Our Teens, Their Schools: Back to Class After the Holidays

Culture Clash Parenting

In this episode, we reflect on some of the unique dynamics of secondary education systems across cultures. From conseil de classe in France to the German Abitur, we kick of 2025 by sharing how we're navigating reentry after the holidays. Join us as we share personal anecdotes, insights, and the unexpected surprises of parenting our multicultural teens.

Topics Discussed:

• The transition between semesters and report card timelines in France, Germany, and the U.S.
• Examples of the pressures and opportunities faced by third-culture kids in navigating multiple education systems.
• A comparison of college and university structures across countries.
• Where we are with our reflections as we support our older kids in choosing their educational paths—both locally and abroad.

Vocabulary Shared in This Episode:

• Conseil de classe: A parent-teacher-student meeting in France to discuss academic performance.
• Collège (French): Middle school in France, covering US grades 6–9.
• Lycée (French): High school in France, covering grades 10–12.
• Baccalauréat (Bac): The French high school diploma and university entrance qualification.
• Die Unterstufe (German): Lower middle school in Germany, typically covering grades 5-7.
• Die Mittelstufe (German): Upper school in Germany, typically covering grades 8-11.
• Die Oberschule (German): High school in Germany, covering grades 11–13.
• Abitur (Abi): The German equivalent of the bac, required for university admission.
• Third-culture kids: Children raised in cultures different from their parents' home culture(s), often blending influences from multiple environments.

Your turn:
What unique traditions or systems have you encountered in education where you live? How do you prepare your children to navigate these differences?

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Culture Clash Parenting is lovingly produced by Astrid and Marisa, fueled by laughter, late-night texts, and a shared passion for embracing the chaos that comes with raising multicultural children. We believe in the power of storytelling to create a more peaceful, patient, and equitable world.
Music and editing by Lonely Heaven Music