Applications for post-school education have become very competitive, whether for a school in France or for studying abroad, and sometimes even very good grades are no longer enough to guarantee a place on the course of your dreams. Expat Student offers you a solution: a gap year!
Is your child disappointed with Parcoursup?
Rumour has it that it is too late to apply abroad, or where he is no longer very sure what he wants to study next year? Consider suggesting a gap year.
Re-applying during the next application cycle could improve his chances of getting an offer, especially if he dedicates his“gap year”to strengthen their application.
Some young people use this period to acquire a relevant work or volunteer experience, which is particularly useful for candidates applying medicine or veterinary medicine studies.
But another way to strengthen your child's application is to have them spend the year studying a « foundation year”in the field that interests them.
What is a foundation year?
A foundation year is a intensive full-time university-level academic training which then prepares you for bachelor's degree studies in the subject of your choice.
Foundation Year programmes generally last one year in the UK and will allow you to acquire a level of knowledge in your field that will be very well regarded by university admissions departments. It is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate that you are capable of studying at degree level and to improve your skills in the academic areas that will be most useful to you when you start your degree, while becoming bilingual By the way!
This gap-year formula is in high demand among international students, but it also attracts English-speaking students who want to apply to competitive courses afterwards.
Who are the “Foundation Years” for?
These training courses are generally open to anyone with the required qualifications, for example, the International Baccalaureate or the French Baccalaureate. Foundation years are particularly useful for the following people:
- Students who have not been accepted onto the training course of their choice and who are looking to strengthen their application in order to reapply next year.
- Young people who did not get the grades they were hoping for and who want to gain an additional qualification to give their application a boost.
- Students applying for highly competitive courses/universities
- Students who wish to benefit from an additional year of experience or maturity before starting a course.
- International students who have a good academic record in their home country, but who want to study in the English language to improve their level before starting higher education in English.
Are you or your child in this situation and want to discuss it with a professional who can help guide you for the upcoming school year? It is not too late!
What are the benefits of a Foundation Year?
A Foundation Year gap year presents numerous benefits, notably that of adding merit to your application and allowing you to fill any gaps before starting a full bachelor's degree programme.
These courses are an opportunity to get used to university-style study, allowing you to work in a manner independent in a supportive environment. These programmes are designed to provide you with the breadth of knowledge and experience you need to excel in your course. Rather than spending your first year feeling behind in your studies, a Foundation Year allows you to start your bachelor's degree the following year with a solid understanding of the fundamentals.
A beneficial gap year, specially designed for international students
Some foundation years are specially designed for international students and help you prepare for exams IELTS alongside the rest of your studies, to ensure that you meet the English language entry requirements. Even the programmes that do not provide IELTS exam preparation will allow you to’improve your language skills, because they are taught in English, and you will speak in English with your classmates.
Foundation Years during your gap year give you the opportunity to spend time in an English-speaking country before starting your studies, in order to acclimatise to the culture and teaching style. Some students prefer to take a foundation programme in the country where they intend to study afterwards, but for others, it is a chance to discover a new country and spend time in a place they might not otherwise visit.
- Learn English
- Discover a new culture
- To immerse oneself in a multicultural environment
- Learning about other teaching methods
- Gaining skills and self-confidence
- Get ahead with the next year's syllabus
- Getting ready for a successful upcoming school year
- Enhancing one's chances of entering a foreign university later on
Next steps
Do you think a gap year and a foundation year are right for you? Whether you are worried about not being accepted onto the course of your choice in September or feel you would benefit from an extra year of study to perfect your English and deepen your knowledge before starting your undergraduate studies, Expat Student can help you find the best option for you. We tailor our approach to your specific goals and offer you individual support throughout the application process.
Don't hesitate to ask for a free 30-minute consultation to find out more about the gap year and to discuss your options or those of your child. It is not too early to think about a plan B.
Book a video consultation by contacting us on: contact@expatstudent.fr / + 33 (1) 34 84 70 94 or 00.33.6.89.08.17.74
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Expats Student supports parents and students in finding the most suitable solution for studying abroad. Study in Great Britain, Canada, Italy or Spain with expert advice on all procedures and important dates to keep in mind. Tailor-made, personalised support for successful studies abroad!
