The
School of National
Administration also referred to as ENA. The premiere
French university for
public affairs, designed to instruct civil servants of the world, particularly
France, with
campuses located in
Paris, France and
Strasbourg, France. Prospective
students must pass three entrance
exams to become a part of the student body, which includes
graduate school-aged students, experienced civil servants, and
professionals from outside civil service, such as the world of
business.
The school was founded in 1945 by Charles de Gaulle, as part of a series of reforms seeking to improve and unify candidates for public service, or mold the elite. It has since then has become an essential educational experience for those wishing to enter French government. In France, education is seen as the litmus test in making many decisions, from choosing public officials to job advancement. ENA is seen as the equivalent of a politician’s Massachusetts Institute of Technology; it helps train people to reach prestigious positions in their field. President Jacques Chirac and Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin are both alumni.
Outside of France, the school has a reputation as being a summer camp for businesspeople. They have the opportunity to take classes, improve their resume, and spend some time on the Left Bank.
Source:
ENA's website www.ena.fr