If all of the things that we’ve already told you about France were not enough, what if we told you that the country has one of the most prestigious education systems in the world, as well? Whether you are an individual seeking undergraduate studies, postgraduate schooling or something else, an amazing education can easily be found in the country. No matter what region that you go to there are numerous universities and educational institutions offering world-class education for people far and wide. There is a reason that so many people choose to come to France to receive their education and when it is the best education that you require, it is well worth your time to look at the colleges and universities that are available throughout the country.
As a student at one of these institutions you can rest assured that you will receive an amazing education, while also enjoying the many other things that are to be loved in the country. 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 will 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.
It is French tradition to welcome foreign students from all across the world. Since the Middle Ages, and the birth of La Sorbonne, the first French University which occurred more than 800 years ago, students from all across Europe have come to France to study, especially in the areas of theology, medicine and law. France, with its splendid beauty, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, attracting more than 80 million tourists each year. There are a hundred or more reasons why France attracts travelers from around the world: a city, a mountain range, cathedrals, museums, a French cheese, chateaux, or simply the charmeFrancais (French charm). All of these things together create a country that never ceases to amaze visitors. Paris, often called the City of Romance, is the country's capital city, which offers countless attractions from the breathtaking Eiffel Tower to the Notre Dame Cathedral. The Louvre Museum and the Picasso Museums showcase the historical masterpieces of legendary artists Leonardo da Vinci and Pablo Picasso. The cities of Lyon and Marseille are equally delightful, with countless world-renowned French architectural masterpieces. On the other hand, Cannes, Nice, and St. Tropez provide some of the most fantastic beaches in the country. Visitors can experience the delightful French countryside as well, with its distinct culture and spectacular scenery- the towering Alpine peak of Mont Blanc to the sea cliffs of the Atlantic coasts.
France is truly the home of wines and cheeses. The popular Petit Swiss (little Swiss cheese) of Gervais are originally from Normandy, France, and not from Switzerland. There are more than 400 varieties of cheese and 450 kinds of wine produced within the nation’s borders. France also produces a good majority of the world's favorite spirits, such as Grand Marnier, Cognac, and Mandarine Napoleon.
NATURE
France has ample land area to provide habitat for a wide variety of plants and animals. More than 25 percent of its territory is covered with forest, and another 50 percent is countryside or farmland.Lowland forests are home to deer and wild boar, while the woodlands of the Alps and Pyrenees provide refuge for rare chamois antelope, ibex, brown bears, and alpine hares, among many other species. The Mediterranean coastline is a stopover of millions of migrating African birds, including flamingos, vultures, egrets, and bee-eaters.
GEOGRAPHY
France, the largest country in Western Europe, has long been a gateway between the continent's northern and southern regions. Its lengthy borders touch Germany and Belgium in the north; the Atlantic Ocean in the west; the Pyrenees Mountains and Spain in the south.
It also borders the Mediterranean Sea in the southeast; and the Alps, Switzerland, and Italy in the east. France has a very diverse landscape. There are beaches on the southeast coast, home to the French Riviera, and towering mountains in the south and east, including Europe's tallest peak, Mont Blanc, which rises to 15,781 feet (4,810 meters) within the French Alps.
Wide fertile plains dominate most of the north and west, making France the agricultural epicenter of Europe. The sprawling, forested plateau of the Massif Central, a range of ancient mountains and extinct volcanoes, occupies France's southern interior.
CULTURE
France is one of the oldest nations on Earth and the most ethnically diverse country in Europe. These deep and broad influences have made France a world leader throughout history in nearly all aspects of culture, including cuisine, wine-making, politics, philosophy, music, art, film, fashion, literature, and sports. French people are known for good fashion sense and bonne nourriture (good food).
GOVERNMENT & ECONOMY
Over the years, France has been through many political crises. Its current government is a combination of presidential and parliamentary systems. The president is elected by the people and is head of state. A prime minister, chosen by the president, works with the elected parliament to pass laws.France is among the world's largest economies. The country produces many items that other countries buy, including its most famous products: wine and cheese. Other exports include automobiles, electronics, and clothing. Tourism is also a huge industry in France. Some 75 million people visit the country every year, more than any other country.
French Food
The French main dishes contain: fresh vegetables, meat and cheeses. French cuisine is well known for its freshness and high quality dishes. The French people enjoy their main meal in the evening and this meal often consists of three courses starting with a 'hors d’oeuvre', a starter dish which often is soup or a salad and bread, then the main course and afterwards some cheese or fruit.
Here is some typical French food:
Language
French is one of the Romance languages. French is the official language of France, a language spoken by over 300 million people in the world, an official language in over 40 countries. It is very important for tourists to learn the French language. A tourist needs the skill to speak French to be able to communicate with the local people. Your trip to France will be more productive and enjoyable if you are able to relate to French people. Speaking their language shows respect. French people appreciate foreign visitors who put a lot of effort in speaking the language. It will also be easier for you to understand French culture once you learn to speak their language.
There are lots of ways to learn French. You can get a personal tutor. Many tutorial classes are available in Paris and other cities. One effective measure to learn French is to enroll in a language school.
Etiquette
French people observe formal etiquette. They are very particular with manners and they put this into practice across all situations.
The handshake is commonly used in France when people meet one another for the first time, in both social and business settings. It is also customary to shake hands before leaving as well. Close friends greet each other by kissing each other on the cheeks (la bise). When inside an establishment or in public, people typically greet one another withbonjour (good morning), bonsoir (good afternoon), and "au revoir," (goodbye) when they arrive and when they are leaving. To show respect, always address people with the title Monsieur or Madame when meeting them for the first time or conducting business. They are courteous people, but also frank and usually direct to the point.
Gestures
It is very important to learn, comprehend, and be mindful of French gestures (Les gestesfrancais) when traveling to France, in order to prevent uncomfortable miscommunications. The following lists of gestures are some basic French gestures that every traveler should know about:
Currency Information
The official currency in France is Euro, which was introduced to world’s financial markets in 1999 and replaced the French franc in 2002. You can exchange Euros (EUR) at banks, bureaux de change, and in hotels or airports. Credit cards and travelers cheques are also accepted regularly in France.
Things to Do
Transportation
Health & Safety
If either one of these provisions are not met, an international student would be required to obtain private health insurance in France.
What to do in an emergency
Every French hospital maintains an emergency room that is open around the clock. Physicians and pharmacies are organized to provide night and weekend hours. Every pharmacy posts in its window the name and number of the physicians and pharmacies currently providing emergency services.
In case of medical emergency, dial 18 (fire) or 15 (emergency medical services) from any landline telephone. From a cell phone, dial 112, the all-purpose emergency number throughout the European Union.
Culture Shock
Due to cultural differences, it is not uncommon for travelers to experience culture shock in France. This occurs when individuals have a hard time adjusting to a culture totally different from what he or she is used to. Listed below are some practices and customs, which may appear unusual or different to most foreign travelers, in France to help combat culture shock before it happens:
Here are some tips to help you properly adapt to French culture:
5 Exceptional Reasons to Study in France
1. Paris ranked as best city to study.
Beating out London, Singapore, Sydney, Zurich, Boston and many others, Paris was declared the best student city for a reason: from academic resources to bustling nightlife, it is an educational and cultural hub for students from across the globe.
2. Amazing culture hubs.
There’s no place like France when it comes to culture -- particularly as it relates to art, museum and wine. Ultimately, France offers a dynamic and iconic culture that stands alone.
3. Some of the best business and engineering schools in the world.
While the arts may garner the international spotlight, engineering and business merit equal attention. France is home to more than 200 engineering schools and 220 business schools, including the extremely prestigious grandesécoles.
4. Central part of Europe
While France offers everything you need to satisfy your travel lust -- from rolling countryside to urban alleyways -- its central location delivers easy access to other European destinations.
5. Great job opportunities
Students with French degrees have a leading edge on the job hunt, thanks to a thriving network of partnerships between top companies and institutions of higher education. Furthermore, the French government recently declared employability as a French mandate.
Accommodation in France
One of the most important things that you need to decide once you know you are going to study in France is where you will live while you are there. France has numerous housing options available to students, but not all of them are created the same. It is a good idea to check out your options before you leave so that you are prepared with a great place to call home while you are studying.
The average cost of housing in France is 250 to 700 EUR per month, although this rate is greatly affected by the region that you stay in, as well as the exact accommodation that you have selected. It is in your best interest to take a look at the various options that are available to find what works best for you and your needs. There are many choices that cost far more than these rates, as well as those that will cost you less. The amount that you spend on your housing will vary greatly.
Having a roommate is also an accommodation option that is available for you. Many roommate situations can be found throughout France, and not only does this give you the chance to cut back on some of the money that you spend on rent, you can also cut back on the costs of utilities and other services. The chance to live with other people also helps you socialize easier as you meet people that are living with you, their friends and so on and so forth.
There is a social housing program also offered in the country, although the process for admission into such schemes is often difficult and very lengthy. It is still an option open for you to consider, though. If you want to learn more about the social housing program that is available in the country and/or local area specifically, you can speak to your university. They should be able to provide you with the details of the program. Since there is a good chance there is a long waiting list, you should apply for the program as early as possible.
While cost is always one of the most important factors in choosing the housing you will utilize while studying in France, it is also essential that you keep a few other considerations in mind as well, including location. If you are going to have to travel hours to make it to university or call a taxi cab every time you want to go out, it may not be the best location for you. Always look for housing that is near your university, as well as job (if you have one while there) and something that is close to the attractions that you want to take advantage of.
Living in France(Campus France)
It is reassuring to make housing arrangements before leaving for France. This is possible if you are able to secure a room in a university residence managed by CROUS, the regional student-service agency (although spaces in CROUS buildings are largely reserved for recipients of French government scholarships and students participating in exchange programs) or if you plan to attend an institution that maintains its own student residences. Otherwise searching for housing from outside the country can be difficult. You won't be able to visit properties and make fully informed decisions. It may also be difficult, from a distance, to persuade a property owner to let you sign a rental contract or convince him that you have someone who will guarantee payment of your rent.
For these reasons, many international students choose to find temporary housing for their first few weeks in France. They use that time to look for a more permanent arrangement.
Basic facts about university housing
Rent: €120 to €350 depending on the accommodation
Security deposit: One month's rent
Co-signer/guarantor: Students must have a guarantor residing in the European Union.
Temporary or short-term housing: No, rental contracts extend over 9 months (for a room) or 12 months (for a studio), except during the summer.
Pre-arrival rentals: Not possible.
Housing assistance (ALE): Possibly. International students are eligible to apply but are not assured of receiving benefits.
Private student buildings
Private buildings designed for students are found in most university cities in France. Most are quite comfortable and offer a variety of services, such as a staffed front desk, room-to-room telephone service, common rooms, cafeteria, laundry facilities, maid service, and garage space. Such buildings are generally located close to campus.
Basic facts on private student buildings
Rent:€600–700 per month in Paris and €400–700 per month in other university cities.
Security deposit: One month's rent.
Co-signer/guarantor: Students must have a guarantor living in France. If you do not have a guarantor, you may pay a year's rent in advance.
Temporary or short-term housing: Sometimes available, but usually not between September and March.
Pre-arrival rentals: If you make your rental arrangements from abroad, you can expect to be asked to pay a security deposit equal to 2 month's rent.
Housing assistance (ALE): International students are eligible to apply for not assured of receiving benefits.
Quick Facts about France:
OFFICIAL NAME: | French Republic |
FORM OF GOVERNMENT: | Republic |
CAPITAL: | Paris |
POPULATION: | 65.7 Millions (2012 Survey) |
PARIS INHABITANT: | 2.2 Millions |
OFFICIAL LANGUAGES: | French |
MONEY: | Euro |
AREA: | 210,026 sq.miles (543,965 sq.Km) |
MAJOR MOUNTAIN RANGES: | Alps, Pyrenees, Massif Central |
MAJOR RIVERS: | Seine, Rhine, and Rhône |
FLAG COLORS: | Blue, white and Red |
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT FRANCE:
How much it Cost?
The average costs of popular items in the country:
Organizations In France:
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have an office in Paris as does the European Space Agency. The World Medical Association has an office in Ferney-Voltaire.The Institute of France (founded in 1795) consists of the famous French Academy (AcadémieFrançaise), the Academy of Sciences, the Academy of Humanities, the Academy of Fine Arts, and the Academy of Moral Sciences and Politics.
Holidays in France:
New Year's Day, 1 January;
Labor Day, 1 May;
World War II Armistice Day, 8 May;
Bastille Day, 14 July;
Assumption, 15 August;
All Saints' Day, 1 November;
World War I Armistice Day, 11 November;
Christmas, 25 December.
Movable holidays include Easter Monday, Ascension, and Pentecost Monday.
Famous French People
Gustave Eiffel (1832-1923), a French engineer who designed the famous tower in Paris, which is named after him. He also designed the Statue of Liberty which stands in New York's harbor.
Famous French painters are:
French composers which are very famous are: Maurice Ravel (Bolero) and Georges Bizet (Carmen). Children all around the world love French literature, like the famous “The Three Musketeers” by Alexandre Dumas and “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupery.
Working as a Student
Working part-time while being enrolled.
International students have the right to work while studying in France as long as they are enrolled in an institution that participates in the national student health-care plan. Students who are not nationals of EU member countries must also hold a valid residency permit. The right to work applies to all students, including those who are in France for the first time, those who are enrolled in the first year of a university program, and those who are enrolled full-time in a language school.
The law allows students to work 964 hours in a given year, which corresponds to 60% of full-time employment for the year. Remember that you can't expect to meet all of your expenses by working part-time, so you must have other means of support.
France has a national minimum hourly wage, known as the SMIC. The SMIC presently stands at € 9.61 gross per hour worked since January 1, 2015, before mandatory withholding for social benefits. Withholding reduces the worker's net wage by about 20%.
You are no longer required to obtain temporary employment authorization (APT, AutorisationProvisoire de Travail) in order to work part-time while enrolled.
Working at a university
International students are also eligible for student jobs at universities and other public institutions of higher education. Students are hired to provide the following services: assisting incoming students; helping disabled students; providing tutoring; providing IT support and assistance; coordinating and staffing cultural, athletic, and social events; working in the career center; and supporting their institution's promotional efforts.
Student employment contracts are offered for a period not to exceed 12 months. They run from September 1 through August 31. Students may work up to 670 hours between September 1 and June 30, and up to 300 hours between July 1 and August 31.
Student employees follow a work schedule that will not interfere with their studies. The terms and conditions of employment specified in the contract are adapted to the requirements of each student's program so as to ensure academic success while also offering work experience.
TUITION FEES
In France, tuition fees vary from one institution to another and also between courses.
At the universities, tuition fees vary from € 110 to € 750 per annum for a course leading to a national diploma. The tuition fees at “Competitive Universities” are approximately € 490 for public engineering schools.
They vary from € 3600 to € 14,300 for private schools (engineering and business schools).Accommodation expenses in towns, especially private lodgings, vary from € 300 to € 600 per month. Inthe university residence halls, the expenses vary from € 100 to € 150 per month.Food, transportation and pocket money would amount to between € 350 - € 500 per month.The cost of language training in France is approximately € 350 per month. It is therefore advisable tolearn French from recognized learning centers before leaving for France. These are only average rates.
Note: Tuition Fees totally depends on the course and educational institutions.
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN FRANCE
France has 83 Universities, 205 engineering schools and 220 Business Schools, Management and
Accounting, 120 art schools and 20 schools of architecture. The Pact for Research (2006) defines 17Research Centers and Higher Education (PRES).Director of the university to which the student is applying, will decide on the recognition of diplomas/degrees on the basis of the recommendation of an education committee.
Higher Education in France:
Types of institutions
General Topics To choose For Bachelors/Masters
Course Variants (Ranging from Bachelors to Masters)
Masters in Business Administration: Master Degree courses are listed as Follow. Each student will find their comfort zone with the range of courses offered for Master’s Degree. One of the Top enjoyed and popular courses in France is MBA. The duration of the course is 12-24 Months depending on the time taken to complete Bachelor’s Degree. Having 35 Fortune 500 Companies makes France as one of the most preferred destination for internal exposure. The internship period extends up to 6 months, which helps to get real experience of working with an international company and most excitingly, its paid internship.
Various MBA courses are listed below:
Average tuition fee comparison for an MBA
Various MIB(Master in Business) Courses are listed below:
MIB course Variants:
Bachelor Level courses(Fashion Designing and its variants)
Fashion Designing Courses Variants (Bachelor)
Educational costs(Public Vs Private Institutions)
In France's public institutions of higher education, the government bears the bulk of the cost of education - an average of €10,000 per student per year.
GRANTS AND FINANCIAL AID(Public Institution)
Annual tuition rates at public institutions are set by law. The rates for the 2015–16 academic years are, by degree program:
NOTE: Additional fees may be assessed for specific services.
Tuition rates at private institutions—particularly schools of business and management—is generally higher ranging (from €3,000 to €14,000 annually).
Admission Process
One admission process, for all our schools
For Bachelor Studies
For Bachelor Fashion Design and Technology/Fashion Studies
Masters/MSc/MBA
General Requirements
Language proficiency tests can be waived for such students who have studied previous education fully in English medium. However University will also evaluate the level of English from Online Test/Skype interview.
Note: Early applications are recommended as the visa application procedure may takes long time to be approved.