How to prepare for the Campus France interview? Our advices 1/2

Zoom on this famous interview!

Very often, this phase of the process arouses much apprehension among foreign students. That said, it is important to keep in mind that it is of paramount importance, because if you succeed, you will have a major asset in the issuance of your study visa. After the transmission of an educational and administrative file and after having made an appointment, it is time to prepare well and in order to put all the chances on your side, here are some of the questions that often come up during the interview .

Can you introduce yourself ?

If this question may seem trivial, it is very important. In fact, the agent who stands opposite has all your identity documents at hand so that they can find out more about you. However, he expects you to present yourself in a good manner. Since this is not an exact science, you must first have confidence in yourself and some confidence. Simply answer with your name, first name, age and what you currently do in life (third year Bachelor student, Master I student, etc.). Who knows you better than yourself? This first question is not destabilizing, so do not stress and take it easy.

Can you tell me about your academic background?

Like the first question, this is again a very basic question, but it is important to pay attention to the articulation and the good sequence of your ideas. Start with the Bac, then the license and finally, the master. Indeed, the consistency of ideas is much more important than the ideas themselves. “I obtained a Bac in Management Sciences, mention very well. Then I did a first year of core curriculum at the university, to then specialize in International Marketing. I am currently in my third year of license at XXX University. ” You see ? It is not rocket science!

Is this the first time you are going through this process?

Until then, all is well, isn't it? If this is the first time that you have taken steps, you answer: "yes, indeed, this is my first experience". If not, you can answer with "no, this is my second time. After a first try in 2018. " In this case, the agent may possibly ask you to justify this "failure". All you need to do is express yourself in simple and concise terms.

Can you tell me about your study project?

We come to a very important, even decisive question. Indeed, your study project must be well thought out beforehand. We advise you to draw up a small, coherent list of your background in order to make your interlocutor understand that your ambition is to continue your studies in France. We would agree that if, in your country of origin, you are oriented on a course related to fashion, you will not be able to defend yourself if you have chosen training in marketing or commerce.

The Campus France agent will deem it useless to give a favorable response to your file if you provide him with an unconvincing answer. To do this, think about what you are going to say, because it is useless to invent training that you have never done before. Depending on your specialty, you can, for example, explain to him that following a common core, you would like to specialize in a specialty that Parisian schools offer. So your speech will not sound wrong. If you are not convinced of the relevance of your study project, the person in front of you will not be either!

What is your career plan ?

We finally get there! This question, which probably tends to anger certain candidates and leads Campus France agents to destabilize you. Indeed, if you master your study project well, you will be able to defend your professional project without any problem. Our advice is above all to make the link between the studies to be undertaken and the position you would like to occupy in the future. For example, if you are studying finance, you cannot say that you would like to become a restaurateur, it has no direct relation to your diploma. So, be logical and consistent in your words! It is very important to find out about the opportunities of the training courses you are registering for! All information is available on the school websites!

Save these tips and we'll give you more!

The first impression is always the most important. The questions cited above are those that were unanimously asked during the Campus France educational interview. Other questions will come to grips with these and which we will address in the next articles. That said, you should know that the Campus France agent is there to ensure your level in French and also to ensure your ease in defending your study project and professional project. You will be able to train with someone close to you, because these questions are inevitable and if you are unable to answer them, you will suggest that you risk a penalty for the notice that the agent will give to the end of your interview. In our next articles, we will explain other important questions relating to the choice of schools, training courses, the city, etc. We will also discuss with you the mistakes to avoid during your Campus France educational interview.

To be continued ...