Université d'Orléans I Master I Study in France

#Master #DoubleDegree #2014 #UniversitéD’Orléans #France​

Name: Lena

From: Russia, Moscow

Studied in: France, Orléans

Studies start: 2014

Grade: Master

Program: Double degree, IT Management

University: Université d’Orléans

Partner University in your country: Tomsk Polytechnic University

Program satisfaction rate: 5/5

Internship: Yes

Job: Yes

🎓 Application

How did you learn about this program?

I learned about the double degree program with the University of Orléans at Tomsk Polytechnic University — the program manager contacted me and encouraged me to apply because my bachelor profile and knowledge of French made me a suitable candidate.

Why did you decide to enrol in this program?

By the time I heard about the program, I already had some experience of living and studying in France — I did an exchange in Lyon during my third year of bachelor studies. That experience was amazing and gave me a taste for international education, travel, and broadening my horizons. This double degree program offered the chance to earn two master’s diplomas in two years instead of four — very appealing as I was thinking about my future. Scholarships were also available, solving the financial aspect. I had loved France since school — its culture and lifestyle were always close to my heart. Even if I wasn’t yet sure whether I’d want to stay, I couldn’t miss the opportunity to spend another year in France and make the most of it.

What was your application experience?

To join the double degree, I had to pass an internal selection at my home university. I submitted transcripts, motivation letters, and recommendations. I also had to prove my French level, with B2 required via the TCF test. That part was the toughest: preparation courses, practice tests, stress... but I finally got a C1 certificate! After selection at my university, I was automatically admitted to Orléans. I also applied for a French government scholarship — it required another round of documents (transcripts, motivation letter, recommendations). I got the scholarship — it covered all my expenses and helped with the visa process. After that, it was just a series of admin steps for settling in Orléans.

What level of English is required to enter this program?

None — the program was in French.

What level of French is required to enter this program?

B2 (TCF certificate).

💡 Your impressions from your study abroad experience

What are your general impressions about this program?

Absolutely worth it. I’ve never once regretted it. Living abroad, travel, friendships, and priceless life experience. You see the world — and yourself — differently. The master's program required a lot of study, but student life was vibrant and full of social events, clubs, sports, and trips. Student discounts made everything accessible. On weekends, we traveled — even short trips gave us tons of emotions. It’s hard to capture just how impactful this experience was — it shaped who I am today.

What was the major program value for you?

The education, for sure. I now work in the field and live in France thanks to this program (though my path was a bit unusual). It gave me knowledge, experience, and a career launchpad. Friendships and international networking, budget travel across Europe, cultural exchange, independence, personal growth... I could go on forever — the program gave me so much!

What did you like about this program?

Relevance to the job market, strong demand for graduates, and clear career paths. By graduation, I knew employers needed my skill set. There were dedicated internship placements, and even with my less-than-perfect French and no experience, my motivation was enough to get hired.

And what didn’t you like?

I spent the first year of the master's at my Russian university alone — just me and the professors in class. That’s because the program was designed for students to complete the second year abroad. Also, after writing and defending my thesis in France, I had to write a second thesis in Russian in a short time. Not easy — a translation wasn’t enough. But all that fades with time.

What is the hardest part of studying abroad?

Language integration — not just understanding, but truly learning the material in French. Cultural integration — making friends, understanding local codes, while also accepting that you might never be 100% “local” — and that’s okay. Also, being far from family and managing all admin alone.

Is this experience different from your experience at your country’s university? If yes, how?

Radically different. More practice-based, more group work, and applied research. The grading scale (out of 20) is more flexible, and no one expects perfect scores. The 6-month internship is real — not just paper-pushing. You do real work, and if you do well, you might get a job offer.

How did your typical day look like?

Breakfast, classes from 9 to 14 (with lunch break), then rest, homework, gym around 17–18, then hangouts with friends — walks, parties, or chill evenings. During exam season, we replaced fun with study. Master’s study is intense, and you need to set priorities.

📌 Useful resources

If you had questions or issues (studies, language, administration, careers, integration etc), where did you get help/advice?

From alumni who had done the same program — much more than from Google.

Did you contact other students with a similar experience? Was their experience helpful?Yes — they were my main source of help at every stage.

Could you recommend websites which might help study abroad?

Unfortunately, I don’t remember the resources anymore.

💰 Finance

What was the cost of your program? How did you finance your studies?

It was free (state-funded). I received a French government scholarship and a small stipend from my Russian university.

🏠 Accommodation

What was your accommodation experience?

Université d’Orléans is 20 minutes from the city center by tram. I lived in a single studio room near campus, paying about €400/month. CAF housing aid reimbursed part of it. It was comfortable — my own kitchenette, shower, small room. Friends nearby, tram stop next door, supermarket 10 minutes away. We partied in the dorms, then went to bars in the city — no problem. The residence had laundry, a concierge, and a kitchen for simpler rooms. Lots of free dishes and essentials left by past students. Perfect balance of comfort and student life. Some preferred to live in the city — it’s a matter of taste.

How much did you pay for living per month during your studies?

I had a €1000 scholarship and lived comfortably on it.

🚀 Career opportunities

Did you do an internship during your studies? How did you find it?

Yes — 6 months in a French company. It was amazing! I was part of a real project and received great feedback and a job offer.

Did your university help you in this process?

My Russian university didn’t help. I found my internship at a university job fair in Orléans. I printed a stack of resumes, went booth to booth, smiled, and showed my motivation — and it worked.

What was the field of your internship? If you don’t mind please share the remuneration you got.

IT consulting — I earned about €1000/month (gross).

Did you find a job after graduation? Which field and how did you find it?

Yes. The company where I interned offered me a job, but I had to return to Russia to finish my second degree. I worked for 4 years as an IT project manager in my hometown. My French experience and two diplomas impressed employers. I kept in touch with my French company via LinkedIn.

🌏 Your future plans

What are your plans? Do you plan to stay in the country?

After 4 years, I returned to France in November 2020 — I got a contract from the same company I interned with. Networking works! I’m now finalizing my paperwork and adapting to life in France again after 4 years in Russia.

What do you like about France? And what not?

I adore the art de vivre, the balance, the pleasure in everyday things. I admire their culture, cuisine, nature, and social safety nets. Downsides? Bureaucracy, poor service, and outdated tech — but the pros outweigh the cons. I just want life to return to normal so I can enjoy all that I love here.

Could you give a piece of advice to future students?

1. Scholarships are real and attainable. Don’t be lazy — the effort pays off.

2. Travel as much as possible. Skip the extra beer or clothes and go explore every weekend.

3. The first few weeks are tough — that’s normal. Give yourself time.

4. Journal your experiences — it’s great for memory and useful for future students… like writing for Tell Me Panda four years later 😄