What distinguishes French primary education from Ukrainian: the view of a teacher with experience in both countries

Because of the war in Ukraine, many teachers are forced to leave their homeland and look for new opportunities in other countries. We met with Dina, a Ukrainian woman who taught French in Ukraine for 15 years and later moved to France with her daughter to escape the conflict. In this interview, she shares her experience of working in a kindergarten in the Île-de-France region, compares the education systems of the two countries, and talks about how she managed to adapt in the face of change and uncertainty.

— Please introduce yourself and tell us how you ended up in France and started working at the kindergarten?

My name is Dina, and I am a Ukrainian who has been working as a French teacher in a Ukrainian school in Odesa for 15 years. At the beginning of the war, I was forced to leave my home country and moved to France with my daughter. Here I confirmed my diploma and found a job in a kindergarten in the Île-de-France region.

— What differences in the French education system did you immediately notice when you worked in a kindergarten?

The first thing that strikes the eye is the material support of schools. In France, the city budget annually allocates funds for the purchase of all the necessary materials for the educational process: notebooks, paints, pens, markers, and other supplies. The amount of funding varies from city to city. For example, in the city of Houilles, where I work, the mayor's office allocated 600 euros to each teacher to purchase all the necessary materials. Parents don't contribute any money, as is often the case in Ukraine, where you often have to rely on parental fees for this. In addition, the school gave me another 150 euros for additional classroom needs. This allows me not only to provide children with educational materials, but also, for example, to buy gifts for the holidays.

— What attention is paid to environmental issues in French schools?

In France, a lot of attention is paid to the environment. Students learn the principles of waste sorting, composting, and build hotels for insects. Nature-related lessons play an important role in the educational process. Here, children learn to take care of the planet from an early age, which, in my opinion, is an incredibly important aspect of education.

— What level of creative activity is observed in children in French kindergartens?

A lot of creativity. The availability of various materials for creativity (due to their purchase at the expense of the city budget) allows teachers to realize any creative fantasies.

— How is the pedagogical process organized in France compared to Ukraine?

In terms of pedagogy, I note the considerable freedom given to teachers. Unlike in Ukraine, where the schedule is strictly fixed, in France, teachers have the opportunity to shape the school day on their own. This allows them to vary the topics depending on the needs of the children. One day may be entirely devoted to math, another to French. The teacher here is not focused on grading; his or her main task is to impart knowledge and develop children's love of learning.

— What is the place of the school principal in the system?

Another important point is the hierarchy of the school. In France, the school principal is not “above” the teacher, he is not your boss. His role is more administrative, and all participants in the educational process are equal.

— Preschool education in France is compulsory from the age of three. How important is this stage?

Of course, it is worth noting that preschool education in France is compulsory from the age of three. This, in my opinion, is a very important stage for preparing children for further education.

— How is the educational process organized in France compared to the Ukrainian system?

One of the key differences between school education in France and Ukraine is that in France, children change teachers and classmates every year. Classes are specially mixed to promote better socialization of children. It is believed that different teachers with different approaches can provide children with a variety of knowledge and skills, which helps them develop more comprehensively. In Ukraine, the situation is quite different. From first grade to eleventh grade, children study in the same class with the same classmates, and often with the same teacher for several years. This approach does not allow for the flexibility and diversity in learning that is found in France, where a change of environment and a variety of pedagogical methods are valued.

— How was your work evaluated in Ukrainian and French schools?

In Ukraine, when different teachers and the principal came to my open lessons, despite the fact that I tried to show my best and make the lessons really impressive, there were always moments that they were not satisfied with. After the lesson, they usually highlighted the shortcomings first, and then talked about some positive aspects. Here in France, in 10 months of work, I had two inspections to monitor my work. And I, a foreigner working in a foreign country, received a truly objective and worthy assessment of my efforts. Many positive aspects of my work were emphasized.

— What did the inspectors pay special attention to?

The main thing they paid attention to was the way the children treated me, how they trusted me, that is, the contact between children and the teacher and the way I was able to guide them and manage the process in the classroom. And, of course, the inspectors noted my passion for the profession, which, in their opinion, is a key feature of a good teacher.

— How do you assess the education system in France?

After working in both countries, I can say with confidence that I like the education system in France better. There is more freedom for teachers and more opportunities for students.

— What is the difference in teacher salaries in Ukraine and France?

In Ukraine, only hours for lessons are paid. In France, the hours spent preparing for lessons and the 108 mandatory hours for meetings are also paid. These 108 hours even include union meetings.

— How are things going with teachers' vacations?

In France, teachers are much more likely to take two weeks of vacation during the year. In Ukraine, we were told: “Vacations are for children, the state pays your salary, you MUST come to work during the holidays.” We came to work even on vacation, even if we had nothing to do. In France, on the other hand, you don't have to come to school on vacation. It is your basic right to rest.

— What about sick leave in France and Ukraine?

In Ukraine, when you go on sick leave, 50-60% of your salary is withheld, depending on your length of service. In France, however, regardless of your length of service, you are only paid one day of salary — the first day of sick leave. All other days are paid in full, and when you are sick, you get 100% of your salary.

— Finally, what can you say about trade unions in France?

I am not yet very familiar with the issue of syndicates, but I have joined one. In France, there are six main trade unions for educators. These organizations help to protect the rights of employees and serve as a link between teachers and the inspectorate. The syndicate helps you not to feel alone, especially when you are a foreigner in a foreign country.

— Thank you, Dina, for raising such an important topic and sharing your experience.

Dina's experience demonstrates that, despite cultural and pedagogical differences, working in a French kindergarten has been not only a professional but also a personal discovery for her. She is a vivid example of how Ukrainian teachers can successfully integrate into an international educational environment, bringing their unique experience and contribution to it.