The ELAN (Echanges Linguistiques et Apprentissage Novateur par la Mobilité – Linguistic Exchanges and Innovative Learning through Mobility) project French immersion programme is now open for application.
Scope of the scholarship and immersion programme
The ELAN scholarship and immersion programme is a golden opportunity for GCSE A level and CAPE 2 holders from the OECS to gain access to higher education in Martinique or Guadeloupe by improving their command of the French language.
In order to register at a French University or higher education institution, students must have at least B2 proficiency in French based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL). Some selective programmes may even request a C1 level in the French language. ELAN provides those students with at least a B2 or C1 level in French, who are accepted into the Université des Antilles (Martinique or Guadeloupe) or any other higher education institution in Martinique, the opportunity of benefiting from a scholarship of 700 euros per month to help cover monthly expenses (accommodation, meals, transport…) and registration costs. A flat travel allowance is also granted and calculated according to the country of origin and the destination (Martinique or Guadeloupe). The scholarship may be renewed the following year for the duration of the ELAN project.
In an effort to reach a wider audience, a pilot project also allows GCSE A level and CAPE 2 holders who have attained A2, B1 or an average B2 proficiency in French, to integrate into an immersion programme, in order to improve their command of the language and to facilitate access to higher education.
The project gives B1 and average B2 students wishing to apply to very selective programmes, the opportunity to participate in a 5-month immersion programme in Martinique or Guadeloupe, in order to pass the B2/ C1 exam and to register at a French higher education institution. They will benefit from the travel allowance and a scholarship of 700 € per month for the duration of the immersion programme and also for the first regular year at the university or institution during the lifespan of the ELAN project.
Students who have A2 proficiency in French, have the possibility of attending classes at the Alliance Française of their home country, in order to pass the DELF B1 exam and to integrate into the B2 immersion programme.
| Level | A2 | B1 | B2 |
| Immersion programme | One semester of intensive French classes at the Alliance Française to obtain B1 French (blended classes: e-learning and face to face sessions) | 5 months of language and professional immersion in Martinique or Guadeloupe to obtain B2+ French (3 months of French and university classes, 2 months of internship) | For those with average or poor B2 results wishing to apply to highly selective study programmes (Langues Etrangères Appliquées – LEA, Medecine, classes préparatoires…) – same as the B1 level candidates |
| Financial aide | Cost of classes covered by ELAN | 700 € per month scholarship for the duration of the immersion programme and for the first regular year at the University or other higher education institution | 700 € per month scholarship for maximum 10 months, renewable once for an additional 10 months (max)for students enrolled at the University (Martinique or Guadeloupe) or other higher education institution in Martinique |
| Expected outcome | Obtain B1 French, integrate B2 immersion programme | Obtain B2 + French, register at the Université des Antilles or any other higher education institution in Martinique | Successfully complete year 1,
register for year 2 |
It should be noted that all students who register at the Université des Antilles will benefit from reduced registration fees, for example applicants to an undergraduate degree will pay approximately 170€ per year instead of 2,770€ (like the Nationals).
Eligibility criteria
To be considered for the ELAN scholarship, you must:
- Be a citizen of an OECS Member State
- Have your usual residence in one of the English-speaking OECS Member States
- Be between the ages of 18 and 30 years
- Be at least a holder of GCSE A level or CAPE 2
- Have a certified B2 proficiency in French based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) and be accepted at the Université des Antilles (Martinique or Guadeloupe ) or any other higher education institution in Martinique
- Or have a certified B1/ average B2 proficiency in French based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) and be selected to attend the immersion programme at the Université des Antilles
- Submit a completed form with the required supporting documents as set out in the Scholarship application form
To be considered for the immersion programme, you must:
- Be a citizen of an OECS Member State
- Have your usual residence in one of the English-speaking OECS Member States
- Be between the ages of 18 and 30 years
- Be at least a holder of GCSE A level or CAPE 2
- Have a certified A2, B1 or average B2 proficiency in French
- Have a motivated intention to pursue studies at the Université des Antilles in Martinique or Guadeloupe or any other higher education institution in Martinique
- Submit a completed form with the required supporting documents as set out in the ELAN Immersion Programme Application Form
How to apply?
A2 and B1/B2 applicants are required to apply to the immersion programme by downloading and filling out the ELAN Immersion Programme Application Form.
Completed applications must be sent to elan.interreg@gmail.com and elan@campusfrance.org before 6th September 2020.
Qualified applicants will be invited to an interview for selection.