A1 - Basic User: Level A1 is one of the common levels among students taking the BAC in France (those who do not have level A1 are generally A2 or B1), except in the European/international section where they are generally B2 or C1. At level A1, communicating in English during a trip abroad remains difficult, even anxiety-provoking. Carrying out simple tasks associated with travel (introducing yourself, carrying out simple formalities, understanding a guide in English, etc.) is not self-evident.

A2 - Basic User / False Beginner: Outside of European and international sections, level A2 is the one reached by the majority of English students in the BAC. At level A2, which makes traveling abroad possible, but not easy. This level is often called "false beginner", because despite acquiring a fair amount of vocabulary, we remain beginners in our ability to communicate. We will manage to get to know foreigners, carry out simple formalities such as booking a hotel or ordering at a restaurant. Understanding a guide during a tourist visit can however be difficult.

B1 - Independent user: At this third level of English on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages ​​(CEFR), one is considered an "independent user of English." And this opens the door to travel... Because at this level, one is finally comfortable speaking and at ease abroad! At the Baccalaureate level, English proficiency at level B1 (CEFR) or higher is achieved by most students in European and international (English) sections, as well as by other talented students who have benefited from English support (language immersion programs, etc.).

B2 - Independent user: At this fourth level of English on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages ​​(CEFR), one is considered an "independent user of English." This level corresponds to what is generally called "fluent English." The B2 level (CEFR) is the target level for the French Baccalaureate, according to the French Ministry of National Education (full text available here: education.gouv.fr). In practice, it is primarily students in European and international sections who reach this level, as measured by international tests.

C1 - Experienced User: At this 5th level of English on the European scale (CEFR), one is an "advanced user of English". At this 5th level of English on the European scale (CEFR), one is an "advanced user of English". According to ETS Global, the publisher of the TOEIC, the C1 level of English is reached by a little less than 10% of TOEIC candidates at Bac +3, Bac +5 and Doctorate level in France. (Please note, TOEIC candidates are not a representative sample of their age group!)

C2 - Experienced User: At this 6th and final level of English on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages ​​(CEFR), one is considered an "experienced user of English". In other words, the C2 level is more often reached by native English speakers than by native French speakers, unless they have studied English extensively or spent a significant amount of time in an English-speaking country.