Getting to know Paris
If you are in Paris for the first time, regardless of the purpose of your visit, we recommend that the first thing you do is to book a tour of Paris. The main sights of the French capital are familiar to almost everyone, but often only from photos. A professional Russian-speaking guide to Paris will tell and show this city from different sides. Paris is not only the tourist capital of France, but also a place where everyone can find something to do.
The French capital can
delight even the most demanding traveler. There are dozens of museums, theaters and architectural monuments. There are numerous cafes and restaurants, nightclubs and stores at your service. Paris is also the capital of shopping. There are boutiques and representative offices of the best world brands, so fashionistas and fashionistas will find a lot of interesting things in this city.
Paris is a city where many of the greatest representatives of science, culture and art have worked. A certain part of the city’s history is closely connected with the development of education in France. Here is located one of the oldest and most respected educational institutions in the world – the University of Paris, which has received well-deserved recognition not only in Europe, but all over the world. It is well known that the Sorbonne attracts students from all over the world.
The history of the Sorbonne
A place that has become a center of knowledge: the history of the Sorbonne is closely linked to that of the University of Paris.
The university center is located in the Latin Quarter of the French capital. The latter is deservedly recognized as the center of student life in Paris. The Sorbonne building itself is an architectural monument.
The history of the Sorbonne begins in 1215, when church seminaries are merged into the University of Paris. A few decades later, a famous clergyman proposes the creation of a Sorbonne college here, where poor students could study theology.
The next significant date in the history of the university is 1470. It was then that the first printing house was opened here. This served as the basis for the creation of a rich library, for which a separate building was allocated. All strata of the population could visit the library.
The Sorbonne was not spared by the Great French Revolution. During the famous events, the university suspended its work. The alma mater reopened its doors only in 1821.
It is worth noting that in those early days the study of theology took no less than ten years. At the same time, the study took up most of the students’ time. After graduation, a graduate received the honorary title of Doctor of the Sorbonne and a black cap. Soon this tradition spread to other educational institutions.
The Sorbonne was not neglected by outstanding personalities of Russia. At different times, N. Gumilev, M. Voloshin, and M. Tsvetaeva studied here.
In 1968, the institution was divided into 17 independent parts, which formed the University of Paris.
At different times, prominent scientists and writers studied here – Balzac, Poincaré, Pierre Curie and many others.
Admission to the Sorbonne
Education in France is free, with universities receiving funds from the state.
To enter a higher education institution in France, you need a Baccalauréat Français (BAC) secondary school certificate issued in France. Also, only a student who has reached the age of majority can enter a university. Many applicants after finishing school in Russia enroll in a French lycée, where they can obtain a French secondary school certificate. This will greatly simplify admission to the Sorbonne or another educational institution in France – now the candidate will be on equal terms with those wishing to enter the study.
Often it may be necessary to write a so-called motivation letter, where the candidate should explain in detail his/her choice of future specialty and university. Poor grades in basic school subjects may become a problem if they coincide with the planned specialty. For example, if the grades in mathematics at school were low and the applicant wants to enter the mathematics department, this can be an obstacle. But in another situation, when you have a D in literature, and you plan to enter engineering specialties, it is enough only to explain the low grade in the humanities in the letter – for example, the reason may be the desire to engage in exact sciences. The Sorbonne’s faculties cover many specialties.
Sorbonne – Panthéon-Sorbonne University Paris 1 and Paris-Sorbonne University Paris 4 university rankings
According to the authoritative Times Higher Education magazine, the units of the University of Paris Panthéon-Sorbonne University Paris 1 – Paris and Paris-Sorbonne University – Paris 4 are among the first hundred best educational institutions in the world.
Map location – Pantheon-Sorbonne University
