PdB: In the beginning, in 1994, we had the sole ambition of listing the addresses of schools or centres for French as a foreign language (FLE) corresponding to certain quality criteria.The schools listed came together to form an association, with a code of ethics and the first draft of a quality charter.

From one year to the next, the required quality standards have been increasingly fine tuned and reinforced, and at the same time, the practice of pooling information and resources has become a fundamental pillar in the spirit of the Groupement FLE.

Rapidly, thanks in large part to a vigorous campaign of promotion directed towards institutions and agents, Groupement FLE increased its reputation and came to be considered as a legitimate, credible partner. In 2010, Groupement FLE became an active member of the steering committee for the French ministerial accreditation project. The Management Board is composed of six members, all volunteers, and today there are 32 member centres.

The PIE: How is Groupement FLE evolving and adapting?

PdB: The Groupement FLE is now a key actor in a process of quality which can be found throughout all areas of working life in France. Previously French schools worked individually, each in their own corner; the first idea of the Groupement FLE was to help people to get to know each other better and to work together on promoting their centres.

Working on quality was the logical extension to this. The Groupement FLE was the first group in France to have a code of ethics and a charter of quality. The “Label Qualité FLE” now proposed by the French government is an internationally recognised accreditation label, and Groupement FLE is a key and respected actor in ongoing discussions on this national accreditation process.

“Groupement FLE is a key and respected actor in ongoing discussions on this national accreditation process”

We work closely with the CIEP as a source of ideas to promote the “Label Qualité FLE”, giving our centres better promotion and a return on their investment. The Groupement FLE represents not only its members but also the whole of the profession through its membership of and active participation in the “Conference” – an informal structure regrouping the Groupement FLE, ADCUEFE, Souffle and UNOSEL.

The PIE: Why do you believe members choose to join the Groupement FLE?

PdB: For three things: mutualisation (pooling information and resources), quality, promotion. We are a very active organisation, not just a shop-front. We always aim to transform our ideas into actions – we are obviously rivals, but above all we are colleagues. We have a website and directory which promote our member centres.  [more>>]