Secondary education in France for Russians. Higher education in France and study for Russians

My daughter decided to enter a European university, namely to get an education in France. At first I was very surprised by this decision and decided to make inquiries about this issue. As a result, I approved of my child’s choice, since the conditions for studying and receiving an education are very attractive.

For those wishing to study in France, my article will be useful, since in it I will provide interesting points and facts regarding the admission procedure and the features of the educational process for people from Russia.

Universities in a country such as France annually accept about 150 thousand applications from foreigners, which is about 10% of the total number of applicants.

Potential students apply to educational institutions for various reasons, but the most important are:

• the opportunity to receive a European education of excellent quality;
• make a fairly reasonable fee;
• study in a unique state with its own unusual culture.

For several centuries now, the French educational system has been considered one of the most popular and comfortable for young people who want to study. Studying in France for Russian citizens can take place at a variety of levels:

The first level is attending a kindergarten, but this option is not mandatory. In general, the procedure for admission and training in a preschool institution is not much different from the Russian version.

There are five classes in primary school, and during this time children should acquire basic knowledge and skills. Secondary school consists of lyceums and colleges. Higher education in France is represented by universities and high schools.

Features of the educational process

As in Russia, the French academic year begins in September, but the date varies depending on the region where the educational institution is located. Vacations for pupils and students proceed as follows:

Persons wishing to study in Russian can contact the school at the Russian Embassy. In addition, there are schools at church parishes.

Higher education can be obtained in French or English. As for the grading system, a 20-point scale is adopted in France, but universities can also use a 100-point system.

How much does it cost to study in France?

The basic principles of the educational system in France are free of charge and equal access. Students studying in city schools do not pay any fees, but there are many private schools, the cost of education in which is 10-15 thousand euros per year.

As for obtaining higher education, state universities charge only a one-time registration fee, which amounts to 180-400 euros per year, taking into account the program of study.

The amount is used to pay for printed methodological material that is provided to students during the educational process. In addition, every year students must contribute 200 euros to the social security fund.

In higher public schools, the price of tuition is slightly higher and can range from 500 to 20 thousand euros.

Which educational institutions in France are considered the best today?

Vocational education in the country begins at the lyceum level. It is at this stage that the student takes the bachelor's exam (BAC), which determines the future status of the graduate. The most popular education is considered to be in such institutions in Paris as:

• Louis-le-Grand;
• Henri IV, Franc-Bourgeois;
• bilingual school Janine Manuel;
• Oche from Versailles.

It should be added here that a lot depends on the direction in which the student would like to study. For example, a course in art architecture is best taken at the Sorbonne.

Is it possible to live in the country while studying?

The main problem for foreign students is the issue of living in France. In theory, students are entitled to a dormitory, but in reality there are not enough places.

Many schools and universities provide housing assistance. In this case, the cost of living can be 200-400 euros every month.

How to enter university

To enroll in higher education, you must have a diploma of secondary education. Some institutions schedule entrance exams or interviews.

The engineering profession is considered the most necessary specialty in France. Individuals who have successfully passed exams in physics and mathematics can enroll in this specialty.

An essential requirement for admission to a university is a good knowledge of the national language, and for English-speaking students - English. To confirm this, it is worth submitting certificates: TCF-TP, DELF, DALF or TOEFL, IELTS.

Conclusion

The state has a fairly strong and high-quality educational system. There are many educational institutions at different levels throughout the country that allow you to undergo training and receive a final certificate or diploma. When choosing a suitable institution, a student should focus on the region of residence and the specialty that they would like to receive after completing the educational course.

France (French france) is one of the largest countries on the European continent. It is called the “gateway to Europe” for its well-functioning transport system: there are several large international airports (two of them in Paris), numerous ferry crossings and a railway network.

France is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Many come here to admire the natural beauty and enjoy the wonderful climate.

Well, students come here to enroll in one of the wonderful universities, colleges or take language courses. And this is no coincidence, because education in France is famous for its high quality, and the country itself is included in the list of the best places in the world to enter a university. There are renowned universities here that offer excellent opportunities to get a quality education. The cost of studying in France is quite reasonable.

Studying in France for Russians: advantages and features

Numerous institutes and educational institutions throughout the country offer world-class education and have several advantages: small classes, the presence of numerous research institutes that are part of universities. In addition, the class schedule is designed in such a way that students can attend classes on a full or partial basis, as well as take the course remotely.

Another undoubted advantage is the fairly low cost of higher education, since many institutes are funded by the state. In addition, students can count on receiving financial assistance in the form of grants, and the government in some cases reimburses part of the tuition fee. The price of tuition depends on the chosen university, specialty and many other factors. Therefore, studying in France for Russians and students from other countries is a tempting and profitable prospect.

French educational system

Education in France is compulsory for every child from the age of 6. Many parents send their children to kindergarten at the age of 2-3 years. After this, they enter primary school, where they learn to write and develop reading skills. One teacher usually teaches several subjects.

After primary school, children go to secondary school, which consists of 2 stages: students go through the first stage from 11 to 15 years old, the second stage lasts 3 years and is intended for students 15-18 years old. At the last stage, children prepare to enter university.

Then higher education begins and students enter the university. Higher education in France is represented by three main areas: bachelor's, master's and doctoral studies. There are public and private universities. The latter are considered very prestigious educational institutions, occupying a special niche in the French education system.

Most popular specialties

As mentioned above, education in France is high quality and productive. There are many areas that a student can study at the university and which will undoubtedly be useful to him for future work. The student is offered many areas to choose from: art, medicine, law, history, foreign languages, teaching and others.

The most popular specialties are:

• nuclear energy;
• astronautics;
• aviation;
• pharmaceuticals;
• sociology;
• geography;
• linguistics

Students should take some considerations into account when choosing a major. For example, law is usually studied by the French themselves, less often by foreigners, since the legal system in different countries differs from each other and it is then difficult for students from abroad to adapt to their native legal system, and the economics course is more comprehensive and tied to modern trends, in contrast from other countries.

Education in France for international students

France was one of the first to open its doors to international students. It all started back in the Middle Ages, when the country's first Sorbonne University was created. Students from Europe came here to study at the French university in fields such as theology, medicine and law.

To this day, the number of foreigners from Europe, Russia, Asia, the USA, etc., who want to enroll or have already entered educational institutions in this country, is growing. Not only universities and secondary schools are popular, but also language centers. There are currently approximately 105 international schools in France. As for language centers, both children and adults can study there. There are many programs to choose from: a general French course, a business course, summer holidays, family programs and others. The cost of studying for Russians is quite reasonable, be it a high school, university or language center.

Student life in France

It is extremely important that students not only study, but also spend time having fun and usefully, developing as individuals. Therefore, educational institutions hold various sports and leisure activities in which students take an active part. The children get acquainted with French culture, attend numerous conferences and seminars on various topics.

It is worth noting that the schedule of all extracurricular activities is carefully planned, as is the class schedule. Every day, a new, rich program awaits the student. This could be a joint trip to a museum, many of which, by the way, are free for students, a cinema, attending a concert, theater, participation in a student club of interests.

It is important for every student to be in touch with their family, so for the convenience of students, all universities in France have access to free Internet.

PREMIER will help you make the right choice

For students from Moscow, St. Petersburg and other Russian cities, this country is one of the favorite educational destinations. If you want to build a career in the future, the Premier advises you to consider a country like France. Currently, Russian-French relations are actively developing, Moscow and Paris are conducting a productive dialogue to build further cooperation.

Our specialists will advise you on issues such as how much a particular training program offered by language centers and universities will cost, how to obtain a visa at the French embassy in Moscow and much more. We are confident that studying in France is within the power of anyone who has set such a goal!

The first thing that comes to mind when you hear the phrase “education in France” is the Sorbonne and the fun and bohemian spirit of the Latin Quarter. The romance of student life has not disappeared to this day, but modern students in France will have to work hard to get a prestigious diploma and start a career in Europe.

Pros

1. First of all, France is attractive because both citizens of the country and foreigners can obtain higher education either for free or with the help of various scholarships. One of the most popular forms of financial assistance for students is a French government scholarship.
2. Although secondary education in France for foreign students costs money, it will be much cheaper than, for example, in the UK.
3. Foreign students have the same rights as French students and the fees associated with their studies are exactly the same.
4. The education system in France is very developed, so you will find good educational institutions in any specialty.

Cons

1. The quality of French education is not its main advantage. Although the country ranks third after the USA and Great Britain as the most popular among foreign students, French universities cannot boast of high positions in international rankings. The greater accessibility of higher education in France also determines the overall level. However, for those who know French well, studying in France will help open the door, if not immediately to an international career, then at least to a European one.
   While the cost or even lack of tuition fees is a plus, the cost of living in France, especially Paris, will be a minus. Renting housing, utility bills, and food will not be cheap, but in France there is a program to help students pay for housing, and there is a chance of receiving half the amount from the state.
2. The second disadvantage and one of the French realities is bureaucracy. Completing the necessary documents can take a very long time.
3. French. If you are enrolling in an English-language program, especially an MBA, and do not plan to work in France in the future, you can get by with English. In all other cases, a good knowledge of French is simply necessary: ​​you will have a larger choice of programs, and it will be much easier for a French-speaking graduate of a local university to find a job. The French are sensitive to their language, so you need to comply.

The originality of the French educational system, which has been formed for more than two hundred years, affects all levels - from preschool to higher education. The state largely (up to 6% of the budget) supports educational institutions, declaring the principles of freeness, neutrality, and the elimination of the influence of religion.

Primary education for French children begins at the age of four. There are no kindergartens in our understanding in France. In the “mother's school” (ecoles matemelles), children up to four years old are engaged in educational games, the next year teachers devote to practical skills, drawing, modeling, and at the age of five they begin learning the skills of reading, writing, and counting. The child does not spend the whole day in the garden (three hours before and after lunch). Only in large cities “ecoles matemelles” are built on the principle of Russian kindergartens and work more than a full working day.

School education

Primary education (from the age of six) is carried out in five grades of primary school. The Ministry of Education, on an equal footing with the French language and mathematics, introduced such subjects as “knowledge of the world”, “life together”, “art education”.

Compulsory education also includes four years of college. Further proof of the uniqueness of the French school is the backward counting of classes (the graduating class of the lyceum is the first, the graduating class of colleges is the third). Schoolchildren are admitted to free state colleges without entrance exams. Two foreign languages, physics, and chemistry are gradually being introduced into basic secondary education.

There is an opportunity to optionally study Latin and Ancient Greek (important for university academic education). Schoolchildren prepare to choose vocational guidance already in their final (third) year of college. Optional subjects, including dead languages, are important for general education. The preparation for technical, highly professional education is the course “introduction to professional life.” The national final exam has no practical significance and does not affect the transition to the next grade.

The last cycle of training (2-3 years) is carried out by general, technological, and professional lyceums. It is not compulsory and has significant differences from high school in Russian schools. Even children of foreigners who do not permanently reside in France are allowed to study in state free lyceums on a general basis. From this stage, the target orientation of training is introduced. General lyceums prepare for university education, technological lyceums prepare for higher technical education. Vocational lyceums prepare for a specific profession, similar to Russian vocational schools.

About 80% of graduates receive a “Baccalaureat” (secondary education certificate). Two years of study at a vocational lyceum gives a certificate of professional aptitude. This document provides the right to work in a certain specialty, but is not suitable for admission to a university.

Higher education

French higher education is characterized by the complexity of forms of education, educational documents, and curricula. For each year of study, students receive national diplomas, most of which have no practical significance. The French "Licence" degree is similar to the international bachelor's degree, the "Magistere" degree has no international analogues. The international master's degree corresponds to the French academic degree "Maitrise".

In general, higher education can be divided into traditional universities and higher schools, which are in many ways antagonistic. Traditional universities adhere to the principle of free enrollment (no entrance exams, pre-selection), free education.

These principles do not inspire confidence among employers, which is why higher schools are more prestigious, with difficult entrance exams and large competitions for applicants. The two-year preparatory cycle of higher education can be completed on the basis of some elite lyceums, directly at the higher school. The second, main cycle of study (three years) ends with a high school diploma, equivalent to international diplomas.

As a rule, after graduating from a state (departmental) higher school, a graduate is sent to the civil service (similar to the distribution in the USSR), where he is required to work for 6-10 years. In order to enter a higher school, a foreigner, in addition to other entrance exams, must pass the ESABAC language exam.

Special ratings of prestige and quality of education are not accepted in France. However, the established reputation determines the authority of many universities in teaching certain disciplines. Thus, the Faculty of Medicine is considered strong at the University of Montpellier, the Faculty of German at the University of Strasbourg, and the Higher Commercial School of Paris is the leader in business education.

French medical education stands apart. It can only be obtained at universities; the duration of training is from five years (in the specialty “obstetrician”) to 11 years (specialist doctor). For any medical specialties, a qualifying competition is required after the first year of study (with a limit on the number of students).

For Russian youth, France is attractive due to the image of a developed European country, the absence of tuition fees and entrance exams. The best job prospects in France are provided by universities. Difficult admission to them is associated with difficult entrance exams. Knowledge of French must be excellent. The most practical option is to obtain a short (three-year) education. The diploma "Universitaire de technologie" is sufficient for work in many areas of industrial production, the tourism industry, and is highly rated in French-speaking third world countries.

France, this cradle of revolutions and a recognized trendsetter, has occupied a leading position in the field of education for centuries. Over 250,000 foreign students come here every year. It is no coincidence that the higher education system in France is one of the most advanced and effective, and is so popular among applicants from all countries of the world.

Features of higher education in France

How can higher education in France attract our compatriots? French universities, being funded by the state, allow you to receive education almost free of charge - about 1.5% of the country's GDP is spent annually on higher education. As a result, studying at public universities costs students, including foreign ones, only 130-700 euros per year. In addition, universities are very loyal to applicants and are ready to accept everyone. The role of entrance exams here is played by an interview and (in some universities) a dossier competition.

In total, there are about 90 state universities in the country. Regardless of whether they are located in the capital or the province, French universities provide the same high quality of knowledge. Therefore, you can safely choose any university in any city that seems most attractive to you.

Despite the fact that higher education in France complies with common European standards (LMD), it also has its own national peculiarities: differences in the systems of diplomas, academic degrees, and in the division of the educational process into cycles.

The main stages of study at universities are licentiate, master's and doctoral degrees. Students receive a licentiate degree - License - after three years of study at a university, a master's degree - after five, and a doctorate degree - Doctorat (PhD) - can be obtained after studying at the university for eight years. Thanks to the special equivalency system of French diplomas, students can change courses by moving to other universities and faculties. This is also considered one of the benefits of higher education in France.

Depending on the degree of duration, the entire educational process can be divided into two directions: “short” (les formations courtes) and “long” (les formations longes) cycles.

“Short” cycle in French universities

This cycle, designed for two years, allows you to quickly begin independent professional activity without delaying the learning process. For those admitted to the “short cycle”, French universities provide the opportunity to receive specialized education in the field of economics, communications, the service sector, electronics, etc.

Upon completion of the “short cycle”, graduates receive a Diploma of Technology (DUT) or a Diploma of Higher Technical Education (DEUST). After this, training can be continued to acquire an additional specialty, or a transition to a “long cycle” is possible. After which, diploma holders are issued a professional license (Licence professionnelle) or a national specialized technological diploma (DNTS).

“Long” cycle at French universities

“Long cycle” is studying at a French university in several successive cycles, each of which ends with receiving a separate state diploma. There are three of them.

The first cycle, two years, ends with a diploma of general university education - DEUG. As a rule, most then continue their studies, since at this stage they only go through the basic program.

During the second cycle, the knowledge acquired over the previous two years is improved, and after a year the student receives a licentiate diploma (License), and after another year - a Master 1 specialist diploma (formerly MST).

Studying in the third cycle - another 1-2 years - is postgraduate education, an analogue of our graduate school, which includes improving knowledge in the specialty and scientific work. Based on the results of this stage, a master's diploma for in-depth study of research work is issued - Master 2 Recherche (formerly DEA), or a diploma of higher specialized education Master 2 Professionnel (formerly DESS).

The next three to four years will be spent on doctoral studies. During it, students prepare to write a dissertation and receive a doctorate.

For citizens of other countries wishing to obtain a doctorate, the doors of French universities are wide open: here, every fourth doctoral student is a foreign citizen.

Grandes écoles - high schools

In addition to universities, the higher education system in France includes high schools, some of which are private. It is from these walls that most of the top management for the largest enterprises in France comes out. Among the most prestigious are the Central School (École Centrale), opened in 1829, the Higher Commercial School (HEC), founded in 1881, or the National School of Administration (ENA), which was created in 1945. Enrollment of students in higher education schools are usually limited. You can get admission there only after passing competitive exams. In turn, preparation for them takes place at specialized courses for 2 years or at our own preparatory department. You can also enroll in them after the second year of university. After this, education in higher schools lasts 3 years.

Higher education in France in English

Despite the fact that English is of international importance, French educational institutions, like the entire nation as a whole, are distinguished by a great love for their native language. Nominally, there are over 600 programs in English in the country, however, this is only apparent diversity. We are mainly talking about programs in higher schools. Indeed, in English you can get a higher education in France in such disciplines as management, economics, hotel and restaurant management, law, as well as a number of technical sciences. If we talk about bachelor's programs and programs at state universities in the country, the choice will not be large at all.

Higher education in France for Russians

The good news for Russian applicants planning to receive higher education in France is that the Russian school certificate is recognized as a sufficient basis for submitting documents. In the French education system, it corresponds to the bachelor's degree (Le Baccalauréat Français). Of course, it's worth taking care of a good GPA.

The second necessary condition is the presence of a certificate confirming knowledge of the French language at a level that will allow you to listen to lectures, engage in scientific work and pass university exams without problems. French universities accept the results of the DALF language exam or the TCF French language test.

The conditions for admission to private universities, higher schools and medical faculties of universities have their own characteristics (special pre-university preparation is required), so the easiest way for a Russian applicant is to start with the first cycle of the university.

Cost of studying at universities in France

As mentioned above, the cost of studying at public French universities is very modest and for all students - both foreigners and residents of the country - less than 1000 Euros per year. In higher schools and private universities in the country, you should expect an amount from 6,000 to 12,000 Euros.

The cost of living in the country varies greatly depending on the city. So, a student in Paris will spend 1000-1500 Euros per month on modest housing, food and basic expenses. In the provinces, 800 Euros may be enough.

French higher education institutions are among the most renowned in Europe. The history of many of them dates back to the 11th century. For many centuries, these oldest universities were considered privileged, and only representatives of the upper classes could study in them.

Nowadays, the French Ministry of Education is pursuing a different policy, making education at any university accessible to the public. Education in France is as democratic as possible not only for fellow citizens, but also for foreigners.

If you focus solely on the QS rating, the situation does not look promising. Only 11 higher education institutions in France are among the 250 recognized as the best in the world. However, it should be remembered that the rating takes into account not only the quality of education, but also the number of graduates. Although even the best French universities do not have any noticeable social or property qualifications, they remain elitist precisely because of their small enrollment.

For example, the prestige of the Ecole Normale Supérieure in Paris is so great that its graduates have almost one hundred percent guarantee of employment in any research center in the world. But the institution is not included in the world’s top twenty only because it accepts no more than 200-300 students per year.

Not only engineering, but also humanitarian and musical education received in France is valued. Graduates of French educational institutions, including foreigners, successfully find employment in this country, which, if necessary, facilitates the relocation procedure.

Higher education

The age at which you can receive secondary education is 18 years. To assess academic performance, there are semester and final exams held in May and November. The grading system is point-based and includes points from 0 to 20. Successful completion of master's and doctoral studies requires writing papers corresponding to the academic degree.

A short educational course lasting 2-3 years prepares specialists in the service and production sectors for employment within France. The long course provides for obtaining internationally recognized bachelor's (3 years of study) and master's (5 years) diplomas.

Education programs

In France, as in many European countries, specialization begins from preschool age. The child is raised and trained in accordance with his natural inclinations and talents. Both school and higher education are built on the same principle.

The latter system is represented by three different types of establishments.

1. In classical universities, funded by the state, there is no requirement to take entrance exams, unless it is a question of admission to a specialized institute that is a branch of the university. Levels of study: bachelor's, first- and second-year master's degrees, doctoral studies;
2. Higher schools are both public and private institutions that provide higher specialized education in specific fields - management, pedagogy, IT, etc. Preparation for education begins with specialized secondary education. It is in higher schools that most future ministers begin their careers. Such training is valued higher than general university training;
3. Specialized schools teach the most narrowly specialized specialties, mainly in subjects corresponding to the specialization. Recruitment is extremely limited and is based on exam results.

Conditions for admission

A Russian, including a student who has completed grades 9-11, can enter a French university without exams. The only thing that is required of him is knowledge of French or English.

You must successfully pass the language tests:

• TCF or DELF/DALF for teaching in French;
• TOEFL or IELTS - for English-language programs.

To enter a higher or specialized school, you must pass exams. Russian students will not be accepted there at the initial stage of their studies: it makes sense to enroll only starting from the fourth year of a domestic university.

Required documents

There is no single standard for submitting documents in France; each university has its own requirements, which are best learned in advance by contacting the administration.

Typically required:

• Notarized translation of education documentation into French;
• Motivation and recommendation letters;
• A certified document confirming the level of proficiency in French or English;
• A copy of the foreign passport and study visa;
• A copy and notarized translation of a certificate of employment, if the future student is already employed.
• The period for submitting documents is approximately from January to April.

Tuition fees

The state fully or partially subsidizes all higher education institutions in France. A university course in French in this country is free - only registration fees are paid, which are the same for any of the universities.

Price indicators:

• The tuition fee for undergraduate studies at the university is 188 euros, for master’s degrees - 259 euros;
• Teaching in English will cost the student much more - up to 6 thousand euros per semester;
• In a state higher school, a year of study costs from 500 to 1000, in a private one - up to 20 thousand euros;
• The cost of education in a specialized school is from 250 to 13,000 annually.

In addition, at all universities, students pay an insurance premium of 200 euros per year.

Financial problems when receiving education in France for Russians and citizens of other countries of the former USSR lie not so much in paying for studies, but in living expenses.

If a foreigner is not able to prove that he can spend at least several thousand euros annually on living, it will be difficult for him to obtain a study visa. However, there are numerous scholarships and grants available to address this issue.

Is it possible to get education for free?

Universities in France, unlike higher and specialized schools, teach free of charge - including for foreign students. This does not mean that you will not have to pay at all. There are registration and insurance fees, payment for food, accommodation and library services - the list goes on depending on the specifics of the study.

But still, studying at the best French universities is noticeably cheaper than at private provincial universities in the Russian Federation, not to mention Russian educational institutions of a higher level.

Government Grants and Scholarships

Social coverage is a one-time compensation for social expenses awarded each year by the French government to several master's degree applicants. Thanks to this grant, the future master is exempt from visa fees and education fees, and also receives significant benefits when paying for student housing. However, the number of scholarship holders is small - about three dozen.

List of scholarships:

• Training Coverage is a government scholarship that provides a monthly payment of 767 euros, as well as a free study visa and preferential accommodation. Unfortunately, its term is limited to nine months;
• Eiffel Scholarship for future masters and doctors are awarded only to those whose training has achieved outstanding results. The number of annual scholarship holders is 400, the monthly payment is 1,400 euros, the duration is from two (master's) to three (doctoral) years;
• Poincaré Fellowship is provided not only for French-speaking, but also for English-language programs. Education in other foreign languages, including Russian, is not included in the scope of the Poincaré scholarship;
• Scholarship from the French Embassy in Russia provides for teaching French to 18 best students from the Russian Federation. The duration of the language course at a French university is three weeks. The scholarship covers the cost of flights, insurance premiums and accommodation in the host family's home, as well as personal expenses in the amount of 200 euros;
• Specific Russian-French program- Vernadsky scholarship. It is awarded to graduate students who write dissertations simultaneously under Russian and French scientific supervision. This scholarship provides the opportunity to visit the French supervisor four times during the writing of the dissertation. A scholarship is provided for a year and four months in the amount of 767 euros per month.
• Empire Scholarship, which is awarded by the Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, is designed to invite 20 students from abroad to complete a master's degree within a year. Monthly payments of 1000 euros are provided for each scholarship holder. The level of required knowledge of French or English is from C1.

Grants from educational institutions are awarded by French universities and high schools.

Grants awarded by the École Normale Supérieure de Paris provide up to 25 scholarships under the Sélection Internationale programme. Each of them is designed for 1000 euros monthly for two to three years of study. You can apply for a grant starting from the third year of university.

In order to study in scientific specialties, it is necessary to speak both French and English. For humanities students, only French is enough.

The scholarships awarded by the French University College are similar in value, benefits and duration to government tuition coverage. For most Russians they are inaccessible. In the Russian Federation, they are distributed between Moscow and St. Petersburg among the humanities and law faculties of universities.

Features of internship and exchange study programs

There are a large number of good internship and student exchange programs. The most popular of them:

• Internship in Paris;
• Work & travel in France;
• Au-Pair in France.

Most often, such programs operate for students studying in the faculties of foreign language, as well as hotel management and tourism management. Here there is an opportunity not only to learn something, but also to earn money: as a rule, in the service sector. The minimum wage according to French state standards is 540 euros per month.

Student Accommodation and Meal Options

Anyone who wants to get a job while studying in France has two options: go to the private sector or get a job on a student campus (dormitory) at a higher educational institution. Private owners offer a wide variety of not only apartments, but also prices - it all depends on the living conditions.

Places on campuses are usually limited, so it's best to apply as early as possible. The government partially reimburses the costs of student housing (ranging from 20 to 40%). Accommodation on campus will cost approximately 140-400 euros per month, meals - 130-200.

The best universities in the country

1. (Ecole Normale Supérieure in Paris) is one of the oldest educational institutions in the country, founded in 1794. Such celebrities as Louis Pasteur, Jean-Paul Sartre, Emile Durkheim studied there. And today, graduates of the École Normale Supérieure are valued as specialists in the fields of exact, natural and human sciences not only in France, but throughout the world;
2. (Pierre and Marie Curie University) is the largest scientific and medical complex in France. Includes more than a hundred laboratories associated with the CNRS. Known for the highest level of teaching exact, natural and medical disciplines;
3. (University Paris-Sud) specializes in teaching exact and technical sciences. Includes 111 laboratory complexes, 2,200 world-famous professors are involved in teaching;
4. (University of Strasbourg) is part of the international Utrecht network of leading European universities in Europe. 18 of its graduates have been awarded the Nobel Prize in various categories.