On the eve of the 19th Summit of the Francophonie, excitement fills the air in Paris. But amidst the preparations for this grand event, another important dialogue is taking place. Mr. Jean-Paul Négrel, Deputy Director of the Agence pour l'enseignement français à l'étranger (AEFE) discussed a topic close to the heart of the 19^th Francophonie 2024: education.

The AEFE, a global network of 600 French educational institutions spanning 139 countries with about 400,000 students, plays a pivotal role in providing affordable, high-quality education to students worldwide. Mr. Négrel, with his extensive experience and deep understanding of the AEFE's mission, offered invaluable insights into the opportunities available to overseas students seeking a French education.

Mr. Négrel, thank you for taking the time to speak with me today. As the Deputy Director of the AEFE, you have a unique perspective on the opportunities offered by the French government to overseas students. Can you tell us more about the AEFE and its mission?

The AEFE, or Agence pour l'enseignement français à l'étranger, is a global network of 600 French educational institutions across 139 countries. Our mission is to provide a high-quality, multilingual education to students worldwide, fostering a sense of global citizenship and promoting the French language and culture. We are committed to providing students with a comprehensive education that meets international standards while also emphasizing multilingualism and intercultural understanding.

The upcoming Francophonie Summit emphasizes the importance of "Creativity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship in French". How does the AEFE contribute to this vision?

The AEFE is instrumental in promoting French as a language of opportunity and innovation. Our schools offer a standardized French curriculum, ensuring that students receive a comprehensive education that meets international standards. We also emphasize multilingualism, with students learning at least three languages and in three languages: English and the host country's language in addition to French. In High Schools, many of our students learn a fourth language. This prepares them for success in a globalized world where multilingual professionals are in high demand.

In the documents for the upcoming Francophonie Summit, there's a strong emphasis on the role of French in the digital world. How does the AEFE incorporate this into its teaching?

It's true, the digital world is inseparable from the future of the French language. We see it as vital that our students not only learn to communicate in French but also engage with technology and digital resources in French.

Thus, our French international schools provide a fully immersive digital learning experience and the teachers are fully conversant in all modern digital pedagogical methods. This ensures they have a well-rounded understanding of the language's role in the modern world. We also encourage the development of digital skills and media literacy through various programs and initiatives.

Accessibility and affordability are crucial aspects of education. What measures has the French government taken to ensure that quality education is within reach for overseas students?

The French government is committed to making quality education accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic background. Our schools offer competitive tuition fees compared to other international schools. Additionally, the French government provides scholarships to French and binational student to further enhance accessibility to our schools. A special scholarship program exists to support the higher education of foreign students from our schools who want to study in French Universities, called France Excellence-Major. We believe that financial constraints should not be a barrier to a quality education.

Our current ambassador to Vietnam, Mr. Olivier Brochet, is a good friend, and I am confident he is doing everything in his power to provide Vietnamese students with increasing access to our culture and world-class, yet affordable, education.

Many young people view English as the language of opportunity. How do you plan to make the French language more attractive to them?

While English is undoubtedly important in today’s world, French is also a valuable asset. It's spoken by millions worldwide and is projected to be one of the most widely spoken languages in the future, particularly with the growth of Francophonie Africa. Our students learn both English and French, ensuring they have the language skills to succeed in various contexts. Moreover, learning French provides access to a rich culture and a global network of opportunities.

Beyond language acquisition, what other skills does the AEFE focus on developing in its students?

I would like to emphazise that learning languages in our schools is beyond simply grammar. Student learn topics in different languages, for example Mathematics in the local language, History in English, etc. They also develop a deep knowledge in the culture of the countries in which the language they learn is spoken. In addition, we aim to cultivate well-rounded individuals. Our programs emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. We also encourage students to participate in extracurricular activities, such as sports, arts, and community service, to develop their talents and social skills.

Can you provide specific examples of how the AEFE promotes French as a language of innovation and entrepreneurship?

We also organize various events and competitions, such as the "Jeux internationaux de la jeunesse" and the “Ambassadeur en herbe” that encourage students to engage with different cultures and perspectives, fostering a global mindset that is essential for success in today's interconnected world.

The “Village de la Francophonie” at the upcoming summit will showcase the diversity of Francophonie cultures. How does the AEFE reflect this diversity within its schools?

Our schools are microcosms of the Francophonie world. We have students from diverse backgrounds, and we celebrate this diversity through various cultural events and activities. We also encourage students to learn about different Francophonie cultures through language classes, literature, and history.

How does the AEFE ensure the quality of education across its network of schools?

We have a robust teacher training program and a dedicated team of inspectors who ensure that our teachers are well-equipped to deliver a high-quality education. Our teachers are recruited both locally and internationally, and they undergo rigorous training to meet our standards. We also have a system of continuous professional development to keep our teachers abreast of the latest pedagogical approaches.

What role do parents play in the AEFE network?

Parents are vital partners in our mission. They participate in the management and governance of our schools, creating a strong sense of community and ensuring that our schools meet the needs of their local communities. We believe that parental involvement is crucial for student success.

What message would you like to send to overseas students considering an AEFE education?

For students seeking an affordable, high-quality education that fosters multilingualism and a global mindset, the AEFE network offers a compelling opportunity. With the French government's commitment to promoting French as a language of opportunity, AEFE graduates are well-equipped to succeed in various fields on a global scale. We invite students to join our diverse and dynamic community and embark on a journey of learning and discovery.

Thank you for sharing your insights with us, Mr. Négrel.

You're welcome. It's been a pleasure discussing the AEFE and its mission with you.