Learning French - Where To Begin?

For different learning profiles and personal schedules, the Alliance Française de Portland offers different ways to begin the adventure of learning French. Choose the path that corresponds to your goals and needs.  Scroll down to the bottom of this page to findout about beginner French classes (this list includes all of the classes at A0 and A1 levels). If you have questions, please write to info@afportland.org.

Things to know about beginner classes at our school:

Here are three different classes to start learning French

100

Have you been thinking of taking the leap into French but are apprehensive of the immersive learning style? Do you feel you might benefit from extra foundation work before diving into the full 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  that will allow you to continue with confidence into Beginning French 101.

101

Basic communication is introduced as well as essential grammar and phonetics. Appropriate for beginning students with no prior French experience.

101-102

This is a beginning French class designed for highly motivated language learners who have taken French in the past or who 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.


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A.0 - Pre-Beginner

Study Skills - in English

Short Programs
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
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 throughoutthe 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). Class materials consist from the Student Book and Workbook. 
Pace: Regular

103-104 Accelerated

Core Classes
This is a beginning French class designed for highly motivated language learners. It combines Beginner 103 and Beginner 104 into one term, by selectively exposing students to the necessary content to continue with confidence into Beginner 105.
Pace: Accelerated

103

Core Classes
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). 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

105

Core Classes
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). Class materials consist from the Student Book and Workbook.
Pace: Regular

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 A1 sequence.
Pace: Regular

French Holiday Commercials

Short Programs
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
ORDER THIS COURSE:
In Person
Tuesday   6pm ▸ 8pm
17 Dec 2024

French Pronunciation Mastery A1

Specialty & Cultural Classes
Mastering pronunciation is crucial for effective communication in French, especially for beginners at the A1 level. Over the course of 10 weeks, this class focuses on addressing common pronunciation challenges faced by new learners. Led by a seasoned instructor who utilizes paper-based materials and a textbook due to a preference for non-digital teaching methods, sessions will emphasize practical pronunciation exercises and techniques. Students will receive personalized feedback to enhance their spoken French skills, ensuring they gain confidence and clarity in their communication. Primarily taught in English
Pace: Regular

Study Skills - in English

Short Programs
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

 

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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