Studying in France |
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Whether it's gastronomic greatness, artistic endeavour or cultural cachet you're looking for, there's no doubt that France still sits right at the top of the European heap. The country that gave the world champagne, casseroles and Camembert is justly famous for its cooking, and you'll find there are plenty of places to indulge yourself. But while France is undoubtedly a place to eat and drink to your heart's content, there's much more to this fascinating country than cutting-edge cuisine. Cultural life in France is intense. No matter what city you live in, you can see a recent film or play. And with your student ID card, you won't pay as much for your ticket. You'll also find museums endowed with rich collections of art, from prehistory to the present. France is one of the least expensive countries in Europe, and students enjoy many benefits. From university dining halls and residences to transportation and leisure activities (cinemas, sporting events, book stores, student associations, etc.), various discounts and offers allow students with a relatively modest budget to cover not only living expenses but a cultural life as well. Transport services are good enough, specially when you travel by train you will find a comfortable environment, with restaurants and other places where you can relax. Cyclists are very admired in France, there is a city where you can ride a bike with no cost, the bikes are completely free and in Paris takes place the Tour of France, the cycling tournament where only the bests participate. STUDYING IN FRANCE The flexibility of French higher education allows you to design an academic itinerary that is perfectly suited to your goals and background. The quality of the French higher education system rests on the country's many and varied institutions, each of which has unique goals as well as unique structures and programs through which to pursue those goals. France has no universally applicable system for determining the equivalence of French and foreign diplomas. Each institution sets its own admission requirements. French higher education is based on a common architecture (LMD) - recognized at the European level - that counts the number of years of validated study following the baccalaureat (French secondary school matriculation examination for university entrance). Thus, baccalaureat + three years = Licence (180 ECTS), baccalaureat + five years = Master (300 ECTS), and baccalaureat + eight years = Doctorat (PhD). Foreign students may qualify for three types of grants: granted either by the French government, or by the government of their home country, or by international and non-governmental organizations. Most of the scholarships financed by the French government are administered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. WORKING IN FRANCE Students of the European Union do not require a residence permit to live and work in France. French law allows international students to work no more than 884 hours in a given year. That translates to half-time employment (19.5 hours per week) during the academic year and full-time during vacations. Read more:
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Most post secondary degrees awarded in France are diplômes nationaux, or national diplomas. They are regulated and recognized by the French government, which ensures the soundness of the curriculum and the quality of the instruction offered. Public institutions-universities and grandes écoles - offer the full range of national diplomas. The universities and some schools also offer degrees of their own, not regulated by the government.