Try Something New Week

Study Skills This workshop is designed for those wishing to develop a specific skill-set to learn the language more efficiently. Here's what you should expect from this 2-hour long workshop: - How to take USEFUL notes and maximize them for learning. - Learn to cultivate a success-oriented attitude toward the immersion approach. - Clarify what NOT to do. - Work smarter, not harder: tap into your brain’s memorizing powers. - Tips for training your ear and your tongue to perform the mental gymnastics needed to speak French well. - Strategies to milk your materials for every last drop of purpose they hold. - A Q & A opportunity for honing in on your top study challenges. - An introduction to listening resources available free online.
Pace: Regular

Get in the holiday spirit and immerse yourself in comprehensible, beginner-friendly French with this workshop around the theme of holiday commercials. French commercials celebrating the holiday season will be used as a jumping-off point to tell stories, learn new vocabulary, and discuss holiday traditions and preferences. This is mainly a conversation-oriented workshop, with a lot of listening and some simple speaking, but we will also do some writing as a group. (This year’s class will feature new content from last year for those who would like to take the workshop again!) Ideal for beginning/intermediate students (CECR A1/A2). Prerequisites: Completion of 101 or instructor approval. Monday 6-8pm

Kick start your French into action! In this intensive four-day workshop, students will develop essential conversational and communicative skills for surviving in a Francophone environment. This course is designed for beginners who wish to solidify their understanding of the language, including basic grammar and vocabulary. Students should have the ability to understand and express themselves at a rudimentary level. Prerequisites: 103 or equivalent.

Study Skills This workshop is designed for those wishing to develop a specific skill-set to learn the language more efficiently. Here's what you should expect from this 2-hour long workshop: - How to take USEFUL notes and maximize them for learning. - Learn to cultivate a success-oriented attitude toward the immersion approach. - Clarify what NOT to do. - Work smarter, not harder: tap into your brain’s memorizing powers. - Tips for training your ear and your tongue to perform the mental gymnastics needed to speak French well. - Strategies to milk your materials for every last drop of purpose they hold. - A Q & A opportunity for honing in on your top study challenges. - An introduction to listening resources available free online.
Pace: Regular

Give your French a much needed boost! In this intensive four-day workshop, students will expand their linguistic repertoire and develop their ability to express themselves with more ease on a variety of familiar topics. This course is designed for learners at A2 level wishing to review and to bring their language skills to the next level. Prerequisites: 205 or equivalent.

Join us for a two-hour workshop focused on mastering politeness and formal language in French, along with the use of the conditional. This interactive session aims to enhance participants' communication skills by exploring different forms of politeness used in various contexts, learning key expressions and phrases for respectful communication, and understanding the cultural significance of politeness in the francophone world. Participants will also delve into the structure and formation of the conditional tense, practicing its application for expressing wishes, hypotheses, and polite requests. Open to A2/B1 level students, this workshop will equip attendees with essential linguistic tools to navigate formal communication confidently and courteously. Prerequisites: 204 or equivalent.

Explore the richness of the French language with fun and colorful idioms! In this workshop, students will learn some of the most popular and entertaining expressions used in everyday French. Whether you’re looking to expand your vocabulary or impress native speakers with authentic phrases, this workshop is ideal for A2-level learners. Join us to master expressions that will add personality and flair to your French!

Curious about the French influence in Vietnam? Gigi Kuhn will share her personal experience as a Vietnamese-born and French native speaker. Born in the capital, Saigon, into a bilingual household where French and Vietnamese were equally spoken, Gigi will discuss how her dual heritage shaped her desire to embrace multilingualism and experience the world.

She will present why Vietnam is an attractive destination to explore and the profound impact of the French presence on Vietnamese food, language, and culture. Prerequisites: B1 level minimum; 303 or equivalent.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the French language in our intensive review class, spanning four days with 2.5-hour sessions each day. Our experienced instructors will guide you through a comprehensive curriculum covering grammar, vocabulary, and conversation skills, all within small class sizes to ensure personalized attention. You'll participate in interactive learning, gain cultural insights, and develop practical language skills. This review class for B1 French level will effectively prepare you for the challenges ahead in your learning journey. Prerequisites: 305 or equivalent.

The subjunctive, often seen as a complex aspect of the French language, can be more approachable than you think! Join our workshop "Le Subjonctif Quotidien" to master this essential element of the French language and apply it to your everyday life.

In this interactive workshop, you will: Learn the basics of the subjunctive: Discover the rules of subjunctive formation and usage in French. We'll simplify this often intimidating mode. Incorporate the subjunctive into your daily life: Explore common situations where the subjunctive is used, whether in expressions, hypothetical sentences, or wishes. Engage in French conversations: Participate in discussions and role-playing games to use the subjunctive in real contexts and improve your French communication skills. Prerequisites: completion of 204 or equivalent level

As the holiday season approaches, join us for our engaging two-hour workshop titled "Tabous et Débats : L'argent, la religion et le vote," where we will delve into the cultural taboos surrounding money, religion, and the secrecy of voting in the context of French culture. In France, discussions about salary and income are often seen as impolite, particularly during festive gatherings, making it essential to understand the underlying social dynamics. We'll also explore why religion is typically avoided in public conversations, reflecting the country’s secular values and diverse beliefs. Additionally, we’ll discuss the implications of secret voting, a practice that respects individual choice, even among family members during politically charged times. With focused vocabulary building and practice, attendees will leave equipped with essential linguistic tools to navigate complex social themes in French, fostering both linguistic and cultural understanding just in time for the holidays. Prepare yourself for meaningful conversations during this festive season in the rich tapestry of French culture! Prerequisites: 303 or equivalent.

Curious about the French influence in Vietnam? Gigi Kuhn will share her personal experience as a Vietnamese-born and French native speaker. Born in the capital, Saigon, into a bilingual household where French and Vietnamese were equally spoken, Gigi will discuss how her dual heritage shaped her desire to embrace multilingualism and experience the world.

She will present why Vietnam is an attractive destination to explore and the profound impact of the French presence on Vietnamese food, language, and culture. Prerequisites: B1 level minimum; 303 or equivalent.

Expand your French vocabulary related to wine tasting! Dive into essential terms and expressions used in the world of wine as you participate in group discussions. Practice articulating your impressions of various wines in French through language exercises that will boost your confidence in navigating wine-related conversations. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or simply eager to enhance your culinary vocabulary, this workshop will equip you with the skills you need to discuss wine with ease and sophistication. Open to upper intermediate and advanced French learners. Prerequisites: 303 or equivalent.

Les hivers de mon enfance étaient des saisons longues, longues. Nous vivions en trois lieux: l'école, l'église et la patinoire; mais la vraie vie était sur la patinoire.” Québécois author Roch Carrier’s memoir about hockey and childhood heroes is so beloved, the opening lines actually appear on Canada’s five dollar bill! Get in the winter spirit and discover this Francophone treasure through the original text and short film. The focus of the workshop will be on written and oral comprehension, but you will also have the chance to express yourself in conversation and writing as we summarize the story and share our ideas. This is a class for upper-intermediate to advanced (CECR B1/B2) students. (Prerequisite: Completion of 206 level or instructor approval)

As the holiday season approaches, join us for our engaging two-hour workshop titled "Tabous et Débats : L'argent, la religion et le vote," where we will delve into the cultural taboos surrounding money, religion, and the secrecy of voting in the context of French culture. In France, discussions about salary and income are often seen as impolite, particularly during festive gatherings, making it essential to understand the underlying social dynamics. We'll also explore why religion is typically avoided in public conversations, reflecting the country’s secular values and diverse beliefs. Additionally, we’ll discuss the implications of secret voting, a practice that respects individual choice, even among family members during politically charged times. With focused vocabulary building and practice, attendees will leave equipped with essential linguistic tools to navigate complex social themes in French, fostering both linguistic and cultural understanding just in time for the holidays. Prepare yourself for meaningful conversations during this festive season in the rich tapestry of French culture! Prerequisites: 303 or equivalent.

Curious about the French influence in Vietnam? Gigi Kuhn will share her personal experience as a Vietnamese-born and French native speaker. Born in the capital, Saigon, into a bilingual household where French and Vietnamese were equally spoken, Gigi will discuss how her dual heritage shaped her desire to embrace multilingualism and experience the world.

She will present why Vietnam is an attractive destination to explore and the profound impact of the French presence on Vietnamese food, language, and culture. Prerequisites: B1 level minimum; 303 or equivalent.

As the holiday season approaches, join us for our engaging two-hour workshop titled "Tabous et Débats : L'argent, la religion et le vote," where we will delve into the cultural taboos surrounding money, religion, and the secrecy of voting in the context of French culture. In France, discussions about salary and income are often seen as impolite, particularly during festive gatherings, making it essential to understand the underlying social dynamics. We'll also explore why religion is typically avoided in public conversations, reflecting the country’s secular values and diverse beliefs. Additionally, we’ll discuss the implications of secret voting, a practice that respects individual choice, even among family members during politically charged times. With focused vocabulary building and practice, attendees will leave equipped with essential linguistic tools to navigate complex social themes in French, fostering both linguistic and cultural understanding just in time for the holidays. Prepare yourself for meaningful conversations during this festive season in the rich tapestry of French culture! Prerequisites: 303 or equivalent.

Curious about the French influence in Vietnam? Gigi Kuhn will share her personal experience as a Vietnamese-born and French native speaker. Born in the capital, Saigon, into a bilingual household where French and Vietnamese were equally spoken, Gigi will discuss how her dual heritage shaped her desire to embrace multilingualism and experience the world.

She will present why Vietnam is an attractive destination to explore and the profound impact of the French presence on Vietnamese food, language, and culture. Prerequisites: B1 level minimum; 303 or equivalent.

As the holiday season approaches, join us for our engaging two-hour workshop titled "Tabous et Débats : L'argent, la religion et le vote," where we will delve into the cultural taboos surrounding money, religion, and the secrecy of voting in the context of French culture. In France, discussions about salary and income are often seen as impolite, particularly during festive gatherings, making it essential to understand the underlying social dynamics. We'll also explore why religion is typically avoided in public conversations, reflecting the country’s secular values and diverse beliefs. Additionally, we’ll discuss the implications of secret voting, a practice that respects individual choice, even among family members during politically charged times. With focused vocabulary building and practice, attendees will leave equipped with essential linguistic tools to navigate complex social themes in French, fostering both linguistic and cultural understanding just in time for the holidays. Prepare yourself for meaningful conversations during this festive season in the rich tapestry of French culture! Prerequisites: 303 or equivalent.

Curious about the French influence in Vietnam? Gigi Kuhn will share her personal experience as a Vietnamese-born and French native speaker. Born in the capital, Saigon, into a bilingual household where French and Vietnamese were equally spoken, Gigi will discuss how her dual heritage shaped her desire to embrace multilingualism and experience the world.

She will present why Vietnam is an attractive destination to explore and the profound impact of the French presence on Vietnamese food, language, and culture. Prerequisites: B1 level minimum; 303 or equivalent.

As the holiday season approaches, join us for our engaging two-hour workshop titled "Tabous et Débats : L'argent, la religion et le vote," where we will delve into the cultural taboos surrounding money, religion, and the secrecy of voting in the context of French culture. In France, discussions about salary and income are often seen as impolite, particularly during festive gatherings, making it essential to understand the underlying social dynamics. We'll also explore why religion is typically avoided in public conversations, reflecting the country’s secular values and diverse beliefs. Additionally, we’ll discuss the implications of secret voting, a practice that respects individual choice, even among family members during politically charged times. With focused vocabulary building and practice, attendees will leave equipped with essential linguistic tools to navigate complex social themes in French, fostering both linguistic and cultural understanding just in time for the holidays. Prepare yourself for meaningful conversations during this festive season in the rich tapestry of French culture! Prerequisites: 303 or equivalent.