[5] She expanded from the dwindling gap year market of the U.K. and Germany, to women from global economies, including Asia and South America.

The curriculum language changed from French to English, with Pierrefeu being one of the first to teach non-Western customs (including those of BRIC countries).

"[5] In 2012, Néri reported that enrollment from the U.K., the traditional finishing school population, was rising again, along with Hong Kong and China.

[citation needed] Historically, Pierrefeu offered a gap-year, boarding program beginning in autumn, targeting girls between secondary school and college education.

[6] Subjects taught over 12-14 hours per weekday have included:[12][11] (Professionalism and social etiquette) (Event organization, applicable for nonprofit benefits etc.)

[6] Additionally, it is ensured that students leave the school knowing how to make their own beds, iron their own clothes, and keep their own private bathrooms clean.

[6] Excluding application fees and school-authored reference books, in 1986, parents paid Fr.44,000 ($26,000 USD) tuition for the gap-year program.

[12] As the most expensive finishing school, Pierrefeu increased tuition to $30,000 just a year later, compared to all of the average similar institutions at the time charging $18,000 (approximately half).