Meeting with Excellence scholarship recipients from the Campus France Algeria campaign 2021, and laureates of the access exam to French “Grandes Ecoles”, in the presence of Alumni and representatives of companies implemented in Algeria.

On 28 June, French ambassador in Algeria François Gouyette met the Excellence scholarship recipients of the Campus France Algeria campaign 2021. Most of them are registered in Master’s course and will go to France to complete their initial training or to learn a major. Their ranks were made of Excellence scholarship recipients chosen by the French embassy in Algeria, Excellence-Major scholarship recipients from Erasmus Mundus, scholarship recipients from French higher education institutions, and laureates from the access exam to French SAI “Grandes Ecoles” (held at the Campus France Office in Alger).

Six Algerian laureates won the EIFFEL Excellence scholarship 2021 this year, a grant financed by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs. They were the best among 347 student applications from all over the world offered by French higher education institutions that will welcome them for the next academic year (309 at Master level and 38 at Doctorate level).

For this opportunity, the French ambassador stressed the value of these students, who stand out thanks to their academic level and motivation, a proof of the excellence and energy of the Algerian youth.

François Gouyette also spoke of the richness of university and scientific cooperation between Algeria and France, and the of the objectives determined by the French embassy in Algeria in order to support and help the youth, but also to boost and foster the employability and professional insertion of young students.

Michel Bisac, President of the Algerian-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIAF in French), an entity boasting more than 2,000 French and Algerian registered companies, reminded the availability of the chamber to provide advice and support to students after their return, and offer facilitated access for French companies implemented in Algeria, as well as Algerian companies.

The meeting was held at the Résidence des Oliviers, in the presence of Alumni and representatives of companies implemented in Algeria. The meeting gave fruitful exchanges with bright Alumni from various origins and disciplines who represent the Algerian academic excellence training in France, and back to Algeria to contribute to the future of their country. They also took the opportunity to speak about the rich experiences that built their excellent career. Within the framework of the activities of the France Alumni Algeria network, a social and professional network for Algerian profiles trained in France, these Alumni are regularly involved in the support of new generations of students, particularly in the preparation of their future projects.

In this regard, Lamia Zemri Khodja, a graduate in economics and international finance from the Sorbonne University who is now Chief Financial Officer North Africa Cluster within the IPSEN Group in Algeria, spoke to share her personal experience and explain the importance of a well-constructed personal project in the realization of its dreams. She also reminded that Algeria needs the creativity and skills of this promising and talented youth, in order to create new innovative companies and develop new university research centres. She also stressed that these scholarship recipients are part of the Algerian elite and that they will be the business leaders and scholars of tomorrow.

Algerian and French companies established in Algeria, which value Algerian skills trained in France, were also able to meet these top students, with a view to raising their awareness of professional life. In a friendly atmosphere, the students were able, among other things, to submit their curriculum vitae to companies and to create a first professional network before returning to Algeria, once they have graduated. 

Lynda Arab, student winner of the Excellence scholarship of the French Embassy in Algeria, also spoke at the event. A recent graduate and valedictorian in macromolecular chemistry at the USTHB in Algiers, she will be studying for a Master 2 degree in materials chemistry at Sorbonne University.
 Her goal is to complete a doctorate focused on the design of tomorrow’s materials to contribute to innovation and the development of sustainable materials that are more environmentally friendly. She expressed her pride and gratitude for this great opportunity offered to her by France.

The meeting was followed by a friendly cocktail party favouring exchanges between the Alumni, students, business leaders and representatives of the French Embassy in Algeria. These future Algerian students in France are also invited to join the France Alumni Algeria network, as more than 33,000 registered members have already done. This is one of the most important networks in the world, allowing them to stay connected to the economic and professional world, to take advice from former students (Alumni) and to build their address book, while taking advantage of different opportunities.

To learn more on the France Alumni network Algeria: https://www.francealumni.fr/fr/poste/algerie/