Université de Corse I Master Droit des Affaires I Study in France

Name: Leisan

From: Russia, Republic of Tatarstan

Studied in: France

Studies start: 2018

Grade: Master’s degree

Program: Business Legal Support / Corporate Law / Business Entrepreneurship

University: Université de Corse

Program satisfaction rate: 4/5

Internship: Yes

Job: Yes

🎓 Application

How did you learn about this program?

The Republic of Tatarstan closely cooperates with the French Republic. One of the results of this cooperation is the establishment of the French Henri Poincaré grant under the republican program Algarysh, aimed at supporting young scientists and specialists. Knowing about my interest in European and international law and business, as well as my passion for the French language, a teacher from the Department of Foreign Languages (where I studied part-time between my law classes) suggested that I apply. I agreed.

Why did you decide to enrol in this program?

Adventure and madness (just kidding). I have always been interested in international law. I admire Europeans’ ability to conduct negotiations diplomatically, comply with all formalities when drafting contracts thanks to their almost perfect legal technique (the Napoleonic Civil Code has existed since 1804, while the modern Russian one appeared in 1994 — a 200-year difference is very noticeable!). I am inspired by the way the French conduct politics, and by the stories of Francis I (a contemporary of Henry Tudor), Napoleon Bonaparte, Nicolas Sarkozy. So, France was an obvious choice. And, of course, jurisprudence.

What was your application experience?

To enrol, we (the applicants) registered on Campus France, through which we sent our resume, CV, transcript, and recommendation letters from professors to universities in French.

The same documents were also sent to the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Tatarstan in Russian. A bit later, I sent my bachelor’s diploma, translated into French and notarized in Russia, as well as my birth certificate, translated by a certified French translator (birth certificates in France have stricter requirements than diplomas because they require an apostille — a seal that allows recognition abroad — so this document was translated by a native speaker. It didn’t need notarization since certified French translators have an authority equivalent to a notary).

At the same time, I needed a certificate confirming my French language proficiency at the international level (DELF / TCF). At first, I tried DELF B2 but fell short of the passing score by 12 points (lol).

Later, I took the TCF. Unlike DELF, this exam simply determines your level, whatever it is. Still, I scored only A2, while I needed at least B1 (since the faculty was law — a humanities discipline — it was necessary to understand and use the language almost perfectly).

I was ready to give up because of upcoming final exams at the law faculty, but with the support of my loved ones, I pushed myself to retake DELF, this time at B1. And I passed! (Hallelujah).

The exams were not free: DELF cost about 3,500 rubles each, and TCF about 9,500 rubles. DELF is valid for life, while TCF expires in three years — both have their pros and cons.

The final Russian stage was an in-person interview with a representative of the French Embassy in Moscow, rectors and professors of Kazan universities (Kazan is the capital of Tatarstan), and ministry officials. They asked about my choice of specialization, how the experience could benefit my country, and how I would implement it in practice. I remember one grey-haired official in the first row saying after my speech: “We have many biologists, engineers, linguists… but we’ve never had lawyers. So, will you start a revolution?”

I replied: “Lenin already tried to start a revolution after his emigration. He failed. I am more interested in reforms.” The jury laughed, and later I was informed that my application was accepted.

What level of English is required to enter this program?

English was not very important in my program. Its knowledge was more of a “cherry on top” than a requirement. I had never studied it before and only started learning in France.

What level of French is required to enter this program?

Apart from DELF, I took an entrance test at the university. The assignments fully copied the DELF format. This procedure is mandatory for all non-Erasmus international students (Erasmus is a non-profit EU program for student and teacher exchanges between EU member states, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, and Turkey).

💡 Your impressions from your study abroad experience

What are your general impressions about this program?

The first year was hell’s kitchen. I had NEVER been abroad before.People think the key to studying abroad is language, but the real key is psychological resilience and endurance.

Arriving in Corsica, I wasn’t prepared for the amount of effort needed for studies, the absence of friends, or being hated just for existing. I thought I had strength and character when leaving home — but that only develops after surviving many local challenges.

Upon arrival, I almost ended up homeless because my file was mixed up. My first night I slept with a pack of toilet paper under my head instead of a pillow. You constantly have to prove your right to exist with endless paperwork, because bureaucracy is a “fortress that won’t be surrendered without a fight.” And to keep France from waving goodbye, you have to study like crazy and even sleep in the library until the guard finds you.

And that’s not all — you need to defend yourself when insulted, unclog sewer pipes, carry luggage the size of a house, and spend nights at windy train stations among homeless people. Then, after such a night, stand in front of a class in high heels with a bright smile and tell the professor “Everything is great!” And later post a sunny Instagram picture, staying for everyone an endless source of motivation.

One year is too short for adaptation, but everything you go through definitely strengthens your inner core.

This year also wasn’t problem-free. After three months in Russia, my French bank closed my account for insufficient funds. I had not canceled my housing insurance when leaving, and nobody told me I had to. The deposit I left should have covered a month’s bank fees, but due to the ongoing contract, I was fined €60, my account went into the red, and my file was sent to debt collectors. Now I am resolving this — even bank staff say it’s “n’importe quoi.” The amount is small and was paid almost immediately, but two banks have already refused to open an account for me. Fortunately, last year we had a banking law course, so I know the theory — now I’m testing it in practice (lol).

What was the major program value for you?

In four years of a bachelor’s in Russia, I didn’t learn as much useful knowledge as I did abroad. I also discovered myself — my limits of patience, endurance, persistence… and my limits of “I can” (which, it turns out, don’t exist).

What did you like about this program?

Its very existence. Taking part in it was the brightest moment of my life.

And what didn’t you like?

We often complain about French bureaucracy, but I actually received more support from it than from the Algarysh program supervisors in the Ministry of Education of Tatarstan. My curator, whose duties (clearly stated in the contract) included “support of scholarship holders,” did not answer a single one of my emails. In more than a year, I received just one general invitation to participate in an event — and it went straight to spam. Our officials still have room to grow in terms of ethics and professional responsibility.

What is the hardest part of studying abroad?

The initial adaptation. But honestly, it’s hard all the time — you can’t lose vigilance, you must stay focused and switch tasks quickly. But that’s what makes us competitive.

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

Yes, in many ways.

In France, we usually study from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with a two-hour lunch break, five days a week. Classes can be canceled, as in Russia, but that only piles up work for the end of the semester.

Students’ priorities differ — in Russia, it was important to get a “5” (top grade) rather than real knowledge. In France, grades matter too, but there’s a real fight for knowledge — seen in hours in the library or researching online. I can count on my fingers the Russian classmates who were equally interested in courses.

Teaching methods also differ. Some professors first give an assignment — you struggle through it using the bibliography, submit it, and only then they give the theory. Strange, but it sticks in your head and organizes your knowledge.

Exams are like the Unified State Exam in Russia but without metal detectors. Bags stay by the wall, student IDs are collected until you hand in your paper. No cheating — if caught, you can be expelled and banned from any university for five years.

How did your typical day look like?

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📌 Useful resources

If you had questions or issues, where did you get help/advice?

Everywhere possible — from my mom to emails to the French Embassy in Moscow.

Did you contact other students with a similar experience?

Yes, I consulted girls who went a year before me under the same program.

Could you recommend websites which might help study abroad?

Campus France, university websites (for specific internal requirements), RFI, TVMonde.

💰 Finance

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

The program itself was free. I lived entirely on my scholarship grant.

🏠 Accommodation

What was your accommodation experience?

As a government scholarship holder, Campus France helped me find housing. Last year, I lived in a small dormitory studio, paying €150/month and receiving about €50 back in housing aid from CAF. This year, I wasn’t given a dorm room because of new tuition fee rules for foreigners — although my university didn’t apply them, they limited foreign student dorm places. I now live in a private studio (like a hotel residence) for €550/month including utilities.

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

€150/month (with CAF aid) in year one, €550/month in year two.

🚀 Career opportunities

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

My internship is expected this year. I monitor hh.ru, indeed.fr, and LinkedIn for French-Russian organizations in both countries.

Did your university help you in this process?

Professors may help with contacts and advice, but generally, you search yourself.

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

I’m looking for a role in commercial, financial, and contract law with languages involved. Pay should be at least the local minimum wage (~€1,000), but €600–€800 is already good for an intern.

Did you find a job after graduation?

I plan to work in Russia (and must, per my contract with Tatarstan). Ideally, I’d like to stay where I do my internship — which is why I mostly search for internships in Russia.

🌏 Your future plans

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

I’ve grown attached to my island, but my family, friends, and partner are in Russia — so the answer is obvious.

What do you like about France? And what not?

I love the nature where I live — cliffs, mountain rivers, blooming gardens with pomegranate trees and azaleas, the sea coast, the sun.The smell of fresh bread, Corsican wine Gloss Pogiale.The French communication style where you have to “mettre des gants” (put on gloves — be cautious not to get caught by an ambiguous expression).

I dislike the fight for gender equality, open display of homosexuality, and an exaggerated “correctness” that could be skipped in some situations.

I love my studies, even though they are extremely difficult and stressful (at one point, stress gave me acne, weight loss, hair loss, and brittle teeth — now it’s fine). I’m inspired by French history, art, and architecture.I like myself here.

Could you give a piece of advice to future students?

“The road appears under the feet of the walking.”I even tattooed this motto on my leg.

Don’t give up. You don’t know how strong you are and how much you can achieve. Life is a game — play it with dignity, wisely, beautifully.Nothing is worth your health and happiness, nor that of your loved ones.Dream.Good luck!

Date: October 2019