FRENCH AS A FOREIGN

LANGUAGE (FLE)

BACKGROUND In the late nineteenth century and early

twentieth century, France becomes a land of immigration.

DISTRIBUTION OF IMMIGRANTS BY COUNTRY

% number

Europe 38,4 2.018.102

Europe 27 34,3 1.802.532

Spain 5,0 262.883

Italy 6,2 323.809

Portugal 11,0 576.084

United Kingdom 2,7 142.949

Other countries form the EU 27 9,5 496.807

Other countries form Europe 4,1 215.570

Africa 42,3 2.223.617

Algeria 13,4 702.811

Morocco 12,3 645.695

Tunisia 4,4 231.062

Other countries from Africa 12,3 644.049

Asia 14,0 735.863

Turkey 4,5 234.540

Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam 3,1 162.063

Other countries from Asia 6,5 339.260

America and Oceania 5,2 275.114

Total 100 5.252.696

Field : France.Source : Insee, Census 2007, exploitation principale.

2007

INTEGRATION PROCESS Integration is a process that begins in

the country of origin and continues during years after arriving to France.

“LE CONTRAT D’ACCUEIL ET D’INTÉGRATION” (CAI)

From January 2007, the signing of the Contract of Welcome and Integration (CAI) between the State and the migrant wanting to settle in France is compulsory.

FRENCH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE (FLE) From a personal interview where the CAI is signed,

the candidate takes a test of oral and written French knowledge.

If needed, language training is proposed and the candidate receives information about linguistic training centers.

If the level is sufficient, the candidate will receive a certificate and will be dispensed of the language training.

The OFII (The French Agency for Immigration and Integration) provides information about the training centers.

Training is validated through a test, if the candidate approves will obtain the DILF (Official French Test equivalent to A1.1).

INFORMATION(OFII) The French Agency for Immigration and

Integration (OFII) has offices in several countries in order to manage the evaluation tests.

For countries where there is not an OFII delegation, the Consulate will specify the conditions in order to apply for a visa.

WELCOMEThe OFII is responsible for the welcome of

immigrants in France.The State provides the following free

benefits: Civic training (presentation of the French

institutions and the values of the Republic) Language training (can reach up to 400

hours) depending on the foreigner needs. Briefing of life style in France Social support if needed

TRAINING FUNDING The French State finances the training

up to 400 hours helping the candidate to become independent in daily life situations.

FIGURES (CAI) 439,409 people have signed the CAI to

September 30, 2008 Over 150 nationalities 43.1% belongs to the Maghreb Most of the signatories are women (53.9%) Most of the signatories are French-speaking

or have knowledge of French In 2007, about a quarter of the signatories

were invited to take part of the language training in order to acquire a first level of competition.

In 2009 97736 CAI were signed

FRENCH FOR IMMIGRANTS For those who have not signed the CAI and

wish to benefit from language training, it exists the possibility of free French classes for immigrants (legally resident) who are meant to reside for a long time in France.

Courses accessible to people over 25 years old from any country except those seeking asylum.

It is recommended to contact the language training center in each department.

Training is free.

DILF The Initial Diploma in French Language is

an official diploma from the Ministry of Education.

All foreigners who follow the courses must be submitted to it, those who are exempted from taking the courses must also validate their level with this diploma.

Between January 1, 2007 and September 30, 2008 10,627 diplomas were issued.

DILF FEATURES Level A1.1 (Common Frame of Reference)

Evaluate the 4 skills: listening, writing, speaking and writing

Is the first step towards the DELF and DALF

It takes into account the international standards for the design of tests.

DILF Candidates must enroll directly in the test

center of their choice

In 2011 sessions will be held the first Tuesday of each month according to the schedule defined by the national commission

Fees are established by each test center approved by the national commission

A list of the test centers is available on the internet

PARENTS SCHOOL(L’ÉCOLE AUX PARENTS) Aimed at immigrants (parents who have not

followed the CAI) Aims to:

Improve language proficiency (obtain a certification: DILF or DELF)

Improve knowledge of French society (principles and values of the Republic)

Facilitate the understanding of the education system and the rights and obligations of parents and students.

MATERIALS Vivre Le Français (cahier

d’apprentissage du Français)

Some websites to start learning French:

www.diplomatie.gouv.fr www.francaisfacile.com www.lepointdufle.net

SOURCE http://www.immigration.gouv.fr http://www.ofii.fr/ http://www.drjscs.gouv.fr/ http://www.insee.fr/ http://www.ciep.fr www.diplomatie.gouv.fr Interviews and e-mails