Guest post by: Andrea Bouchaud
As the home to many world-renowned universities as well as
being a cultural, linguistic and historical hub–bub, France is a natural
choice for study abroad students. But before you pack your suitcase, there are
a couple of things you need to know about going to university in France. Let’s
take a look at 5 Ways Going to study in France Will Surprise You:
Photo Credit: Benh LIEU SONG
- Grades: The grading system for French universities is based off of twenty possible earned points, not one hundred, but that doesn’t mean that you can earn a 20/20 as your highest grade. French grades are best explained by the well-known vignette of The Divine Code. The Divine Code explains that 20 is reserved for God (or King in some versions), 19 for professors. No student gets a 20 - ever. It’s not you; it’s the system. Instead of 20, students aim for a 15. At most French universities, 15% of your grade is calculated on your participation, oral presentations, weekly summaries, and the devoir sur table (an in class assignment, usually an essay). The remaining 85% is a huge test taken at the end of the semester. Depending upon your study abroad program, you may be exempt from this test.
- Class Structure and Credits: The average class credit at a French University ranges from three to five credits. French college classes are worth more credits because they are divided into two sections or séances that meet from one to three hours per week. These 2 séances are the cours magistral (commonly known as CM) or lecture and the travaux dirigés (commonly known as TD) or lab.
- College Environment: The French college environment is just like French culture: formal. Students refer to professors as monsieur, madame or mademoiselle- no last name. As French professors are not always PhD prepared, you don’t refer to them as doctor or ask them their education level - this is rude. Another thing that is a no-no in a French classroom is constant questions. A French college classroom is one of learning from the professor, not one of interaction. Have questions for your French professor? Ask them after class! The typical French professor doesn’t share his/her email with students so after class discussion is the way to go. Respect for the professor and classroom is crucial in a French university and adds to the formal environment. French students are expected to not interrupt the learning process so they bring notebooks to class, not a laptop. You’ll also notice that no cell phones buzz, no food eaten during class, no whispered conversations, and no leaving class. This formal college environment is a very important part of the French college experience. But it’s not just in the classroom. The lack of a university book store and sports teams also solidify the formal learning environment of a French university.
- Information Technology: The typical French student doesn’t rely on the internet as the main way to communicate with professors or keep current on campus activities. Flyers and the free Guide de l'étudiant (student campus guide) are still preferred methods over online communication. Although many aspects of the French college experience are old-school, your French professor will expect your rédactions or term papers to be typed.
- Parlez-vous français? One of the main reasons you’re studying abroad in France is to improve your French. Taking university classes in French can be extremely difficult but it’s the best way to really beef up your language skills. Your French professor won’t accept your rédaction in English so having at least adequate French skills is a must for your French study abroad.
Studying abroad in France is a
great experience for many majors but cultural immersion and language
fluency are key to a successful study abroad. Knowing these 5 tidbits of French university life in advance will help you to
have a smoother and easier transition for your study abroad. Bonne chance!
-Andrea
Bio
Having studied abroad in Paris for
a year, Andrea Bouchaud understands that living in the City of Light isn’t
always easy. Her hands on experience with French culture and language immersion
as an American student inspired her to write 2 books- Twenty in Paris: A Young American
Perspective of Studying Abroad in Paris (2013) and The Paris Diaries: The Study Abroad Experience Uncensored (2014)
both on Amazon’s Kindle Store. Connect with Andrea at twentyinparis.net
Nice information is shared, as it helps student around the glob to know these facts... Best Engineering College
ReplyDeleteThe university application personal statement is somehow very important for the student because the high authorities always see their writing and statement.
ReplyDeleteThe no questions rule would take a little adjusting.
ReplyDeleteThe typical French student doesn’t rely on the internet as the main way to communicate with professors or keep current on campus activities Cisco Certified DevNet Associate. Flyers and the free Guide de l'étudiant (student campus guide) are still preferred methods over online communication Cisco Certified DevNet Professional. Although many aspects of the French college experience are old-school, your French professor will expect your rédactions or term papers to be typed CCNP Enterprise.
ReplyDeleteBest Engineering Colleges in Warangal
ReplyDeleteMy parents always wanted me to go to France to continue the rest of my college and university there, but they were not with the idea of the college part, because it was already about to finish here.But I had to do the packing and visa preps, hence they hired an College Assignment Writing Service to ensure that I get all my overall grades after they have done doing all my assignments.
ReplyDeleteBoard of Secondary Education, Assam is going to Download the HSLC exam 10th Syllabus 2023. Candidates who have given examinations will be able to Download Assam 10th Syllabus 2023 in the month of May. Assam Guwahati Board HSLC Syllabus 2023 Our website is the best source where all the students who have given the class 10th examinations can Download SEBA 10th Syllabus 2023 over here.
ReplyDeleteWe pride ourselves on only employing the best, most reliable writers. All of our writers are native English papernow org speakers. They all go through a vigorous testing process to prove that they are qualified and an expert in their field.
ReplyDeleteThis humanities dissertation help is a long essay type thesis paper which elaborates and bases majorly on discussions and outcomes of the previous case studies, research papers and literatures. This dissertation focuses on a specific drawing and citing relevant opinions on the previous literature and introducing new perspectives of other reseachers. This dissertation is oftenly known as social science dissertations help. Incorporating new ways of analysing, and citing examples are common in humanities dissertation. Basically this dissertation begins with an abstract, followed by introduction, topic 1, its justification, topic 2, its justification, then conclusion and references, this discussion leads the readers to the ultimate outcome of the dissertation.
ReplyDeleteThe SCERT Haryana 10th Class Book 2023 asked in this Exam is Based on the Exam Pattern issued by HBSE. to pass this Exam with good Marks, So, Students Download the HBSE 10th Text Books 2023 to get an idea of the Exam Pattern. HBSE 10th Class Book 2023 Haryana Board Every Year Distribute 10th Class Books 2023 in English, Hindi, Mathematics, Sanskrit, Science, Social science Wise Complete Text Books, HBSE 10th Class Students get your Class Books 2023 in your School, Every Year Department of School Education Government of Haryana Will be Distribution HBSE 10th Text Books 2023 for free of Cost, boardmodelpaper.com Provide Haryana 12th Class Hindi, English Medium Textbook 2023 and old Year Books.
ReplyDelete,your submit is very exciting to examine.
ReplyDeleteReally enjoyed reading your blog.
ReplyDeleteThis weblog web page is extraordinary! Please share extra writing like it. It become absolutely really worth the time.
ReplyDeleteYou’re doing a remarkable process. Hold it up
ReplyDeleteKeep sharing good information
ReplyDeleteYour article is very helpful for me.
ReplyDeleteThis can be my to begin with visit and would like to say much appreciated for this viable post. Great good fortune for next.
ReplyDeletei am exceptionally fortunate since i have found a well characterized article and this improve the guests information
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this wonderful post!
ReplyDeleteGet affordable Business Case Study Assignment Help by assignment experts. Casestudyhelp.net delivers case study help services online. we never compromise on the quality of delivered papers. Get to know more about our benefits that you can enjoy by hiring services of Case Study Help.
I just finished reading your blog post about going to university in France, and I have to say that I feel inspired. I have decided to study abroad after completing my intermediate. So thanks for motivating me through your words. I will meet my desire by getting help from Cheap Dissertation Writing Service
ReplyDeleteThis information is very helpful and good. I really love it. You done very nice work in this article. Keep it up.
ReplyDeletebankruptcy lawyers in virginia
Thank you! your post is well-researched and thought-provoking. I appreciate the unique insights you provided and the real-world examples you used to illustrate your points.
ReplyDeleteWow, this post really opened my eyes to a whole new perspective! The way you explained everything was so clear and concise, making it easy for me to grasp complex concepts. Thank you for sharing this valuable information! I never realized the true significance of color blind test until I stumbled upon this post. It's amazing how a simple test can help identify color vision deficiencies, leading to early detection of potential eye health issues. Thank you for shedding light on the benefits and importance of these tests!
ReplyDeleteWow, this post really opened my eyes to a whole new perspective! Goku Drip Puffer Jacket
ReplyDeleteExcellent job! i have some attractive fashion ideas for you. engage me here Yellowstone Merchandise
ReplyDeleteImpressive work page! You are doing a very great job. Interesting efforts.
ReplyDeleteWOW!!! Just found your blog. THIS IS AMAZING!!!!
ReplyDeleteAm I going to Pay Someone to Write My Dissertation For Me UK because its a high time to serve on demand base, although there is a nice area to serve all these things. I might be open a new type of business which carry almost all the areas.
DeleteReally enjoyed this! Just remembered, I found an amazing style me for christmas mario maroon hoodie online recently, and it’s become my favorite piece. Totally worth it!
ReplyDelete