The country is fast emerging as one of the most popular destinations for Indian students seeking higher education
ABHISHEK KARMALI
France is one of the advanced developed countries but has traditionally not been popular with Indian students wanting to pursue higher education. The primary reason was that English was not the primary medium of instruction. Also, the rules governing the ease of procuring a student visa for Indian students were not very friendly. But all that is passé. Today, France is fast emerging as a popular destination for Indian students, especially for the ones seeking their master’s degree. It offers international students a unique educational experience with its world-class universities, diverse academic programmes, and a high quality of life.
In 2022, around 7,000 Indian students registered for various programmes in France. This is estimated to increase to 30,000 registrations by 2030. Here is a look at the primary factors contributing to this trend.
Attractive student visa
One of the most attractive features of studying in France is that Indian students pursuing their masters degree in France are now eligible for a five-year post-study work permit. This is significantly higher than what the U.S.A., Canada and some of the major European countries offer to Indian students. This gives sufficient time for the students to secure a good job and subsequently to seek permanent residency in the country. Unlike the U.K., France is still part of the European Union which gives easier access to the students to other major European countries as well.
High quality of education
France is home to some of the biggest and most prestigious universities in the world. Some, like University of Paris, ENS Paris, and HEC Paris are examples of truly global universities with state-of-the-art education facilities. One of France’s primary strengths as a study destination is the diversity of academic programmes it offers. Whether you’re interested in arts and humanities, science and technology, or business and management, French universities provide a wide variety of courses to fulfil this interest, both at an undergraduate as well as postgraduate level. France offers good opportunities, especially for students wanting to study in fields like business management, engineering, fashion, hospitality, art and design.
English-taught programmes
While French is the primary language of instruction, many universities especially for the masters programmes are offering degrees with English as the primary medium of instruction. This makes higher education in France more accessible to Indian students who are not known to be proficient in French. However, it’s always advisable for students to learn French since it will allow them to blend with the local culture and also improve their chances of securing a good job after completion of their course.
Lower cost of education
Education in France is not entirely free. However, compared to the U.S.A. and even the U.K., France is relatively cheaper to study in. The French government provides scholarships and grants which are available for Indian students too, provided they get selected for the same. The French government also provides housing assistance to ease the financial burden on students. The student visa also allows Indian students to work for 20 hours a week which helps them to earn while studying, hence helping them manage day-to-day living expenses.
Research and innovation
For students wanting to pursue their PhD, France offers a great opportunity for research and innovation. The country is home to numerous research institutions, and many universities have collaborations with major industries. As a student, you get exposure to cutting-edge research projects and gain valuable practical experience, enhancing your academic and professional profile. High-quality research projects can also get funded by the industry with most universities having strong tie-ups with the global industry.
High quality of life
France is one of the most advanced developed countries in the world with rich history, cultural diversity, and beautiful landscapes. While the countryside is pristine and breathtaking, the urban infrastructure boasts world-class transport, healthcare and education facilities. Students can explore world-famous museums, art galleries and historical sites. The opportunity to immerse oneself in French culture, cuisine, and traditions is an educational experience in itself, contributing to personal growth and enrichment. The per capita GDP is close to 40,000 dollars, which is among the highest in the world ensuring that its citizens on an average are among the richest in the world.
In conclusion, I would advise students to look beyond the U.S.A., Canada, the U.K., and Australia when they aim to pursue their dreams of studying abroad. France is one such attractive alternative. However, one should consider factors like the type of course, quality of university, objective of studying abroad, budget, and future goals before making an informed decision.
(The writer has a PhD and is an overseas education consultant, trainer, and life coach at Career Crafters-Panaji. He has over two decades of experience dealing with students at the higher education level.)
Featured Events
The Goa Hiking Association is organising a State-Level Trekking and Adventure Camp from December 26 to 30 at Tamdi Surla, Dharbandora. Activities will include trekking in the Western Ghats, rock climbing, river crossing, and more. Details: 8600572050 / 9822984848 / Pramodkamat107@gmail.com. Registration deadline: December 15. (Image used for representational purposes only)
Featured Blog
Fontainhas – Goa’s Latin Quarter
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The Goan Fish Tales
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Whirlpools, crocodiles, and more. Find out what the life of a fisherman is like.
A cool breeze blows and the water laps gently against the river bank. A man walks towards the river carrying his floating net. He gets into the boat and uses his strong arms to expertly row to the desired spot to cast the net for catching fish. SHERYL GONSALVES | NT GOGOANOW This happy-go-lucky Goan is Prakash. He goes fishing 2-3 times a week as it is one of his ways of earning a living. During his childhood, he had a tough life as his parents struggled to feed him and his seven siblings. From a young age, he was a keen learner. Just by watching different people at work, he was able to pick up various other trades like carpentry and vegetable cultivation. He has observed that during the summer there is more fish to catch. According to him, the months of April, May, and June are the best months to fish. During the rainy season, he avoids fishing as the river waters get choppy. In the past few years, fishing has become a bit tougher for him because of crocodiles and seals. Seals move very quickly to steal the fish they catch and even come to bite them. […]
Azulejos- Tiles, Thoughts and Art
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Chorizos- The King of Sausages
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An eco-farm with thrills and adventure for the first time in Goa
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Traditional sweets of Goa
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A sneak-peek into life in Goa decades ago
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Backpacking Guide: Panjim
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Who says a lockdown should be boring?
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When a fashion designer is in lockdown…
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In-conversation with Subodh Kerkar – Life during Lockdown
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A talk with a lady who creates Beauty out of Waste
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A simpler life is better ~ Literati Bookshop Founder
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A tribute to the cashew
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Beaches in Goa with less crowd
The shining sun is hitting the waves, making the ocean sparkle as it reflects the blue hues of the sky above. The gentle breeze and the calming sounds of the water make you slip into relaxation mode. However, there is one thing you may wish was different…. a beach that wasn’t so crowded! Written By: Sheryl Gonsalves Not to worry! Here is a list of beaches in Goa that’ll let you have a quieter, peaceful outing: NORTH GOA The North side of Goa has a notorious reputation for having crowded, noisy beaches. However, this isn’t entirely true. Here are some serene spots to visit for sand and sea… Morjim Beach This beach is quite famous for the Olive Ridley turtles who come to nest here and are helped by a group of volunteers who guard the nests and help the baby turtles get into the sea. The beach is also a favourite among Russian tourists, along with Ashwem beach close by, one will find signboards and menu cards in the Russian language. Mandrem Beach If you want to enjoy vast stretches of sand and water, this beach is the place to be! Colourful seashells dot the shores while little crabs […]
‘Rediscover Goa’ with Airbnb and experience the true beauty of the sunshine state
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Backpacking Guide: Old Goa
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Tour Goa in a helicopter!
Who knew flying high had so many benefits? Hawk Soaring Aerospace Pvt Ltd has started premium helicopter services in Goa for the first time. Here are the services they offer: Executive Charters Relish the flexibility of your schedule and achieve more on your business trips through exclusive day-trip charters! Interstate Transfers Reduce distances and do more on your workday or holiday as you smoothly travel across interstate borders! Airport Transfers Reduce travel time and avoid traffic jams as you fly from Mopa and Dabolim airports to your resort in air-conditioned comfort! Customised Heli Tours Delight in fascinating vistas and a Hawk’s eye view of Goa and explore places such as Hampi, Kolhapur and Shirdi like never before! Joy Ride (Per Person) *8000/-only Feel the adrenaline rush as you glide through the sky in an exhilarating 10-minute joyride across the State in the classic Agusta 119! (Time Slot: 11 am -12 pm, 3 pm – 4 pm.)
Goa in 48 hours – For the Adventurous
You’ve come to Goa and your adrenaline is pumping. You have so much energy and seeing the tall coconut trees and clear blue skies makes you even more pumped up. DAY 1 Use all your excitement to start your first day with a trek! If you were in awe of Goa’s natural beauty from the get-go, be prepared to fall even more in love. There are a plethora of organizers who take you to gorgeous places like the famous Dudhsagar waterfalls or some more hidden places that most tourists haven’t even heard of. The sights of the green foliage, chirping birds, and fresh air will surely make your heart sing. There are high chances that a delicious local lunch is part of your tour package. After you come back and rest, head out in the evening to a beach. If you’re tired, relax on the warm sand and relish the scenery. Otherwise, draw out your thirst for adventure again and try out exciting watersports. Parasailing gives the most thrills as you’ll get to glide in the air and watch the frothy waves below. If you are in North Goa, have a delicious local dinner at Florentine’s where there is a […]
Delightful Summer Fruits of Goa
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An unforgettable culinary journey
The new menu at Fortune Miramar will leave you spoilt for choice with fascinating options from cuisines around the world SHERYL GONSALVES | NT It was a day when the sun struggled to shine through the clouds. The rain beat down against my helmet and didn’t show any signs of letting up. However, even though there were partially waterlogged roads and traffic jams, there was one thing that kept me going – I was invited to try out the new menu at Fortune Miramar curated by executive chef William Dias. The new menu themed ‘Savour’ took two months to curate. Entering the Orchid restaurant in the hotel was a sight for sore eyes. The classy bright interiors were a welcoming visual contrast against the gloomy skies. My colleagues and I enjoyed the colourful mocktails brought to our table and then started digging into the Mezze Platter which had a variety of different dips like Muhammara, Hummus, Tzatziki, Olive Tapenade, Cauliflower Tartar, and Fatoush Salad. They were perfect flavour bombs with spicy and creamy notes. The crispy pita bread elevated the eating experience by providing texture. Mezze Platter We then had Malai Broccoli which was marinated in cashew cream, yoghurt, and […]
The marigold man of Goa
With a deep understanding of agriculture and a desire to bring locally grown marigold flowers to the Goan community, Amona-based farmer Krishna Sinari has embarked on the high-tech venture of marigold farming. RAMANDEEP KAUR | NT Inspired by the need for locally grown marigold flowers, Krishna Sinari, the owner of Prakriti Farm Products, has started a high-tech venture of marigold farming in a 3,000-square-meter plot. With a total of 5,000 plants, his farm boasts vibrant yellow and orange marigold flowers. The inspiration behind choosing marigold flowers as the primary crop stems, he says, is that even though Goa has a suitable environment for its growth, a majority of the flowers are brought in from other places. “Marigolds are essential for Diwali celebrations. So I chose to start my own marigold production to meet the local demand,” says Sinari, who holds a diploma in agriculture and has done various courses to enhance his knowledge in the field. Currently enjoying his first marigold harvest, the next crop of flowers will be during Diwali and later for Tulsi Vivah. After that, he will move on to the next crop. Sinari has previously cultivated hybrid chillies and lady fingers and plans to explore other […]
Goa-based musician ‘Discokid’ to perform at Serendipity Arts Festival 2023
Among the eight exceptional music artists handpicked for the B-side Music Production Residency programme, ‘Discokid’, a Goa-based musician will be performing at the Serendipity Arts Festival 2023. The 11-day workshop concluded in Olaulim recently and was organised by the Serendipity Arts Foundation. The eight artists namely Dzerouengmit Lepcha, Fatima Hakeen (Discokid), Lenix Lobo, Hasan Shahrukh, Govi, Ashel Unger, Rushaki Ghosh and Medhaj Dempo, delved deep into the intricacies of music production using Ableton Live, a digital audio workstation during the residency, which formally culminated on October 20. The residency was mentored by industry experts, including Jay Pei, Megha Balani, SHFT and Puneesh Suri. Fatima Hakeen aka ‘Discokid’ is a musician and producer based out of Goa and has been featured in well-known online music shows like Mixmag Goa and Worldwide FM. Over the eleven-day intensive program, the participants explored a myriad of techniques, from working with audio clips and MIDI basics to advanced production methods, honing their skills and collectively broadening their creative horizons. “Each participant brings a unique flavour to the table: from Dzerouengmit Lepcha’s soulful melodies to Discokid’s groovy beats, Lenix Lobo’s experimental sounds and Govi’s fusion of Carnatic vocals with indie and alternative genres. Hasan Shahrukh, with his expertise in […]
Glow of Epiphyllum – Brahma Kamal flowers of Goa
Recently, I came across a news story about a record-breaking bloom of 28 Brahma Kamal flowers in Goa. The spectacular sight of its prolific blossoms in the video took me on a trip down memory lane. We, too, had this beautiful plant in our garden, lovingly tended by my grandmother. Commonly referred to as ‘Bramhakamal’ in Goa and likely across the country, this plant is scientifically known as Epiphyllum Oxypetalum. Belonging to the Cactaceae family, it is an exotic plant native to the rainforests of Central and South America. Interestingly, it has no botanical connection to the true Bramhakamal species, scientifically named Saussurea obvallata, which is found and revered in Uttarakhand and the Himalayan regions. The slight resemblance between Epiphyllum Oxypetalum and the original Bramhakamal may explain the confusion between the two. Also known as the Dutchman’s Pipe Cactus or Queen of the Night, this flower truly lives up to its regal title. In our garden, this plant held a special place in my heart. Its slightly puffed, elongated leaves distinguished it from the other greenery. The celestial blooms appeared rarely, usually between July and September. One of the most unique aspects of this flower is how it unfurls its […]
Festa do Povo: Festival to Showcase Goan Heritage, Food, & Culture
The well-known community festival, Festa do Povo, returns to Panaji again, to promote Goan culture and heritage. The festival is coordinated through community involvement, with assistance from the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) and Imagine Panaji, along the pedestrian walkway lined with mangroves at Patto Plaza near the Spaces building. Residents from various wards in the city, who reside in heritage homes and blocks, participate in the festival’s planning. What food can you expect here? It ranges from Goan-Portuguese to Hindu Saraswat to Muslim dishes, cooked by local home chefs, Panaji restaurants, and even international chefs. The food section of the festival showcases Goa’s rich culinary diversity across various religious communities. Additionally, a special Feni bar and beverage station featuring local drinks will enhance the festive atmosphere. Day one (December 14) will feature traditional Shigmo dances and children’s craft activities curated by Bookworm, a -book store for children. Participants can enjoy a variety of performances, including the Kaustubha Ballet, the beloved Stuti Choir, the traditional dekhni dance, and enchanting melodies by the Sound of Music. On the second day, December 15, there will be brass band performances, percussion displays, and carol singing by students from Nirmala School. This […]
