An international network of private bilingual schools offering Canadian degree programs for juniors in more than 30 countries has a new – and first – French-speaking partner: the Université de Montréal.

Maple Bear Global Schools and UdeM have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to integrate Canadian French instruction into the educational programs of select elementary and secondary schools around the world.

“This is not only a wonderful opportunity for thousands of young people to learn French, but also for us to expand our reach in the international arena,” said Michèle Glémaud, Director General of Admissions and Recruitment at UdeM.

“Collaboration is a cornerstone of the Maple Bear Global Schools philosophy,” added Arno Krug, executive director of the network. We aim for beneficial partnerships and we are excited to work with the University of Montreal to expand our access to French Canada’s language and culture, as well as Quebec’s distinguished academic program.”

Established in 2005, the Maple Bear Global Schools network now includes more than 510 schools in 33 countries, representing more than 48,000 students in nations as diverse as Brazil, Romania, Kenya, Vietnam, South Korea, India, Morocco and the United Arab Emirates .

Teacher training, summer school and more

Under the terms of the new agreement, the Université de Montréal will train French as a Second Language (or French as a Third or Fourth Language) teachers, develop teaching materials and offer graduates of Maple Bear Global Schools the opportunity to study on its campus.

The network can also approach UdeM to certify that its schools meet certain educational criteria and send its students aged 15 to 17 to the summer school organized by the university so that they can spend time here learning about the local culture to get to know and absorb.

In addition, Maple Bear Global Schools organizes an annual symposium for their approximately 300 Canadian educators, and UdeM has offered to hold academic sessions organized for them. The trainers will then travel around the world on annual visits to pass on their knowledge and skills to local teachers in the network.

“It’s a win-win project for everyone,” said Pascale Lefrançois, Vice Rector for Student Affairs and Studies at UdeM. By combining our strengths in education, we are fostering the rise of a new generation of young people whose horizons are expanding geographically and linguistically.”

About Maple Bear Global Schools

Maple Bear Global Schools opened its first school in Indirapuram, India in 2005. Today the network includes almost 510 schools in 33 countries. It is a world leader in bilingual education, providing children ages 0-17 with a quality education based on practices that make Canadian education one of the best in the world. Maple Bear Global Schools promote a multicultural and student-centred approach in a safe and stimulating environment, providing an pedagogy that develops curiosity, imagination, experimentation and discovery, and a desire for lifelong learning. The network’s coveted teaching methodology instills in students the principles of critical thinking that will ensure their success in a rapidly changing world.