Student Teachers Visit From France

CFIS recently welcomed four stagiaires (student teachers) from France for a three week teaching placement across Early Childhood and Primary School. The visit created a meaningful exchange of ideas while giving our students the chance to connect with future educators from abroad.

During their stay, the student teachers joined several classrooms across the school. One spent time in a Preschool class, another in Junior Kindergarten, and two worked alongside teachers in Grade 1. Over the three weeks, they observed lessons, supported small group activities, and gradually became part of the daily rhythm of classroom life.

Chloé, a first year Master’s student in education at the Université de Bourgogne in France, quickly noticed the welcoming atmosphere of the CFIS community. Reflecting on her arrival, she shared, “The welcome we received was incredible. Everyone was smiling and very friendly. It really made me want to discover the school.”

Hugo, who is completing a Master’s degree in education in Mâcon, France, spent his three weeks in a Preschool classroom. Coming from the village of Louhans, this was his first visit to Canada and even his first time in North America.

Reflecting on his experience, Hugo noticed how learning often happens through play in the Early Childhood classrooms at CFIS. “Children learn every day through games, which makes them more motivated and engaged,” he shared, highlighting the way teachers build learning into activities chosen by the students.

As the weeks progressed, the visiting students moved from observation to more active roles in the classroom. They supported learning activities, worked with small groups, and had the opportunity to lead lessons with guidance from CFIS teachers.

Both student teachers were also impressed by the level of French spoken by CFIS students. Even while living in an English speaking environment, many learners demonstrated strong skills in reading and writing, reflecting the strength of the school’s full French immersion program.

Outside the classroom, the experience extended into daily life in Calgary. Each student teacher stayed with a host family from the CFIS community, giving them the chance to experience Canadian life firsthand while building meaningful connections.

For Chloé, one highlight was a weekend ski trip to the Rocky Mountains with her host family. Hugo also explored the region during his stay, visiting places such as Banff and Lake Louise and discovering Alberta’s landscapes for the first time.

Experiences like this reflect the global spirit of the CFIS community. Welcoming international education students supports their professional learning while enriching our classrooms through cultural exchange and shared curiosity about teaching and learning.

CFIS extends sincere thanks to the teachers and host families who made this experience possible, and to the visiting student teachers who brought their enthusiasm and perspective to our community.