact that it can be hard to be the new kid on the block. If you are coming from another nation and culture and are unaware of the country and know no one, it can be far scarier. Knowing that no matter where you choose to go in France you can rest assured that you are going to be welcomed and feel right at home, really is a tremendous boon.

Education System in France

There are about 100 Universities in France that also include 5 Catholic Universities. Additionally, France has many private institutions some of which offer degrees. Like most European Universities, French colleges and Universities also function on the European credit (ECTS) system. Universities award three types of degrees - Licence (UG), Licence Professionnelle, which is Masters (PG) and Doctorate (PhD). France has held its prominent place in subjects like Mathematics, Astrophysics, Biology, Genetics, Physics and other science subjects. The past record of the country in relation to its contribution to science and research field, its achievement is tremendous.

Grande Ecoles (Great Schools), are ticket to success in France and all the top-level French politicians or business leaders are products of one of these schools. Grand Ecoles are French institutions of higher education that is separate from, but parallel and often connected to, the main framework of the French public University system. Some grandes écoles are elite education institutes with highly competitive admission requirements, some of whose graduates populate the upper levels of the private and public sectors of French society.The academic year in France runs from September until June the following year. Some institutions or courses may have enrolments throughout the year as well.Grande Ecoles (Great Schools), are ticket to success in France and all the top-level French politicians or business leaders are products of one of these schools. Grand Ecoles are French institutions of higher education that is separate from, but parallel and often connected to, the main framework of the French public University system. Some grandes écoles are elite education institutes with highly competitive admission requirements, some of whose graduates populate the upper levels of the private and public sectors of French society.The academic year in France runs from September until June the following year. Some institutions or courses may have enrolments throughout the year as well.

  • Popular courses in France: M.B.A., IT, Engineering, Art & Design
  • The National Degree: 3 yrs. of Bachelor’s degree (Licence); 1 or 2 yrs. for Master Degree.
  • Institution Degree: 3 to 4 yrs. for Bachelor, 1 yr. for Master Degree

Ranking: There is no official Ranking System in France. The student can take admission in University, Grandes Ecoles, or the Advanced Studies centres. There is no official system of equivalences between French and foreign degrees. Paris by no means has a monopoly on French higher education.

Intake: The academic year in France starts in September or October. Some institution may also enrol students for spring, summer or winter semesters as well.

Universities: The minimum requirement for admission to any University course is the French higher secondary Certificate (baccalaureate) or an equivalent qualification. Universities offer theoretical practical and job-oriented courses and train students for research in all disciplines - humanities, social sciences, law, economics, management, natural sciences, medicine, pharmacology, technology, and arts political sciences)

Students have a choice when it comes to the medium of instruction. They can choose to learn either in English or in French as courses are offered in both languages. Of course, if you do not understand any French, choosing to take your courses in English is something that you should plan to do. If you are interested in really learning the culture of the country, as well as meeting other students and forming friendships, utilizing a French course is the best option. You can find yourself meeting new people when you choose the French taught courses while also ‘fitting in’ easier. You must be devoted to learning and have proficient knowledge of the French language to attempt this. Remember this is your education first and foremost, so never do anything that might jeopardise the outcome.

Some of the popular courses include:

  • Medicine
  • Geography
  • Pharmacology
  • Art History
  • Linguistics
  • Sociology
  • European and Mediterranean Cultures
  • Communication technology
  • Information Technology
  • French Studies
  • International Business Administration
  • Film Studies
  • Global Communications
  • Finance
  • International Finance
  • Literary Studies
  • Creative Arts
  • Psychology
  • International Economics
  • International and Comparative Politics

Team Ignited Edu is the best when it comes to guidance in foreign admits. They give best services. They helped me a lot, from the application form to Visa issues, everything you may find difficulty in while aiming for your dream college.

Jamshed Alam

Living in France

One of the most important things that you need to decide to study in France is where you will live while you are there. Also keeping in mind that the placeis affordable to your budget as well as something that meets all of your requirements and desires. This is important to have when you are travelling so far from home and your comfort zone. You will have different options here and you can choose according to your suitability.

  • University Residence/Student housing: If you choose to live in the University residence, it will be easier to get to your classes and your travelling costs will be saved. It will also give you an opportunity to live with other students and you will get to know new people and they might also be helpful to you when needed.Additionally, choosing to live with a roommate as you complete your studies is an excellent idea and an awesome way to greatly reduce your costs of living.
  • Private Student Buildings: in private student buddings, the diversity of students will be more and if you like to learn about different cultures and want to know more people excluding your University fellows, you can go for this option.
  • Rental Apartments/townhouses: These are much more affordable and help you feel more at home even if you happen to be thousands and thousands of miles away. The cost of an apartment, flat or townhouse rental will also vary according to the city that you are in, the choice that you make and a number of other factors.

However, you do not want to get a house that is far out from everything. You should be close to the city and your University campus, as well as entertainment. Staying close to your campus can make it a lot easier, especially when you are coming to the area and may not know a lot about the neighbourhood. So choose wisely.

Living Expenses

It is estimated that you will need around 430 EUR (1 Euro= 87.07 Indian Rupee) per month to survive while you attend college in the country, but this is a low figure and it never hurts to have a little more. All of the things that we’ve talked about above do not include that many things that will be needed while you study, such as clothing, entertainment, school testing fees, etc. So, having more than what is recommended will ensure that your college days in France are spent far more enjoyably. Living Expenses can be managed by doing part time. Students are allowed to work for 20hrs/Week. Also keep in mind that these amounts do not include the costs of your tuition at University.

Visa

After completing your application procedure, you will then be requiring a long-stay student visa. After completing all the other formalities, you have to apply for Campus France interview. Ignited Edu Future helps students to fill the campus France application and submit. The student has to pay Rs.16500 as fees to campus France to get slot. Campus Franceverifies all the original documents and conducts interview. If they are satisfied they will issue no objection letter. Post issuance of NOC from campus France, Ignited Edu Future will apply for VISA. For visa application you will be needing some documents i.e. application form, photos, valid passport, offer letter, proof of financial documents, tickets and accommodation arrangement, medical insurance (minimum cover of EUR 30,000), language proficiency certificate and many more. In addition, student need to remember one thing, the visa process can take up to eight weeks to process, and varies by Consulate. Therefore, you should begin the procedure at least three-four months prior.

Before you leave; your final checklist:

  • All your applications submitted and all the paper work is done
  • Passport and students visa (for non-Europeans)
  • An arranged housing to live
  • Have enough money to get you settled down
  • Photocopy all important Documents (visa, passport, birth certificate, insurance coverage, travellers cheques, prescription medication, permanent ID/driver’s license, etc.) leaving a second copy at home or make a scanned copy of the above information that you can access through your email.
  • Pack your suitcase and don’t forget that the climate will be different from your home country (so pack accordingly)
  • If you are planning to do part-time work, better start the process at home and before landing there
  • Check the city and nearby areas (of course through internet)
  • SAY YOUR GOODBYES