American International Section

The program in the American International Section [AIS] is rigorous. 

At LFSF, students may be enrolled in the AIS from Gr1 all the way to Gr12 . Students enrolled in an IS are taught the core syllabus as well as specific courses enabling them to follow advanced classes taught in English.
From Middle School (collège), two subjects are taught in English:

•  Language and Literature: more than a language class, this course includes the study of English literature.
•  History and Geography: the French curriculum is adapted to include a greater emphasis on the history and geography of the United States of America.

The French Education Ministry has introduced American International Sections (AIS) in cooperation with partner countries. Students enrolled in the international section take specific exams toward being awarded:

Classes are taught by:

  • Native English speakers 
  • History and Geography teachers (in French and English) 

The value of International Sections

The American International Section :

  • Gives students the opportunity to work on original projects, join a group of motivated students and develop oral skills more regularly. 
  • Allows students to explore their bilingualism and pluriculturalism.
  • Facilitates the mobility and open-mindedness of students.

The American international section was created with the collaboration of the French-American (Fulbright) Commission, the College Board and the French Ministry of Education.

A special focus and Preparation for the oral exam

Students will present in a structured way using detailed language and new vocabulary specific to the subject. These presentations require a great deal of oral participation in class.

Opportunities for your future studies

There is no direct continuation of the International Section at the university. However, this training may enhance your resume for a future internship abroad or specific internationally oriented programs.

This training allows students who are passionate about English to present additional skills to express themselves in English on all subjects.

The AIS adds a real international value to the Baccalaureate exam. 

Use of various materials

Images, photography, sketches, maps, graphs, flowcharts, gradually moving toward incorporating a greater number of texts/ (works studied) in Gr11 and 12. 

A few examples of projects implemented in History-Geography and Language and Literature in the International Section

  • Action-oriented projects around the International Sections Day in May
  • Exhibitions in the CDI around various themes
  • Guest speakers conferences 

The DNBI (Brevet exam) explained

The DNB International option consists of all of the standard exams plus two specific oral exams in language/literature and history/geography. These two exams are taken in English. 

Enrollment in the international section in Gr 9 is a prerequisite for registering for the brevet diploma’s international option.

At the Lycée, the OIB Baccalaureate

A French baccalaureate that includes the international option and can only be prepared in international sections.

The OIB is the French general baccalaureate diploma, on which the "international option" is marked. The aim is to give significant weight to skills and knowledge related to the American language and culture. Students who enroll in this option must demonstrate a real interest in literature and reading in history-geography. 

The international option of the baccalaureate (OIB) consists of:

  • the required standard exams for each course, except for written and oral exams in modern language 1 (LVA) and the history-geography paper;
  • a specific language and literature exam in the section language in the place of the required LVA exams; this exam includes a written and oral component;
  • a specific history-geography exam in the place of the standard history-geography exam; this exam includes a written and oral component. 

These specific exams are taken in English and have their own coefficients.

Enrollment in the international section of the Lycée in 11th and 12th grade is a prerequisite for enrollment in the OIB.

It's important to note that...

The OIB is a specific arrangement whereby the French baccalaureate gives the skills and knowledge related to the partner country’s language and culture a substantial weighting. However, the OIB is not a dual-diploma awarded by France and another country.

Nevertheless, the partner country’s educational authorities may play a central role in setting and marking OIB exams. They also help to ensure the OIB is recognized, particularly by the most prestigious universities of their respective countries.

An option in addition to the exams of the baccalaureate. The specific exams replace in part the standard exams and, despite the term ‘option,’ significantly impact whether the diploma is awarded.

The OIB is different from the International Baccalaureate (IB) that is not awarded by the French Education Ministry but by the International Baccalaureate Organization in Geneva. 

Benefits of the OIB 

Source: The College Board OIB brochure

  •  OIB students learn to handle a hefty workload and to prioritize conflicting commitments. 
  •  OIB students acquire cultural mobility — the ability to think from a French cultural viewpoint or an American cultural viewpoint — that gives them different perspectives on their university studies, whatever the subject. 
  • OIB students have learned different approaches to thinking and methodology from two different education systems; this can give them unusual flexibility in problem-solving or adopting a suitable method for a particular task. 
  •  The OIB is a rigorous program devoted to educational excellence and sets high-performance standards for students and faculty. 
  •  The OIB involves dedicated and creative teachers committed to their students, their disciplines, and their profession. 
  • The OIB attracts highly motivated students who wish to excel academically and attend the most selective colleges and universities. 
  • The OIB program provides for articulation between middle school and high school, terminating with the French Baccalaureate. 
  • In support of the academic program, the OIB offers professional development opportunities for teachers and administrators worldwide.

How Do Colleges and Universities Recognize the OIB American Section? 

Source: The College Board OIB brochure

In the United States, experienced college admission officers increasingly recognize the Baccalaureate, particularly the OIB, as a strong indicator of academic promise and achievement. Successful OIB students have demonstrated the ability to attain academic goals above and beyond the already-rigorous college-preparatory program. Also, the OIB courses and exams are frequently recognized for advanced credit at many North American colleges and universities.

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