The study programme in Côte d’Ivoire is very similar to that in France.

Here’s a quick look at the system:

Preschool education: kindergarten, from 2 or 3 to 5 years old.

Primary Education: from 6 years old and lasts about 6 years. The diploma of the primary school is the Certificat d’Études Primaires et Elémentaires (CEPE)

Secondary education: it is divided into two cycles: the first school cycle lasts 4 years, a diploma is then awarded at the end of this cycle which is the Brevet d’Etudes du Premier Cycle (BEPC). The second cycle lasts 3 years. At the end of these three years, students must take the Baccalaureate (BAC). Once they have passed it, they will be awarded a diploma and this will give them access to higher education.

All local schools teach English as a first foreign language. As a condition, an Ivorian student who has passed the baccalaureate should have completed 7 years of English. In addition, English is taught in all faculties at all universities.

Currently, there are about 4 international schools of English in Abidjan. However, some French schools are experimenting with French and English teaching mainly in primary schools.