Mini Classes

Mini classes are a perfect opportunity to keep studying French without a long commitment. Each class targets a specific area or theme. Mini classes are offered in a series of 4 weeks, 1h 30 hours per session. 

Registration for summer mini classes is now open! REGISTRATION CLOSES 24H BEFORE CLASS BEGINS. Last minute registrations are possible, but please  contact the office at info@afportland.org.

Click here for Mini Schedule Click here for Mini Schedule

Summer Mini Classes

Session 1:June 30-July 26, 2025

Session 2:July 28-August 23, 2025



Classes For Beginning Level

Beginning classes are designed for A1-level students and correspond to the 100 series. Find prerequisites, read full class description, and register by clicking "Read More" in the class descriptions.

A1

French for travelers

Traveling to a French-speaking country? Join our "French for Travelers" mini lessons to master key skills in French with English support.

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A1

French Sounds and spelling basics

This engaging  course helps you master the link between French sounds and spelling. Through hands-on exercises, you’ll improve your pronunciation, recognize French sounds, and see how they match written words. Perfect for learners wanting to sharpen both speaking and spelling skills.

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A1

Mastering French Sentences: Nouns, Verbs and Structure

Master essential French grammar—nouns, verbs, and sentence structure—while building clear and engaging sentences. 

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A1

Intro to French communication 

This conversation class starts with a quick grammar and vocabulary refresh, then focuses on speaking practice. With personalized support in grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation, you’ll build confidence whether preparing for a presentation, a trip, or just improving your conversation skills.

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A1

French communication practice for beginners

Build your spoken French through interactive activities, role play, and real-life scenarios. After a brief grammar and vocabulary review, the focus shifts to speaking practice with personalized support. Gain confidence in a supportive, low-pressure environment—perfect for travel, presentations, or everyday conversation.

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A1

A1 Grammar workshop

This two part workshop reviews key French verbs and tenses through drills and conversation, using vocabulary from the A1 level. In the first four weeks, you’ll focus on present tense conjugation of regular and common irregular verbs. In the next four weeks, you’ll explore compound verb forms like the future proche and modal verbs (pouvoir, vouloir, devoir), as well as introductory past tenses including passé composé and passé récent. 

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A1

Mastering verbs 

In this four-week workshop, you’ll review key French verbs and tenses through drills and conversation. Practice present, modal, and basic past tenses while strengthening your vocabulary and speaking skills. Build a solid foundation and gain confidence in using verbs!

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A1

Everyday French vocabulary builder

Get ready to boost your French vocabulary in this lively A1 class! Each week, we’ll dive into fun themes like daily routines, shopping adventures, and work life, helping you speak confidently in everyday situations. Join us to explore new words, practice real-life conversations, and make learning French enjoyable and practical!

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Classes For Lower Intermediate Level

Find prerequisites, read full class description, and register by clicking "Read More" in the class descriptions.

A2

The Essentials of A2 Grammar

This course builds on key A2 grammar points: adjectives, adverbs, comparisons, the present conditional, and indirect discourse—helping you communicate more confidently in everyday French through interactive practice.

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A2

Communication Practice 

Strengthen your spoken French through interactive activities, role play, and real-life scenarios. With minimal reliance on written materials, this course helps you build confidence, refine your skills, and enjoy speaking in a supportive environment.

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A2

French flow: dictation practice

La dictée is how the French learn their language—famous for sharpening spelling, grammar, and listening skills. In this 4-week workshop, you’ll improve these areas through dictation exercises and focused discussions on tricky grammar, just like French students do.

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A2

Traveling in french: communication skills for a2 learners 

Want to travel to a French-speaking country? In this 4-week course for A2 learners, you’ll learn to plan your trip—from choosing destinations to booking and planning activities. Through fun exercises and role-plays, you’ll gain the confidence to speak about your travel plans and get ready to explore the Francophone world.

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A2

Discovering the French Speaking World 

Discover the global world of French in this fun, 4-session class! Explore how French is spoken around the world, then create a short presentation on a Francophone country’s unique culture and language.

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Classes For low Intermediate and Intermediate  Levels

 Find prerequisites, read full class description, and register by clicking "Read More" in the class descriptions.

A2/B1

Practice your french 

This conversation class starts with a quick grammar and vocabulary refresh, then focuses on speaking practice. With personalized support in grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation, you’ll build confidence whether preparing for a presentation, a trip, or just improving your conversation skills.

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Classes For Intermediate and Upper Intermediate  Levels

 Find prerequisites, read full class description, and register by clicking "Read More" in the class descriptions.

B1/B2

Human stories, french voices: exploring odette toulemonde 

Discover four moving stories from Éric-Emmanuel Schmitt’s Odette Toulemonde et autres histoires as we explore love, identity, and transformation in contemporary French literature. 4 different stories are covered for each session.

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B1/B2

everyday french idioms

This fun, hands-on mini-course helps learners master 15–20 common French idioms through interactive activities, role plays, and cultural exploration. Each session introduces new expressions.

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B2

Histoires de migrations 

France is a vibrant mix of cultures you don’t want to miss! Ever wondered why couscous is a favorite or why Arabic words pop up in daily chats? Join us to explore France’s rich migration history through music and documentaries, and discover the stories behind its unique, diverse culture. Get ready to be amazed!

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B1/B2

Gender and sexuality in contemporary french 

Dive into how French expresses gender and sexuality, from shifting terms to inclusive language. Perfect for curious minds eager to explore identity through language.

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B1/B2

Storytelling in french

Love stories and unique experiences? This course is for you. Using video clips from current media, you’ll practice French past tenses while learning how grammar and word choice create powerful, memorable stories.
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B1/B2

cinema: The margins of french society

In this mini cinema course, you’ll journey through four powerful French-language films that spotlight life on the margins: vagabonds, immigrants, prisoners, and the working poor. Through lively discussion and analysis, we’ll explore how cinema brings their voices and struggles to the screen, revealing stories of resilience, identity, and hope.

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B1/B2

Stimulate your brain while learning french

Boost your brain and your French in this fun mini-course! With memory games, puzzles, and creative language activities, you’ll sharpen your mind while building real French skills. Perfect for curious learners who love a challenge!

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Classes for
Upper Intermediate  to Advanced levels

These classes are for B2/C1 -level students, B1 graduates, or current 400-level learners. Find prerequisites, read full class description, and register by clicking "Read More" in the class descriptions.

B2/C1

Les grands musées de france

Discover the rich history and hidden stories of France’s most iconic museums—from the Louvre to the MUCEM—while exploring their art, architecture, and cultural impact. This course is perfect for curious minds and culture lovers eager to deepen their understanding of the institutions that preserve France’s artistic and historical legacy.

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B2/C1

Mysteries and Beliefs: Between legends and reality

Explore mysterious phenomena and uniquely French legends in this fun, interactive mini-course. Through lively discussions, you’ll build vocabulary and practice spoken French while diving into fascinating cultural themes. 

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A1 - Beginner

Everyday French Vocabulary Builder

Minis
Aimed at level A1, this class is designed to enrich students' vocabulary to facilitate everyday French speaking. Each week will focus on a different theme such as daily activities, shopping, and professional life. Join us to explore and expand your lexical repertoire, enhancing your ability to communicate in French in various everyday situations! This class is open to students at levels A1, with the prerequisite of having completed level 102 or equivalent.
Pace: Regular

French Communication practice for beginners

Minis
Continue strengthening your French communication skills alongside fellow students at your level. This course focuses on hands-on activities, props, audio recordings, and role play to simulate real-life situations and conversations. We'll interact primarily through speaking, without relying too much on written materials. Build confidence in a supportive environment and enjoy speaking French! Together, we'll consistently work on polishing the skills that still need a little fine-tuning.



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. Prerequisite is having completed level 101 or possessing an equivalent level online.
Pace: Regular

French Sounds and Spelling Basics

Minis
This practical course is designed to help you master the connection between French sounds and their written forms. Through hands-on exercises, you'll refine your pronunciation, recognize the distinctive sounds of French, and learn how these sounds are accurately represented in writing. This course is ideal for learners who want to improve both pronunciation and spelling while deepening their understanding of French phonetics and spelling conventions. Prerequisite is DEFI 103 or equivalent.
Pace: Regular

Grammar Workshop A1

Minis
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.
First four weeks:Week 1/2: Present tense part I. Students will review the present tense conjugation of regular verbs. Week 3/4: Present tense part II. Students will review the present tense conjugation of typical irregular. Second four weeks: Week 5/6: Compound verb structures. Students will review the future proche, modal verbs pouvoir, vouloir, and devoir. Week 7/8: Passé composé et passé récent. Students will review the introductory past tenses such as passé composé with avoir and être, and the use of the passé récent to express things that just happened or that they have just done. No prerequisite.
Pace: Regular

Intro to French Communication

Minis
Join us for a Beginning French Conversation class designed for learners eager to develop their speaking skills in a supportive environment.In this course, students will explore a selection of everyday themes tailored to the group's level. Topics may include introductions, family discussions, sports, leisure activities, daily routines, grocery shopping, weather preferences, seasonal clothing, and pets. Participants will engage in interactive activities, group discussions, and role-playing, allowing them to build confidence and fluency in everyday French conversation. Prerequisites: basic French, 102 level or equivalent.
Pace: Regular

Mastering French Sentences: Nouns, Verbs and Structure

Minis
Focus on the essential elements of French grammar, including nouns, verbs, and sentence structure. You will deepen your understanding of how French sentences are constructed. Special attention is given to the relationship between subject and verb, proper noun usage, and how to build sentences that are both grammatically correct and stylistically engaging. Open to students at level A1, with no prerequisite.
Pace: Regular

Mastering Verbs

Minis
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. Week 1: Present tense part I. Students will review the present tense conjugation of regular verbs. Week 2: Present tense part II. Students will review the present tense conjugation of typical irregular verbs. Week 3: Compound verb structures. Students will review the future proche, modal verbs pouvoir, vouloir, and devoir. Week 4: Passé composé et passé récent. Students will review the introductory past tenses such as passé composé with avoir and être, and the use of the passé récent to express things that just happened or that they have just done. Prerequisite DEFI 102 or equivalent.
Pace: Regular
A2 - Lower Intermediate

Communication Practice A2

Minis
Continue strengthening your French communication skills alongside fellow students at your level. This course focuses on hands-on activities, props, audio recordings, and role play to simulate real-life situations and conversations. We'll interact primarily through speaking, without relying too much on written materials. Build confidence in a supportive environment and enjoy speaking French! Together, we'll consistently work on polishing the skills that still need a little fine-tuning.



Pace: Regular

Discovering the French Speaking World

Minis
In this 4-session class, you’ll explore the richness and diversity of the French language around the world. Through engaging activities and research, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of la Francophonie, where French is spoken today and what it means in different cultural contexts. By the end of the course, you’ll create and share a simple presentation (slideshow or poster) showcasing a Francophone country and its unique linguistic and cultural identity. Prerequisite DEFI 106 or equivalent.
Pace: Regular

French Flow: Dictation Practice

Minis
La dictée is how the French learn French. Considered to be one of the best ways to learn the nuances of spelling and grammar in the French language, it is done by millions of children in French schools every day. In this 4-week workshop, you will improve your listening comprehension skills, spelling, and vocabulary while solidifying your understanding of grammatical points taught in the DEFI 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: DEFI 201 or equivalent.
Pace: Regular

The Essentials of A2 Grammar

Minis
This course continues to reinforce key A2 grammar topics such as adjectives and adverbs, comparisons, the present conditional and hypothetical statements, and indirect discourse. Through interactive lessons and practical exercises, you will gain confidence in communicating clearly and effectively in everyday French. Prerequisite 106 or equivalent.
Pace: Regular

Traveling in French: Communication skills for A2 Learners

Minis
Dreaming of traveling to a French-speaking country? This course is for you!
In just 4 weeks, learn how to plan a trip in French — choose your destination, book transportation and accommodation, plan fun activities, and more. This interactive online mini-course, designed specifically for adult learners at A2 level, will help you build confidence and speak about your travel plans with ease.
Through practical exercises, useful vocabulary, role-plays, and a motivating final project, you'll be ready to explore the Francophone world. Prerequisite DEFI 202 or equivalent.



Pace: Regular
A2/B1

Practice your French

Minis
In this conversation class, we'll begin by refreshing essential grammar and vocabulary before diving into speaking practice. Our experienced teacher will offer tailored support in grammar, vocabulary, and phonetics to help you feel at ease and enthusiastic abou tspeaking. Whether you're getting ready for a presentation, planning a trip, or simply looking to enhance your conversational skills, this class is designed to help you reach your goals with confidence and ease. Prerequisite DEFI 106 or equivalent.
Pace: Regular
B1 - Intermediate

French Cinema: The Margins of French Society on Screen

Minis
This mini cinema course explores the lives of those on the margins of French-speaking society through four powerful films (there are four different films for each session). From vagabonds and war prisoners to immigrant youth and working-class strugglers, these stories highlight how cinema gives voice to the silenced and forgotten. Through discussion and analysis, we'll consider how filmmakers portray social exclusion, resilience, and the complexities of identity. Prerequisite DEFI 206 or equivalent.
Pace: Regular

Gender and Sexuality in Contemporary French

Minis
This course explores the evolving landscape of language in French society, addressing questions such as the appropriateness of terms like"mademoiselle" and "pédé," the use of gendered language like "le" or "la" médecin, and theunderstanding of concepts like bisexuality and non-binary identities. Through four sessions, we delve into how language reflects and shapesperceptions of gender and sexuality, examining the emergence of inclusive language and its impact on personal identity. Participants gaininsights into the nuances brought by gender and sexuality studies to the French language, empowering them to make informed choices about language usage in their reading, listening, writing, and speaking endeavors. This class is open to students at level B1, with the prerequisite of having completed level 206 or possessing an equivalent level.
Pace: Regular

Stimulate Your Brain While Learning French B1+

Minis
This original mini-course combines cognitive stimulation activities with French language learning. Through memory games, logic puzzles, creative language exercises, and problem-solving tasks, students will strengthen both their French skills and their mental agility. Perfect for curious learners who want to keep their minds sharp while making progress in French! Prerequisite DEFI 206 or equivalent.
Pace: Regular

Storytelling in French

Minis
If you enjoy life stories, testimonials, and unusual tales, this course is for you. Using video clips from current media, you’ll be inspired to tell your own meaningful stories while exploring the nuances of French past tenses. Together, we’ll see how grammar and word choice help shape powerful and memorable storytelling. Prerequisite: 206 or equivalent.
Pace: Regular
B1/B2

Everyday French Idioms

Minis
This fun, hands-on mini-course helps learners master 15–20 common French idioms through interactive activities, role plays, and cultural exploration. You'll learn to recognize and use idiomatic expressions in everyday conversations with greater confidence. Ideal for those who want to sound more natural and connect more deeply with French culture. Prerequisite DEFI 206 or equivalent.
Pace: Regular

French Cinema: The Margins of French Society on Screen

Minis
This mini cinema course explores the lives of those on the margins of French-speaking society through four powerful films (there are four different films for each session). From vagabonds and war prisoners to immigrant youth and working-class strugglers, these stories highlight how cinema gives voice to the silenced and forgotten. Through discussion and analysis, we'll consider how filmmakers portray social exclusion, resilience, and the complexities of identity. Prerequisite DEFI 206 or equivalent.
Pace: Regular

Human Stories, French Voices: Exploring Odette Toulemonde

Minis
In this course, we will explore the short story collection Odette Toulemonde et autres histoires by Éric-Emmanuel Schmitt. Through four compelling and emotionally rich narratives, we’ll examine themes such as love, identity, happiness, and transformation. Students will engage in close reading, discussion, and reflection to better understand the author's style, message, and the subtle ways fiction can mirror real life. The course will also provide insight into contemporary French literature and culture. Once class enrollment is confirmed, please buy book or order directly from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Odette-Toulemonde-Autres-Histoires-French/dp/2253126624 Prerequisite DEFI 206 or equivalent.
Pace: Regular

Stimulate Your Brain While Learning French B1+

Minis
This original mini-course combines cognitive stimulation activities with French language learning. Through memory games, logic puzzles, creative language exercises, and problem-solving tasks, students will strengthen both their French skills and their mental agility. Perfect for curious learners who want to keep their minds sharp while making progress in French! Prerequisite DEFI 206 or equivalent.
Pace: Regular

Storytelling in French

Minis
If you enjoy life stories, testimonials, and unusual tales, this course is for you. Using video clips from current media, you’ll be inspired to tell your own meaningful stories while exploring the nuances of French past tenses. Together, we’ll see how grammar and word choice help shape powerful and memorable storytelling. Prerequisite: 206 or equivalent.
Pace: Regular
B2 - Upper Intermediate

French Cinema: The Margins of French Society on Screen

Minis
This mini cinema course explores the lives of those on the margins of French-speaking society through four powerful films (there are four different films for each session). From vagabonds and war prisoners to immigrant youth and working-class strugglers, these stories highlight how cinema gives voice to the silenced and forgotten. Through discussion and analysis, we'll consider how filmmakers portray social exclusion, resilience, and the complexities of identity. Prerequisite DEFI 206 or equivalent.
Pace: Regular

Histoires de Migrations B2

Minis
France is an amazing patchwork of cultures that you simply cannot miss out on! Have you ever wondered why we eat couscous or why we sprinkle Arabic words in our everyday conversations? Well, you're in for a treat! Let's explore France's rich migratory history and dive into the stories of the brave migrants and their first and second-generation offspring. Through music and entertaining documentaries, we can uncover the diverse and exciting flavors of the world that have contributed to France's unique culture today. Prerequisite DEFI 306 or equivalent.
Pace: Regular

Stimulate Your Brain While Learning French B1+

Minis
This original mini-course combines cognitive stimulation activities with French language learning. Through memory games, logic puzzles, creative language exercises, and problem-solving tasks, students will strengthen both their French skills and their mental agility. Perfect for curious learners who want to keep their minds sharp while making progress in French! Prerequisite DEFI 206 or equivalent.
Pace: Regular
B2/C1

Les Grands Musées de France

Minis
Gain insights into the origin and evolution of these museums, understand how they have evolved into beacons of knowledge and guardians of France's collective memory. Prerequisite DEFI 306 or equivalent.



Pace: Regular

Mysteries and Beliefs: Between Legends and Reality

Minis
Step into the world of mystery and myth! This mini-course explores mysterious phenomena and popular beliefs—astrology, UFOs, legends, witches, and more—while spotlighting uniquely French enigmas such as the Beast of Gévaudan and the ghost of Versailles. Through lively discussions and idea-sharing, students will expand their vocabulary and engage with fascinating cultural topics, all while developing their spoken French in a dynamic, interactive setting. Prerequisite DEFI 306 or equivalent.


Pace: Regular


 

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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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