STUDYING THE ARTS IN FRANCE

Through the centuries, France has been recognized as one of the world’s most important centres of culture. It is indubitably the home of some of the world’s greatest painters and artists, and has played a key role in art history. Today, the country continues to be recognized as one of the best places to study the arts, not only for the high quality of its universities, but because of the number of museums—including the Louvre—where students can see the works up close.

STUDYING THE SCIENCES IN FRANCE

France has also been a major influence in the fields of science and math, including astrophysics, biology, genetics, physics, mathematics, and chemistry. Some of the world’s most important thinkers including Pierre Gilles de Gennes, Charpack, and Luc Montagnier were from France. . Its TGV, the train system that can run at 200 kilometers per hour, was the trigger for Europe’s high speed rail development.The country has also spearheaded major technological developments. It hasmonitored and managed Ariane, Europe’s space program,
and is one of the key forces in the launch of a number of satellites used for communications and scientific study. Let’s not forget other breakthrough technology like the Concorde, the smart card, the Val (a rapid transit system).
In this century alone, over 26 Nobel Prize winners have hailed from France,

No wonder France attracts budding scientists, eager to become involved in its efforts for scientific progress. They are also inspired by opportunities created by the French government, which has always given great support for scientific research (in fact, it provides over half of the total funding received by the country’s premiere scientific institutions). Today, many students who seek to pursue a career in science flock to the country to study at the public research institutions, like the National Institute for Agronomical Research and the National Centre for Scientific Research. Some of the world’s brightest, most promising and most prominent scientists and researchers converge here every year.

OTHER FIELDS OF STUDY IN FRANCE

France is also considered to be one of the best places to study the culinary arts, due to its proud heritage in gastronomy and wine-making. It’s also a centre of the fashion industry, and a leader in perfumes and cosmetics. Others go there to learn and practice the French language.

THE FRENCH EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM

France is known for its “grandes ecoles”, highly acclaimed and very prestigious schools that only accept the best and the brightest. These offer a number of courses, including arts, law, public administration and health. The grandes escole offer long programs (typically taking five years) that allow graduates to specialize in their chosen fields.

However, students can also opt to take short courses, which typically take two to three years, which will give them the technical proficiency to work in the commercial, service or industrial sectors.

To enter a university, students must have a high school diploma. The college level has three stages. The first program, which takes three years, results in a bachelor’s degree. After an additional year, one receives an advanced diploma. This is followed by two years of post graduate work, which give a master’s degree. A doctorate usually takes three years.

WHERE TO GET INFORMATION

If you are interested in studying in France, you can find information on the Internet, or by approaching the cultural attache. France also runs the EduFrance Agency, the official government organization that was created for the sole purpose of helping foreign students who wish to study in the country. EduFrance will assist students through providing information, and even greeting them at the airport. They can also help find lodgings and support them in their transition— locating recreational facilities, organizing tours, and providing pamphlets and other materials on French culture.