The French Institute
Academic Excellence Meets Passionate Instruction
Bonjour! I am Selma (Salima), a native Parisian educator with a lifelong passion for the French language and its global influence.
With over 14 years of expertise teaching French in Dubai, I have dedicated my career to mastering elite pedagogy across every kind of classroom. My path started at Berlitz, one of the world's oldest language-teaching institutions, where I taught French to adults of all nationalities and backgrounds — an experience that shaped how I teach today: no two students learn the same way, and a real teacher adapts the method to the person, not the other way around. From there, I spent 5 years at The Children's Garden in Al Barsha (part of the Taaleem group), as Main French Teacher and Head of the French Department. I then joined the Swiss International Scientific School Dubai for seven years, teaching French to children from complete beginners to advanced levels.
The French Institute itself was born from an unexpected moment. When the 2020 pandemic pushed education online, I discovered something I hadn't expected: real, effective learning wasn't limited to a physical classroom. Students could grow in French just as powerfully through a screen — with the right teacher and the right structure. That realization inspired me to found The French Institute in 2021 in Dubai, with a simple mission: break down geographical borders and make quality French education accessible to anyone, anywhere in the world.
I founded The French Institute to bridge the gap between that traditional academic rigor and the flexibility of modern online learning.
My method is unique: it combines my authentic Parisian roots with the dynamic, results-driven spirit of Dubai. Whether you are a parent seeking a bilingual future for your child or an ambitious professional, I provide a structured, high-standard environment where confidence and fluency are guaranteed.
The French Institute is based online, teaching students worldwide, with in-person private French lessons available in Dubai Marina by appointment (WhatsApp booking required).
At The French Institute, we don't just teach a language; we provide a premium educational roadmap tailored to your life. I am happy to welcome you to our community and to lead you toward mastering the art of speaking French.
Selma — Founder & CEO, The French Institute
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Qualifications & Credentials
🎓 Academic Background
Native of Paris, France. Holds a Master's degree in Sciences de l'Éducation and a qualified teaching diploma (professeur des écoles) from France.
✅ KHDA Approved
Approved teacher status with Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), the government body that regulates education quality in the emirate.
🏫 14 Years in Dubai
14 years teaching French in Dubai across language centers (Berlitz), 5 years as Main French Teacher and Head of Department at The Children's Garden Al Barsha (Taaleem group), and 7 years at the Swiss International Scientific School Dubai.
🌍 Every Nationality, Every Age
Experience teaching French to adults, teenagers, and children of all nationalities and starting levels — from complete beginners to advanced exam candidates.
📘 IB PYP Curriculum
Direct expertise in the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, used across Dubai's leading bilingual schools.
🏆 99% DELF Success Rate
DELF B1 preparation materials built and reviewed with certified DELF examiners, with a 99% exam success rate among students.
Experience Across Top Dubai and Paris Schools
14+ Years of Elite Pedagogy · 500+ Successful Students · 99% Exam Success Rate