The sunrises are unmatched in my new home; the colors that are produced by the refraction of the sun’s rays in the sea, the warm breeze that it gives you while I enjoy a good breakfast and chat with my neighbors, to the sound of the waves.
And that is why I never tire of recommending the Riviera Maya as a new home to my friends in Quebec. I always think of people of my age and condition. However, some great friends told me about their interest in coming to live in Cancun and asked me for advice on the educational offer for Avril, their 8-year-old daughter.
Fortunately, the networks of contacts and friends that I have made here help me to quickly resolve the doubts I have. It didn’t take long to update me on the educational system and its offerings.
Free federal education
Unlike Canada, education here is not the exclusive province of the provinces. In Mexico, the federal government, through a Ministry of Public Education, regulates the normative and pedagogical authority for the operation of basic education.
As in Quebec, education is mainly free, but it is not managed by any type of religious institution. Religion is more present in the private education sector and not only in the administrative aspect.
Private alternatives
Still, it was difficult for Avril to enter the public system, mainly due to the language barrier. The recommendations that came to me from my contacts suggested two private institutions: the Ebac College and the Cancun French Institute.
Despite the fact that both institutions created their own educational system and the French Institute is trilingual, Paul and Kristin decided on Colegio Ebac. Since this focuses on the development of the talents and capacities of the student. Through the presence of workshops (like the Meq of Quebec), plastic arts, music, ecological gardens and research and analysis.
In addition to the fact that the school staff and the number of students per classroom is small; which is largely beneficial for the issue of health and distance, in these times. Health was one of the main reasons why they decided to come to live on the coasts of Mexico.
However, the French Cancun Institute may be a good option for people from other Canadian provinces. Their own trilingual system helps them make use of their mother languages (English and French) while learning Spanish in a comprehensive way. While his approach is somewhat more geared towards new technologies, he also prioritizes interest and appropriation over memorization.
Exploration and freedom
That we were from the only province where French is the only official language was key for my friends to make a decision. Since Claudia only speaks French. But vital in her choice was her desire for the girl to continue the search for her own path through exploration and freedom, without them or someone else imposing a profession on her.
In the end, there are different alternatives throughout the Riviera, in the private sphere, of bilingual and trilingual institutes and schools with their own teaching systems. Very close to the changes that the Quebec public education system is seeking. An aspect that gives tranquility for those who want or must move to this paradise but as parents.
My network of friends and especially my first contacts with the Evoke Tribe have made it easier for me to adapt to my new life.