Studying in two worlds: Preparing to become a teacher in Germany and France

When Emma Brück talks about her studies, one word comes up again and again - freedom of choice: Where do I want to live? Where do I want to teach? And above all, how do I want to learn to be a teacher? The Franco-German degree program at RPTU opened up precisely this space for her - professionally, culturally and personally. One of the highlights of her career: in France, passing the centrally organized CAPES exam is a prerequisite for starting a traineeship. Emma came second in the country - an outstanding result.

Emma is studying at the Université Sorbonne Nouvelle in Paris. From there, she began the German-French degree program offered in cooperation with RPTU - a course that prepares students specifically for teaching in Germany and France. Students who want to teach German and French at grammar school later on can obtain a Bachelor's degree and a dual license within six semesters. They then have the option of completing a Master's degree - which is exactly the path the prospective teacher of German and French has taken. She is completing her Master's degree at the Sorbonne Nouvelle.

Teacher training with guaranteed experience

It was clear to her early on that she wanted more than a traditional teaching degree: "The special thing about the double degree is that you are immediately involved in a permanent exchange between France and Germany," says Emma. An exchange that shapes everyday study life. Two university systems, two educational cultures, two perspectives on school - and in the middle of it all, students who learn to navigate both worlds with confidence. In seminars and lectures, students from both countries sit together and pore over the same content.

Like all French students, Emma spent two semesters in Landau during her Bachelor's degree: "I spent my last two semesters here. Those who study from Landau spend the 3rd and 4th semester in Paris." The subsequent Master's degree course was an intensive time - but one in which she never felt alone. "Here in Landau, the support is super personal," she says. "The Romance studies team is incredibly empathetic, close to the students and really interested in us."

Support: from learning the language to finding accommodation

In Landau, Emma was directly assigned a tandem partner, support with organizational issues and help with finding accommodation. In addition, the mandatory school internships are fully organized for students on the German-French degree program. In return, German students also receive similar support in Paris - a real partnership model.

The atelier interculturel was particularly formative for Emma. "It was like a freshers' week special," she says with a laugh. Getting to know each other, discussions, exchanges about the university, culture and expectations - a space in which interculturality didn't remain theoretical, but became part of everyday life. It was precisely this low-threshold introduction that helped her to quickly feel at home in Landau.

The size of the degree course is manageable: "Smaller than a school class and everyone knows everyone," Emma sums up. This creates closeness, trust and an appreciative learning atmosphere in which questions are allowed. For her, this is a decisive advantage: "You don't just get shuffled through."

Quite different: school systems in Germany and France

In terms of content, she experiences clear differences between the teacher training courses in Germany and France. In France, pedagogy and law are much more important. There is no religion as a subject - instead there is the subject enseignement moral et civique, a mixture of ethics and social studies. German lessons in France cover topics such as the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Third Reich, but also cultural aspects such as carnival, Oktoberfest and career guidance.

No traineeship in France without CAPES

A central point in the French system is the CAPES exam. It is organized centrally by the state and is a prerequisite for entering the traineeship - the stage de titularisation. No traineeship without CAPES. The exam is demanding: two six-hour written exams, followed by two oral exams. Anyone who scores less than five points is eliminated - regardless of their academic performance. "Then you've basically studied for nothing," says Emma frankly.

In Emma's year, everyone who passed the exam was offered a traineeship. Places are allocated strictly according to a ranking list, which counts from the best result downwards. Emma came second in the country - an outstanding result. "I think I was just very relaxed because I knew that I could just as easily do my traineeship in Germany. That's another big advantage of the Franco-German degree program. For me at least, it took the pressure off." After the traineeship, which lasts one year in France, the regular entry into the teaching profession follows. As the CAPES is only valid for a limited period of time, Emma has to make a decision: Will she become a teacher in France or in Germany?

Freedom of choice: Côte d'Azur or Lake Constance

"Even if I find it difficult to choose a country, I see it as a great gift: I can choose between two countries that are so close to me. It's difficult for me because I feel at home in both countries, especially because of my studies." For five years, she not only studied interculturality, she lived it.

Into the deep end: teaching during her Master's degree

In her final year of her Master's degree, she was already working full-time at a French school - an obligation for all students. If you can't get one of the coveted and paid teaching positions, you have to teach as an intern. Emma taught independently during this time. She only saw her tutor five times that year. Responsibility, trust and reality shock included.

Although studying in two worlds brings its challenges, her conclusion is clear: "I would do it again in a heartbeat." The German-French degree program is demanding, but rewarding - especially for language enthusiasts with an interest in culture who enjoy learning. Or as Emma sums it up: for anyone who wants more than just a degree.

The Franco-German degree program at RPTU is a path that opens doors - between countries, systems and lifestyles.

Here you can find more information about the Franco-German degree programs at RPTU .