What is Classes Internationales?

As part of French President Emmanuel Macron’s declaration of intent for welcoming 30,000 Indian students to France, Classes Internationales was launched with the view of “welcoming talented high-school graduates, regardless of their proficiency in French”.

Classes Internationales is a novel initiative undertaken by French universities and institutions to help international students transition into the French education system. It goes beyond just reaching the language - the program also places a lot of emphasis on immersing students into the culture, preparing them for academia, and professional orientation. As a result, various universities across France offer Classes Internationales as a stepping stone.

Key Components of Classes Internationales

1️⃣ Intensive French Language Training

Ultimately, the primary focus of Classes Internationales is to help students acquire a good grasp of the French language. The programs are designed to take students across different levels of proficiency - from beginner to intermediate to advanced. The courses are pretty intensive, focus on practical learning, and tailored for use in an academic and professional context, ensuring that students obtain all the necessary skills to understand lectures, participate in discussions, and handle daily interactions in French.

2️⃣ Cultural Integration

Of course, acclimatising to a new culture is easier said than done - so Classes Internationales attempts to make this transition a lot smoother by running programs that include sessions on French history, customs, and social etiquette, helping students feel more comfortable and at home in their new surroundings. Cultural outings, workshops, and activities introduce students to French art, cuisine and traditions, allowing them to understand French culture in a more holistic, personalised capacity.

3️⃣ Academic Preparation

You have to aim right for the top given the high academic standards and expectations from students in France, and with Classes Internationales in tow, students are able to undertake targeted academic preparation which may include subject-specific courses, workshops on academic writing in French, and skill-building in areas like critical thinking and research methodologies. Ultimately, it provides students to excel in their chosen fields of study.

4️⃣ Professional Orientation

Classes Internationales goes beyond the classroom, endowing students with professional orientation through networking events, internship guidance, resume-building workshops, and insights into the French job market. By helping students understand the perspectives and expectations of French employers, these programs help students adjust better when push comes to shove and they have to step out into the world to seek professional experiences.

What is Classes Internationales?

Classes Internationales is ideal for:

• Students who wish to pursue higher education in France but do not have the requisite proficiency in French
• Students interested in experiencing French culture firsthand
• Students seeking a program combining language learning with focus on teaching academic and professional skills. 
• Students aiming to bridge the gap between their previous education and the standards of French universities

Advantages of Enrolling in Classes Internationales

1️⃣ Pathway to French Higher Education

Classes Internationales is the first vital step for many students towards enrolling and becoming adjusted to the French way of education - one can tick off the eligibility criteria for whichever degree program they want to undertake after completing the program.

2️⃣ Boosting Language Confidence

It doesn't hurt to know the native language of a particular place, especially when you're going to study there. After all, as they say, you speak to a person's mind when you speak in English, but you speak to their heart when you speak to them in their native tongue! So yep, across the board, becoming adept at French will take you to places and help you establish wonderful connections.

3️⃣ Cultural and Social Adaptation

A big part of having a good time somewhere is having an appreciation of the local cultural and social norms. Of course, a big advantage Classes Internationales provides is that the students themselves come from diverse backgrounds, meaning that you'd have plenty of opportunity to make friends and connections with peers in the same junction of learning as you.

4️⃣ Provides the Foundation for Professional Success

By passing on professional orientation to students, Classes Internationales provides students with the tools to succeed in the French job market, enabling them to secure internships, part-time gigs, and even full-time roles!

How To Enrol in Classes Internationales

1️⃣ Check Eligibility:

The details are pretty much available on the website, but to provide you with a bit of an overview, you are eligible if you graduated from high school, or are expecting to graduate (by summer 2024), if you are not a minor when you enter France (September 2024 and no later than December 31st, 2024) and you have an A2 level in French, you are eligible.

All you need to do is find a programme that selects you on the basis of your academic level.

2️⃣ Submit an Application:

The process of applying is entirely dependent on the specific university or set of universities you apply to. As a general practice, it helps to apply with academic transcripts, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation. On the Classes Internationales website itself, you'll find a list of universities that offer it, find the one you wanna apply to by accessing the page and you'd find "Apply Now" button at the end.

Keep in mind that the French Embassy is not part of this process, but they can help you reach the A2 level through their network of Alliance françaises in India. 

Also, just so you know, the application deadline is March 31st! Those who have A2-proficiency, however, have until mid-May 2025 to submit their applications.

3️⃣ Plan your budget:

No such thing as a free lunch in this world - so don't be surprised if there are any tuition fees involved! Make sure you're running through every detail and while in conversation with any university, ask them about any tuition to be charged related to this.

Conclusion

Classes Internationales, all in all, addresses more than just the linguistic barrier - one is able to acquire vital knowledge about the academic culture prevalent in France and everything else that falls around it.

So if you're planning to study in France, this is a pretty neat scheme for you! If you'd like to learn more about, and need help with getting the ball rolling, you can always reach out to EduGo Abroad's seasoned team of study abroad counsellors! Bonne journée!