Our International French School in Bratislava is part of the AEFE school network.
What exactly is AEFE, and what benefits does it offer our children?
AEFE (The Agency for French Education Abroad) is a public operator under the supervision of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. It coordinates the network of French educational institutions abroad.
Since its founding by law on July 6, 1990, the AEFE has had a dual mission:
- providing public education services for French children living outside France,
- fostering diplomatic and cultural influence by welcoming students of all nationalities, promoting the French language and culture, raising France’s profile, and sharing its humanistic and democratic values.
The AEFE, the only school network of its kind in the world, represents (as of 2024):
- 580 schools in 139 countries (interactive AEFE map),
- more than 392,000 students,
- approximately 600,000 alumni from 600 establishments.
Schools in this network offer the same educational program, regardless of their location, whether in Bratislava or Sydney.
Throughout the year, AEFE organizes a range of engaging programs that create connections, enhance appeal, and expand its impact. These events allow students to experience belonging to a worldwide French-speaking school community. And we also take part in them!
Highlights from the Events and Network Development Office (BEVR) include: French International Schools Week (SLFM), the Worldwide French High School Orchestra (OLFM), the International Youth Games (JIJ), the “Young Ambassadors” public speaking competition (AAEH), and the “May of Languages” festival.
Students in AEFE schools have several key milestones, including two major exams: the National Diploma (DNB), which assesses knowledge and skills at the end of middle school, and the Baccalaureate, marking the completion of high school and paving the way to higher education.
You can find more information about AEFE’s activities on their official website (French version only).
Video : A day in French schools abroad