In his excellent essay "Les Identités meurtrières" (Grasset) where he analyzes the question of identity in our modern world which has been reduced to a global village, Amin Maalouf approaches the question of language as one of the characteristics of our identity. He draws the conclusion that, in future, we will need to master at least three languages and that not mastering English will continue to be a serious handicap. He goes on to say that speaking only English will be very limiting, including for those whose mother tongue is English!
We, parents, teachers and students of ASEICA are sincerely committed to bi-lingual and bi-cultural education as an effective and constructive way of preparing our young people for their adult lives. Not only do we believe that it is necessary to begin the study of languages as early as possible, we also believe that it is just as important for our Anglophone students to excel in their French studies as it is for our French students to be qualified to continue their studies and their professional lives in an Anglophone environment.
Education
ASEICA provides an English language curriculum within the French State System for children from the age of 6 to 18, culminating in the prestigious internationally recognized OIB (Option Internationale du Baccalauréat).
"Before coming here I had never read an English book, but by the end of the year I had read Shakespeare. Of course, I didn't understand everything, but I was proud."
Bilingualism
ASEICA's mission is to help its students become fully bilingual in French and English. The 50-50 curriculum split in the primary years is proof of our commitment to this goal.
"What is a bilingual education?" If I was ever asked this question I would answer "It is the best of both worlds".
Christy
"What I really like about my bilingual education is having my French world mixed with my English world."
Thomas
ASEICA specifically accommodates children from different cultural backgrounds with different mother tongues and different levels of other languages. Its strength is building on this diversity of experience.
"It is very interesting to meet people from other countries. It gives different points of view, it helps us to understand the world surrounding us and most of all it can reduce racism."
Sarah
Opportunity
ASEICA provides its students with the opportunity to cultivate a global perspective based on solid academic foundations.
"I really like this [bilingual] education because thanks to it I am now a fluent English speaker. The other good side is the friends you make. They all come from different countries, have different nationalities and it is really interesting to have friends like that."
Sarah
Excellence
ASEICA is proud of the reputation it has built up in the area for academic excellence. This year's OIB results speak for themselves.
"A++ school, definitely a life experience."
Rainer
Associative life
ASEICA organizes associative activities like theater groups and social events to strengthen its cross-cultural focus.
"Bilingual education does not stop at lessons - lots of activities are proposed like theater which enables you to become more confident and also the debating club where you can discuss politics and conflicts in the world."
Clemence