Campus France

Eiffel scholarship-holder Caio, on a postgraduate course at the Sciences Po University in Paris, is delighted: “Compared to students who are not on grants, I realize I’m very lucky”. Caio is particularly appreciative of the support provided by Campus France, especially as regards accommodation assistance and personal attention.

What were your first impressions of Campus France?

For the first year of my postgraduate course at Sciences Po, I was selected for an Eiffel scholarship and asked to get in touch with Campus France. Accommodation was naturally one of the first issues I raised with them. I was met at the airport when I landed in France, and taken to the Campus France offices, where they offered me a choice of three flats. So I moved into my bedsit the very first night.

What did you appreciate most?

I found this service very efficient indeed. One accommodation proposal would have been great, but I’d never have expected to be given a choice of three.

What about your subsequent dealings with Campus France ?

Same story: a highly efficient, businesslike approach. For example, my course included a week-long project in Montréal. So I called Campus France and they got me the plane ticket and paid me the allowances that would help me finance this trip. Then they run a very good programme of cultural events. We’re well looked after.

Have you experienced other arrangements, without Campus France ?

Yes: for my first year in France, on a joint programme with Sciences Po and the Sao Paulo university, I didn’t have a grant. So I do notice the difference, and it’s not just financial. Then I’ll be extending my stay in France with a gap year, so I’ll be fending for myself again.