French Education is one of the finest Education system in the world. There are more than 3500 public and private institutes of Higher Education in France. France education includes 2.5 million students and out of it 12% are from abroad. There are different types of courses available for the International Students whether they speak French or not. In French Universities, trainers and researchers provide two types of classes to the learners which are lectures and practical work
There are two methods by which students are tested which are ongoing assessment and exams twice a year, at the end of semester. Most striking feature of French higher education, compared with other nations is small size of the classrooms. In addition to this, huge share is of the scientific research which is carried out by establishments such as CNRS OR INSERM. There are 3 types of University degrees in France like License (l1, l2, l3) is an undergraduate degree of 6 semesters which is equivalent to 3 years. Master’s (M1, M2) is a graduate degree of 2 years (a total of 5 year’s study). A doctorate is granted after a period of study, lasting 16 semesters (3 years, or a total of 8 year’s study). Every license and master’s is defined according to the field of study.
Acquiring education in France gives you the option to learn the language skills and gain cultural perspective. French Colleges and Universities has an old tradition of providing excellent academic outputs. International Students enjoy innovative teaching techniques which are contemporary and pragmatic.
For International Students Colleges and Universities provide French language classes during the vacations. The experience that you will gain in France, will give your curriculum vitae a competitive edge. Studying in another country can add value to your academic credentials and can give you better employment opportunities in future.
Following are some of the benefits of studying in France:-
- ● The nation brings various cultures together and thus provides multicultural environment to the students.
- ● France offers great variety of social life.
- ● The Colleges and Universities in France are well reputed and highly appreciated worldwide.
- ● Students prefer French Colleges and Universities because of the effortless availability of scholarship programs. In various institutes scholarship and fellowship programs are granted to international Students.
- ● French Education System is not under any central body and is considered to be one of the best Education System in the world.
- ● French Colleges and Universities are offering more courses in English, therefore students can study at their favorite institute.
- ● French is the 3rd most spoken language worldwide and International Students get exposure to learn French. When student is familiar with English then learning French will not be a difficult task.
- ● Students experience living and studying in one of the most culturally rich countries in the world.
- ● Young talent is appreciated in innovation and entrepreneurship sectors.
- ● According to barometer campus French report 2013, 9 out of 10 International Students recommend France as a study destination.
If course of study exceeds 3 months then a student have to apply for long-stay visa. This kind of visa lasts for the duration of your study in France i.e 3 years for Bachelors, 2 years for Masters and 4 years for Ph.D. Long-stay visa acts as a residence permit and is refer as VLT-TS. There are multiple range of courses in which France has invested to a great extent. There are several fields which hold great advantage like Economics, Pharmacology, Sociology, Business and Linguistic. Education in France is flexible and suitable for every field of study.
- ● Application form for long-term stay duration which is more than 3 months.
- ● Two recent passport sized photographs.
- ● Photocopy of valid passport must be attached.
- ● Print out of Campus France ID.
- ● Letter of joining from College or University.
- ● Evidence of having sufficient funds to carry out the expenses.
- ● Proof of medical insurance with coverage valid in France.
- ● Photocopy of one way travel ticket must be attached.
- ● OFII (Office Français d'Immigration et d'Intégration).
- ● Proof of accommodation in France
To be eligible for French study visa, a student must have acceptance letter of their selected field of study. Applying at French College or University is almost the same as applying for any other nation. It is prominent for International Students to recognize certain things before applying a visa. After completion of the form, a student is ready to study at French College or University.
Following steps must be taken into account while applying:-
- ● Application form of the institution should be completed and printed application with required documents is considered for admission for entering to a College or University.
- ● Transcript of all the studies is required with the documents.
- ● A student must provide a valid passport and passport sized photographs.
- ● Attach essay written by a student as this will be a factor for the acceptance or denial.
- ● Along with documents, result of English proficiency test is required. Result can be of IELTS, TOEFL etc.
- ● Attach the photocopy of birth certificate along with required documents.
- ● At the end, link an evidence of having sufficient funds to cover all your expenses.
The toughest step where most of the rejections happen is the Visa Interview. When applying to study abroad, nobody wants to get rejected at the crucial step of visa procurement. Let us discuss the top nine and most basic factors while preparing for the interview in order to get visa approval:
- Focus: It means that you need to sound absolutely focussed to the officers regarding your decision to studying abroad. You should be able to portray how studying in a particular country and in a defined ambience will help you realise your academic goals. It is essential to express why studying in India would not help you fulfil your purposes. This can be supported by explaining how the chosen curriculum will help you achieve your goals.
- Clarity of Goals: These programs are available for such International students, for whom intended employment is an essential part of their study program, as certified by their Canadian academic institution.
- Return Ticket: A student visa is granted for a defined frame of time, which is the duration of the course you wish to study. Make sure that you do not express your desire for staying in the chosen country for too long or starting your professional career there. A study permit or a student visa varies from a work permit or a work visa.
- Keep your family and friends aside:If you tell the visa committee that you want to go to a particular country because your friends or family members reside there, then chances are that you will get rejected. However, if everything goes right, you may always add on this point as the icing on the cake.
- Time: A visa interview is generally less than half-an-hour, thus, it is vital that you understand the importance of time. You have to impress the officers heading the visa committee within this timeframe. Give your visa preparation enough time and prepare for the interview with the kind of dedication it needs
- Listen before you respond: There are no fixed questions that the visa officers have to ask from you. They may probe from you anything regarding your intention behind choosing the country. Hence, you need to listen to their questions carefully and give yourself a few seconds to understand what they have asked and also think before coming up with an appropriate answer.
- Language : Fluency in a spoken language is essential to assure the officers that you are prepared to study in the medium of official international language, that is English. Though the scores of the standardised English language test, you would have taken, show how well you have a hold on the language, yet good communication skills would always help in impressing the visa officers. Polish your grammar and practice in front of the mirror or your family members or friends who motivate you. Practice will make you confident and help you present your strengths intensely.
- Strengths: The officers are there to test your character and eligibility.
- CharacterYou should be able to express that you are dedicated to learning as well as capable of living abroad. This includes your drive to overcome the challenges of studying the demanding course you have chosen to study as well as getting absorbed in the culture of the chosen country. It also means that you come from a background where you have learned the value of judicial laws and that you will obey the laws of the country you will go to.
- Eligibility This includes your ability to support the expenses of your studies and managing your living in a foreign country during the course of your studies.
- Paper-Work Ready: Keeping yourself ready with this step will make half of you already relaxed. a would help you in concentrating on your interview even more; therefore, it is advisable that you keep the documents ready with you beforehand. Things you may get asked for during the interview includes your passport, passport-sized photographs, your standardised test scores, academic transcripts, educational certificates, proof of loan approval, bank statements, and many other related documents. Some of the original documents, like your birth certificate, needs to get translated to English and authenticated by a notary for the visa office.
These were the generic things to be kept in mind while appearing for a Visa Interview and even drafting your Visa Letter. However, different countries have different kinds of visas that vary in processes. For instance, a US Student Visa has a lot of variations that need to be understood precisely.