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CIEF Awarded the Qualité FLE Label!

The Centre International d’Études Françaises (CIEF), part of the Maison des Langues at URCA, has undertaken the Qualité FLE (French as a Foreign Language) certification process to ensure the quality of French teaching for non-francophone learners.

This label, jointly awarded by the Ministry of Higher Education and Research, the Ministry of Culture, and the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, “aims to identify, recognize, and promote French language centers (FLE) whose linguistic offerings and services meet quality standards.” It guarantees that the programs provided meet expectations in terms of pedagogy, content, and teacher qualifications.

Although CIEF began the certification process in November 2023, the achievement reflects the work of many successive teams and management over the years.

Encouraged by the expertise of Laurence Oudin-Arnoult, a tenured teacher at CIEF and auditor for the label, preparation for the audit required the commitment of all staff members—both teaching and administrative—to meet the 94 quality criteria organized into five areas:

  • Courses and training
  • Teachers
  • Student reception
  • Facilities, safety, and equipment
  • Management

For each criterion, a detailed inventory of documents was provided to the auditors appointed by France Education International (FEI). These documents described the training offer, continuing education for staff, cultural programs, the center’s promotion strategy, and various procedures (student reception, teacher recruitment, etc.).

The auditors were able to analyze the data collected by Emilie Gréault, CIEF Director, and Sophie Haingue, administrative officer and manager of the Maison des Langues, during the audit held from November 20 to 22, 2024. During these three days, the auditors interviewed teachers, administrative staff, and a panel of students from CIEF. Class observations and facility inspections were also conducted.

At the end of the audit, the Interministerial Certification Commission awarded the Qualité FLE label to CIEF on December 16, 2024, for a period of four years. CIEF received three stars in all five areas of the evaluation framework.

Obtaining this label enhances CIEF’s international visibility, provides official recognition, and strengthens its credibility with learners and potential partners. It consolidates and reinforces the dynamic created by the teaching team, which encourages the exchange of best practices, collaboration among field stakeholders, and serves as a tool for continuing professional development.

CIEF is extremely proud of this achievement, as receiving three stars across all five areas is rare, especially for a first certification. The center now joins 110 institutions certified in France, representing just over a third of FLE centers.

CIEF warmly thanks all those who contributed to this achievement in any way:

  • The University of Reims Presidency
  • Frédéric Teillon, Director of the Maison des Langues
  • All URCA departments that regularly collaborated and provided necessary documents for the audit (DREDI, SUAC, BU, DPI, DAJ, DAF, Communication Department, DEVU, etc.), as well as the university’s maintenance staff
  • The various programs we collaborate with, particularly the Master’s in Plurilingualism and FLE
  • Our local partners, especially the Falala Media Library, with which we have an agreement, and its staff

Finally, we sincerely thank the CIEF students, student tutors, academic officers of CIEF – Maison des Langues, as well as the permanent and adjunct teachers for their dedication.

Quality rating legend:

*** The quality level is very satisfactory.

** The quality level is satisfactory, but some aspects could be improved.

*The quality level is acceptable, but problematic aspects need improvement.

CIEF Awarded the Qualité FLE Label!