Moving to France, Rouen

[hvarrier]

I am pursuing an job offer of a French organisation located at Rouen. I am currently at Canada. I would like to about the place, cost of living, presense of english speaking community etc through this forum. I also would like to know the availability of English medium schools at Rouen.

Regards,
Hari

[Bevdeforges]

Hi, and welcome to the forum.

I know Rouen best as a rather nice town we pass through on our way from the Paris area out to Normandy. The official town website is here: Actu • aujourd’hui | rouen.fr (it's all in French) and I know they have a pretty active AVF (a sort of welcome group for newcomers) here: Accueil Ville France Rouen (also all in French).

I assume what you refer to as a "medium school" is middle school or junior high, in which case what you're looking for in the French system is a "collège" which covers roughly the same age range (i.e. pre-high school).

Some French public schools may have an "English section" where some or all of the classes are conducted in English - though the curriculum is strictly according to the French national curriculum. These sections are free, though there is an admission process in which they try to balance the proportion of native English speaking children with those who are learning the language. (i.e. a native speaking child may well have a better chance getting in, but not always). Otherwise, you'll have to find a private school that teaches in English. A good source for English schools in France is the AAWE Guide to Education available from the association AAWE - Guide to Education, Vital Issues, AAWE News, AAWE Directory - however, like most clubs and associations in France, the AAWE offices are closed right now, until September 1st.
Cheers,
Bev

[giantpanda]

Originally Posted by hvarrier

I am pursuing an job offer of a French organisation located at Rouen. I am currently at Canada. I would like to about the place, cost of living, presense of english speaking community etc through this forum. I also would like to know the availability of English medium schools at Rouen.

Regards,
Hari

You have a British section for College et Lycée level in:collège Saint-Joseph
Le Havre & lycée Saint-Joseph Le Havre

There may be others - you would have to ask at the Académie de Rouen:

Académie de Rouen

As far as I know there is some sort of Lycée International in the region ( could be around Elbeuf/Louviers/Evreux ) but could not find it.

Here basic information of some of the red tape you will have to master:

Etrangers en France - Service-public.fr

Yours,

giantpanda

[hvarrier]

Hi All,
Thank you for the information. My son is in Grade 8 from September. Definetly we have to find out college for him.

[kmartin]

You could try the Institute de Sacre Coeur, boulevard d'Europe, Rouen which is a school which advertises having an international stream in English. Pupils range from 3 to 18 years. It has a website and virtual video.

[hvarrier]

Hi Martin,

Thank you for the information. I could not locate the website of this school. I would be grateful to you, if you could provide me website details.
Thanks,
Hari

[kmartin]

The website is institutiondusacrecoeur.fr and the address is 32 rue Blaise Pascal. The site doesn't mention teaching in English specifically, but I had a feeling it does have an international stream at higher levels as I'm thinking of putting my kids there at college age. For now they're doing fine in local state schools - tough at first, but a great way to pick up perfect French.

Hope you find somewhere.
K Martin

[hvarrier]

Hi Martin,

Thank you for the information. I could go through website. My employer has suggested Camille St. Saens College for my son. Do you know about this school and how they help for expatriate students for integrating to French system.

Thanks again,
Hari