Overview of advantages and conditions for choosing to study in France

Overview of the advantages and conditions for studying in France

1. Five advantages of studying in France

1. Affordable study abroad fees

French public universities Tuition fees are fully borne by the state and are free for students. During the professional study stage, only a registration fee of about 100-500 euros is charged. France’s education expenditure accounts for 5.6% of GDP, ranking second in the world after Denmark.

After some European countries have joined the ranks of charging tuition fees, French public institutions still remain firm in the ranks of the tuition-free policy and do not regard education as an industry. This has created a problem for many students who suffer from the high cost of studying abroad. of students open their doors.

In addition, every year the French government awards various types of scholarships, including social insurance, living expenses, tuition fees, such as the Eiffel Outstanding Student Scholarship, the Outstanding Student Scholarship, etc. Children who meet the conditions can try it.

At the same time, the cost of living in France is much lower than that in many European and American developed countries. In most cities and regions in France, 50,000 to 60,000 yuan a year can cover daily life.

2. High-quality education standards

First of all, France has a long history and a well-established higher education system, which is famous for its excellent education standards. France ranks fourth in the world in terms of academic research (Times Higher Education Rankings 2015), and ranks second in the graduate employer recognition survey (Emerging - Trendence, 2016). In different international ranking statistics, French comprehensive universities and higher professional schools are among the best. Three of the top ten global MBA programs published by the Financial Times are from France. The small university Ecole Polytechnique is ranked third in the world (Times Higher Education in 2016), demonstrating the advantages of French engineering education characterized by the close integration of scientific research and industry.

Secondly, compared with China, the setting up of educational institutions in France is more reasonable. There are engineering colleges that specialize in engineering, higher business schools that cultivate business elites, comprehensive public universities with high scientific research levels, and more. There are first-class colleges and universities that cultivate professionals in various industries such as art, design, music, and cooking. They truly specialize in the arts, so that every student can find an education model that suits him or her.

Thirdly, French universities have always adhered to the teaching philosophy of applying what they have learned. French higher education is closely connected with the business community, and many French companies are involved in the formulation of higher education syllabuses; at the same time, more and more majors require students to participate in corporate internships. It is these internships that enable students to obtain While gaining practical experience, they also gain favor from future employers.

3. Huge language advantage

Although the French-speaking population only accounts for 11th in the world, French is the second largest communication language in the world and is used across five continents. Many people regard French as the most beautiful, most rigorous and noble language in the world. This is a matter of opinion and debate is futile.

However, one thing must be acknowledged. Among all languages, French has a very high international status: French is the official language used by all international institutions. United Nations, International Olympic Committee, UNESCO, Council of Europe and many more. For a long time it was the most widely spoken language within the European Union, and today it is used as much as English: one in two documents is written directly in French.

4. Unique work internship opportunities

France is the fifth largest trading power in the world and the primary economic partner of many countries, especially European countries. Active economic development has brought numerous job and internship opportunities to many international students. French higher education is closely connected with the business community, and many French companies are involved in the formulation of syllabuses for higher education institutions. At the same time, more and more majors require students to participate in corporate internships. It is these internships that enable students to gain practical experience and gain the favor of future employers.

French companies occupy 31 seats among the top 500 companies in the world (Fortune 500, 2014), surpassing Germany and the United Kingdom to rank first in Europe. Several French industrial groups are global industry leaders with operations all over the world. In addition, the number of French companies on the 2014 Thomson Reuters (2014) list of the world's top 100 innovative companies leads Europe.

In France, international students are allowed to work, and there are a number of government policies that are beneficial to foreign students. Every student has the right to work part-time. All students have the right to work. They are free to engage in paid work for 20 hours a week. They can also pool their working time and work full-time during school holidays. After obtaining a master's degree or a diploma equivalent to a master's degree (engineer diploma, higher business school diploma, etc.), you can obtain a six-month temporary residence permit to find or engage in paid work related to the major you studied. At the end of the 6 months, if you are employed, you will receive a residence permit allowing you to live and work in France.

5. Rich study abroad life

France has an advantageous geographical location and very convenient transportation. Taking a weekend trip is never out of reach. Of course, in addition to eating big meals all day long and receiving artistic influence, food, clothing, housing and transportation are also issues that many international students are concerned about. Don’t worry, France has one of the most complete social welfare systems in Europe. Foreign students can also enjoy housing subsidies, social insurance, and discounts on university catering, public transportation, movies, theaters, etc. This greatly reduces everyone’s burden of studying abroad.

Colorful cultural and artistic life, picturesque scenery and world-famous food. France is listed as one of the countries with the best quality of life by the International Living Association. In addition, Magazine QS has rated Paris as the best city for students for five consecutive years.

Unlike the United Kingdom and the United States, the government provides international students with a one-year work visa after obtaining a master's degree or above from a French university. Students can use this year to find a job that really suits them. France has 74 public comprehensive universities, 227 engineering schools, 220 business administration schools, 120 art schools, 20 architecture schools and 273 doctoral schools. In addition, more than 900 courses in different professional fields are taught in English.

Having said so much, everyone must have some understanding of the benefits of studying in France. However, who are suitable to study in France? What preparations are needed to study in France? What conditions are required? Maybe everyone is not very clear. So let me tell you in detail some of the necessary conditions for studying in France.

2. Five essential requirements for studying in France

1. Age

There is a clear age limit for studying in France. Basically, you must apply for undergraduate courses in France. Over 18 years of age. If you are just a high school graduate and want to apply for an undergraduate degree in France, your age cannot be more than 22 years old. Some majors for graduate students are quite special, so the age requirement is looser and is basically within 30 years old. The age limit in private colleges can be relaxed.

2. Academic background

Have a high school diploma (or above). Generally, college entrance examination scores (above the second level) are required; applicants with a university degree must not be over 28 years old. Applicants with a college degree, bachelor's degree or above, and good English can apply directly for a master's or doctoral degree.

High school graduates are required to provide a high school diploma and university admission notice; college students are required to provide university transcripts; undergraduate graduates are required to provide degree certificates and complete transcripts from university.

3. Language level

Language requirements: Domestic requirements require 500 hours of French study and participation in the study-abroad examination organized by the French Embassy (which generally corresponds to a TCF/TEF examination of B1 or above). Reminder: Because French public universities are all taught in French, only business schools are taught in English, but they are all private.

If students are taught in English, their English proficiency must be IELTS 6.0 or above; for English-taught programs, GMAT, IELTS or TOEFL scores are required according to school requirements.

4. Financial ability

To be able to pay for all the expenses while studying in France, you need to have a bank deposit of more than 60,000 to 80,000 yuan (current, and can be obtained after applying for a visa).

5. Good health and no criminal record

What should be noted in particular is that in addition to the well-known basic conditions, at work we often encounter people who have no academic qualifications, no college entrance examination, and are already working. Customers who are elderly, cross-major, directly admitted, or have poor language skills want to apply to study in France, but it is relatively difficult. They must have a very reasonable study plan.

Extended reading: Introduction to the types of part-time jobs for studying in France

1. Part-time jobs on campus

For international students, working on campus is the most suitable place for part-time work-study Not only can you study and work at the same time, but you can also expand your social circle invisibly. It can be regarded as a multi-purpose part-time job choice. There are also many types of part-time jobs on campus. For example, you can be a librarian, office attendant, dormitory manager, cafeteria staff, or you can also choose to be a tutor's assistant or office administrative assistant. However, because this type of job is very popular, everyone needs to apply as soon as they arrive at school. The earlier you apply, the greater your chance of getting a job. Good jobs don’t wait for anyone.

2. Tour guides and translators

If you are a student with excellent French skills, it is recommended to choose some challenging jobs. Not only will the salary be higher, but it will also help prepare you for future employment. Make good preparations. Among them, tour guides and translators are very popular industries among international students. Being a tour guide is an easy and profitable job, but you need a tour guide certificate to work. Generally, most of the people who travel to France are relatively wealthy, so in addition to salary, there will also be a lot of tips, but this kind of work requires an understanding of the local environment. Have a certain understanding and be able to communicate with French people without any barriers. In addition, the translation of ordinary exhibitions has very high language requirements, usually English-French, Chinese-French, or Chinese-English-French translation. However, the continuity of this work is not strong. It requires long-term development of its own regular customers, and the degree of difficulty is relatively high.

3. Tutoring and nanny

If you are a top student or have a special skill, then tutoring is a very advantageous job. You can find them through Acadomia, Anacours, Complétude or general tutoring institutions, or you can also provide online teaching through LiveMentor, Superprof, and MyMentor. However, this type of job requires higher academic qualifications, at least BAC 3. Of course, students can also take advantage of their Chinese language skills and find a job as a teacher of Chinese as a foreign language, but they need to obtain the International Chinese Teacher Certificate. In addition, you can also help French people or local Chinese take care of their children, which is also a good choice. The job content is generally to take care of the children and play with them when their parents are away; sometimes you may be required to cook simple meals, help with bathing, and coax them to sleep, etc. However, this kind of job is not suitable for students with a heavy academic load, and you also need to have enough patience, because you are likely to encounter naughty children.

4. Restaurant service

Among the many types of industries, working as a waiter in the catering industry should be the most common type of job among international students. It is generally divided into waiters and kitchen helpers. , washing dishes, cashier, etc. This type of work has almost no high technical requirements, but it is relatively hard and requires quick hands and feet and quick response. It is more suitable for students with a certain foundation in French. Boys will do better. Girls can choose to work as bartenders and coffee grinders. Although they don't make much money, the work intensity is lighter. Because the catering industry in France has a relatively large demand for personnel, it is generally easier to find jobs, but the wages are not high and are usually paid at the minimum wage. In addition, French restaurants also have relatively high requirements for employees' appearance, personal hygiene, and courtesy. This is something that everyone needs to pay special attention to.

In addition, there are many ways for international students to find jobs in France. For example, you can pay more attention to free advertising newspapers in the area, browse college student forums at any time, and pay attention to recruitment information in schools or other public places. Or search local job search websites, etc. It would be even better if you have French friends or seniors who introduce you to the job. When studying abroad, you should pay attention to the balance between work and rest, and do not work too hard and affect your studies, otherwise the gain will outweigh the loss.

Extended reading: Introduction to the living habits of French people studying in France

1. Eat breakfast first and then brush your teeth and wash your hands

The French eat breakfast first as soon as they get up in the morning. There are often scenes of him sitting under the covers having breakfast, then brushing his teeth and washing up, freshening up and going out to work. They said: How can you eat breakfast with a mouth full of toothpaste smell?

2. Make an appointment for everything

The French make an appointment for everything: making an appointment to treat someone to a meal; making an appointment to go to the bank; making an appointment to get a car repaired; and seeing a doctor. Make an appointment; even a haircut requires an appointment. Reservations are required for business visits, and even more for private visits! And the "advance amount" for some dates is scary. Whether it is an office or a home, it is extremely rare for uninvited guests to push through the door.

3. Most supermarkets, shops, and shopping malls have the tradition of being closed on Saturdays and Sundays

The French believe that everyone has the right to rest, and so do the employees in the store. in this way. Sunday is a time for everyone to rest, reunite with family, and go out for fun. This is a moment of leisure that cannot be taken away. If you study in France, you must remember to pay attention to the opening hours of the supermarket, so as not to go hungry on Sunday!

4. They never eat snacks

French women take meals very seriously. They are very satisfied with their meals, so they do not need snacks and do not eat outside meal times. They have eating habits that are nutritionally sound and will not make them overweight.

5. Don’t plan to go to the gym

There are more and more people going to gyms in China, but in France, apart from the small number, it is also rare to find ones that open early. France People prefer to add exercise to their daily lives. Whether they walk to work, ride a bicycle to school, or play tennis on holidays, few people go to the gym to exercise.

6. Have superb parking skills

You won’t often see large parking lots and spacious parking spaces in France. Whether it is in the city or in the countryside, remember that parking will be a problem. Something that requires a lot of skill.