Mini Classes

Mini classes are a perfect opportunity to keep studying French without a long commitment. Each class targets a specific area or theme. Mini classes are offered in a series of 4 weeks, 1h 30 hours per session. 

Registration for spring mini classes is now open! REGISTRATION CLOSES 24H BEFORE CLASS BEGINS. Last minute registrations are possible, but please  contact the office at info@afportland.org.

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Spring Mini Classes: May 12 - June 6, 2025

Classes For Beginning Level

Beginning classes are designed for A1-level students and correspond to the 100 series. Find prerequisites, read full class description, and register by clicking "Read More" in the class descriptions.

A1

French for travelers

Traveling to a French-speaking country? Join our "French for Travelers" mini lessons to master key skills in French with English support.

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A1

Pronunciation:

This course focuses on the connection between French sounds and their written forms. It's perfect for learners looking to build confidence in both spoken and written French.


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A1

Mastering French Sentences: Nouns, Verbs and Structure

Master essential French grammar—nouns, verbs, and sentence structure—while building clear and engaging sentences. 

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Classes For Lower Intermediate Level

Find prerequisites, read full class description, and register by clicking "Read More" in the class descriptions.

A2

The Essentials of A2 Grammar

This course reinforces key A2 grammar topics like relative pronouns, reflexive verbs, and past tenses, while teaching you how to use infinitive forms and structure sentences naturally. Through interactive lessons and practice, you'll gain confidence in communicating clearly in everyday French.

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A2

phonetics 

Improve your French pronunciation and spelling, by focusing on  consonants, vowels, and silent letters. Using Interactive exercises to help build confidence in accurate pronunciation and spelling.


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Classes For Intermediate and Upper Intermediate  Levels

 Find prerequisites, read full class description, and register by clicking "Read More" in the class descriptions.

B1

  Short stories

Join  our engaging in-person French class where we'll read short stories, explore vocabulary, themes, and cultural context together. This immersive experience will enhance your comprehension, expand your vocabulary, and deepen your understanding of the Francophone world.

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B1/B2

everyday french idioms

This fun, hands-on mini-course helps learners master 15–20 common French idioms through interactive activities, role plays, and cultural exploration.

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Classes for
Upper Intermediate  to Advanced levels

These classes are for B2/C1 -level students, B1 graduates, or current 400-level learners. Find prerequisites, read full class description, and register by clicking "Read More" in the class descriptions.

B2/C1

Les grands musées de france

Discover the rich history and hidden stories of France’s most iconic museums—from the Louvre to the MUCEM—while exploring their art, architecture, and cultural impact. This course is perfect for curious minds and culture lovers eager to deepen their understanding of the institutions that preserve France’s artistic and historical legacy.

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B2/C1

Mysteries and Beliefs: Between legends and reality

Explore mysterious phenomena and uniquely French legends in this fun, interactive mini-course. Through lively discussions, you’ll build vocabulary and practice spoken French while diving into fascinating cultural themes. 

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A1 - Beginner

French for Travelers

Minis
Planning a trip to a French-speaking country but concerned about navigating the language barrier? Join our four "French for Travelers" mini lessons and master essential skills like hotel check-ins, using the metro, purchasing tickets, reserving tours, ordering food, and taking the train. This course is designed for beginners with basic French knowledge and will be predominantly taught in French, with English as needed. Prerequisite is having completed level 101 or possessing an equivalent level online.
Pace: Regular

Mastering French Sentences: Nouns, Verbs and Structure

Minis
Focus on the essential elements of French grammar, including nouns, verbs, and sentence structure. You will deepen your understanding of how French sentences are constructed. Special attention is given to the relationship between subject and verb, proper noun usage, and how to build sentences that are both grammatically correct and stylistically engaging. Open to students at level A1, with no prerequisite.
Pace: Regular

Pronunciation: French Sounds and Spelling Basics

Minis
This practical course is designed to help you master the connection between French sounds and their written forms. Through hands-on exercises, you'll refine your pronunciation, recognize the distinctive sounds of French, and learn how these sounds are accurately represented in writing. This course is ideal for learners who want to improve both pronunciation and spelling while deepening their understanding of French phonetics and spelling conventions. Prerequisite is DEFI 103 or equivalent.
Pace: Regular
A1/A2

The Essentials of A2 Grammar

Minis
This course will help you strengthen your understanding of essential A2 grammar topics such as relative pronouns, reflexive verbs, past tenses (passé composé, imparfait), and the recent past. You’ll also learn when to use infinitive forms and how to build more accurate and natural sentences. With interactive lessons and plenty of practice, you’ll gain confidence using the structures you need to communicate clearly in everyday French.
Pace: Regular
A2/B1

Phonetics

Minis
Deepen your understanding of French pronunciation and enhance your French oral comprehension and production skills. Throughout our journey, we'll explore the various types of "liaison" between words, including required, optional, and forbidden liaisons. We'll also dive into the concept of "enchaînement," examining both consonantal and vocal forms. Additionally, we'll uncover the intricacies of the letter "H," distinguishing between "H aspiré" and "muet," and understanding their respective functions within the French language. This class is open to students at levels A2 and B1, with the prerequisite of having completed level 202 or possessing an equivalent level.
Pace: Regular
B1 - Intermediate

Short Stories in French

Minis
Join us for an engaging in-person French class where we’ll read short stories together and explore their vocabulary, themes, and cultural context as a group. Reading stories in French is a powerful way to absorb grammar and vocabulary in context, improve comprehension, and develop a deeper feel for the rhythm and nuance of the language. Through a variety of modern and diverse stories, you’ll strengthen both your language skills and your cultural understanding. Please note: The book Intermediate French Stories is required and is available on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1790975182?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title
Prerequisite: French 206 or equivalent.

Pace: Regular
B1/B2

Everyday French Idioms

Minis
This fun, hands-on mini-course helps learners master 15–20 common French idioms through interactive activities, role plays, and cultural exploration. You'll learn to recognize and use idiomatic expressions in everyday conversations with greater confidence. Ideal for those who want to sound more natural and connect more deeply with French culture. Prerequisite DEFI 206 or equivalent
Pace: Regular
B2/C1

Les Grands Musées de France

Minis
Immerse yourself in the grandeur of France's most celebrated museums, unraveling the stories behind masterpieces that have shaped the world of art.This class is for cultural enthusiasts curious about the history and inner workings of renowned French museums, as well as for history buffs interested in uncovering the stories behind the institutions that house France's cultural treasures.Learn about French museums, including the Louvre, the MUCEM, The Quai Branly, the Musée des Impressionnistes - Giverny, and more, exploring the architectural marvels and unique narratives that define these cultural institutions.Gain insights into the origin and evolution of these museums, understanding how they have evolved into beacons of knowledge and guardians of France's collective memory. Prerequisite DEFI 306 or equivalent.
Pace: Regular

Mysteries and Beliefs: Between Legends and Reality

Minis
Step into the world of mystery and myth! This mini-course explores mysterious phenomena and popular beliefs—astrology, UFOs, legends, witches, and more—while spotlighting uniquely French enigmas such as the Beast of Gévaudan and the ghost of Versailles. Through lively discussions and idea-sharing, students will expand their vocabulary and engage with fascinating cultural topics, all while developing their spoken French in a dynamic, interactive setting. Prerequisite DEFI 306 or equivalent.
Pace: Regular

Order This Course

$150.00 USD
Code: 25P Mini Short Stories IN-PERSON
Read short stories together and explore their vocabulary, themes, and cultural
context as a group.

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PARKING

Street parking on SW 20th St. facing the Kamm House is limited. Free parking is available in Lot A at SW 18th and SW Columbia. Please obtain a parking pass from the office. After 6 pm weekdays, students may park in the Willamette Dental lot at SW 20th and SW Jefferson as available.

OFFICE HOURS

The Alliance office is open 10am-3pm Monday through Friday.
Call us at 503.223.8388 during business hours or leave a message.
Email us at  info@afportland.org.

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