Imagine... Your Story
This is not a real testimonial, but a fictional story to help you imagine what a move to Saint-Germain-en-Laye could look like. The dilemmas, concerns and expectations are based on conversations with real families.
The De Vries Family
Mark, Linda, Emma (15), Lucas (11) and Sophie (4)
The story begins...
"A new adventure beckons: a move to the Paris region for work. The excitement is enormous, but soon the big practical questions arise: where will we live and, more importantly, where will our children find the best education?"
The first reflex might be: Paris itself! The city of light, culture, endless possibilities. But soon Mark and Linda encounter reality. Yes, Paris has schools, many schools. But real Dutch-language education, where their children can continue to develop their mother tongue and culture at a high level, seems almost impossible to find in the center.
The discovery: Saint-Germain-en-Laye
Then, through friends, they hear about Saint-Germain-en-Laye. A town just outside Paris that immediately catches their attention. The images they see: green, stately, with a beautiful castle where Louis XIV was once born. It exudes a certain grandeur and calm, far from the hustle of the city, but with the amenities and connections they need.
A town with history and charm
"The best of both worlds. A place where you can comfortably live, work and raise children."
And then they discover it: the Lycée International of Saint-Germain-en-Laye with the Dutch Section. A school that is not just any school, but one of the most prestigious institutions in France, known for its international focus and exceptional educational quality.
But how do the children see it?
Each child in the De Vries family experiences the move in their own way. Click on their story to read how they experience the transition:
"Paris... On one hand it sounds super cool, the city, the culture, and maybe studying at a top university with that BFI diploma. That's really my dream. But... my friends here? That's so hard."
Emma is in high school and facing the biggest transition. She dreams of a future with the BFI diploma opening doors to top universities. At the same time, she struggles with saying goodbye to her friends.
- Her worries: Missing friends, rebuilding social connections
- Her hopes: International network, top-level education, VWO-equivalent diploma
- The solution: With 14 nationalities at school she quickly finds connection, and can keep in touch via video with home
"Mom and dad say the Lycée International is really fantastic. That I'll not only continue learning Dutch – which I find important, otherwise I won't feel at home anywhere – but also super good English, and maybe Spanish!"
"New school, new city... I find it a bit exciting, honestly. What if I don't make any friends? And all that French learning sounds pretty hard."
Lucas is transitioning to middle school. He's uncertain about making new friends and learning French, but also sees it as an adventure.
- His worries: Making new friends, learning French, fitting in
- His hopes: Sports clubs, gaming, discovering the castle
- The solution: Français Spécial guides him intensively, and there are other Dutch kids
"Dad says there are cool sports clubs at school, or a club where you can game. And I'm curious about the castle where the king was born! It's nice that I can just continue going to Dutch class, that feels a bit like home."
"Mommy and daddy say we're going to France! That's a new house and a new teacher. I'm going to miss my old friends, but mommy says I'll make new friends in the new class."
For Sophie, the world is still small and safe. She mainly looks forward to playing, singing and crafting – and that can happen at the Dutch preschool in Dutch!
- Her worries: Is the new teacher nice? Is there toys?
- Her hopes: A nice garden to play in, singing songs
- The solution: The preschool offers a warm, Dutch-speaking nest
"Sometimes people in France talk a bit funny, sort of fast talking, but my Dutch teacher speaks normal Dutch, so that's nice. As long as I can play and sing, I'll be happy anywhere."
The best of both worlds
For the De Vries family, everything falls into place at the Dutch Section:
🇳🇱 Maintain Dutch
Education in mother tongue, Dutch standards, seamless connection when returning
🇫🇷 Integrate French
Français Spécial for newcomers, full integration in the French system
🌍 International network
14 nationalities, Cambridge English, friends around the world
🎓 Academic excellence
99-100% BFI pass rate, VWO-equivalent diploma
"Saint-Germain-en-Laye doesn't feel like a compromise, but a deliberate, enriching choice. Here our children maintain their Dutch identity, embrace French culture, and develop into global citizens."
Do you recognize this story?
Are you facing a similar decision? Discover how the Dutch Section fits your family.