Yaoundé, January 2021. Dia, a young banking executive with over 10 years of experience, wishes to train to broaden his skills in banking compliance and financial markets. France is the obvious choice. But at 39, can one get a student visa? The answer in this experience report.
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Also read: Studying in France: Why this country?
Dia, residing in Cameroon, already had an established career in the financial field. After accumulating eight years of experience in microfinance and spending two additional years in a financial firm, he felt the need to engage further in banking compliance and financial markets. To achieve this goal, he sought to pursue his studies and broaden his skills. His employer, recognising his potential, agreed to grant him a one-year leave so he could focus on training in France.
“I have been a financial analyst in a financial firm for 2 years, before that I worked 8 years in microfinance. The firm is sending me to continue my training in France as we aim to broaden our skills in banking compliance and financial markets. I received admission to MBA ESG Paris since May.”
Also read: Studies in France: How to choose your course?
In May, Dia received excellent news: his admission to MBA ESG Paris. However, this opportunity raised doubts and uncertainties. At 39, he wondered if his age would be an obstacle to his application. Moreover, a three-year break in his previous studies raised concerns about the impact on his application.
Also read: Studying in France: The guide to obtaining your admission
Seeking Help and Guidance
In his quest to prepare his application, Dia turned to @Andrew, an active member of the World like Home community (WlH), for help and advice. He shared his concerns about his age and the break in his studies, seeking reassuring answers to build a strong application.
Andrew responded positively to his request and began guiding Dia through the crucial steps for building a strong application. They worked together on how to present his professional background, highlighting his experience in the financial field. Meanwhile, @Fideline, another figure in the community, came to offer additional support, thus creating a valuable support network for Dia.
The preparation of the application proved complex. Dia had to clearly explain the reason for his break in studies and the positive impact this experience had on his professional journey. The issue of age also resurfaced, raising doubts about the acceptance of his application in an academic programme. The community responded with kindness, offering advice and words of encouragement to dispel his worries.
Visa Process and Anxious Wait
Once the application was carefully prepared, Dia submitted his visa application in September, ensuring to provide all required documents, such as the accommodation certificate, financial proofs, and his employer’s internship authorisation. The wait for the response from the French embassy was a stressful period, but Andrew’s advice allowed Dia to remain confident and patient.
In a tense October, the wait seemed endless. Each day was marked by growing anxiety, each minute stretched like an eternity.
“We are now Thursday, 30 September, I submitted a visa application on 22 September, so here are 6 working days. Should I worry that the embassy hasn’t responded yet?”
Then, suddenly, the long-awaited announcement burst forth: after nine days of unbearable suspense, Dia’s visa was approved by the French embassy in Cameroon. This unexpected victory triggered an explosion of joy and gratitude towards the WlH community, especially towards Andrew and @Fideline, whose invaluable support had been crucial in this decisive stage of his journey. He expressed his joy in these words:
“Indeed, I have happy news to announce to all members of the WlH community. The processing of my application had a happy outcome. On 4 October 2021, the French ambassador in Cameroon finally decided after 9 working days to grant me the visa. I submitted the application on 22 September 2021 and the decision was made on 4 October 2021.
"This is an opportunity for me here to particularly thank Mr Andrew, who I admit does a phenomenal job with his team because it is here that I learned to build my application solely based on their advice.
I will not forget Fideline, who almost adopted me in private and accompanied me during this period of intense stress.”
« Intense stress, » says Dia rightly. How many students are anxious in this endless wait for visa approval, where seconds seem to turn into months, and days into years? When we already have a background and an age similar to our friend Dia, the days can seem to last light-years, with all the questions that arise: will they refuse my visa because of my age? Is it because of this or that aspect of my application? In the end, patience remains a virtue.
Dia’s journey highlights determination, community collaboration, and the ability to overcome doubts and obstacles to achieve educational and professional aspirations, regardless of age or previous interruptions in the academic journey. It is an inspiring example of perseverance and success.
Do you also want a private exchange with Andrew, the guardian angel of international students like Dia for the study procedure in France? Get your Preliminary Analysis Private Pass for an evaluation of your application and maximise your chances of obtaining admission and why not a student VISA?
Siankam Inesse & Ewang Cynthia, assisted by ChatGPT Your Community Happiness ladies
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