Some state schools in France (lycées, collèges and primaries) include _sections internationales_ where pupils are taught certain subjects in a foreign language. An increasing number of

lycées also include _sections européennes ou de langues orientales_, which aim to help pupils improve a foreign language. Here are the basic facts about them: 1. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Pupils

have to pass rigorous written and oral tests to get into a _section internationale_. They generally need language skills at native level to pass. 2. WHO ARE THEY FOR? International sections

are officially aimed at pupils who are temporarily resident in France, to enable them to adapt to the French system but make it possible to return to schools in their home country. READ

All of them also admit pupils (_du secteur_) who are not enrolled in a _section internationale_. 4. NATIVE TEACHERS International sections do not offer all subjects, but only two or three

(often but not always including literature and history/geography). The other subjects are taught in French by French teachers. The section subjects are taught by native teachers, following

their home country’s curriculum. These exams are set and marked by the native country. Pupils sit French exams for the other subjects. READ MORE: FRENCH SCHOOLS FALLING FURTHER BEHIND, SHOWS

MAJOR NEW STUDY 5. BAC DETAILS Until 2022, pupils took the OIB, but now take the BFI (_Baccalauréat Français International_) which is a _bac général_. It is not possible to do a _bac pro_

or a _bac tech_ in an international section. For international students, the advantage of the BFI (which is treated as an A-level equivalent) is that students applying to universities in the

UK do not have to take any further exams or tests to prove their English level. 6. HOW MUCH DO THEY COST? Some international sections are free. The German government subsidises

international German sections, for example. Anglophone sections must be paid because the UK does not subsidise them. However, since fees are only charged for the section, not the entire

school, they are usually around €3,000 per year. Fees can usually be paid per term. 7. EUROPEAN SECTION BASICS European sections are free and are available in lycées and collèges. They are

open to pupils studying for a_ bac pro_ or_ bac tech _as well as those aiming for a _bac général_. Pupils can join at the start of _6ième_ (age 11), _4ième _(13) or_ 2nde_ (15). 8. FRENCH

SYLLABUS European sections offer two hours of extra teaching in the chosen language option. These lessons concentrate on oral language skills and studying non-linguistic subjects in the

chosen language, although the teachers are French and teach the French syllabus. READ MORE: EDUCATION: DO FRENCH SCHOOLS DESERVE THEIR HARSH REPUTATION? 9. LANGUAGES AVAILABLE The languages

offered in European sections in _général_ and _tech__ lycées_ are German, English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and Russian. The Oriental language sections are in Arabic, Chinese, Japanese

and Vietnamese. In a _lycée professionnel_, languages offered are German, English, Spanish and Italian. 10. GETTING A PLACE There are no formal tests to get into a European section. However,

since demand outstrips supply by 2:1, in practice schools only take pupils with average marks above 14/20 and excellent language skills. A motivation letter is often required. Being

bilingual and having native-level written and oral language skills is a huge advantage. 11. SPECIAL MENTION Pupils who pass the extra language exams get _mention européenne_ added to their

certificates. 12. SOUGHT-AFTER SCHOOLS Places at schools with international and/or European sections are highly sought-after as academic standards tend to be high – even for pupils not in a

section. RELATED ARTICLES FRENCH PUPILS NO LONGER NEED PASSPORT FOR SCHOOL TRIP TO UK COUPLE IN COURT FOR HOMESCHOOLING SON WITHOUT PERMISSION IN FRANCE FRANCE TO LAUNCH LARGE-SCALE TRIAL OF

SCHOOL UNIFORMS