Debra Said:

What are some differences between education in France and the United States?

We Answered:

(American living in France) - Free public education starting at 3. Only 2-3 percent of 3 yr olds not in school, 1 % of 4 yr olds. Social pressure to put your kids in school, homeschooling negligeable on preschool level and even less at primary level. Homework starting around 5 or 6 yrs old. Not as much standardized testing as in the US but a lot of pressure. Both parents and teachers more likely to use outdated subjective negative language like "well that's dumb" "she's the lowest/best in the class". School gets out at 5 pm and for junior high/high sch students doesn't include competitive sports or extracurricular activities that you can do in the US. High school diploma is not automatic after having completed the courses, you have to take the "bac" which at the same time validates high school and allows college/vocational school entry. On the whole I'd say that the level required is pretty high compared to someplace like, well Texas. This is pretty variable in the States but standardized in France, not such a bad thing. But downside is that if you mess up somewhere, very very difficult to get back in the system. No community colleges offering classes at all hours of the day and night that will admit you on proabation for a semester or two. They say French kids under teh most pressure in the world except for Japan.

Lester Said:

what do kids in france do in physical education class?

We Answered:

gymastic, with or without apparatus: running, wallbars, swedish square, etc; playing sports like football (soccer) or volley; studying anatomy.

Lucy Said:

Do you think that the education system in France is elitist?

We Answered:

Sorry but no I don't agree. The education system in France is extremely good and far from elitist. I do not agree that les grandes ecoles restrict debate or learning. If you are bright and want to work you can really go very far and it doesn't matter what back ground you come from. The French have always encouraged debate and it is in fact on the curriculum. As for universite being a holding pen, you could say that about British universities - the only difference being the poor old English student ends up thousands of pounds in debt. Now that is a tragedy and totally unfair to the young of this country.

Nora Said:

Is it possible to get a free education in France if I know only English?

We Answered:

Well, I speak English and, at that time, I also spoke French fluently and I still had to pay at the Sorbonne

Brandon Said:

Higher education in France? Does anyone know any good websites?

We Answered:

Try www.edufrance.fr

Please note that you have to pass an exam at your local Älliance Française.
I think it's almost $150.
It's not easy either.
I passed it on my 2nd try, and have friends who have failed more than 5 times. Make sure you know all conjugations, tenses, and understand when people talk to you.

After that, you can apply directly to any university in France. The Sorbonne is only 600 euros!!!!
Cheap!!!
The U.S. should take note...

Marcia Said:

Could I get a better education in France?

We Answered:

If you go do your masters, you don't need to know french. You can take all your courses for that in english. I am doing that at the university of Helsinki in Finland. I speak zero finnish, but all my economics courses are in english because it is a masters level.
You just have to know the European teaching and learning style is super different from North American style.