“Collège universitaire français” sounds sophisticated doesn’t it? Today we explore the French University College in Saint Petersburg. This institution offers advanced education in several disciplines.
Let’s delve into the story of the French University College. It was founded in 1992. The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs supported its creation. The idea came from academician A.D. Sakharov and French writer M. Halter. A cooperation agreement in 1996 solidified its establishment. This agreement was between Saint Petersburg State University and the Universities of Paris.
The French University College offers a two-year higher education program. It covers five humanities disciplines. These are law history literature sociology and philosophy. There are two departments in the college. One is French-speaking. All instruction is in French. The other is Russian-speaking. Instruction is in French with synchronous translation. Education is free.
The French University College admits students. They must be at least in their fourth year of higher education. Graduates receive a French diploma. Saint Petersburg State University recognizes it. It is equivalent to a five-year university degree. The college has partnerships with several French universities.
The French University College is located in a historic building. It is the mansion of A.F. Kelkh. Originally a two-story mansion it was built in 1858-1860. Architect A.K. Kolman designed it for the Greek Consul I.E. Kondoyanaki. V.P. Kelkh bought the property in 1896. He represented a wealthy Siberian family.
The facade and interiors were renovated in 1896-1897. Architects V.I. Shene and V.I. Chagin oversaw the work. A Gothic pavilion was built in the courtyard in 1903. Architect K.K. Schmidt designed it. Aleksandr Kelkh sold the mansion in 1914. The buyer was Ivan Mikhailovich Aleksandrov.
After the revolution the mansion was municipalized. In March 1919 the School of Screen Art opened there. It operated until 1930. S.D. Vasilyev a creator of the film “Chapaev” was among its graduates. Later the house was occupied by the district CPSU committee.
In June 1998 the building was transferred to Saint Petersburg State University. It now houses the Faculty of Law and the Association of Lawyers. The Kelkh mansion underwent major restoration in 2016. Today the building is protected. It is a cultural heritage site of federal significance.
The French University College continues to thrive. It provides students with unique educational opportunities. It fosters collaboration between Russia and France. It prepares students for success in a globalized world.