France has about 230 independent private schools of business and management, many of which are affiliated with chambers of commerce and industry.
Most programs emphasize internships and international exchanges, offering students ready access to the huge European job market. Teaching methods make use of the latest technology.
French Business Schools award national diplomas, which indicate their adherence to international standards of quality.
Our international programs can be found on www.business-school-pgsm.com

The public transportation system in and around Paris is probably the best of many cities in Europe in terms of geographical spread, speed, upkeep and tariffs.

The capital is criss-crossed with publicly-run services by bus, underground (or subway) and overhead rail and trams, which are all grouped under one authority, called the RATP.

You can buy one-journey tickets or the cheaper travel passes which allow you to use any of the services as often as you please. The pass commonly used by commuters in and around the capital is called Navigo, which covers transport across an area of up to some 50 kilometres (30 miles) around the capital.

The Paris underground metro train lines serve every small neighbourhood in the capital, and run from 5.30 am until 00.30 am. The average frequency of metro trains is about every five minutes. The metro lines are designated by number, and the direction of the terminus station.
There is also an express commuter train service, called the RER, which links regions outlying Paris with the centre of the capital, where it runs underground.

Tickets for travel within the city limits cost EUR 1.40 each (one ticket) or EUR 10.50 for a set of ten, called "un carnet de tickets".

One ticket gives you access to either the bus or metro, and for the duration of one uninterrupted journey only, although in the case of the metro you can ride as many lines as necessary to get to your destination.

Prices for the "carte orange" vary according to the geographical zone you choose, but start at EUR 50.40 per month for Paris only and finish at EUR 136.90 per month for the entire Paris-region. There are also weekly and inter-suburban rates.

You can find tickets, passes and information from any metro station, and carnets of tickets are also available at any Tabac (specially licensed tobacconist shops). www.ratp.fr.

The RER and all overhead rail services to, from and around the capital are operated by the SNCF, in affiliation with the RATP. www.sncf.com.

Students from outside Europe (that is, students from countries other than the 18 countries of the European Economic Zone, plus Andorra, Monaco, Switzerland, San Marino, and the Vatican) must obtain a long-term visa marked “étudiant” if they intend to study in France for more than 6 months.

After the first year of study, visas are automatically renewed, provided the student holding the visa is able to produce the required documentation.

If your program is shorter than 6 months, you will receive a temporary student visa. Under no circumstances may temporary student visas be renewed or converted into long-term student visas.

A special 3-month visa (marked étudiant-concours) is granted to students travelling to France to sit for an entrance examination or receive preparatory training.

Students who pass the examination and are admitted to an institution are entitled to apply for a long-term student visa without returning to their home country. The "étudiant-concours" visa may be used in cases where the student must complete a short period of preparatory training before being admitted to an institution.

To obtain a visa, make an appointment with the nearest French consulate or with the visa service of the French embassy in your country. Neither EduFrance nor any other organization, individual, or entity has any role in the visa-granting process, which is the responsibility of the French consular service.

We urge you to make early contact with the French consulate in your area. Familiarize yourself with the list of documents to be submitted and note whether they need to be translated or authenticated. Submit only one file, and make sure it is complete in every way.

A tourist visa cannot be converted into a student visa in France or in any other country of the European Union.

If you plan to complete two programs in succession (such as a program in French as a foreign language, followed by an academic program), obtain admission to both programs before applying for your visa so that your visa will be valid for the duration of your period of study. French visas cannot be extended in France.

International students of all nationalities residing in France for more than 3 months must obtain a student residency permit (which is distinct from a visa), within two months of their arrival in France.

All hospitals have an emergency room that is open 24 hours a day. Physicians and pharmacies are on call at nights and weekends. The well-known French system of health insurance reimburses a portion of participants' medical expenses in return for a mandatory annual contribution of EUR 172.

Student group health plans are available to cover all or part of that portion of your medical bills that is not covered by the basic national system. Premiums for such supplemental coverage start at EUR 110 per year.

The French health-care system is one of the best in the world. The level of care in French hospitals is of very high quality, and universal insurance makes care available to everyone. Students, in particular, enjoy ready access to medical services and preventive care.

To be eligible for the national student health plan, students must be under 28 and enrolled in a participating institution of higher education. Students 28 and older must obtain private health insurance.

International students outside the European Union
All foreign students from outside the European Union and between 20 and 28 years old staying in France must have medical insurance to cover potential medical costs, hospitalization and repatriation.
Attention: in case of accident, the PGSM Business School Network is not responsible.

Beyond a 4- month stay in the exchange program, international students must pay into the French national social system (around EUR 189 will cover your medical costs while in Paris). To do this, you must fill out a social security form provided by the administration when you register (upon presentation of your passport and visa). Checks are made payable to the school and all social security costs are entirely the student’s responsibility.
Exchange students who will be staying for less than 4 months must provide proof that they are covered under an insurance policy in the country of origin.