Novosibirsk State University jointly with French higher schools has launched an educational program for masters in Optics. The partnership agreement was signed at the end of September.

From 19th to 21st of September a delegation from the Paris Institute of Technology (ParisTech) has visited NSU. The delegation included representatives from six higher schools: Ecole Polytechnique, National school of Bridges and Roads, National Paris School of Mines, Paris Institute of Technology for Life, Food and Environmental Sciences, National Advanced School of Arts and Professions, Higher School of Optics. One of the key issues of their the visit was signing of the agreement on joint training of Masters in Optics between NSU (Department of Physics), Ecole Polytechnique and Higher School of Optics. According to the agreement both French and Russian students will study in France during their first year of Master training and at NSU during their second year of study. As a result, students will receive two Master's degrees upon successful completion of the program.

It is the first launching of joint master's program at NSU. Up to this point cooperation between two countries has been conducted in accordance with the Double degree program.

“One should clearly differ these two programs: Double degree program and Joint master’s program.” says the head of the NSU French Center Michelle Debrenne. “Joint master’s program involves a narrow profile and the curriculum is made up for each subject separately. Double degree program implies a more extensive training and two degree defenses: in France and in Russia.”

This year according to the joint master's program two undergraduates from the Department of Physics went to France. In a year they will return together with several French students.

“Among other Russian Universities NSU occupies leading positions for member institutes of ParisTech. They receive much more exchange students from NSU than from any other Russian university. And our French partners highly appreciate this cooperation.” - stated the head of the French Center.

Joint programs with French partners have been existing at NSU for over10 years. As a result we have formed strong traditions and several generations of NSU-French students, some of whom have returned to Russia. Nowadays these students are of great demand for the foreign companies in Russia.

“Very often, if a student showed himself well, he or she has an opportunity to stay and work in the company they held internship. There is an opportunity to find a job at the Career Day. But I cannot say that all of our students are going to stay abroad. Some of those who have gained experience are coming back to Russia - explained Michelle Debrenne. - Some of French companies that have their offices in Russia are interested in such personnel.”