Education in France

[shaunp]

We are hoping to move to France (South) in 18 months when our children will be 16 and 12. (year 12 and 8). We have been considering putting the children into an International school and would be grateful for any advice or tips on good schools in Southern France.

Has anybody done similar, if so would like to hear of your experiences (and the Childrens!)

Thank you


Shaun

[Bevdeforges]

Hi - and welcome to the forums!

You will probably want to contact an organization called AAWE (Association of American Wives of Europeans). On their publications page (here: AAWE - Guide to Education, Vital Issues, AAWE News, AAWE Directory) they have a book that gives details about most of the international and English language schools in France.

[giantpanda]

Originally Posted by shaunp

We are hoping to move to France (South) in 18 months when our children will be 16 and 12. (year 12 and 8).


Shaun

Hi!

Admitting that you are an EC national - otherwise it will be yet more complicated.

I do not want to put you off, but have you considered the Health Insurance Question:. That is the basic question before thinking of relocating.

Point d’information : Affiliation à la CMU pour les ressortissants britanniques inactifs - Ambassade de France au Royaume-Uni - La France au Royaume-Uni

In Short: If you have an E106 (valid maximum 2 years) when you come to France, you will get the basic Health coverage.

When the E106 expires and you do not have an E121 ( British State pension ), then you will have to have a private Health Insurance in France ( at present such contracts are not available from French Insurance ). Prices ranges from Euro 2000 to Euro 8000 per person per year, whilst I can not garantee you that the cheapest insurance will suffice the French minimum limits.

Yours,

pomhorn

[shaunp]

Thank you for the info. We are UK citizens so will be ok for first two years. Beyond that we will have to budget!

[shaunp]

Thank you. Have ordered the Book!

[EliseWilkinson]

Can you give me the name of that book? Looking to move to Rennes this summer and need information about International Schools there. Thanks!

[EliseWilkinson]

Saw the book on that website... did it help you? We are not European. Sorry just learning my way around this site!
E.

[Rentals Pages]

This depends on whether you are moving here permanently or for a short time. My advice would be DON’T put them into an international school if you are looking to stay here for the duration of their education.

To my mind the French schooling system is one of the best in the world and children are very quick learners. When we moved permanently here our son was 12 and our daughter 8. We put them into the local school and with in 2 months they were if not fluent then very close. My son had a harder time, because he was learning harder subjects and also a new language. They soon made new friends and being totally immersed, soon learned the language too. My advise would be, send them to the local school or college.

[EliseWilkinson]

Thank you!