WHY FRANCE ?
France, formally known as French Republic or République Française, is a country located in northwest Europe. Both historically and culturally, France is among the most important countries in the Western world. France is known for a long time been an economic and linguistic extension between northern and southern Europe. It is Europe’s most significant destination today.
Having decided to further your education in France, be ready for one of the most culturally evolved and breath-taking European destinations. France is one idyllic place, an invigorating cosmopolitan country brimming with light, style, music, and art. It is famous for its cuisine; the country’s culinary popularity has beckoned the master chefs of tomorrow to gather this expertise too. French fashion is well known to the whole world, as many fashions show takes place in Paris around the year. Dotted with luxury hotels and exclusive resorts many affluent fashionistas visit Paris making it known as a ‘Country of Luxury, Fashion and Beauty’ Paris has history of hosting numerous important fashion show fests. The French Riviera also cradles the most important resort town, Cannes, which host one of the most coveted film festivals.
Studying in France is an exceptional experience. It has an advanced education system which is reputed to be one of the best in the world. When compared to other destinations, it is the pocket-friendly study fee that makes France one of the most popular study destinations.
About Lyon City
A vibrant city Lyon is the most prominent city after Paris in France and most prominent centres for European business. Merited for being listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, Lyon boasts of a thriving economy, excellent quality of life, and famous for cuisine. One of Europe’s most attractive destinations it is a perfect city for your international study and memorable experiences. It is not surprising that Lyon was chosen as the ‘Best Student City’ in France in 2018 by the student magazine “L’Etudiant”.
The public transport system is remarkable. The city is located such that you can reach number of cities in Europe in less than 2 hours by plane or train or bus. The lively city has a dynamic cultural life. It is art lovers’ paradise with 15 libraries, 22 museums, and an array of theatres. Lyon is famous for hosting many grand events such as Grand Lyon Film Festival (Festival Lumière), the biennale festival of lights and contemporary arts and dance amongst many.
A gastronomy capital of France, the city is adorned with restaurants, patisseries, bistro-style bouchons that serves Lyonnais and 150 restaurants with Michelin stars. Take your pick at the numerous fresh food markets which is firmly entrenched in culinary tradition. Don’t miss out the wine tasting event of sample some best tasting wines. Other main attractions include Fourvière, Vieux Lyon, Pérouges, and the Silk Factory.
Climate & Weather
Packed by the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, the Alps and the Pyrenees, France has four distinct seasons from these four distinctive regions.
From snow-clad mountains to radiant sunny coasts, from shady woods to mineral-rich flatlands, the country is an amalgamation of different seasons and an amazing landscape. Primarily the French climate is temperate, the oceanic climate of western France brings rains that are spread over numerous days.
Central and eastern France’s mainland harbours extreme climes such as cold winters and sweltering summers. The Mediterranean climate of south-eastern France is accountable for sweltering, dry summers, with rainfall from October to April (when the environs is soggy yet gentle and adequate daylight throughout the entire year. At 600-800m in height, France’s mountainous climate brings heavy rains, and snowfall, every three to six months each year.
Places to visit
The French lovingly call their cherished country “l-Hexagon” because of its distinctive geographic six-sided shape. Each part of France has its remarkable trait: the French Alps displays its rough and outdoorsy side while Provence shows off its sun-soaked and calm pace; the captivating and dazzling Côte d’Azur coastline leaves Alsace untainted.
Paris and Versailles are must-see destinations on the first outing to France. Other travel agendas must incorporate stops at elegant coastline resorts, fantasy palaces, and gothic basilicas. More off-the-track sights can be expected in the countryside, for example, at farmhouses in Burgundy, fishing towns in Brittany, and villages in the backwoods of the Pyrenees Mountains.
From refined urban communities to spotless natural locales, France offers unending vacationing spots and the best places to visit in the world.
French Cuisine
Auguste Escoffier known as “The King of Chefs and the Chef of Kings” turned French food into modern 20th-century haute cuisine. Culinary tourism includes familiarizing people with the food bourgeoisie of the elites as well as the rustic cooking of the French.
French food changes according to the season. In summer, crisp mixed greens (salads) and other fresh organic product dishes are found in abundance. Towards the end of the summer, mushrooms become copious and are used in stews. With the coming of the hunting season in September, all kinds of meat are eaten by cooking intricate dishes that celebrate the spoils of the hunt. Shellfish and escargot are at their pinnacle when winter goes to spring, and clams show up in eateries in huge amounts.
VISA
It is necessary to be acquainted with visa procedures and requirements. The French government is known to regulate these issues depending on your citizenship. It is important to note that a visa is not required for EU citizens.
If you only live in an EU country and are not a citizen, you will have to apply for a student visa at the French embassy/consulate in the country in which you reside. If the CEF (Campus France) procedure is used in your country of origin, you do not have to return there in order to apply for admission to a French institution of higher education. Citizens of Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein do not require a visa.
For non-residents of the EU, you would need a residence permit (VLS-TS) which is valid for one year. It can be renewed and student has to apply before the validity date. If you are from a country outside of the EEA, you will need to purchase health insurance for your stay in France. The insurance cost ranges from €20-€50 per month depending on the cover. International students will also need to prove that they can financially support their studies. To avoid delays students are requested to begin the visa procedure as soon as they receive the Acceptance Letter from School. Aura Lyon does not accept late comers after three weak of intake date; if you do not obtain visa on time, your enrollment will be delayed till the next intake.
For non-residents of the EU, you would need a residence permit (VLS-TS) which is valid for one year. It can be renewed and student has to apply before the validity date. If you are from a country outside of the EEA, you will need to purchase health insurance for your stay in France. The insurance cost ranges from €20-€50 per month depending on the cover. International students will also need to prove that they can financially support their studies. To avoid delays students are requested to begin the visa procedure as soon as they receive the Acceptance Letter from School. Aura Lyon does not accept late comers after three weak of intake date; if you do not obtain visa on time, your enrollment will be delayed till the next intake.
“VISA LONG SÉJOUR – DEMANDE D’ATTESTATION OFII ”
online link will be shared to the student email ID along with the granted visa. It is a very important link because you will need it to validate your visa in France. Normally, before your visa is validated you cannot leave France for visiting other Schengen Countries.
The Aura Lyon helps its students with OFII procedure, so the students can complete the visa validation process. The OFII procedure has to be completed by international students after reaching France within the three months of their arrival.
