France’s attractiveness for Spanish people is undeniable: France is the first host country for Spanish investments and one of the top European destinations for Spanish students. With near 30,000 Spanish residents and a dense and vibrant Spanish-speaking community in Paris Region, newcomers will find it easier to feel comfortable in their new host region.
Spanish Languages Programs in Schools and Higher Education
Paris Region is home to a range of Spanish language opportunities at school for children of all ages.
The French school system follows the national French curriculum and offers bilingual and bicultural programs, appropriate for bilingual or non-French speaking young children:
- French schools with Spanish International Sections, from preschool to high school, offering the International Option of the Baccalaureate (OIB) diploma.
These international sections are part of bilateral partnerships between France and Spain.
- French schools with Binational Sections, from secondary school to high school offering a double degree called BACHIBAC (Spanish Bachillerato + French Baccalaureate)
The Liceo Español Luis Buñuel is a secondary school and High School (free of charge for Spanish students) under the auspices of the Spanish Ministry of Education and attached to the Department of Education of the Spanish Embassy, offering Bachillerato and BACHIBAC education.
In addition, for expatriate children who are also fluent in English, a few schools offer a trilingual program, a European School and a large number of bilingual or international schools (privately funded schools) provide a variety of English programs and diplomas: International Baccalaureate, European Baccalaureate, High School Diploma or A-levels.
Find the best international schools for your children
To pursue higher education or a doctorate in Paris Region, Campus France provides Spanish students with all the information on higher education in France: scholarship programs, European programs such as Erasmus+, double degrees or joint degrees between France and Spain, registration procedures, etc.
In addition, French institutions increasingly offer degrees taught in English to attract top international students. There are more than 500 English-speaking programs in Paris Region for bachelor and master's degree, and many institutions that have been awarded the label « Bienvenue en France » ensuring the presence of international student support services.
Spanish Economic, Political and Cultural Organizations
Many Spanish institutions operate in Paris Region. Economic or political organizations include:
- Embassy and consulate of Spain/Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores
- COCEF - Spanish Chamber of Commerce in France
- Dialogo - French-Spanish friendship association…
Cultural and Leisure Organizations Include:
- Instituto Cervantes
- Institute Ramon Llull
- Colegio de España
- Octavio Paz and El Salón del libro libraries
- Maison de l’Amérique Latine…
Networking and Recreational Activities
Upon their arrival in Paris Region, Spanish expatriates will have access to a dense Spanish or English-speaking community to share their experiences, facilitate their integration, and participate in leisure and cultural activities mixing languages and cultures.
With social network groups, parents’ associations from schools offering Spanish programs, cultural events (exhibitions, cinemas, shows...) and language exchange groups, there will be no shortage of opportunities for those who wish to take advantage of Paris Regions international and multicultural spirit.
Some Spanish Companies Present in Paris Region
