From Algeria to Morocco, with stops in Burkina Faso and then Cameroon, this article revisits the major themes that made student news for week 39 of the year 2023.
Keywords: News, student, press review.
freepik image
With the Campus France campaign for the 2024 - 2025 academic year having started since 1 October in #Algeria, Campus France draws attention with the application fees to be paid online within 48 hours of submitting the application. These fees, amounting to 20,000 DZD for the full rate and 10,000 DZD for the half rate, help fund the application management. Campus France Algeria also reminds students to be wary of scammers posing as intermediaries of Campus France or the French Consulate General in processing their applications.
Meanwhile, in #Burkina Faso, according to Agencecofin.com, the Burkinabè Ministry of Higher Education is seeking to re-enroll students in « another friendly country » for those wishing to study abroad after the suspension of student mobility with France. The countries solicited to host the students are not specified, but eyes are turning towards Italy, Germany, and England. Scholarships from the Burkinabè government to other countries, such as Canada, Morocco, or Tunisia, remain valid.
In #Cameroon, according to Jeune Afrique, ahead of the tenth edition of the French Studies Promotion Fair (Sapef), scheduled for 10 and 11 October in Yaoundé and 13 to 14 in Douala, a persistent rumour on social media suggests a restriction on the number of visas granted by France to Cameroonian students wishing to pursue their studies in French universities. These allegations, which went viral and were immediately picked up by some local media, were deemed unfounded by Thierry Marchand, French ambassador to Cameroon, during a press conference held on the occasion of the inauguration of the new visa application processing centre.
The diplomat explained that since 1 January, more than 3,200 visas have been issued to Cameroonian students, which is much more than last year, constituting « a record number of visas ». Contacted by Jeune Afrique, the press service of the French embassy conceded longer processing times than desired, during a period of high demand. « There is an extremely large number of students wishing to go to France. Unfortunately, the processing time has not been as fast as in a normal situation, » said the embassy, which assured that « all applications will be processed within a few days ». Has the recent death of the French vice-consul in Douala and the rumours of malfeasance around the issuance of visas to France played a role? Ongoing investigations will tell us.
In #Morocco, according to Leseco.ma, ESSEC Africa with its Campus in Rabat offers students from the continent the opportunity to benefit from a programme equivalent to that of ESSEC in France or Singapore, with the possibility of obtaining a Moroccan bachelor’s degree and a French master’s degree. The institution also offers international experience opportunities and maintains a high level of academic excellence through a rigorous selection process and attentive educational support.
Regarding grandes écoles, L’étudiant reports on preparatory classes for grandes écoles (CPGE) that actively prepare their students for competitions through « colles ». These are oral examinations lasting 30 minutes to an hour between a student and an examiner (the « colleur »). These examinations allow the evaluation of students’ knowledge in the main subjects of their field, but also develop their speaking skills and understanding of the course. The colleges also provide valuable educational support to help students overcome their difficulties and succeed in entrance exams to grandes écoles.
For studies in the health field, L’étudiant reports on the various financial aids available to support health students. In addition to Crous scholarships, other emergency aids can be mobilised, and specific contracts, such as the public service commitment contract (CESP), offer the possibility of funding health studies in exchange for a commitment to practice in an underserved region. Financial incentives are also offered by some local authorities to encourage future health professionals to settle in their region.
According to Le Parisien, ecology is increasingly influencing students’ choice of school. An Opinionway survey estimates that the consideration of environmental issues in study programmes varies. Some students are satisfied with the integration of these issues, while others regret the lack of content related to the ecological emergency. This disparity between students’ aspirations and the reality of their education can sometimes lead to frustration and prompt them to consider reorienting towards fields more in line with their convictions.
Also read: 2023 S38 Weekly Student Press Review
Team World like Home assisted by ChatGPT Your Community Happiness ladies
About World like Home World like Home supports students in their study projects in France. For more information: World-like-Home.com