> 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,the scholl remains very proud of its feminine history and actively encourages women to enter and excel in all fields of engineering.

EPF is a five year multi-disciplinary engineering school, with the two year preparatory course integrated into the curriculum. There are approximately 170 students in each graduating class. During the five year course, classroom instruction is alternated with obligatory practical internships, many of which are carried out in foreign countries.

Towards the end of the fourth year, students choose their major from the following eight fields :

• Systems and Computer Networks
• Information Systems Management
• Telecommunications
• Industrial Engineering and Logistics
• Energy and Environmental Engineering
• Mechanics of Materials ans Structures
• Business Engineering and Project Management
• Aeronautics and Aerospace

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)
• Fachhochschule Munich (Germany)
• Universidad Pontificia Comillas - ICAI Madrid (Spain)
• Monterrey University (Mexico)

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.

> ESTP

ESTP has a long and prestigious history. Founded in 1891 by Léon Eyrolles, the institution was officially recognized by the State in 1921. In November 1999, the private, non-profit-making organization ESTP was associated to another, state-owned, "Grande-Ecole" specialising in mechanical and industrial engineering, ENSAM (Ecole Nationale Supérieure d' Arts et Métiers). In a little over a century, ESTP has trained some 30,000 engineers and 7,000 site managers and has made its reputation as "THE" Grande Ecole for professionals in civil, building, and industrial engineering.¨

• 70 % of ESTP graduates are employed in the civil engineering and building industries,
• The main professional organizations representing civil engineering, building engineering, the electrical and electronic industries, mechanical engineering and the surveying profession are active partners of ESTP.
• 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.¨
• Since 1980, ESTP has signed co-operation agreements with universities abroad. Today the institution has 42 academic exchange partners all around the world.

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

• A "diplôme d'ingénieur" , a three year master's degree in engineering with   five specializations : civil engineering, building engineering, topography-surveying and engineering architect.
• A two year course for construction site managers in civil and building engineering.
• Professional one year specializations "Mastères Specialisés" for holders of Master's degrees in the following fields : Management, Facilities Management, Management of Small and Medium sized construction filed companies (with GRID and ESAM).
• Various Continuing Education programs for adult professionals with FORMAPELEC.
• Master's degrees, with partner universities and Grandes Ecoles : Geomatics (with ENSG,ESGT, INSA Strasbourg), Risk Management (with GRID and ESAM), Civil Management (with Paris, IV, ENS Cachan, ENSAM, ESTC Cachan ).  

ESTP is located in the very heart of Paris, on boulevard Saint-Germain 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 (20 minute ride).

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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: for the winter course -

Winter course from February 15 th to March 5th , 2010. Level A2 (see the needs analysis form). 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. In July classes are held at EPF.
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 students to visit Paris or go on weekends.

The morning class is devoted to French language courses. 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
- Cultural and technical visits
All courses are compulsory to earn the total amount of ECTS credits. Each class will have no more than 15 students.

Language professors are university graduates with a solid experience teaching French as a foreign language and they possess experienced 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 often remark that a day's work of courses at the Summer Language Programme can sometimes seem quite long. While this is true, it should be noted that our scheduling corresponds to typical schooldays spent at French institutions. Students who will be remaining in France to study need to become accustomed to sitting through long hours of classes given in French. Thus, the first few courses at the Language Program will probably seem difficult to follow. But experience shows that the students' comprehension levels improve very quickly. Needless to say, this is a very gratifying experience. In the French education system, contact hours with the teacher are preferred to a heavy personal work load. French teachers regularly hand out photocopies of lecture highlights, accompanying notes/exercises, and selected readings. Students are expected to use these, together with their own personal notes, to learn the class material. It is hence readily apparent that attendance is extremely important: if you miss one class, you will not be able to fall back on a textbook to catch up. To this end, attendance is noted in every class and attendance figures into the final grade (see breakdown of final grades). Students having more than three unjustified absences may be subject to expulsion.

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.

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 10th, 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.

Visas: for students staying more than 3 months, or coming from outside the EU ( European Union), you must apply for an "entry visa" before leaving your own country. Please request a "letter of invitation" from Emmanuel HUGON to complete your visa formalities

.
Residency card :For students who stay at EPF or ESTP (or another school in France) beyond the summer course: both EU and non-EU residents must apply for a "carte de séjour" (residency card) at the "Prefecture de Police" within 3 months after their arrival in France.
You will need to present the original of the following documents and have photocopies ready to leave at the office:
. Valid passport or national identity card
. An attestation from the housing office
. Proof of registration at the summer course (Emmanuel HUGON)
. Record of financial resources: (scholarship certificates, attestation that your financial needs are being covered)
. Proof of health insurance coverage
. Proof of civil liability coverage
. A birth certificate issued no more than three months before (have several certificates made as you will need them for other formalities).
. 4 black-and-white identity-type photographs (bring another set for other formalities)

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.

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.

Transportation : Between Paris and ESTP campus - buy a monthly ticket for "Zone 1 à 3". For a price of around €75/month, it will allow you to use unlimited public transportation (bus, metro, RER) -  
Attention : the card is valid from the 1st to the 30th / 31st of the month ; if you arrive in the middle of the month, just buy a "weekly" ticket (cost around €23). Valid from Monday to Sunday. One ticket costs €2.25.

The RER line B connects EPF (Sceaux station), ESTP (Arcueil Cachan station).

A few details for now

The site

The rooms

For those who have never stayed in a dormitory in France, it is useful to know that dorm rooms are typically small, sparsely furnished, and not at all luxurious. Also, the facilities are far from being the most modern. The French government has chosen to keep the dorms extremely simple and a bit run down, and that way prices are kept at a bare minimum. French students are very grateful for this - we prefer good prices over luxury.
This said, you will have a single room with shared toilets and showers. 

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

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

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

Transportation : Upon your arrival, buy a transportation pass "Carte Orange mensuelle" (monthly ticket) for "Zone 1 à 3". For a price of around €100/month, it will allow you to use unlimited public transportation (bus, metro, RER) between Paris and any place located within the three transport zones.
Attention : the card is valid from the 1st to the 30th / 31st of the month ; if you arrive in the middle of the month, just buy a "weekly" carte orange (cost around €20). Valid from Monday to Sunday. The RER line B connects EPF (Bourg-la-Reine station), ESTP (Saint-Michel station) and the Halls of Residence (Cité Universitaire).

The prices for a single and standard bedroom is about 500 €/ month.The prices for a twin-set and standard bedroom is about 400 €/month.

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 housing form enclosed and send it back with your payment to Emmanuel HUGON

Youth hostel (Auberge de jeunesse) is also a possibility (in summer and winter) 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 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. In order to help students in this area, EPF has made a special arrangement with an insurance company for short and long-term coverage. It costs approximatively €81 for 2 months and the administration and reimbursements features are amplified. 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. See Website : www.assistance-etudiants.com

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. For those who do not know: France has an excellent medical system, with many foreigners coming for treatment specifically because the service offered here is far superior to that proposed elsewhere. 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 is located on the campus of the Cité Internationale Universitaire, which is in the South of Paris, close to the train station "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, La Samaritaine, 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 EPF (for example, Versailles is only 15 minutes away by car) and it takes only 20 minutes to reach central Paris by public transport. ESTP is located in the very heart of Paris and many sites are at a walking distance from its premises. 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 - Place de la République Orsay 91400. 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 : Franprix - Rue Domat - 75005 Paris
  Close to the Halls of Residence : Monoprix Daguerre - 8, avenue du Général Leclerc - 75014 Paris
  
  
• 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

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

If you have further questions, you may contact
M. Emmanuel HUGON - ESTP - 57, boulevard St Germain, 75005 Paris, France
Tél. : 00-33-1-44-41-11-48 - Fax : 00-33-1-44-41-11-12 - HUGON Emmanuel

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