"In Bac S (scientific 'A' levels), I knew I wanted to work in the environmental field, I chose university because I didn't know what I wanted to do exactly.  By entering DEUG level (university diploma) (L2) Biology option chemistry, I remained in that specialised area while leaving myself the chance of having a career afterwards.  With 25 hours of lessons a week the lessons at ESAIP didn't phase me, for the languages and new subjects it was more complicated:  I had to give up the 2nd language after college and I never had lessons in law or cindynics (risk management).  The difference between Esaip and the Faculty system was going back to continuous testing; I had been used to mid-term exams where you just needed to revise a bit at the last minute!
After the DEUG, I looked for an environment engineering school, for me Faculty was out, the DESS (postgraduate degree) doesn't prepare you for a profession, it's just a level of study."