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A.0 - Pre-Beginner

I00 Introduction to French Immersion 101 Class

Core Classes
Have you been thinking of taking the leap into learning French but are apprehensive of the immersive learning style or feel you might benefit from some extra foundation before starting our 100 series? If so, our Introduction to French course may be the perfect fit for you! This course is designed to help prepare you for French immersion through a gentle introduction to the method supplemented with English. You’ll have the opportunity to learn useful classroom expressions in French in addition to some of the basics of the language that will allow you to continue with confidence into Beginning French 101.
Pace: Regular
A1 - Beginner

101-102 Accelerated

Core Classes
This is a beginning French class designed for highly motivated language learners and/or those who have taken French in the past or had some exposure and need to cover the basics. The class combines True Beginner 101 and Beginner 102 into one term, by selectively exposing students to the necessary content to continue with confidence into Beginner 103.
Pace: Accelerated

101

Core Classes
Our 101 Core Class is for true beginners wishing to master A1 level. If you studied French before, please look into 101-102 Accelerated class. Défi 1 book offers different thematic units. A variety of societal and cultural themes are presented throughout the book using authentic documents (articles, video and audio clips). Class materials consist from the Student Book and Workbook. 
Pace: Regular

102

Core Classes
Our 102 Core Class is for beginners having completed 101 class and wishing to master A1 level. Défi 1 book offers different thematic units. A variety of societal and cultural themes are presented throughoutthe book using authentic documents (articles, video and audio clips).
Pace: Regular

103-104 Accelerated

Core Classes
This is a beginner French class designed for highly motivated language learners. It combines Beginner 103 and Beginner 104 into one term, selectively exposing students to the necessary content.
Pace: Accelerated

104

Core Classes
Our 104 Core Class is for beginners having completed 103 class and wishing to master A1 level. Défi 1 book offers different thematic units. A variety of societal and cultural themes are presented throughout the book using authentic documents (articles, video and audio clips). Class materials consist from the Student Book and Workbook.
Pace: Regular

105-106 Accelerated

Core Classes
This is a beginning French class designed for highly motivated language learners. It combines Beginner 105 and Beginner 106 into one term, by selectively exposing students to the necessary content to continue with confidence into Lower Intermediate 201.
Pace: Accelerated

A1 to A2 Bridge

Core Classes
Cross the bridge from A1 to A2 in this transition class where students will gain confidence in their spoken communication skills through review of grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation learned in the DEFI A1 sequence.
Pace: Regular

Everyday French Vocabulary Builder

Minis
Aimed at level A1, this class is designed to enrich students' vocabulary to facilitate everyday French speaking. Each week will focus on a different theme such as daily activities, shopping, and professional life. Join us to explore and expand your lexical repertoire, enhancing your ability to communicate in French in various everyday situations! This class is open to students at levels A1, with the prerequisite of having completed level 102 or equivalent.
Pace: Regular

French Communication practice for beginners

Minis
Continue strengthening your French communication skills alongside fellow students at your level. This course focuses on hands-on activities, props, audio recordings, and role play to simulate real-life situations and conversations. We'll interact primarily through speaking, without relying too much on written materials. Build confidence in a supportive environment and enjoy speaking French! Together, we'll consistently work on polishing the skills that still need a little fine-tuning.



Pace: Regular

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

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

Grammar Workshop A1

Minis
This four week workshop will review different verbs and tenses every week through drills and conversation while incorporating and recycling vocabulary typically learned in the A1 series.
First four weeks:Week 1/2: Present tense part I. Students will review the present tense conjugation of regular verbs. Week 3/4: Present tense part II. Students will review the present tense conjugation of typical irregular. Second four weeks: Week 5/6: Compound verb structures. Students will review the future proche, modal verbs pouvoir, vouloir, and devoir. Week 7/8: Passé composé et passé récent. Students will review the introductory past tenses such as passé composé with avoir and être, and the use of the passé récent to express things that just happened or that they have just done. No prerequisite.
Pace: Regular

Intro to French Communication

Minis
Join us for a Beginning French Conversation class designed for learners eager to develop their speaking skills in a supportive environment.In this course, students will explore a selection of everyday themes tailored to the group's level. Topics may include introductions, family discussions, sports, leisure activities, daily routines, grocery shopping, weather preferences, seasonal clothing, and pets. Participants will engage in interactive activities, group discussions, and role-playing, allowing them to build confidence and fluency in everyday French conversation. Prerequisites: basic French, 102 level or equivalent.
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

Mastering Verbs

Minis
This four week workshop will review different verbs and tenses every week through drills and conversation while incorporating and recycling vocabulary typically learned in the A1 series. Week 1: Present tense part I. Students will review the present tense conjugation of regular verbs. Week 2: Present tense part II. Students will review the present tense conjugation of typical irregular verbs. Week 3: Compound verb structures. Students will review the future proche, modal verbs pouvoir, vouloir, and devoir. Week 4: Passé composé et passé récent. Students will review the introductory past tenses such as passé composé with avoir and être, and the use of the passé récent to express things that just happened or that they have just done. Prerequisite DEFI 102 or equivalent.
Pace: Regular
A2 - Lower Intermediate

201

Core Classes
201 class is the first step for students wishing to master the A2 level. Our A2 level Core Class is for students progressing from A1 level and wishing to master the A2 level.

Défi 2 book offers different thematic units. A variety of societal and cultural themes are presented throughout the book using authenticdocuments (articles, video and audio clips). Class materials consist from the Student Book and Workbook. Two options are offered: paperversion of both, or Premium Bundle with paper Student Book and digital Workbook accessible through Espace Virtuel for 12 months (You willnot have access to Workbook after 12 months unless you renew the subscription directly with the editor. More information about EspaceVirtuel here: https://emdl.us/product-category/digital/espace-virtuel/). Premium books can not be exchanged or refunded.
Pace: Regular

202

Core Classes
Our A2 level Core Class is for students progressing from A1 level and wishing to master the A2 level.

Défi 2 book offers different thematic units. A variety of societal and cultural themes are presentedthroughout the book using authentic documents (articles, video and audio clips). Class materials consist from the Student Book and Workbook.Two options are offered: paper version of both, or Premium Bundle with paper Student Book and digital Workbook accessible through EspaceVirtuel for 12 month (You will not have access to Workbook after 12 month unless you renew the subscription directly with the editor. Moreinformation about Espace Virtuel here: https://emdl.us/product-category/digital/espace-virtuel/). Premium books can not be exchanged orrefunded.
Pace: Regular

203-204 Accelerated

Core Classes
This is a fast-paced classed offering an opportunity to advance into lower intermediate level twice as fast as a regular class. The class combines lower intermediate 203 and 204 into one term, by selectively exposing students to the necessary content to continue with confidence into 205.
Pace: Accelerated

205-206 Accelerated

Core Classes
This is a fast-paced class offering an opportunity to advance into lower intermediate level twice as fast as a regular class. The class combines lower intermediate 205 and 206 into one term, by selectively exposing students to the necessary content to continue with confidence into 301.
Pace: Accelerated

Communication Practice A2

Minis
Continue strengthening your French communication skills alongside fellow students at your level. This course focuses on hands-on activities, props, audio recordings, and role play to simulate real-life situations and conversations. We'll interact primarily through speaking, without relying too much on written materials. Build confidence in a supportive environment and enjoy speaking French! Together, we'll consistently work on polishing the skills that still need a little fine-tuning.



Pace: Regular

Discovering the French Speaking World

Minis
In this 4-session class, you’ll explore the richness and diversity of the French language around the world. Through engaging activities and research, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of la Francophonie, where French is spoken today and what it means in different cultural contexts. By the end of the course, you’ll create and share a simple presentation (slideshow or poster) showcasing a Francophone country and its unique linguistic and cultural identity. Prerequisite DEFI 106 or equivalent.
Pace: Regular

French Flow: Dictation Practice

Minis
La dictée is how the French learn French. Considered to be one of the best ways to learn the nuances of spelling and grammar in the French language, it is done by millions of children in French schools every day. In this 4-week workshop, you will improve your listening comprehension skills, spelling, and vocabulary while solidifying your understanding of grammatical points taught in the DEFI method in the same way as the French: through a series of dictation activities and short discussions about some of the most troublesome areas of spelling, agreement, and conjugation. Prerequisites: DEFI 201 or equivalent.
Pace: Regular

The Essentials of A2 Grammar

Minis
This course continues to reinforce key A2 grammar topics such as adjectives and adverbs, comparisons, the present conditional and hypothetical statements, and indirect discourse. Through interactive lessons and practical exercises, you will gain confidence in communicating clearly and effectively in everyday French. Prerequisite 106 or equivalent.
Pace: Regular

Traveling in French: Communication skills for A2 Learners

Minis
Dreaming of traveling to a French-speaking country? This course is for you!
In just 4 weeks, learn how to plan a trip in French — choose your destination, book transportation and accommodation, plan fun activities, and more. This interactive online mini-course, designed specifically for adult learners at A2 level, will help you build confidence and speak about your travel plans with ease.
Through practical exercises, useful vocabulary, role-plays, and a motivating final project, you'll be ready to explore the Francophone world. Prerequisite DEFI 202 or equivalent.



Pace: Regular
A2/B1

A2 to B1 Bridge

Core Classes
Cross the bridge from A2 to B1 in this transition class where students will gain confidence in their spoken communication skills through review of grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation learned in the DEFI A2 sequence.
Pace: Regular

Practice your French

Minis
In this conversation class, we'll begin by refreshing essential grammar and vocabulary before diving into speaking practice. Our experienced teacher will offer tailored support in grammar, vocabulary, and phonetics to help you feel at ease and enthusiastic abou tspeaking. Whether you're getting ready for a presentation, planning a trip, or simply looking to enhance your conversational skills, this class is designed to help you reach your goals with confidence and ease. Prerequisite DEFI 106 or equivalent.
Pace: Regular
B1 - Intermediate

302

Core Classes
302 class is the second step for students wishing to master the B1 level.
Pace: Regular

303

Core Classes
303 class is the third step for students wishing to master the B1 level.Our B1 level Core Class is for students progressing from A2 level and wishing to master the B1 level.

Défi 3 book offers different thematic units. A variety of societal and cultural themes are presented throughout the book using authenticdocuments (articles, video and audio clips). Class materials consist from the Student Book and Workbook. Two options are offered: paperversion of both, or Premium Bundle with paper Student Book and digital Workbook accessible through Espace Virtuel for 12 months (You willnot have access to Workbook after 12 months unless you renew the subscription directly with the editor. More information about EspaceVirtuel here: https://emdl.us/product-category/digital/espace-virtuel/). Premium books can not be exchanged or refunded
Pace: Regular

304

Core Classes
The 304 class is the fourth step for students wishing to master the B1 level. Our B1 level Core Class is for students progressing from A2 level and wishing to master the B1 level.

Défi 3 book offers different thematic units. A variety of societal and cultural themes are presented throughout the book using authentic documents (articles, video and audio clips). Class materials consist from the Student Book and Workbook. Two options are offered: paperversion of both, or Premium Bundle with paper Student Book and digital Workbook accessible through Espace Virtuel for 12 months (You will not have access to Workbook after 12 months unless you renew the subscription directly with the editor. More information about EspaceVirtuel here: https://emdl.us/product-category/digital/espace-virtuel/). Premium books can not be exchanged or refunded.
Pace: Regular

306

Core Classes
The 305 class is the fifth step for students wishing to master the B1 level. Our B1 level Core Class is for students progressing from A2 level and wishing to master the B1 level.

Défi 3 book offers different thematic units. A variety of societal and cultural themes are presented throughout the book using authentic documents (articles, video and audio clips). Class materials consist from the Student Book and Workbook. Two options are offered: paperversion of both, or Premium Bundle with paper Student Book and digital Workbook accessible through Espace Virtuel for 12 months (You will not have access to Workbook after 12 months unless you renew the subscription directly with the editor. More information about EspaceVirtuel here: https://emdl.us/product-category/digital/espace-virtuel/). Premium books can not be exchanged or refunded.
Pace: Regular

DELF B1 Preparation

Specialty & Cultural Classes
Part 1 This class will interest you if: 1. You are planning on passing DELF B1 exam and need to prepare for it. 2. You’ve completed B1 level and wish to consolidate the newly acquired skills, all the while evaluating your strengths and weaknesses before jumping to next level. The class has a double goal: preparing you to DELF exam structure and work on all of the aspects one needs to master in order to validate a level to successfully start the next one. A partial simulation of the DELF exam (except oral production part) in the end of the 10-week series will allow students to have a comprehensive evaluation of their skills.
Pace: Regular

Essential Everyday French Intermediate

Specialty & Cultural Classes
Thursday In-person Class: Chapters 18-24. Friday Online Class: Chapters 10-17. This class aims to bring your conversational French to the next level. Learn how native speakers communicate on a day-to-day basis. Interaction and exchanges between students are facilitated by the instructor following weekly thematic topics that include essential vocabulary and grammar. This class is open to students who have successfully completed French 205. If you haven’t completed French 205, verify your level on our website under, “Find Your Level”.
Pace: Regular

French Cinema: The Margins of French Society on Screen

Minis
This mini cinema course explores the lives of those on the margins of French-speaking society through four powerful films (there are four different films for each session). From vagabonds and war prisoners to immigrant youth and working-class strugglers, these stories highlight how cinema gives voice to the silenced and forgotten. Through discussion and analysis, we'll consider how filmmakers portray social exclusion, resilience, and the complexities of identity. Prerequisite DEFI 206 or equivalent.
Pace: Regular

Gender and Sexuality in Contemporary French

Minis
This course explores the evolving landscape of language in French society, addressing questions such as the appropriateness of terms like"mademoiselle" and "pédé," the use of gendered language like "le" or "la" médecin, and theunderstanding of concepts like bisexuality and non-binary identities. Through four sessions, we delve into how language reflects and shapesperceptions of gender and sexuality, examining the emergence of inclusive language and its impact on personal identity. Participants gaininsights into the nuances brought by gender and sexuality studies to the French language, empowering them to make informed choices about language usage in their reading, listening, writing, and speaking endeavors. This class is open to students at level B1, with the prerequisite of having completed level 206 or possessing an equivalent level.
Pace: Regular

Stimulate Your Brain While Learning French B1+

Minis
This original mini-course combines cognitive stimulation activities with French language learning. Through memory games, logic puzzles, creative language exercises, and problem-solving tasks, students will strengthen both their French skills and their mental agility. Perfect for curious learners who want to keep their minds sharp while making progress in French! Prerequisite DEFI 206 or equivalent.
Pace: Regular

Storytelling in French

Minis
If you enjoy life stories, testimonials, and unusual tales, this course is for you. Using video clips from current media, you’ll be inspired to tell your own meaningful stories while exploring the nuances of French past tenses. Together, we’ll see how grammar and word choice help shape powerful and memorable storytelling. Prerequisite: 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

French Cinema: The Margins of French Society on Screen

Minis
This mini cinema course explores the lives of those on the margins of French-speaking society through four powerful films (there are four different films for each session). From vagabonds and war prisoners to immigrant youth and working-class strugglers, these stories highlight how cinema gives voice to the silenced and forgotten. Through discussion and analysis, we'll consider how filmmakers portray social exclusion, resilience, and the complexities of identity. Prerequisite DEFI 206 or equivalent.
Pace: Regular

French Ripped From The Headlines Intermediate

Specialty & Cultural Classes
Want to speak with a rich vocabulary and use idioms and common expressions spontaneously? Learn expressions and idioms from the podcast and participate in the spontaneous lively discussions with the group. This class is based on RFI’s “Le journal en Français Facile”! RFI-FF is a publicly supported nonprofit organisation that’s existed for 23 years and offers a wide range of subjects in its news broadcasts. Visit their website to see the examples of the themes to be covered in class. This class is open to B1 and B2 level students.
Pace: Regular

Human Stories, French Voices: Exploring Odette Toulemonde

Minis
In this course, we will explore the short story collection Odette Toulemonde et autres histoires by Éric-Emmanuel Schmitt. Through four compelling and emotionally rich narratives, we’ll examine themes such as love, identity, happiness, and transformation. Students will engage in close reading, discussion, and reflection to better understand the author's style, message, and the subtle ways fiction can mirror real life. The course will also provide insight into contemporary French literature and culture. Once class enrollment is confirmed, please buy book or order directly from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Odette-Toulemonde-Autres-Histoires-French/dp/2253126624 Prerequisite DEFI 206 or equivalent.
Pace: Regular

Littérature - lecture guidée

Specialty & Cultural Classes

Meet your fellow literature buffs, read and discuss your reading under expert guidance from Marie-Pierre Wolfe. Marie-Pierre will send you the weekly questionnaire to promote in-depth understanding of each book segment.The book chosen for the Summer 2025 session: “Le Silence de la mer” (42 pages), published by Albin Michel in 1952, is certainly one of the most moving texts in contemporary French literature conveying a message in praise of pacifism. This text has been translated into 23 languages and has sold over a million copies.

STUDENTS MUST PURCHASE THE BOOK ON THEIR OWN.

The author, Jean Bruller, published under the pseudonym Vercors, the name of a stronghold of the French Resistance near the city of Grenoble. "Vercors" was the name he used as a member of the Resistance during the Second World War.Jean Bruller founded the underground publishing house Les Éditions de Minuit during the occupation (it still exists today).

SynopsisThe story takes place in France in 1941, under German occupation and the collaborationist regime of General Pétain.A young German officer is billeted by the Kommandantur in the home of a French family, composed of an elderly man, respected in the community, and his young niece. The house is spacious and comfortable despite the hardships imposed by the war.

The German officer speaks French well, is very polite, and comes every evening to speak to his unwilling hosts. Then, every evening, he wishes them good night.Neither the narrator nor his young niece ever speaks to him.Hence the title: The Silence of the Sea.



Pace: Regular

Stimulate Your Brain While Learning French B1+

Minis
This original mini-course combines cognitive stimulation activities with French language learning. Through memory games, logic puzzles, creative language exercises, and problem-solving tasks, students will strengthen both their French skills and their mental agility. Perfect for curious learners who want to keep their minds sharp while making progress in French! Prerequisite DEFI 206 or equivalent.
Pace: Regular

Storytelling in French

Minis
If you enjoy life stories, testimonials, and unusual tales, this course is for you. Using video clips from current media, you’ll be inspired to tell your own meaningful stories while exploring the nuances of French past tenses. Together, we’ll see how grammar and word choice help shape powerful and memorable storytelling. Prerequisite: 206 or equivalent.
Pace: Regular
B2 - Upper Intermediate

402

Core Classes
The 402 class is the second step for students wishing to master the B2 level. Our B2 level Core Class is for students progressing from B1 level and wishing to master the B2 level.
Pace: Regular

403

Core Classes
The 403 class is the third step for students wishing to master the B2 level. Our B2 level Core Class is for students progressing from B1 level and wishing to master the B2 level.
Pace: Regular

French Cinema: The Margins of French Society on Screen

Minis
This mini cinema course explores the lives of those on the margins of French-speaking society through four powerful films (there are four different films for each session). From vagabonds and war prisoners to immigrant youth and working-class strugglers, these stories highlight how cinema gives voice to the silenced and forgotten. Through discussion and analysis, we'll consider how filmmakers portray social exclusion, resilience, and the complexities of identity. Prerequisite DEFI 206 or equivalent.
Pace: Regular

Histoires de Migrations B2

Minis
France is an amazing patchwork of cultures that you simply cannot miss out on! Have you ever wondered why we eat couscous or why we sprinkle Arabic words in our everyday conversations? Well, you're in for a treat! Let's explore France's rich migratory history and dive into the stories of the brave migrants and their first and second-generation offspring. Through music and entertaining documentaries, we can uncover the diverse and exciting flavors of the world that have contributed to France's unique culture today. Prerequisite DEFI 306 or equivalent.
Pace: Regular

Stimulate Your Brain While Learning French B1+

Minis
This original mini-course combines cognitive stimulation activities with French language learning. Through memory games, logic puzzles, creative language exercises, and problem-solving tasks, students will strengthen both their French skills and their mental agility. Perfect for curious learners who want to keep their minds sharp while making progress in French! Prerequisite DEFI 206 or equivalent.
Pace: Regular
B2/C1

Les Grands Musées de France

Minis
Gain insights into the origin and evolution of these museums, understand 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

 

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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