Ukrainian will be taught as a second foreign language in French colleges and lyceums: details

The second foreign language in the French education system is a compulsory subject that begins in Year 7. It is usually German, Spanish or Italian. The addition of Ukrainian is an important precedent and a gesture of support towards the Ukrainian diaspora. Find out more about this decision

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Starting in 2025, Ukrainian will be taught as a second foreign language in French educational institutions. This decision was made by the French Ministry of Education and is the result of many years of diplomatic work by the Ukrainian embassy.

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Ukrainian language in French education

The Ukrainian Ambassador to France, Vadym Omelchenko, announced the launch of a pilot project at the All-French Conference of Ukrainian Schools in Nice. According to him, diplomats actively interacted with the French Ministry of National Education, developing arguments in support of introducing the Ukrainian language into the education system.

‘This is not only recognition of the language, but also an important step towards the integration of Ukrainian children into the educational space of France without losing their cultural identity,’ the ambassador said.

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Where exactly will the training begin?

The pilot project will be implemented in four academic districts with the largest number of Ukrainian students:

▪️ Paris region

▪️ Maritime Alps

▪️ Versailles

▪️ Creteil

It is in these regions that most Ukrainians who received temporary protection after the start of the full-scale war live.

The state is lending its support

Not only diplomats but also French MPs and the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs have joined the initiative. An official letter announcing the launch of the programme has already been sent to the Ukrainian Ministry of Education on behalf of the French Minister for National Education, Élisabeth Borne.

This decision is of particular importance for Ukrainian families who have found themselves in France. Children will be able to learn their native language at school alongside French and other European languages. This also contributes to the preservation of national identity, the expansion of cultural rights and the promotion of Ukrainian culture abroad.

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Reminder! Poland is tightening control over the flow of foreign students, making student visas exclusively for study purposes. This creates additional requirements, but also protects the education system from abuse and increases its transparency. Find out how the rules for students will change.

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