Starting point: French government initiative for developing worldwide interchange on knowledge and culture
In 1960, the French Ministry of International Cooperation set up ASATOM (Association for Training of Overseas Technicians), the predecessor of Égide. ASATOM initially covered Africa alone, but its scope was soon extended, first to the European Economic Community, then, in 1967, to all countries. Its name was changed, first to CIS (International Training Centre ), then to CIES (International Centre for Students and Interns) in 1980, when coverage was extended to students as well as interns, with inclusion of OCAU (University Cooperation Office).
Égide, key partner in France’s international cooperation policy
When CIES merged with APAPE (Agency for Reception of Foreign Personalities) in 1998, it would also take charge of arranging visits to France by guests of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and researchers from all countries, under programmes run by over 300 client organizations. Through its operations involving reception for international personalities, CIES would become a key partner to the French government in this field. In 2000, it would also take on arrangements for French experts on missions abroad. Consistent with this extended scope, CIES changed its name to Égide on 1 January 2000. Through its strong reputation and extensive experience, Égide has built up an impressive list of international cooperation clients of all sizes and forms: companies, universities, research centres, local authorities, international organizations, foreign governments, etc.
Five regional delegations, and offices in 21 other towns
To handle growing business, Égide stepped up French nationwide coverage in the nineteen-eighties, giving decentralized powers to regional delegations in Lyon, Toulouse, Montpellier, Marseille and Strasbourg. These delegations today provide the same services as the Paris head office, handling reception, accommodation assistance, help with administrative formalities, management of conventions with regional clients, etc. Égide also runs full-time or part-time offices in 21 other French towns with large populations of foreign students.
France’s leading international exchange operator
Égide is constantly building on its extensive organizational know-how to broaden the scope of its services in response to changes in the international exchange context and in its clients’ demands. Developing services include seminar and conference logistics, organization of French expert missions abroad, reception for businesspeople and celebrities on short visits, and applicant recruitment logistics for exchange and research scholarship programmes.
A subsidiary company dedicated to provide umbrella services
In March 2009, Egide sets up EGIDE Latitudes, a subsidiary company dedicated to provide
umbrella services. The goal of the company is to simplify the stay of researchers hosted by French laboratories and increase France’s attractiveness in the field of research.
EGIDE Latitudes offers an efficient altervative to researchers that wish to become paid employees throughout the duration of their projects.
Pour en savoir plus sur Égide Latitudes : www.egidelatitudes.fr