> EPF

Founded in 1925 by Marie-Louise Paris, EPF Ecole d'Ingénieurs was one of the first French Grande Ecole to educate women for the engineering profession. EPF is accredited by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research and the "Commission des Titres d'Ingénieurs." In 1991, EPF acquired the status of a Public Foundation, and in 1993 became a member of the "Union des Grandes Ecoles Independantes" (UGEI). Although EPF has been coeducational since 1994 and no longer spells out its acronym Ecole Polytechnique Féminine, it is very proud of its history as an educator of women in sciences,and still actively encourages them to enter and excel in all realms of engineering.

EPF is a Graduate School of engineering with a five - year school general engineering sciences curriculum . There are approximately   200 students in each graduating class. Throughout the program , classroom instruction is alternated with obligatory practical internships, many of which are carried out in foreign countries.

The “diplôme d’ingénieur” (Master’s degree) specializations :

• Information and Communication Systems Management
• Industrial and Logistics Engineering
• Energy and Environmental Engineering (courses in English)
• Mechanics of Materials and Structures
• Engineering Management
• Aeronautics and Space

In addition to international academic and internship exchange opportunities, 25% of EPF students are enrolled in double degree programmes with the following institutions :

• Embry Riddle Aeronautical University (USA)
• Hochschule Munich (Germany)
• Universidad Pontificia Comillas - ICAI Madrid (Spain)
• Monterrey TEC (Mexico)
• University of the Basque Country, Bilbao, Spain
• University of Quebec at Chicoutimi, Canada

EPF proposes to international students special options:

• Study as an exchange student: for one or two semesters: there are different possibilities to study at EPF as an exchange student, as EPF belongs to several networks and has a lot of bilateral agreements with universities from all around the world.

EPF School of Engineering is located in the southern Parisian suburb called Sceaux. It is only a 20 minute commuter express train ride away. The school is situated right next to a 152 hectar park (380 acres), with fountains, reflecting pools and woods. The castle houses a summer classical music festival in the Summer as well as numerous other cultural activities. EPF is within the Hauts-de-Seine administrative department, which is the largest industrial centre in the Ile-de-France (Parisian region). The Hauts-de-Seine is also one of the most important industrial centers in the entire country. In the past, the region boasted only large automobile, aeronautical and armament enterprises, but today it has diversified and most sectors of industry are well represented. Some 200 foreign companies are established here and for the most part are active in the following sectors : pharmaceutics, chemical industries, electronics and the service industries. There are 200 public-funded research centers and more than 80 research centers in the private sector.

For any further information, you may contact :

EPF – International Relations

Tel. : + 33 - 1 - 41 13 01 91 - Fax : + 33 - 1 - 46 60 39 94

E-mail : international@epf.fr

Website : http://www.epf.fr

> ESTP

The “Ecole Spéciale des Travaux Publics, du Bâtiment et de l’Industrie” (ESTP) was founded in 1891 and officially recognized by the State in 1921. In a little over a century ESTP has trained some 30.000 engineers and 7.000 site managers and has become the French institution that trains the biggest student flow for the civil and building engineering and planning industries. Since 1999, ESTP is officially associated with another French “Grande Ecole”, “Arts et Métiers ParisTech” (ENSAM), specialized in mechanical & industrial engineering.

• 80 % of ESTP graduates are employed in the civil engineering and building industries,
• The main French professional organizations and companies representing civil engineering, building engineering, the electrical and electronic industries, mechanical engineering, archichectural and planning, and the surveying profession are active partners of ESTP. (Boards, counseling, teaching staff, internships, R & D, scholarships, sponsorships…)
• 90 % of the teaching staff hold professional positions in public or private sector companies,
• Courses involve a combination of academic study and on-the-job training.¨
• ESTP is involved in many international programmes and activities and has professional partners all over the world. (63 universities in 30 countries)

Today, ESTP offers a large variety of training programs at different levels

• the "diplôme d'ingénieur" (master’s degree) in engineering, five specializations : civil engineering, building engineering, mechanical-electrical engineering, topography-surveying and engineering architect (with ENSAPLV).
• a two year diploma for construction site managers in civil and building engineering.
• Bachelor degree in construction and site management (with partner Institution CNAM).
• professional one year specializations "Mastères Specialisés" for holders of Master's degrees in the following fields : management, facilities Management, sustainable housing & construction, management of small and medium sized construction firms, risk management, construction & management of health institutions.
• various Continuing Education programmes for adult professionals in the field of construction .
• Master's degrees with other partner universities and Grandes Ecoles : Geomatics (with ENSG, ESGT, INSA Strasbourg), Risk Management (with GRID and ENSAM), Civil Engineering (with Paris, VI, ENS Cachan, ENSAM, ESITC Cachan ).
• Phd studies in the areas of risk management, materials, geomatics, geotechnics, lean modeling, architecture / prototyping.  

ESTP is located in the very heart of Paris, in the Latin Quarter opposite Notre-Dame Cathedral and has also at its disposal a campus of eight hectares in Cachan, in the southern suburbs, linked to the Parisian premises by direct commuter express train .

For any further information, you may contact :

ESTP – International Relations

Tel. : + 33 - 1 - 44 41 11 48 - Fax : + 33 - 1 - 44 41 11 12

E-mail : information@adm.estp.fr

Website : http://www.estp.fr

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The Programme

Caroline MOUTON MUNIZ – Head of the French Language Departement. information@adm.estp.fr

Click here to download the brochure

EPF organized its first language courses in 1992 to better prepare its foreign students for study in France. In 1998, EPF invited ESTP to join its programme so its exchange students could receive the same linguistic and cultural preparation.This highly successful programme (attracting also members of the administrative & teaching staff) is now open to adults and students from other institutions who are interested in improving their French. Although there are many cultural aspects integrated into this course, the emphasis is on solid language training for people studying or working in the field of engineering and computer science. Course attendance and serious study is mandatory.

1. The first one (and largest part) is devoted to improving French language skills
   
2. The second one part of the programme introduces the participant to the French approach to engineering and technical vocabulary
   
3. The third one is an introduction to France and includes brief courses on intercultural issues, France's past and present, and museum visits.
   A tourism module is not included in this program. The museum and historical site visits appearing on the schedule are included only as illustrations of specific points described in the lectures. Students are therefore strongly encouraged to do their own tourism before/after the program and on the weekends.

Two courses will be held:

Winter course from February 15 th to March 5th , 2010. Level A2 . It is not possible to attend for a shorter period. Classes begin on Monday 15th of February at 9:00 at ESTP - 28 avenue du Président Wilson - 94230 CACHAN.

Summer course from July 5th to August 27th, 2010. It is possible to attend for shorter periods (minimum 2 weeks).

Summer programme :

Students following the complete 8 weeks, 160-hours course, may earn 10 ECTS credits.

From 5th July to July 16th , classes are held at EPF - 46 rue du Lycée, 92330 Sceaux.

From July 19th , classes are held at ESTP in Cachan - 28 Avenue Président Wilson 94230 Cachan.

While beginners are required to start on July 5th or August 2nd, more advanced students may integrate into classes, also on July 19th or August 16th.
Friday afternoons are free in order to allow the students to visit Paris or go on weekends.

The morning class is devoted to French language courses including French culture and civilization. In the afternoon, there are four different types of courses offered:
- Scientific vocabulary courses in French (Maths, Physics, Mechanics, etc.)
- French tutoring sessions
- Conversation groups, role-playing games and films in original version
- Cultural and technical visits
All courses are compulsory to earn the total amount of ECTS credits. Each class will have around 15 students.

Language professors are university graduates with a solid experience in teaching French as a foreign language and they possess knowledge of foreign cultures which gives them a better understanding of their students. Technical classes are taught by EPF and ESTP professors Students have the opportunity to acquire a solid background in scientific vocabulary (Maths, Physics, Mechanics, Computer Science etc.) to allow them to begin their further education in France with no language barriers.
Cultural classes are given by a variety of guest university lecturers.
Foreign students may find a day in our French programme longer than in their own university. 5 or 6 hours of classes per day is the average. It is a typical school day spent in a French institution. Students who come to study in France need to be prepared for long days of classes given in French. However, during our Summer and Winter programmes, we always try to leave one or two afternoons free in the schedule to allow students to do their homework and to visit Paris. Experience shows that the students’ comprehension level improves very quickly. It is a very gratifying experience.

Attendance is very important in the French school system. We are very strict on that point as we only deliver ECTS credits to students who follow the whole programme. Students who have more than 3 unexcused absences are penalized.

The written placement tests and the needs forms must be completed and returned by e-mail before arrival. An oral test will be given on the first day. We offer several levels of language. These tests are not graded. Their sole purpose is to determine your level and place you in the appropriate group. Written and oral exams are given at midterm and classes are re-organized according to the results. Final exams are given at the end of the term. We offer the possibility to take a local test: TFI. http://www.fr.tfi-europe.com

Transcripts are issued at the end of the programme.
A certificate will be given during an official ceremony at the end of the programme. Certificates are awarded only to students who attend courses regularly.
Last year's time Schedule

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Practical Information

Deadline for enrolment in summer: June 1st, 2010.

If you are interested in joining one of our Language Programmes, please fill in the registration, housing and needs analysis forms found on the web site. Payments will be made by direct credit to EPF bank account. Payments are due 4 weeks before your arrival. Ask HUGON Emmanuel at ESTP for any details.

Residency card : For students who stay at EPF or ESTP (or another school in France) beyond the summer course : none-EU residents must contact the Espace CampusFrance or the French consulat authorities in their country.

Word to the wise: make about 15 black and white photos of yourself in an instant photo machine. They will be required for the various administrative papers you will need in France.
The Prefecture may require you to provide a certified French translation.
Non EU residents will be required to pass a medical examination.

Transportation: Upon your arrival, buy a transportation pass " Navigo" (montly ticket) for " Zone 1 à 3". For a price of around 110€/month, it will allow you to use unlimited public transportation(bus ,metro, RER) between Paris and any place located within the three transport zones.

Accommodation :

Housing in a family

We have an agreement with an agency that provides accommodation with Parisian families. We strongly recommend that students should choose this option as it is the best way to improve their conversational skills in French. Please contact us for more information.

Student Hall of Residence can be found in different locations in Paris (La Cité Internationale Universitaire) or in Parisian suburbs (http://www.ciup.fr/cics). All have direct train connections to EPF and ESTP, as well as to the centre of Paris. Our secretariat is in charge of the booking.

The Cité Internationale Universitaire brings together 37 French and international halls of residence in a 34 hectare park located in the south of Paris (Train and tube station "Cité Universitaire" - RER B). Our administration office is in charge of the booking.

Like a campus, the Cité Internationale Universitaire offers, apart from lodgings, a set of resources, equipment and services for students related to everyday life, to sports and culture, for the use of both international students and French citizens, whether or not they live in the halls of residence. Prices may vary from one house to another.

In Winter we have access to a house Résidence Ecole Centrale in Châtenay-Malabry. Please contact us to book a bedroom.

In Summer, students will be housed in a different dormitory than in the previous sessions. We have access to 2 different student Halls of Residences.

The first one is located on ESTP campus.

The price is 75 € per week.

Our administration office is in charge of the booking.

Here are the details :

ESTP Student residence
41, rue Marcel Bonnet
94230 Cachan

You can reach the halls of residence on the RER B line. From Charles de Gaulle airport: Take the B line of the RER to Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse / Robinson and stop at Arcueil Cachan Station. From Orly airport, take the ORLYVAL (train going directly to Antony), then the RER B line to Aéroport Charles de Gaulle / Mitry-Claye and stop at Arcueil Cachan.

It is a five minute walk from the station to the residence, 10 mn by train to reach EPF and 15 minutes from central Paris.

The rooms

For those who have never stayed in a dormitory in France, it is useful to know that dorm rooms are typically small. This said, you will have a single room with shared toilets and showers. The rooms are furnished and cleaned by campus' staff. Each room has a single bed, a bedside table a wardrobe, a desk, a sink with mirror.

Laundry

Blankets and pillows are provided. Students have to bring their towels and sheets.

Meals

Students may eat at any student restaurant in Paris. For health and security reasons, household appliances (electric oven, small electric or gaz cookers,...) are strictly forbidden in the rooms.

Internet and phone

Each room is equipped with an internet access, and telephone for incoming calls. Payphones are available on campus.

To apply for university housing, please fill in the online housing form with your registration form and send it back with your payment to Emmanuel HUGON Online Registration Form

The second dormitry is situated in the Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris. La Maison des Industries Agricoles et Alimentaires (MIAA)

The prices for a single standard bedroom is 130 €/ week. The prices for a twin-standard bedroom is 100 €/week.

From Charles de Gaulle airport: Take the B line of the RER to Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse and stop at Cité Universitaire Station. From Orly airport, take the ORLYVAL (train going directly to Antony), then the RER B line to Paris and stop at Cité Universitaire.

To apply for university housing, please fill in the online housing form with your registration form and send it back with your payment to Emmanuel HUGON Online Registration Form

Youth hostel (Auberge de jeunesse) is also a possibility for those who have a short budget and prefer to be housed in the centre of Paris. Please contact them directly. http://www.aloha.fr

Lunch break :  It is possible to have lunch in the student restaurant of the Cité Universitaire, in Paris (RER station "Cité Universitaire" 20 minutes from EPF or ESTP). Meals cost around €3 . To have access to this restaurant, you need to have a student ID card (which will be provided upon your arrival).Snacks (sandwiches, salads …) may also be bought near EPF and ESTP campuses.

Student ID card : Please bring one identity-type photograph. Upon your arrival, you will be given a student identity card that will give you access to university restaurants, and enable you to get discounted rates for many activities, such as the cinema, concerts, museums..

Health insurance : EU residents need to bring a E-111 or E-128 form or European card as proof of insurance coverage. Register at the local Social Security with this form when you arrive in France. Experience shows that the administrative red tape attached to obtaining international reimbursements is rather complicated. Non EU residents must obtain coverage from a private insurance company, either in their own country, or in France. So, even if you already have coverage, EPF and ESTP strongly recommend that you take out complementary insurance in France. Be sure that a repatriation clause is included. For short and long term coverage you can contact www.assistance-etudiants.com. They are specialized in covering students during their stay in France. It costs approximatively €81 for 2 months. Nevertheless, if you prefer to use your own insurance, do not forget to bring your company's explanation that stipulates what steps should be taken in case there is a problem. For a stay of more than three months, registration to French student health insurance is compulsory. Formalities through your French school/university.

Medical concerns : Remember that just because you go abroad, your body does not necessarily stop needing medical attention. This is particularly true if you plan on practising sports and / or participating in active leisure activities while you are here. But in any case, regular check-ups are necessary, no matter where you are in the world. France has a good medical system. Even so, it is common sense to complete any urgent medical/dental work at home before you depart for France. Also, bring your medical records with you: this will make it easier for local doctors to diagnose any malfunctions. And bring enough medicine with you to treat any ongoing medical condition for the duration of your stay. If you prefer being treated by doctors who speak your own language, you can obtain list of these practitioners from your embassy/consulate. Please note that if a doctor's name is on the list, it is not to be construed as a "recommendation by the embassy". It simply means that the person speaks your language and has asked to be included on the list. Please consider informing us about any physical/medical condition you might have that could eventually need attention during classroom hours. Prior knowledge will help us to be better prepared to assist you in the event that an intervention is needed. (This information will be kept strictly confidential.) For emergency numbers, please consult the annex.

In winter, France can be very cold. The temperature is often around 0° C. Don't forget your jumper and coat!!
In summer, you may wear what is comfortable, including T-shirts and shorts. However, we do suggest that you pack a few dressier items as you might want to go to a nice restaurant. Also, you do well to remember that summer weather in Paris is changeable and unpredictable, sometimes changing several times in the same day. It can range from cold & wet to hot & dry. The best advice would be to dress in layers, bringing at least one sweater and long pair of pants, a light jacket, and an umbrella, in addition to your usual summer wear. Swimming wear for men: only classic racing briefs are accepted in French public swimming pools.

Banking : Students studying in France will need to open a bank account when they arrive. To help you with this procedure we have made an agreement with the BNP Paribas (see contact address below) and have obtained good conditions for our students.

Shopping :The Halls of Residence hall are located on line RER B, close to train stations "Cité Universitaire". So it is very easy to travel on the RER to reach a number of shopping areas. All kinds of shops may thus be easily reached by a short underground ride. From EPF, shopping malls are also easily accessible by bus ("Vélizy 2" - bus 390. From Bourg-la- Reine station, "Belle Epine" - Bus 192 from Bourg-la-Reine station or EPF). Near EPF, there are interesting outdoor markets in Sceaux (on Wednesdays and Saturdays) and supermarkets (Simply Market in Sceaux, MONOPRIX and CHAMPION in Bourg-la-Reine). And of course, the famous Parisian department stores like Les Galeries Lafayette, le BHV, and all kinds of small and fashionable shops and supermarkets are at a short distance from ESTP and the residence.
Eating-out: Paris is full of restaurants of different delicacies and cuisines and also from different price ranges. No doubt you will obviously find your favorite restaurant or bar among them…

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Cultural Activites

There are many sites to seen in the immediate surroundings of the two schools. Paris offers you unlimited cultural opportunities. Your student ID card gives you discounted rates on many activities, such as movies, concerts, museums, etc.All students under 26 and from the European Community have free access to french National Museums (http://www.culture.gouv.fr/culture/regions/regions_grat.htm)

Here is a list of the most popular sites in Paris :

• •  La   Tour Eiffel : Paris' landmark: in 1889 Gustave Eiffel gave the French flag a 300 m (984 ft.) pole to commemorate the centenary of the French Revolution .

  •  L'Arc de Triomphe : This arch was built at the top of the Champs-Elysées in memory of Napoleon's Great Army.

  •  Les   Champs Elysées : The triumphal avenue leading to the Arc de Triomphe.

  •  Notre Dame : A major French landmark . A masterpiece of gothic architecture.

  •  Les 2 opera houses : The original one built by Garnier in 1875 & the new Opera Bastille from 1989 to commemorate the bi-centenary of the French Revolution .

  •  Les   Invalides : The major dome in Paris, housing the tomb of Napoleon , is part of a majestic hospital ordered by the Sun-king, Louis XIV.

  •  Place de la Bastille : Landmark of the French Revolution better known today as a hip district hosting the new opera house .

  •  La Madeleine : Neo-Greek temple ordered by Napoleon in homage to his Great Army, today a rich catholic parish.

  •  L'Assemblée Nationale : Facing the Luxor obelisk, this neo-classic palace (18th) houses one of the two chambers of the French parliament.

  •  Place des Vosges, Le Marais : A famous early 17th century square with some of the most beautiful Parisian apartments in the centre of the medieval district.¨

  •  Le   Sacré Cœur : The Basilica overlooks Paris from Montmartre.

  •  Le   Palais Royal : Famous for its gardens , today they are a haven of peace next to the Louvre.

  • Le   Panthéon : This Impressive late 18th century neo-classical temple hosts the remains of great men and women in French history .

  • La Défense : The 21st century skyscrap er business district, erected just outside the western city-limits of Paris was recently added to with the construction of the spectacular Grande Arche.

  •  La   Basilique Saint-Denis : A splendid gothic church where French kings were buried from the middle-ages until the 19th century.

  •  Le Centre Georges Pompidou (Beaubourg) : Cultural Center and Modern Art Museum built in 1977 in the heart of the former Parisian market area "Les Halles"

  •  L'Institut du Monde Arabe (IMA) : the Arab World Institute is a place of culture that is the fruition of a partnership between France and twenty-two Arab countries. The IMA, a foundation under French law, was conceived to raise awareness of and to encourage development and communication of Arab culture. Today, it has become a true "cultural bridge" between France and the Arab world.

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Useful contacts

• Useful websites
  
  EPF: http://www.epf.fr
  ESTP: http://www.estp.fr
  RATP (Parisian transportation : maps, schedules.) http://www.ratp.fr
  Information about Paris: http://www.cityvox.fr
  General information about France : http://www.france.diplomatie.fr/venir/index.html
  Paris Tourist office (information, restaurants, hotels, events.) http://www.paris-touri stoffice.com
  Information about education in France: http://www.edufrance.fr
  Assistance Etudiants : http://www.assistance-etudiants.com/?page=52,6-57-51,gb
  
  
• Banks
  
  BNP- Paribas - 27 rue Houdan 92330 Sceaux. For information please contact elodie.amsellem@bnpparibas.com
  
  
• Supermarkets
  
  Close to EPF : Monoprix - 8, rue René Roeckel 92340 Bourg-la-Reine - Open Monday to Saturday
  Simply Market - 70 avenue Jean Perrin 92330 Sceaux - Closed on Mondays
  Vélizy 2 - From Bourg la Reine station, bus 390
  Belle Epine - from EPF or Bourg la Reine station, bus 192
  Close to ESTP : ATAC 24 rus Causté 94230 Cachan
  
  
• Useful phone numbers
  
  First aid : 15
  Police : 17
  Firemen (first aid) : 18
  Anti-poison centre : 01.40.05.48.48.
  Medical emergency : 01.45.07.77.77.
  Dental emergency : 01.47.78.78.34.
  Health : Institut Mutualiste Montsouris - 42 boulevard Jourdan 75014 Paris Tel : 01 40 78 21 21
  Taxis (Bourg-la-Reine) : 01.46.61.00.00.
  Taxis (Paris) : Alpha : 01.45.85.85.85.
  Taxis G7 : 01.47.39.47.39.
  Taxis Bleus : 01.49.36.10.10.
  Train information / SNCF : 08.36.35.35.35.
  To report the lost or a stolen credit card: 08.36.69.08.80
  Post Office - open 24h/24h - 52, rue du Louvre 75001 Paris

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