French Schools Abroad
Outside its own territory, France has developed a school network that is unique in the world. It contains 410 schools located in 125 countries ranging from primary to upper levels, providing education to over 230,000 pupils. By extending the state education abroad, the aim of the network is to provide support to the young expatriate population (approx. 80,000). It also helps to promote French culture abroad by educating nearly 160,000 foreign pupils.
The “French School” label: Official Approval Procedure
The French Ministry of national Education has implemented an official procedure to approve international schools. Certain conditions must be met to be certified as a French School and to be eligible for aid from the French public authorities.
An extremely detailed application for approval must be completed by the schools in question. It may also require an inspection of the school.
A committee with representatives from the Ministry of National education, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE) reviews this assessment and the final decision is based on their recommendations.
A Network of Wealth and Diversity
The French school network abroad has a long history. Every school is unique but each conforms with the curriculum and objectives for the national education system. Regulations can be adapted to include the local language and culture of the host country which strengthens cooperation with foreign educational systems.
The Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE) is largely responsible for directing the international network of schools. This is a state organization which fall under the responsibility of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Agency manages the resources provided by the State for the operation of the French schools abroad (grants, recruitment, postings, staff salaries, school subsidies, etc.).
The Educational Policy:
In order to implement the regulations of the Agency for French Education Abroad, a certain number of objectives have been defined and are shared by all those involved:
- Guarantee the quality of French teaching abroad and its ability to adapt and evolve.
- Meet the expectations of French or foreign families whose children are taught in the French school network.
- Provide the pupils with deep and diverse foreign language teaching.
- Allow the French educational system to benefit from the experience gained within the French network abroad such as foreign languages and other educational systems and cultures.
Partnership with the Local Education Authorities (Académies)
Since the beginning of the 2000-2001 school year, new links have been established between the Agency for French Education Abroad and the Local Education Authorities (Académies). The 17 geographical school areas have been twinned with 14 Académies in France providing a framework for the exchange of skills and mutual enrichment. This helps promote cooperation in teaching, training, working abroad, innovation and career guidance for students.