Many international students are eager to study in France since the country possesses famed universities whose tuition fee is quite inexpensive. The number of higher education institution also became the appeal of the country.

In a ‘Bonjour’ talkshow: Studying in France on Thursday (19/5) at hall of Warung Prancis of Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY), Mazayannisa, a director of Warung Prancis across Indonesia, informed “There are seventy five state universities in France whose tuition fee was covered by government.”

The government decides that the tuition fee of all departments is similar except Department of Engineering, which is more expensive than other departments. “Students pay under 1,000 US dollars or 13.3 million rupiahs each year, and it is for local and international students. The government argues that the students is capital of Inland Revenue,” Maza told.

As the third largest country accepting international students, eleven universities of France are included in top 250 QS World University Rankings. Two of them are listed in top 5 European universities and top 50 world universities. “The two universities are Ecole Normale Superieure Paris and Ecole Polytechnique Paris Tech. Studying in France is the gateway to see the world,” she mentioned.

Besides, Yerry Wiryawan, Doctor of History of EHESS Paris as well as the awardee of Bakrie Graduate Fellowship (BGF), conveyed that most of graduates from France are needed by European companies. “The other characteristic of studying in France is the language. The students are required to master French so that they will easily apply for job in various great companies in the world, particularly in Europe,” Yerry uttered.

The government provides three-month French training for international students. “I was not able to speak French so that I could not understand what French people talked about. I joined French training for three months in a town in France. The way to master the language is practice and do not be afraid to make mistakes,” he told.

Additionally, Director of UMY, Puthut Ardianto, M.Pd. said that the talkshow aimed at acquainting Warung Prancis of UMY to students and enhancing their cultural understanding of Indonesian and French culture.

“The talkshow is conducted each month. The other objective is to promote French as the gateway. The language is also learned through games,” Puthut informed.