2.3 Contemporary Life

L'Education

The French education system differs a lot from other countries; the Francophone school system is known to be rigorous and thorough. French is the primary language of instruction, but students are also taught in one or more other languages, such as the native languages in some French-speaking African countries or English in Canada.

Any Francophone countries have a national curriculum that lays out the learning goals and expectations for students at each level of education. They put a strong emphasis on academic excellence: The francophone education system often prioritizes academic excellence, with a focus on high-quality teaching and rigorous evaluations.

Depending on the country, there can be a diverse student population in terms of cultural and linguistic background, but the education system aims to preserve, promote and enhance the students' francophone identity.

Perhaps the biggest difference in education styles is the baccalauréat, commonly referred to as the "bac." This comprehensive exam defines the rigor of the French education system and is imperative to determining where in university/the workforce French students will continue onto after graduation.

Le voyage

Where's the best place YOU'VE been? Focusing on the AP exam, they may ask you to describe a trip you took or a place you visited that impacted you. Culture, language, and activities in these places can open interesting conversations in the written/oral portions of the exam.

Here are some ideas and vocabulary that can help you get started:

1. Les vacances - vacation
2. Le voyage - trip
3. Le transport - transportation
4. L'avion - airplane
5. Le train - train
6. Le bus - bus
7. La voiture - car
8. Le bateau - boat
9. L'hôtel - hotel
10. Le camping - camping
11. Le sac à dos - backpack
12. L'itinéraire - itinerary
13. Les billets - tickets
14. Les valises - luggage
15. Le passeport - passport
16. Le visa - visa
17. Le guide - guide
18. Le circuit - tour
19. La réservation - reservation
20. L'agence de voyage - travel agency

When you talk about your destination:

1. La destination - destination
2. Le pays - country
3. La ville - city
4. La plage - beach
5. Les montagnes - mountains
6. Le désert - desert
7. Le lac - lake
8. La campagne - countryside
9. Le musée - museum
10. Le monument historique - historical monument
11. L'attraction touristique - tourist attraction

When you talk about activities during travel: Les activités - activities

1. Les excursions - excursions
2. La randonnée - hiking
3. Le ski - skiing
4. Le vélo - cycling
5. La plongée sous-marine - diving
6. La pêche - fishing
7. Le golf - golf
8. L'équitation - horseback riding

There are many activities you can use to describe a trip or a vacation, so don't limit yourself! 

Advertising and Marketing

In countries like France and Canada, where French is an official language, advertising is often conducted in both French and the other official language, for example French and English in Canada. Advertisers need to be mindful of the cultural differences between the French and the other official speaking communities and to create specific ad campaigns or translate their existing ones to target the Francophone community. A user's identité en ligne/identité numerique may help companies better appeal to them.

French-speaking communities tend to use images, colors and symbols that are associated with the culture. For example, in France, the use of the national colors blue, white, and red in advertising can evoke feelings of patriotism and national pride.

Also, social media marketing (marketing des réseaux sociaux) has a significant role in reaching the French speaking audience, especially in countries where French is not an official language but still widely spoken. Advertising on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube has become more common in France and other Francophone communities.