It’s not as good as the title might betray. Read the condensed article below and see what’s happening…even in our own town of Cluj. I have made comments in the article in bold italics.
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Debate in the French press: Medicine students who fail exams in France go to “masquerade” studies in Romania
Vineri, 26 martie 2010, 19:22 English | Top News
Young French are ready to do anything to become physicians. Some have failed the main exam at the end of their first university year in France, but they went to train in Romania; the rescue comes from Romania. The premises of the discussion are the following: the University from Cluj (Central-West) has opened a francophone medical, pharmaceutical and dental surgery branch in 2000. The diplomas the French get here allow them to work later in France, due to the European Union agreements.
The expatriation of students who failed in France
“This expatriation of the students who have failed in France is unacceptable and creates discrimination against the French students”, French Dr. Xavier Deau claims. He accuses “masquerade studies”. Even more so since the travelling game will start again at the end of the sixth year of studies. The reason: “Paradoxically, it is more difficult in Romania than in France to find a work place immediately after graduation”, Le Point notes. They will graduate here, but then return to France to work – bringing no benefit to Romania in the end.
What attracts the French to Cluj: money and a “relaxed” educational system
To be accepted by the University in Cluj, Romanians need to pass an exam after the Baccalaureate. “But the French have only to submit their file, based on unclear criteria, after paying up their entrance fees”. Costs range between 2,500 and 5,000 euros and it is not to neglect criterion, even if the cost of living is relatively high for the French there. “Everything is more expensive for the French and it is very difficult to negotiate prices if you are not Romanian”, claims a French student, who pays for a studio flat in Cluj 400 euros ($600 US) worth of monthly rent. “This is more than double compared to the rents Romanians pay.” While the cost of school is likely to be less in Romania for the French, the fact that the cost of living is higher is true, but hard to believe. This is a sad fact that almost everything in Eastern Europe costs more than it does in Western Europe or the U.S.
Officially, the francophone department is limited to 80 places. According to the people in charge, there are currently 208 French students.
French studies are too elitist vs. No French was left to fail
Most students who repeat the first year of studies in France are drawn to these parallel courses. But lately, more and more high school graduates are attracted by Eastern Europe, “as to not waste time”. And no French has ever failed to graduate in Cluj, the publication underlines.
Tue, Apr 13, 2010
Economy/business/society, Healthcare In Romania