1. France introduces a special program, Classes Internationales, for Indian students.
2. The program allows students to learn French in France before pursuing their chosen degree.
3. Announced by President Emmanuel Macron during his recent state visit to India, the initiative aims to enhance educational ties.
New Delhi, Jan 30: France has introduced a special program, Classes Internationales, offering Indian students the opportunity to learn French for a year in France before pursuing their chosen degree.
The program was announced by French President Emmanuel Macron during his state visit to India on January 26, marking a significant initiative to strengthen educational ties between the two nations.
Classes Internationales Program Overview
- Objective and Design: The Classes Internationales program aims to enable India’s brightest high school graduates to access diverse educational opportunities in France. It is designed to break language barriers, allowing Indian students to pursue undergraduate programs taught in French after completing a foundational year of language training.
- Launch Announcement: The program’s launch was officially declared by President Macron during his state visit to India as the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations. The announcement reflects France’s commitment to fostering academic and cultural exchange with India.
- Benefits and Inclusivity: Regardless of their current proficiency in French, Indian students can enrol in the program. The only prerequisite is academic excellence, ensuring inclusivity. The program covers a broad spectrum of educational choices, providing access to renowned French higher education institutions, including universities, grandes écoles, and specialized schools.
- Educational Immersion: Students participating in the program will experience a year of immersion in French culture and language. The French language classes are tailored to the student’s chosen field of study, complemented by preparatory courses in that specific field.
- Support and Scholarships: Outstanding students who excel in the program will be eligible for scholarships awarded by the French embassy. This financial support aims to encourage and facilitate higher education for Indian students in France.
- Leaders’ Agreement: The joint statement endorsed by President Macron and Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized their support for the initiative. The agreement outlines the establishment of international classes, allowing Indian students to learn French as a foreign language in reputed French universities for one academic year before pursuing their chosen curricula in France.
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Macron’s Commitment and Vision
During his tour of Amber Fort, President Macron engaged with Indian students from Alliance Française de Jaipur, French departments at Delhi University and Jawaharlal Nehru University, and alumni who returned from France after graduation.
Macron emphasized France’s commitment to opening up more opportunities for Indian students, citing initiatives like Classes Internationales and a five-year short-stay Schengen visa for alumni. He highlighted India’s status as the largest beneficiary of French academic scholarships.
Expressing his vision, Macron stated the goal of welcoming 30,000 Indian students to France by 2030. This ambitious objective reflects the strong desire to enhance educational and cultural ties between the two countries.
Application Details
Applications for the Classes Internationales program are open until March 31, 2024. Interested students can apply on the official website – Click Here, demonstrating the program’s forward-looking approach and commitment to facilitating educational exchanges between India and France.
