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:
We teach French using the full immersion method.
Not ready for immersion? Take a 5-week " 100: Introduction to French Immersion 101" class, led in English, to prepare for
Beginning 101, the first full immersion class. This is an optional step and class is taught mainly in English.
You may choose core classes to begin French studies. Your fist step should be 101 class.
Do you have some time on your hands and would like to progress faster? Or have you studied French a while ago and want to go
back to it? Then consider an Accelerated Pace class and finish a level twice as fast as in a regularly paced class. Start
with 101-102 Accelerated. Please note: This class is open exclusively to individuals with previous experience in French and
some basic understanding of the language. If you are a true beginner, please choose 101 class.
Beginner Classes (except 100: Introduction to French Immersion 101) are taught in 10-week modules.
Beginning A1 level classes go from 101 to 106.
All of our teachers are native fluent and trained to teach French as a second language.
Depending on programs available, beginners may have access to workshops, mini classes, or seasonal specials.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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.
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.