In this modern era of globalisation, there is seamless movement of individuals across the globe. Whether for leisure, business endeavours or the pursuit of higher education, there is a wealth of opportunities for Bruneians beyond national borders.
While we are familiar with the typical higher education destinations favoured by Bruneians, where the United Kingdom (UK) often stands out, France is reaching out with open arms to citizens of the Sultanate, positioning itself as an educational destination with distinct offerings unique to French higher education.
In an effort to showcase the higher education possibilities in La Belle France, Alliance Française de Brunei Darussalam, the French language and cultural centre, organised a talk at its premises in Kampong Tungku recently.
Supported by the French Embassy in Brunei Darussalam, the session was marked by a collaborative effort with Campus France, the French public agency dedicated to promoting French higher education globally, and its Indonesian branch as well as the Alliance Française de Medan.
The organisations shared their knowledge and experiences, enhancing the participants’ understanding of the educational landscape in France.
Kicking off with a briefing by Alliance Française de Brunei Darussalam Director of Studies Guillaume Graff, the initial session clarified the requirements for studying in France, including the levels needed to obtain the French language diploma.
Meanwhile, the subsequent virtual sharing sessions delved into the services offered by Campus France, covering topics such as student visas and access to information on postgraduate and graduate programmes in both French and English.
Nur Hidayah, an alumna of Campus France Indonesia, shared her testimony, underscoring the exceptional quality of courses in France.
Hidayah emphasised the added benefits of potential financial support from the French government for accommodation and the affordability of tuition fees, positioning France as an excellent choice for international students seeking academic excellence and the opportunity to explore Europe.
Notably, English-based university programmes in France were highlighted for their significantly lower tuition fees compared to countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, the UK and Singapore.
The third session, facilitated by Alliance Française Medan President Pogy Kurniawan provided practical feedback from local students who studied in France, offering a glimpse into the enriching multicultural experience that France provides.
The collaboration between Alliance Française and the sessions serves to reinforce a positive message, encouraging both international and Bruneian students to consider studying in France.
Established in 1986, Alliance Française de Brunei Darussalam continues to be a significant player in fostering French language and culture locally, playing a vital role in connecting the two cultures under the auspices of the Embassy of France in Brunei Darussalam.
With 37 years of history in the Sultanate, it remains a unique environment where individuals can authentically experience French culture in Brunei. – Riza Faisal
