Association for the Support of International Education

French Riviera - France

Association for the Support of Education

International Côte d'Azur - France

Our bilingual programs

THINK. LEARN. GO FAR

The future of our students is in good hands – ours.

ASEICA proposes a complete bilingual and bicultural program, from primary to high school, within partner public institutions located on the French Riviera in the heart of the Sophia-Antipolis technology park (Valbonne, Mougins, Biot, Roquefort-les-Pins).

Our programs are integrated to the classes of the French public system who deliver the official programs of the National Education, while also providing a strong Anglophone and international dimension: native teachers, active teaching methods, cultural projects, preparation for specific diplomas in international sections and at French International Baccalaureate (BFI).

A bilingual and bicultural educational path from primary school to BFI

International sections are a bilingual program that brings together French and foreign students in the same class. Their aim is to:

  • to facilitate the integration of students from foreign school systems,

  • to bring French students to a advanced command of English,

  • develop a nuanced understanding of English-speaking cultures. 

Within this framework, ASEICA offers a structured curriculum, From primary school to the final year of secondary school:

  1. Primary : learning English through literature, arts, culture and speaking, with the gradual implementation of bilingualism.

  2. College : strengthening of oral and written expression, text analysis, group work, development of autonomy and critical thinking.

  3. High school : preparation for BFI – American option, a demanding program, recognized for its academic level and international opportunities.

Programs by section

Elementary school programs

Bilingual French-English education from the first year of primary school (CP)

In partnership with the National Education system and the municipalities of Valbonne–Sophia Antipolis (Sartoux school) And Mougins (Three Hills School), ASEICA offers an excellent bilingual education in CP to CM2.

  • 50 % of school time in English, provided by native English-speaking teachers (fully funded by ASEICA).

  • 50 % of time in French, provided by teachers from National Education schools.

  • Class sizes are controlled, allowing for individual attention and genuine language immersion. 

 

The objective: to offer a solid foundation in reading, writing, listening comprehension and English-speaking culture, while ensuring mastery of the fundamentals of the French system.

A typical day in the international section of primary school

Over the four school days (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday), students alternate between a full day where all core curriculum subjects are taught in English and a full day where they are taught in French. The week is structured as follows:

  • sessions of children's literature in English,
  • artistic and cultural activities,

  • moments of language exchange, debates, oral presentations,

  • projects carried out jointly by French and English-speaking teachers.

This organization allows for natural immersion: English becomes a language of work, creation, play and exchange.

Student Profile & Admission

Admission to the international primary section is selective and organized by the Academic Inspectorate, on the basis of: 

  • written and oral tests in French and English,

  • from a school record,

  • proof of residence in the areas concerned.

Admitted students generally present:

  • a strong curiosity for languages,

  • a good ability to concentrate,

  • a family environment that supports the bilingual project.

Middle school programs

A 100% English-speaking international section college

In partnership with the French Ministry of Education, ASEICA supports students in four public middle schools on the French Riviera: International College of Valbonne (CIV), Niki de St Phalle (Valbonne), L'Éganaude (Biot), César (Roquefort-les-Pins). These institutions welcome French and foreign students in a decidedly international environment.

Students join the international section from 6th grade onwards, after tests or via the continuation of the international primary program.

Organization of teaching

At middle school, students benefit from:

  • of 7 hours of English per week (language and literature),

  • of 2 hours of non-linguistic subject instruction (CLIL), primarily history and geography taught in English, in addition to the French curriculum,

  • written and oral projects that develop analysis, critical thinking and self-confidence.

The pedagogical approach emphasizes:

  • continuous speaking, debates, presentations; ;

  • reading various texts (newspaper articles, extracts from novels, essays, historical documents); ;

  • group work, cooperation and autonomy.

Objectives & National Diploma of the International Brevet

At the end of the four years of middle school, the students take the exam National Diploma of the Brevet, International Option (DNBI), which values:

  • a high level of English,

  • the ability to follow and analyze subject-specific teaching in English,

  • transversal skills (rigor, methodology, analytical thinking).

 

This course directly prepares students for entry into the BFI (French International Baccalaureate) section at the high school.

A truly international environment

Students in the international section at the middle school develop in a context:

  • multicultural (varied nationalities within the classes),

  • open to exchange projects, cultural outings, clubs and English-speaking events,

  • demanding but supportive, where motivation and curiosity are encouraged.

High school programs

The International High School of Valbonne (LIV)

THE Valbonne International High School (LIV) It welcomes several hundred students in the English-speaking international section, from the second year to the final year, within a campus that brings together young people of more than 40 nationalities.

The English-speaking section of ASEICA is one of the six international sections of the CIV.

The BFI program – American option

The high school cycle prepares for French International Baccalaureate (BFI), a bilingual and bicultural degree recognized in France and by the best international universities.

The program includes, in particular:

5 hours/week of English language and literature, taught by native speakers:

  • study of classical and contemporary works,
  • text analysis, training in argumentative essay writing,
  • development of critical thinking and advanced written expression.

2 hours/week of history and geography taught in English (CLIL), in addition to the French program; ;

in the penultimate and final years, a module of Knowledge of the World / Contemporary Studies – US Perspectives (2 hours/week) focused on:

  • independent research,
  • the completion of a long-term project,
  • understanding major contemporary issues.

The specific tests of the BFI complement the tests of the general baccalaureate, attesting to a high level in English and a genuine international culture.

Student profile & career opportunities

The English-speaking section includes a wide variety of profiles:

  • approximately 50 % of French-speaking students having acquired a very advanced level of English,

  • approximately 50 % of English-speaking or binational students, sometimes coming from foreign school systems.

They all share:

  • an excellent academic level,

  • a strong work ethic,

  • an ambitious plan to pursue further studies, in France or abroad. 

 

The BFI opens access to a wide range of leading universities (France, United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Europe, etc.).

Orientation & University Guidance

ASEICA Guidance / University Guidance supports each high school student in building their post-baccalaureate plan:

  • personalized appointments from the first year onwards to clarify desires, strengths and study options; ;

  • assistance with writing applications, personal essays, cover letters; ;

  • preparation for international tests (SAT, IELTS, TOEFL, LNAT, etc.), particularly for the UK, the US or Canada; ;

  • monitoring of applications until responses from universities and assistance in the final decision.

Extracurricular activities & section life

Beyond the courses, ASEICA programs rely on a rich section life, 100 % English-speaking:

  • Yearbook : a book of the year, designed by the students, which highlights clubs, trips, events, artistic and community projects.

  • Model United Nations (MUN) : simulations of UN conferences, in English, to work on diplomacy, public speaking and argumentation. 

  • Theatre & Tech Crew : acting, set design, sound, lighting, backstage… everyone finds their place to develop creativity and leadership.

  • Language exchanges and international stays : immersion in English-speaking countries, strengthening of autonomy and confidence.

These activities extend the work done in class and contribute to the development of transferable skills : curiosity, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity.

FAQ.

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