Business Foundation Programme

Brochure

Excelia’s Business Foundation Programme, available either online or in-class, is the perfect springboard to our qualification-awarding programmes. By joining this programme, you will be part of a renowned higher education group, recognised in France and internationally.

The programme has been specially designed for international students looking to pursue higher education business or management studies in France. Over a period of 6 or 12 months, you will acquire the fundamentals of management whilst consolidating your linguistic proficiency and technical expertise. These skills will equip you with the necessary credentials to apply for one of Excelia’s Bachelor or Master programmes.

Whichever Excelia programme you subsequently choose, you will be joining one of France’s TOP 10 management schools, studying for a prestigious and internationally recognised qualification.

5 Reasons to choose the Business Foundation Programme

A programme that can be adapted to your level

The Business Foundation Programme offers a high level of flexibility in terms of adapting to a student's ability in French. The programme can be completed in either a full academic year, starting in September, or a semester, starting in January. An A2 level of French is needed to enrol for the September start date, and a B1 level for the January start date, thereby responding to the different linguistic abilities of our students.

 

A programme to improve your French language ability

Through the Business Foundation Programme, you will improve your level of French, with lessons to enhance your oral and written skills. The personalised support and resources available have been designed to help you progress in French, whatever your initial level of proficiency.

 

A programme to understand European academic methods

Understanding European academic methods will help you adapt more easily to lessons and to progress more rapidly. Thanks to the programme, you will acquire the essential skills to succeed in a European academic environment, whilst improving your command of the French language.

 

A programme focussing on the fundamentals of business and management

This programme will introduce you to the fundamentals of business and management, giving you an understanding of key concepts, whilst preparing you for further studies or perhaps a career in these domains.

 

A programme offering total immersion in France

By choosing the in-class option, you will spend your semester or year in La Rochelle or in Paris, the French capital. Either way, you are sure to enjoy an enriching experience in a stimulating academic environment.

Rankings

FAQs

What are the pedagogical objectives of the Business Foundation Programme?

The aim of the programme is to enable you to improve your level of French (to B1 or B2), to prepare you for a French language proficiency test (TEF - Test d'Évaluation du Français), to discover different teaching methods, and to experience life in France. It also prepares you for our qualification-awarding programmes and offers the opportunity of a work placement to enhance your career prospects in France.

What are the academic requirements for joining the programme?

There are no specific academic requirements, however some prior knowledge of the fundamentals of business would be useful. To start in October, you must have an A2 level of French, and for February, a B1 level.

How long is the Business Foundation Programme?

The exact duration depends on your level of French and choice of start date: you can choose a full academic year starting in October (French level A2) or a semester, starting in February (French level B1).

What are the advantages of studying in La Rochelle?

In the coastal city of La Rochelle you will benefit from a pleasant setting, a modern campus, an international atmosphere… and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the French culture!

Lessons

Languages, Business, Personal Development, and Culture
Description Cours EN
  • Language Skills

  • Intensive business language lessons in French
  • Official language test
  • English

 

  • Business and Management Skills

  • Introduction to the world of business
  • Intercultural and Ethical Management
  • Introduction to Marketing
  • Consumer Behaviour
  • French Economy and European Economy
  • Fundamentals of Accounting & Finance

 

  • Experiential and Personal Development (EPD)

  • Drama lessons
  • Methodology lessons
  • Internship search techniques
  • Tutoring from former BFP students
  • Company visits and lectures
  • Vocational orientation and personalised support
  • Preparation for the entrance tests of qualification-awarding programmes
  • Immersion in a programme of your choice

 

  • Culture and Modern Society

  • French Culture and European Culture

 


The different courses and projects are provided for indicative purposes only and are subject to change from one year to the next.

Experiential and Personal Development (EPD): individual support by a mentor

Throughout your studies, you will benefit from personalised support and guidance. The school offers workshops structured around personal development (self-awareness and self-assertion) and communication tools (such as CVs and cover letters), an overview of Excelia’s different qualification-awarding programmes, an introduction to the local economy, etc.

 With this in mind, EPD therefore includes the following:

  • Methodology lessons
  • Mentoring by former students of the Business Foundation Programme
  • Career orientation and personal support
  • Preparation for the entrance tests of Excelia’s qualification-awarding programmes
  • Opportunity to interact and discuss with students currently on your preferred future study programme

 

Expériences

Support and Guidance, Personal Development

Description expérience EN

One of the main objectives of the BFP is to enable you to prepare for your future studies and fine tune your professional project. Through Excelia's innovative teaching tools and experience, you will benefit from personalised advice to help you...

  • to identify and develop your project: personal development workshops on self-awareness, defining your aspirations etc.
  • to develop your personal communication tools (CV, cover letter, etc.), and present them effectively, making sure you give the best impression
  • to prepare for the entrance tests of your higher education study programme

Drama workshop

Description expérience EN

As a future professional, you will need to present and defend your ideas and projects in front of a variety of audiences. Our drama workshops are a perfect opportunity of learning in a fun way. In a relaxed environment, you will develop your self-confidence and your oral skills through sketches, improvisations and public speaking, etc.

Optional Internship

Description expérience EN

At the end of the programme, you have the option of carrying out an internship in a company. This internship constitutes a veritable immersion in the French business world, giving you the opportunity to apply the knowledge acquired throughout the programme. It will not only boost your experience but will be highly beneficial for your further studies.

 

Cost of Studies

Tuition Fees 2024-2025

 

International students

French Track

  • Semester: €5,500
  • Year: €7,900

English Track

  • Semester: €9,700
  • Year: €6,800

Tuition fees are provided for information purposes only and are subject to change from one year to the next.

 

Multiservice charge

  • Fee (1 semester): €175
  • Fee (1 year): €350

Services included in the Multi-service fee:

  • Administration and support services
  • International mobility insurance-assistance
  • Reprographics credit (photocopying, printing)
  • Unlimited access to all content on Exceliaprime Edutainment platform
  • Personalised support and coaching from our Talent Centre
Estimez le coût de vos études
Estimate the total cost of your studies

including accommodation and transport

Do a simulation now

Admission

Open to students with a High School qualification (or international equivalent). Personal motivation interview is carried out by internet via our dedicated platform (day and time of your choice).
Application fee: €50

Apply

 

Close
Testimonials from Excelians

Download the brochure

Complete this short brochure request form to instantly receive further information

  • Discover the details of courses, specialisations and international partner universities

  • Inspiring graduate stories

  • Find out how to join at Excelia

Download

You appear to be in France... if you prefer, you can browse the French version of our site!

browse french site
en