LEARNING FRENCH AT THE ALLIANCE
Why Learn French?
Talk to more people! There are more than 200 million French speakers on the five continents. French is the second most widely learned foreign language in the world after English.
A knowledge of French opens the doors of companies in France and other French-speaking parts of the world (Canada, Switzerland, Belgium and Africa).
Speaking French opens up opportunities at renowned French universities and business schools, ranked among the top higher education institutions in Europe and the world.
French is a beautiful, rich, melodious language, often called the language of love. French is also an analytical language
that structures thought and develops critical thinking.
FRENCH FOR ADULTS
Adult classes (18+) are taught in French by a native-fluent instructor in a stress-free, exam-free environment.
Year-round Programs
- Core classes are general French classes that develop the acquisition of the four competencies for mastering a foreign language: oral comprehension, oral production, written comprehension, and written production.
- Specialty classes are designed to help the student acquire specific skills in depth, such as grammar or conversation.
- Cultural classes are centered around particular cultural fields – such as history, literature, or art – and are predominently conversational in approach.
- NEW Mini Classes: are a perfect opportunity to keep studying French without a long commitment or homework. Classes are offered mid-term, in a series of 3 to 6 weeks, 1h30 hours per session.
Annual SHORT PROGRAMS
Kick Start: An intensive series of in-depth review and practice sessions over four days before each new term, with 2.5 hours of class each day for A1, A2, and B1 level students.
Try Something New Week (TSNW): An exclusive week of workshops in December, these two hour sessions cover an extensive range subjects for A1 through C1 level students.
FRENCH FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH
FRENCH for Children, Ages 3-10
Play and Learn French, Ages 3-5 and 6-9: This class uses the total immersion method to build language skills through fun activities. Parents are asked to accompany children ages 3-5 to class.
General French, Ages 7-10: Students whose first language is not French will benefit from this textbook-based class, offered in two levels of beginning and advanced beginning. This class meets online.
FRENCH for youth, Ages 11-18
Beginner 1 and 2, Ages 11-14: Learn French with engaging content and project-based modules. Based on authentic situations and
teens interests, the “A la Une” textbook offers a dynamic approach to learning French.
Keep Up Your French, Ages 11-14 and Ages 15-18: Designed for students who have a French immersion background or French
family background and want to keep up their French skills.
AP French preparation course: Join a small group of students in preparing for the AP French Language and Culture exam. Inquiries about the class at info@afportland.org.
PRIVATE LESSONS
Available to start year round, these made-to-measure lessons can be one-on-one or in small group classes. Students focus on particular skills or competencies. Offered for adults, children and youth. Visit the private class page.
Getting started
• All students who are new to the Portland Alliance are asked to take a Placement Test.
• Classes are categorized by level. Find out your level by consulting the standardized descriptions
of levels.
• Make sure you meet the class prerequistes or the equivalent before you enroll.
• Hold a current membership to the Portland Alliance.
• Choose classes that correspond to your abilities and interests.
• Beginning students, please read this information.
what to expect
• Native-fluent teachers trained in teaching French as a foreign language.
• Small classes for maximum participation.
• Learn through the immersion method: hear, speak, read, and write French in every class.
• Quality: The Alliance is part of a world-wide network that's taught French as a second language for over a hundred years.
• Live French: Become fluent in French culture as well.