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 Actuel 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). Required class materials consist of the Défi Actuel 1 Student Book and Workbook. 
Pace: Regular

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. Required class materials consist of the Défi Actuel 1 Student Book and Workbook. 
Pace: Accelerated

Our 102 Core Class is for beginners having completed 101 class and wishing to master A1 level. The Défi Actuel 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). Required materials: Défi Actuel 1 Student Book and Workbook.
Pace: Regular

Our 103 Core Class is for beginners having completed 102 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). Required materials Défi 1 Student Book and Workbook, not available through Alliance Française de Portland.
Pace: Regular

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. Required materials Défi 1 Student Book and Workbook, not available through Alliance Française de Portland.
Pace: Accelerated

Our 105 Core Class is for beginners having completed 104 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). Required materials:  Défi 1 Student Book and Workbook not available through Alliance Française de Portland.
Pace: Regular

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. Required materials Défi 1 Student Book and Workbook not available through Alliance Française de Portland.
Pace: Accelerated

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

Perfect for building your foundational French skills! This supportive class strengthens essential beginning grammar, vocabulary and conversation skills through interactive practice. You’ll review present tense verbs (être, avoir, regular -er verbs), basic question formation, articles and gender, numbers, and everyday vocabulary for introductions, family, and daily activities. Prerequisites: Currently enrolled in Défi 101–103 level class, or with an equivalent proficiency to level 103. Not sure of your level? Schedule a Zoom assessment.

Pace: Regular

Designed to strengthen and expand your A1 skills, You’ll review and practice essential grammar such as passé composé, object pronouns, negations, and more complex sentence structures, while expanding vocabulary related to travel, technology, leisure, and cultural topics. Through conversation, targeted exercises, and real-life scenarios, you’ll improve fluency, accuracy, and confidence. Prerequisites: Currently enrolled in a Défi 104–106 level class, or equivalent strong A1 level.

Pace: Regular

This lively and engaging French class uses the Comprehensible Input approach to language acquisition to help beginning French students soak up the language like a sponge, as they become more comfortable understanding commonly used French vocabulary in the context of daily conversations and stories. Perfect for students who would like to jumpstart their immersion learning before beginning their first class, as well as those already studying at the A1 level who would like extra support with their comprehension skills alongside their core courses, this class will use strategies derived from second language acquisition research to make French accessible to all learners. The focus will be first and foremost on picking up essential vocabulary through oral comprehension activities with lots of visual aids, and then putting the learning into practice through guided interaction involving writing, reading, and speaking. Be prepared to put away the textbooks and grammar worksheets for this course, and come ready to move, laugh, use your imagination, and build your confidence in a supportive community of learners. (This class will not require any homework, but ample resources will be provided for those who wish to continue the learning at home.) No prerequisites: Great for pure beginners.
Pace: Regular

Kickstart 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.

A fun, communication-focused introduction to French! Learn useful words and phrases through engaging activities designed to help you start speaking French right away—without focusing on grammar or in-depth explanations. No prerequisites.
Pace: Regular

Build confidence in French through lively dialogues, practical grammar, and engaging communication activities! Using the Grammaire en Dialogues A1/A2 book and its recorded conversations, you'll strengthen your listening, writing, and speaking skills while exploring essential grammar in realistic, everyday situations. Each dialogue helps you understand natural spoken French and apply grammar with greater ease and confidence. Fall term will cover Part 1 of the book. The course covers on average 2 chapters per session, during which students have the opportunity to discuss and apply grammar topics through written activities, conversation and audio comprehension. Prerequisite 105 or equivalent..
Pace: Regular

Build confidence in French through lively dialogues, practical grammar, and engaging communication activities! Using the Grammaire en Dialogues A1/A2 book and its recorded conversations, you'll strengthen your listening, writing, and speaking skills while exploring essential grammar in realistic, everyday situations. Each dialogue helps you understand natural spoken French and apply grammar with greater ease and confidence.

Unlike the online version, this in-person course moves at a slower pace, allowing more time to fully explore each grammar point, practice speaking, ask questions, and build confidence through guided activities and interaction with classmates. Fall term will cover chapters 1-11 of the book Grammaire en Dialogues A1/A2. 

 Prerequiste 105 or equivalent.
Pace: Regular

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 Actuel 2 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: paper version 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 Espace Virtuel here: https://emdl.us/product-category/digital/espace-virtuel/). Premium books can not be exchanged or refunded.
Pace: Regular

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 203 and 204 into one term, by selectively exposing students to the necessary content to continue with confidence into 205. Required materials: Défi 2 student book and workbook.
Pace: Accelerated

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 205 and 206 into one term, by selectively exposing students to the necessary content to continue with confidence into 301. Required materials Défi 2 Student Book and workbook not available through Alliance Française de Portland.
Pace: Accelerated

206 class is the sixth and the last 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 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 Espace Virtuel for 12 month (You will not have access to Workbook after 12 month unless you renew the subscription directly with the editor. More information about Espace Virtuel here: https://emdl.us/product-category/digital/espace-virtuel/). Premium books can not be exchanged or refunded.
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.

Perfect for strengthening your A2 foundations! This supportive class focuses on key grammar topics such as comparatives, superlatives, relative pronouns, giving opinions and advice, and using negation more confidently. You’ll also expand vocabulary and practice communication around everyday themes including sports, cooking, health, and meals. Through guided exercises, interactive practice, and conversation, you’ll develop greater fluency and accuracy while gaining confidence in expressing your ideas more clearly in French. Prerequisites: Currently enrolled in Défi 2 201-203 level class, or with an equivalent proficiency to level 203. Not sure of your level? Schedule a Zoom assessment.

Pace: Regular

Perfect for strengthening your A2 foundations!  Through guided exercises, interactive practice, and conversation, you’ll develop greater fluency and accuracy while gaining confidence in expressing your ideas more clearly in French. Prerequisites: Currently enrolled in Défi 2 204-206 level class, or with an equivalent proficiency to level 204. Not sure of your level? Schedule a Zoom assessment.

Pace: Regular

In this lively conversation class for levels A2–B1, we’ll start by reviewing key grammar and vocabulary before moving into engaging speaking practice. With personalized guidance in grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation, your instructor will help you feel comfortable and confident expressing yourself in French. Whether you’re preparing for a trip, practicing for a presentation, or simply wanting to strengthen your conversational fluency, this class will help you speak with greater ease and assurance.
Pace: Regular

301 class is the first 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 Actuel 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: paper version 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 Espace Virtuel here: https://emdl.us/product-category/digital/espace-virtuel/). Premium books can not be exchanged or refunded.
Pace: Regular

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

The 306 class is the final step for students wishing to master the B1 level. 
Pace: Regular

Welcome to our French class on Switzerland! When we mention milk chocolate, banking secrecy, Heidi, and neutrality, what country comes to mind? Switzerland, of course! In this course, you'll have the opportunity to discover the characteristics of this small country and its French-speaking region through its captivating history, rich traditions, delicious cuisine, distinctive French language, and unique politics. Get ready to uncover the best-kept secrets of the Swiss Confederation! Additionally, students will have the option, if they choose, to prepare oral presentations. Join us for a fascinating exploration of Switzerland through the French language. This class is open to students at level B1 and above, with the prerequisite of having completed level 301 or possessing an equivalent level.
Pace: Regular

Chapters 37-42. 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 theinstructor following weekly thematic topics that include essential vocabulary and grammar. This course is designed with flexibility inmind—each chapter focuses on a distinct topic, so lessons can be taken in any order without requiring prior participation. Open to students who have successfully completed French 205 or equivalent. If you haven’t completed French 205, verify your level on our website under, “Find Your Level”
Pace: Regular

Part 1 of the book. Grammaire en Dialogues presents B1 level grammar concepts through everyday life situations using current spoken French. The course covers on average 2 chapters per session, during which students have the opportunity to discuss and apply grammar topics through written activities, conversation and audio comprehension.
Pace: Regular

Develop your intermediate French skills through engaging, hands-on practice! This dynamic class brings together students from both the lower B1 levels, allowing everyone to learn from a wider range of perspectives and strengths. You’ll focus on applying B1-level grammar and vocabulary in real-world contexts, practicing essential structures like past tenses, future forms, and the subjunctive. Vocabulary will expand around topics such as memories, emotions, careers, hobbies, and everyday situations. Through guided exercises, role-plays, and group discussions, you’ll strengthen your ability to narrate events, make plans, and express yourself clearly in familiar contexts. Perfect for current B1 students enrolled in Défi 301–303 looking to build fluency and confidence at the intermediate level.

Pace: Regular

Develop your intermediate French skills through engaging, hands-on practice! This dynamic class brings together students from the higher B1 levels, allowing everyone to learn from a wider range of perspectives and strengths.  Through guided exercises, role-plays, and group discussions, you’ll strengthen your ability to narrate events, make plans, and express yourself clearly in familiar contexts. Perfect for current B1 students enrolled in Défi 304–306 looking to build fluency and confidence at the intermediate level.

Pace: Regular

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.

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 about speaking. 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.
Pace: Regular

Welcome to our French class on Switzerland! When we mention milk chocolate, banking secrecy, Heidi, and neutrality, what country comes to mind? Switzerland, of course! In this course, you'll have the opportunity to discover the characteristics of this small country and its French-speaking region through its captivating history, rich traditions, delicious cuisine, distinctive French language, and unique politics. Get ready to uncover the best-kept secrets of the Swiss Confederation! Additionally, students will have the option, if they choose, to prepare oral presentations. Join us for a fascinating exploration of Switzerland through the French language. This class is open to students at level B1 and above, with the prerequisite of having completed level 301 or possessing an equivalent level.
Pace: Regular

This course explores immigration in France and elsewhere through cinema, from the postwar period to the present day. The films examined offer diverse perspectives on migration, identity, integration, memory, discrimination, and cultural transmission. By studying works by filmmakers from different generations and backgrounds, students will discover how French cinema reflects the social, political, and cultural transformations of contemporary France. Through film screenings, critical readings, and class discussions conducted in French, students will develop their ability to analyze cinematic style, narrative techniques, and historical context while deepening their understanding of the complex issues surrounding immigration and cultural diversity. The course also places these films within broader debates on citizenship, colonial memory, the French suburbs (banlieues), national identity, and multiculturalism.

Note: Students are responsible for obtaining or renting full films if they wish to watch them in entirety; class will feature selected excerpts. Class materials will be shared in Google Classroom. A subscription to the Criterion Channel is a requirement for this course. Prerequisites: 303 or equivalent.
Pace: Accelerated

What does it mean to be free, to love, and to live in solidarity with others? In this short course, we will explore these questions through Three Colors: Blue (1993), Three Colors: White (1994), and Three Colors: Red (1994), the celebrated trilogy by Polish filmmaker Krzysztof Kieślowski.

Inspired by the colors of the French flag and the ideals of the French Revolution—liberty, equality, and fraternity—the trilogy offers a subtle and provocative examination of human relationships, moral choices, loss, and the search for meaning in modern European society. Through close analysis of key scenes, cinematography, color, music, symbolism, and narrative structure, we will examine how Kieślowski transforms abstract political ideals into deeply personal stories.

Through guided discussion and accessible film analysis, participants will discover the visual and philosophical richness of Kieślowski’s work and consider why this remarkable trilogy continues to resonate with contemporary audiences.

Note: Students are responsible for obtaining or renting full films if they wish to watch them in entirety; class will feature selected excerpts. Class materials will be shared in Google Classroom. A subscription to the Criterion Channel is a requirement for this course. Prerequisites: 303 or equivalent.

Pace: Accelerated

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

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. 
STUDENTS MUST PURCHASE THE BOOK ON THEIR OWN.

The Book: Je suis drôle Auteur : David Foenkinos
Éditions :éditions Gallimard 2026 . 168 pages Synopsis : Gustave a compris une chose essentielle : faire rire, c'est être aimé. Alors, il décide de faire rire tout le monde. Ce sera sa force, son talent, sa politesse envers les autres. Il en fera un métier, puis une identité. Il n'avait pas prévu que ce serait si dangereux. L'auteur :David Foenkinos est l’auteur de nombreux romans, dont « La Délicatesse », « Les Souvenirs » et « Le Mystère Henri Pick », tous trois adaptés au cinéma. Ses livres sont traduits en quarante langues.Son roman « Charlotte » a reçu le prix Renaudot et le prix Goncourt des Lycéens 2014. .

RETURNING STUDENTS ONLY. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO JOIN THIS CLASS AS A NEW STUDENT, PLEASE CONTACT THE OFFICE FIRST.

Pace: Regular

In this course, we will discuss 5 texts from the theme Enquêtes Policières, then 5 texts from Expérience de l’autre/ découverte de l’inconnu, in Littérature Progressive de la Francophonie niveau B1/B2, 2020.

Prerequisite required: 206 or equivalent.

Pace: Regular

401 class is the first step for students wishing to master B2 level. Défi Actuel 4 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: paper version of both, or Premium Bundle with paper Student Book and digital Workbook accessible through Espace Virtuel for 12 month (You will not have access to Workbook after 12 month unless you renew the subscription directly with the editor. More information about Espace Virtuel here: https://emdl.us/product-category/digital/espace-virtuel/). Premium books can not be exchanged or refunded.
Pace: Regular

Crimes, Power & State Secrets: French History on Trial
Over ten weeks, explore more than two centuries of French history through some of its most fascinating criminal and political cases: the Affair of the Diamond Necklace and Marie-Antoinette, the Dreyfus Affair and Zola’s famous “J’Accuse!”, the mysterious Seznec case, hidden secrets of the Fifth Republic, and landmark battles over justice, tolerance, and the death penalty. Through investigations, historical documents, and lively discussions, discover how these events reveal France’s complex relationship with power, justice, and national identity.
This is not a traditional language class: it’s an immersive journey into history, culture, and ideas, combined with advanced speaking and critical thinking practice. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity to deepen both your language skills and your understanding of France. Prerequisite: 306 or equivalent.

Pace: Regular

Part 1. This class will interest you if: 1. You are planning on passing DELF B2 exam and need to prepare for it. 2. You’ve completed B2 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

Welcome to our French class on Switzerland! When we mention milk chocolate, banking secrecy, Heidi, and neutrality, what country comes to mind? Switzerland, of course! In this course, you'll have the opportunity to discover the characteristics of this small country and its French-speaking region through its captivating history, rich traditions, delicious cuisine, distinctive French language, and unique politics. Get ready to uncover the best-kept secrets of the Swiss Confederation! Additionally, students will have the option, if they choose, to prepare oral presentations. Join us for a fascinating exploration of Switzerland through the French language. This class is open to students at level B1 and above, with the prerequisite of having completed level 301 or possessing an equivalent level.
Pace: Regular

Strengthen your upper-intermediate French in a dynamic, supportive setting! This class brings together students across the B2 spectrum, allowing practice with peers at slightly different levels while working toward shared goals. You’ll develop greater command of complex sentence structures and expand your vocabulary in professional, cultural, and social contexts. Through debates, discussions, role-plays, and guided activities, you’ll gain confidence expressing nuanced ideas, defending opinions, and engaging with more abstract topics. Perfect for current B2 students enrolled in Défi 401–406 looking to refine accuracy, fluency, and sophistication in their communication.

Pace: Regular

Crimes, Power & State Secrets: French History on Trial
Over ten weeks, explore more than two centuries of French history through some of its most fascinating criminal and political cases: the Affair of the Diamond Necklace and Marie-Antoinette, the Dreyfus Affair and Zola’s famous “J’Accuse!”, the mysterious Seznec case, hidden secrets of the Fifth Republic, and landmark battles over justice, tolerance, and the death penalty. Through investigations, historical documents, and lively discussions, discover how these events reveal France’s complex relationship with power, justice, and national identity.
This is not a traditional language class: it’s an immersive journey into history, culture, and ideas, combined with advanced speaking and critical thinking practice. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity to deepen both your language skills and your understanding of France. Prerequisite: 306 or equivalent.

Pace: Regular

This advanced French course offers a comprehensive overview of French civilization, combining geographical, historical, social and cultural knowledge. The curriculum focuses on understanding French history and French society today as well as exploring cultural achievements in science, literature, architecture and performing arts. This term covers a selection of topics chosen from the various thematic sections of the “Atlas Insolite de Culture Générale” (Cartomania France, 2021, Editions de la Martinière). This non-sequential class can be joined at any time, allowing you to study chapters in any order. NO BOOK IS REQUIRED FOR THIS CLASS. Prerequisite 404 or equivalent.

Pace: Regular

Chapters 30-36. This class aims to teach you how to communicate like a native French person. Add useful expressions, proverbs and even alittle slang to your existing French skills! Interaction and exchanges between students are facilitated by the instructor following weeklythematic topics that include essential vocabulary and grammar. Each chapter focuses on a distinct topic, so lessons can be taken in any order without requiring prior participation.  Prerequisites: Successful completion of DEFI 306 B1 level or equivalent.

Pace: Regular

This C1 level Core Class is for students with the B2 level who are working on mastering the C1 level. The Défi 5 textbook offers different thematic units with a variety of societal and cultural themes.
Pace: Regular

Perfect for refining your advanced French skills! This class focuses on complex grammar, nuanced expressions, and expanding vocabulary. Through guided exercises, interactive practice, and conversation, you’ll strengthen your accuracy, fluency, and ability to express sophisticated ideas more naturally and confidently in French. C1 level.

Pace: Regular

Crimes, Power & State Secrets: French History on Trial
Over ten weeks, explore more than two centuries of French history through some of its most fascinating criminal and political cases: the Affair of the Diamond Necklace and Marie-Antoinette, the Dreyfus Affair and Zola’s famous “J’Accuse!”, the mysterious Seznec case, hidden secrets of the Fifth Republic, and landmark battles over justice, tolerance, and the death penalty. Through investigations, historical documents, and lively discussions, discover how these events reveal France’s complex relationship with power, justice, and national identity.
This is not a traditional language class: it’s an immersive journey into history, culture, and ideas, combined with advanced speaking and critical thinking practice. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity to deepen both your language skills and your understanding of France. Prerequisite: 306 or equivalent.

Pace: Regular