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

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 throughoutthe 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. Moreinformation about Espace Virtuel here: https://emdl.us/product-category/digital/espace-virtuel/). Premium books can not be exchanged or refunded.
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. Twooptions are offered: paper version of both, or Premium Bundle with paper Student Book and digital Workbook accessible through Espace Virtuelfor 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 orrefunded.
Pace: Regular

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. 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

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

106

Core Classes
Our 106 class is the sixth and the last step for students wishing to master the 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 French A1
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.
Pace: Regular

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

Grammar in Context For Beginners

Minis
If you feel you need more review with foundational grammar but prefer interaction and learning through media to lectures and textbooks, this class could be a perfect fit for you! Learn or review essential grammatical concepts for beginners/advanced beginners through authentic songs, readings, video clips, and games in this engaging mini-class. Topics covered may include pronouns, articles, prepositions, forming questions, present tense, passé composé and futur proche. Reading, writing, speaking and listening will be a part of every lesson. This class is for those who are midway through or have recently completed A1 level (prerequisite 102 or equivalent level)
Pace: Regular

Order This Course

$395.00 USD
Code: 24E 105-106-B
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.

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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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