Ines CHIOUKH
6 July 2021
Inès CHIOUKH has been awarded the Excellence-Major scholarship to study medicine in France. Granted by the French government, this scholarship enables the best international Bac graduates from French lycées around the world to pursue high-level programmes in French higher education.
Inès answers our questions about receiving the scholarship and her plans for studying in France.
What does this scholarship mean to you?
First of all, this scholarship represents the culmination of many years of work. I see it as a reward for all the effort I have put in throughout my schooling. When I was given an opportunity like this, I thought of the scholarship as a kind of trophy or medal congratulating me on everything I had achieved so far. The Excellence-Major scholarship is also a source of pride, both for me and for my whole family. I can think of no finer gift to give my parents than this symbol showing that their daughter has succeeded. Finally, this scholarship gives me the assurance that I can pursue ambitious studies in France, and opens the door to many opportunities that until now were hard to reach.
How did you find out about the Excellence-Major scholarship?
To be completely honest, I came across the Excellence-Major scholarship by chance. My parents happened upon an email written by a member of APELFI (the LFI parents’ association), which presented the Excellence-Major scheme, and, thinking I met all the requirements, I decided to give it a try. Thanks to the Headteacher (Proviseur), my form tutor and the careers adviser, I was able to put together my application, which was then sent on to the AEFE. At first, I embarked on this programme without imagining for a moment that I could become an Excellence-Major scholar, but fortunately that ambition became a reality!
How did your years at LFI help you along the way?
I have been at LFI since Reception (Grande Section), so I think of the school a little as my second home. As I progressed through school, the workload increased, and with it the stress and the expectations I placed on myself. Despite this, I was able to maintain a consistently very good level. Many teachers supported me throughout my schooling, and I can never thank them enough for always pushing their students to give their best and to surpass themselves, even when it seemed impossible.
Why France?
It was entirely natural for me to choose France for my further studies, since I have been educated in the French system all my life. I have been immersed in French culture, both at school and outside the classroom. French is in fact my mother tongue, even though I am multilingual. Moreover, the quality of teaching in France is recognised worldwide, particularly in medicine, and its international reputation in the medical field offers secure career prospects in the most renowned hospitals. Finally, I am lucky to have part of my family who have lived in France for many years, so adapting to a new environment will not be difficult.
Off to Paris in September?
I wish to study medicine in France in order to obtain the State Diploma of Doctor of Medicine. I have been very fortunate to be accepted at the Sorbonne University to take a PASS in the first year of medicine, alongside a preparatory course, so that I can later practise as a cardiac surgeon in France. My love of learning and of excellence drives me to choose Paris for my studies, not to mention the cultural richness and timeless beauty of the capital.
07/07/2021
Louai ALLANI
6 July 2021
Louai ALLANI, who has just passed his Bac, will join the Sciences Po / Columbia dual degree in September. To find out a little more, we caught up with Louai about the details of this programme.
Why did you choose this path?
Since I was young, I have been passionate about international relations, and multilateral diplomacy in particular. It was when I was in Year 8 (4ème) that I began to think about the higher education I wanted to pursue. In Year 9 (3ème), the school set up guidance sessions with the education adviser, who mentioned this programme between France and the United States: the dual degree between Sciences Po and Columbia. This was followed by months of research into, and admiration for, this exceptional programme, which has only existed since 2010.
For me, studying at Sciences Po means privileged access to an academic elite, and studying in the United States, at Columbia, is a dream come true!
Could you tell us a little more about the programme?
I will spend two years at Sciences Po on the Menton campus, one of the 7 regional campuses of Sciences Po Paris, which specialises in the Middle East and Mediterranean region. I will study in English, focusing on the economic, political and social issues of the Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Gulf countries.
After Sciences Po, I will continue my studies in New York, studying Computer Science for 2 years. I will therefore obtain two degrees: the Sciences Po Undergraduate College degree and a degree from Columbia University.
How did you apply?
The programme’s website was my starting point. I spent hours researching to understand the admissions procedure. I also got in touch with several alumni of the programme. It is not just a matter of submitting an application and writing an essay; you also have to pass an interview with representatives of both universities, prepare your CV carefully and have strong references from your teachers. I also needed to be well informed about current affairs.
What matters in the application?
To prepare a strong application, good grades are not enough: you also need a substantial record of extracurricular involvement. LFI gave me opportunities for this. I was lucky enough to take part in MUN conferences from Year 9 (3ème), I founded the first debating club, and I took part in tutoring sessions for primary pupils during lockdown.
How did your years at LFI help you along the way?
LFI represents my entire school journey, from Nursery (Moyenne Section) all the way to the final year (Terminale). The teachers were always very caring, attentive and always pushed me to excel.
I would like to thank my French teachers, who gave me solid foundations to develop my reading and writing skills; my History and Geography teachers, who always had the patience to listen to my debates in class and opened my eyes to the world and its challenges, taking me all the way to the United Nations General Assembly in New York. My particular thanks go to my HGGSP and SVT (Life and Earth Sciences) teachers, who accompanied me in Year 10 (Seconde), and then in Year 11 (Première) and Terminale as my specialist subjects.
07/07/2021
In pictures
