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 "Intro to French - 100" class, led in English, to prepare for Beginning 101, the first full
immersion class.
Do you have some time on your hands and would like to progress faster? Then consider an Accelerated Pace class
and finish a level twice as fast as in a regularly paced class.
Beginner classes (except Intro to French - 100) are Core Classes 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 minimal or
no French.
101-102
This is a beginning French class designed for highly motivated language learners and/or those 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.
Take the four “French for travelers” mini lessons & learn how to check in to your hotel, use the metro, buy tickets, reserve a tour,
order food and take the train.
Pace: Regular
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
This beginning Core Classes covers chapters 0-2 of Edito A1. Basic communication is introduced as well as essential grammar and phonetics. Appropriate for beginning students with no or minimal French.
Pace: Regular
This dynamic Core Classes class combines beginning 103 and 104 into one term by exposing students to content necessary to continue with confidence into Beginner 105. There will be no class on June 21, and so the final class will be held August 23.
Pace: Accelerated
This continuing Core Course covers chapters 5-6 of Edito A1. Students learn to speak about daily activities; describe an object; ask
about sizes and prices; arrange an outing; make reservations by phone. Grammar includes the passé composé and the verbs pouvoir and vouloir
and more.
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 Édito A1 sequence.
Pace: Regular
This four week workshop will review a different grammatical point every week while incorporating and recycling vocabulary typically learned
in the A1 series. Prerequisites: Edito 104 or equiv.
Pace: Regular
Improve your listening comprehension skills, spelling, and vocabulary while solidifying your understanding of grammatical points taught in
the Édito A1 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: Edito 103 or equivalent
Pace: Regular
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.
Pace: Regular
In this workshop, primarily in English, you will have an opportunity to understand in depth the most common challenges that face English
speakers regarding French phonetics.
Pace: Regular
Improve your speech, comprehension and pronunciation as you examine the link between spoken and written French, intonation, rhythm,
vowels, liaison, and mute final letters. Prerequisites: Edito 103 or equivalent
Pace: Regular
In this creative workshop for beginners, the teacher will use questions in slow, comprehensible French to guide you through the process of describing and illustrating a character and then writing a simple story. The focus will be on oral and written comprehension, with the
possibility of more speaking and writing depending on students’ level/comfort. Prerequisites: Edito 101 or equivalent
Pace: Regular
Street parking on SW 20th St. facing the Kamm House is limited. Free parking is available in Lot B 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.