Kolkata, Oct 12 (Representative) In continuation of the mutual commitment to strengthen people-to-people ties, the French government has organised its educational initiative, Choose France Tour 2023, in Kolkata. This event coincides with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit as the chief guest for France’s National Day on July 14 and is being held in the presence of Didier Talpain, Consul General of France in Kolkata. The Choose France Tour offers a wide range of subjects where Indian students can consider pursuing their higher studies. This initiative, which aligns with the French government’s ambitious goal to host 30,000 Indian students in France by 2030, has attracted participation from as many as 50 French educational institutions, including universities, Grandes Ecoles, and colleges. This year the Choose France Tour is taking place from October 8 to October 15 in Chennai, Kolkata, New Delhi, and Mumbai. This event is being organized by the French Institute in India (l’InstitutFrançaisen Inde), the educational, cultural, and scientific wing of the Embassy of France in India, in collaboration with Campus France, a French government sector organization. Additionally, it is being supported by Alliance Française.
Speaking about the Tour, Emmanuel Lebrun-Damiens, Country Director, The French Institute in India, said, “Apart from the fact that France and India have an agreement for the Mutual Recognition of Academic Qualifications, which eases admissions in each other’s institutions, President Macron has also announced an ambitious goal of welcoming 30,000 Indian students to France by 2030. Welcoming Indian students to our academic institutions will lay the foundation for cultural comprehension and lifelong friendship between our two nations. Besides, it will also enrich our classrooms with diverse perspectives.” He added, “In addition to boosting student exchanges, the fairs will also help Indian students explore practical ways for seeking job opportunities in France after graduating there.” In August, France announced new initiatives that not only included the 30,000-student target but also encompassed the creation of ‘international French classes’ and the introduction of a ‘5-year validity short-stay visa for Indian Alumni. Non-Francophone students choosing to study in France will be able to learn French before their course if needed through international French classes, facilitating Indian students’ success in their studies and seamless adaptation to the French education system.
Furthermore, Indian students holding a Master’s degree or higher will be eligible for a 5-year validity short-stay Schengen visa after completing their first semester. Students can explore courses of their choice in fields such as management, engineering, hospitality, humanities, arts, architecture, and design, totalling around 1,700 programs delivered in English. They will have the opportunity to benefit from free counselling sessions provided by Campus France staff and gather information about scholarships, visa opportunities, and student life in France. Indian alumni who have studied in France will also be available to offer candid insights into their experiences as students in France. Additionally, students will receive support through favourable employment policies during their studies and after graduation. Moreover, students can visit over 40,000 monuments and protected sites, 41 UNESCO World Heritage sites, 8,000 museums and nearly 500 festivals. In addition to students, Indian and French educators will explore potential collaborations during the tour.