New Delhi: ‘Classes Internationales’ is a special program launched by French President Emmanuel Macron for Indian students who want to pursue higher education in France. The program allows students to learn French for a year in India before applying for a degree of their choice in any French institution.
The program will start in September 2024 and will be offered by the Institut Français en Inde (IFI), the cultural wing of the French Embassy in India. The IFI has branches in Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Pondicherry.
Students who enroll in the program will have access to online and offline courses, cultural activities, and academic guidance. They will also have the opportunity to take the DELF (Diplôme d’études en langue française) or DALF (Diplôme approfondi de langue française) exams, which are internationally recognized certifications of French language proficiency.
Why is it important?
The program is part of France’s commitment to strengthen its educational and cultural ties with India, as expressed in the joint statement signed by President Macron and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 26, 2024. The statement highlighted the importance of student mobility, academic cooperation, and cultural exchange between the two countries.
President Macron said that he wants to welcome 30,000 Indian students to France by 2030, up from the current 10,000. He said that if this goal is achieved, he will be “the happiest president”. He also praised the talent and potential of Indian students and encouraged them to explore the opportunities offered by France.
How did it happen?
The program was announced by President Macron during his two-day visit to India last week, where he was the chief guest at the 75th Republic Day celebrations. He also visited the Amber Fort in Jaipur, where he met with Indian students and alumni who have studied or are studying French. He interacted with them and listened to their experiences and aspirations.
He also inaugurated the Knowledge Summit 2, a platform for dialogue and collaboration between Indian and French universities, research institutions, and industry partners. He announced several initiatives to boost innovation and research cooperation between the two countries, such as the Franco-Indian Education Trust, the Indo-French Centre for Applied Mathematics, and the Indo-French Water Centre.
