My Experience at the French Civic Training: Day 1 (La Formation Civique)
Introduction
If you're new to life in France and part of the integration process through OFII (the French Office for Immigration and Integration), you'll likely be invited to attend a formation civique – a civic training designed to help you understand French values, laws, and how public services work. I recently attended my Day 1 session, and I wanted to share what it was like so you can be better prepared!
Before the Class: What to Bring
The session runs from 9:15 AM to 5:00 PM, so it's a full-day event. There is usually a one-hour lunch break around noon, but you’ll need to bring your own lunch – no food is provided. I suggest packing something easy to eat and maybe a bottle of water.
Don’t forget to bring your passport or residence permit! You’ll need to show it during the sign-in process to verify your identity.
Also, come prepared with a notebook and pen. While you won't be tested, it's helpful to take notes – there’s a lot of information to absorb.
One important thing to know: Phones are not allowed to be used during the session, and taking photos is strictly prohibited.
The Group
My group had about 15 people – a diverse mix! Some were married to French citizens, while others were refugees. Most of the group could speak and understand French, but there were a few of us (myself included) who had little to no French skills. Luckily, our session had an interpreter for English speakers, which made a huge difference.
What We Learned on Day 1
The first day focused on understanding the values of the French Republic. The topics covered included:
- Liberty, Equality, Fraternity – the core values of France and how they apply in everyday life.
- Rights and Duties – your rights as a resident in France, and also your responsibilities.
- The Role of the State – how the French government functions and the services available to you.
- Living Together in France – how to integrate into French society, respect diversity, and contribute positively.
The instructor used slides and real-life examples to explain each topic. Thanks to the interpreter, everything was accessible even for those of us who are still learning French.
Final Thoughts
The Day 1 civic class was a valuable experience. It's not just about rules and laws, it's about understanding what it means to live in France, how to respect the values here, and how to get the support you might need as you build your life in this country.
If you have your civic training coming up, don’t worry. Just be prepared, listen actively, and respect the classroom rules. Whether you're here for love, safety, or new opportunities, this training is a helpful first step on your French journey.
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