Education in Angers (AS)

In my Etude Socio-Culturelle class, we have been discussing all of the foundations of France, one of which being the education system. I have noticed that there are a lot of differences between the French education system and that of the United States. The major differences that I have noticed are those concerning how the school years are divided. Instead of three years of middle school (collège), there are four. This then leaves three years for high school (lycée). There are some other things that have been surprising, at least to me. In this class I learned also that students in elementary school here are not to be given homework, unless it is oral such as vocabulary word memorization. I remember having all sorts of grammar, math, and various other worksheets or books to read for homework so this was a little surprising.

            There are some extra examinations in the French school system. At the end of collège (middle school) there is an exam called the Brevet. At the end of Lycée there is an exam similar to what I think would be the US equivalent to the SAT or ACT. The last difference would be that of laïcité. Laïcité and schools is the separation of religion and school. There are a lot of rules with the chart of laïcité. The most important rules are those of the interdiction of showing any religious symbols. This includes any wearing of a symbol such as a cross up to the prohibition of various head dressings that a religion may require. There are some differences with public and private schools in this manner. Private school here, like in the US, are able to have a religion focused program. The university that I am attending here in Angers is actually a catholic university, in which women are more than welcome to wear a catholic veil and there are no regulations of laïcité like a public university. Some similarities between the US and French school systems are the ages in which a child enters elementary through when the finish high school, and that of the optional choice to enroll a child in to a Montessori school.

            Education here at l’Université catholique de l’Ouest has been a whole new experience for me. The section of the university that I am enrolled in is called CIDEF, which is the school’s international program for non-native French speakers. Upon my arrival here I had to take a placement exam so I could then be placed into an appropriate level of difficulty, language wise, for my classes for the semester. The levels consist of A1-A2, B1-B2, C1-C2. The A level is for those who are beginning their French studies. The B level is the intermediate level leaving then the C level as the near native and then native level French abilities. There are also sub categories to each level so that there is more refinement to the school system. The sub category that you are placed then is also the general grammar class that students will take.

             So far I have really enjoyed that schooling I have had here. I feel like I am in a good level of course work, and although it is different than Allegheny, I have moments that still challenge me. I am enrolled in the maximum amount of classes offered so that I may use my time here to the fullest. I love the chance to now have all of my classes, and my life, be in a foreign language. This has been a life changing experience that I know will help me go down the path of my dreams.