TRY SOMETHING NEW WEEK

It's time to mark your calendars for December special programs! Try Something New Week workshops are starting soon.

During the long winter break, the Alliance offers French learning experiences that go with the holiday spirit. Treat yourself to something exclusive and entertaining, or try something you haven't had a chance to do this year, before it's over.

 Advanced Level - CECR B2/C1

Intro to French Surrealism & Creative Writing

Do you love word games like Mad Libs? Do you wish you could take a moment to just write spontaneously in French? Do you enjoy learning about unconventional literary movements? If you answered “oui!” to any of these questions, you will love this workshop on Surrealism. After learning the basics of the history of the movement and reading extracts of André Breton’s “Manifeste du surréalisme”, you’ll have the chance to try your hand at a few surrealist activities yourself. The focus of the workshop is on writing and you will participate in individual and group writing games/exercises, along with some reading, lecture, and discussion.

Open to advanced (CECR B2/C1) students. Prerequisites: Completion of Edito B1 level or instructor approval.

 Sign up with the course selector at the bottom of the page.

Le spleen de Baudelaire : à la mode ou pas ?

In her popular song, “Tout oublier” Belgian singer Angèle claims that “le spleen n’est plus à la mode.” In this workshop, students will first learn about what Charles Baudelaire meant by “spleen” in order to debate Angèle’s statement. We will start with an introduction to the French lexicon of poetry with which students will be able to identify formal aspects of a poem. We will discuss the differences, as well as the commonalities, between the poet’s work in verse (Les fleurs du mal) and his work in prose (Le spleen de Paris).  

Open to B2/C1 level students and native French speakers. Prerequisites: Completion of Edito B1 level or instructor approval.

Sign up with the course selector at the bottom of the page.

 WORKSHOPS In English

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.

Sign up with the course selector at the bottom of the page.

All about the Bûche de Noël

Bûche de Noël - this unique cake links regional traditions all over France which were developed over the centuries when the hearth was the center of family life. Come join us for a fun culinary experience!

No matter what your level of French may be, this workshop is open to all! It's taught in English with some French. Learn customs, history and different recipes for this exquisite holiday dessert.

In this two hour workshop, you will learn about the origins of this Christmas cake, from its medieval roots to current day traditions. You will watch a step-by-step demonstration for making your own Bûche de Noël. You will then explore some of the wildly creative new flavors and versions being served today. Enjoy conversation and learn some new words for your holiday vocabulary!

This workshop is in English with some French.

Sign up with the course selector at the bottom of the page.