Kick-start Intensive Program


Monday - Thursday, December 11-14, 2023 



Get a head start on the next level, have an in-depth review and practice! The Kick-start French Program is a 4-day intensive brush-up class (2.5 hours per day with two short breaks) offered for A1, A2 and B1 level students. Each class will focus on grammar, vocabulary and conversation skills.  Scroll down for schedule and registration. Note that this program is not a repeat of previous seasons. 

The 4-day program price is $230. Early registration price is $198 until November 12.  Use code Kickstart at checkout.

Beginning students (A1)

Beginning students (A1) Impress your friends and family at holiday gatherings this year by your polished French skills! Students in this intensive 4-day workshop will solidify basic grammar and vocabulary while learning about Christmas traditions in the French speaking world, discuss winter sports and activities, and share their own holiday traditions with classmates. Grammar and vocabulary covered will include holiday related lexicon, family and friends, food, regular and irregular verbs in the present tense, the futur proche, passé composé, possessive adjectives, adjective agreement, direct and indirect object pronouns, and partitive articles. 

Prerequisites: 103 or equivalent.

Lower Intermediate students (A2)

Give your French a much needed boost! In this intensive four-day workshop, students will expand their linguistic repertoire and develop their ability to express themselves with more ease on a variety of familiar topics. This course is designed for learners at A2 level wishing to review and to bring their language skills to the next level.

Prerequisites: 205 or equivalent.

Intermediate students (B1)

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the French language in our intensive review class, spanning four days with 2.5-hour sessions each day. Our experienced instructors will guide you through a comprehensive curriculum covering grammar, vocabulary, and conversation skills, all within small class sizes to ensure personalized attention. You'll participate in interactive learning, gain cultural insights, and develop practical language skills.

Day 1: Presenting the university career from a written testimony. Grammar: Distinguish between the passé composé and the imparfait - Accord du participe passé - the plus-que-parfait.

Day 2: Presenting a professional background. Grammar: the relative pronouns.

Day 3 : Expressing feelings and emotions - Giving a critical opinion on culture. Grammar: The subjunctive.

Day 4: Talking about sustainable development. Grammar: - futur simple et antérieur.

Prerequisites: 305 or equivalent.


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Unsure of your level?  Click here to take a free placement test.

A.0 - Pre-Beginner

Paris 2024 Olympic Games

Annual Short Programs

Get ready for an exhilarating journey into the heart of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games! It's been a century since the city of love last embraced this global celebration of sports, and now it's time to bring the magic back. Your tour guide, a true Parisian through and through, will be your virtual companion as we dive into all things Paris 2024. From the fascinating facts and awe-inspiring figures to France's dedicated preparations and the intricate event planning, you'll gain an exclusive insider's perspective. Whether you're lucky enough to be attending Paris 2024 in person or joining us online from anywhere in the world, this promises to be an unforgettable experience! Join us in English, from the comfort of your own screen.

ORDER THIS COURSE:
Online
Monday   9am ▸ 11am
18 Dec 2023

Study Skills

Annual Short Programs

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.
Prerequisites: none

A1 - Beginner

French Holiday Commercials

Annual Short Programs

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

ORDER THIS COURSE:
Online
Monday   6pm ▸ 8pm
18 Dec 2023

Kick-Start French - Beginning - A1

Annual Short Programs

Beginning students (A1) Impress your friends and family at holiday gatherings this year by your polished French skills! Students in this intensive 4-day workshop will solidify basic grammar and vocabulary while learning about winter holiday traditions in the French speaking world, discuss winter sports and activities, and share their own holiday traditions with classmates. Grammar and vocabulary covered will include holiday related lexicon, family and friends, food, regular and irregular verbs in the present tense, the futur proche, passé composé, possessive adjectives, adjective agreement, direct and indirect object pronouns, and partitive articles. 

Prerequisites: 103 or equivalent.

Study Skills

Annual Short Programs

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.
Prerequisites: none

A1/A2

Study Skills

Annual Short Programs

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.
Prerequisites: none

A2 - Lower Intermediate

Kick-Start French - Lower Intermediate - A2

Annual Short Programs

Give your French a much needed boost! In this intensive four-day workshop, students will expand their linguistic repertoire and develop their ability to express themselves with more ease on a variety of familiar topics. This course is designed for learners at A2 level wishing to review and to bring their language skills to the next level.

Prerequisites: 205 or equivalent.

Study Skills

Annual Short Programs

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.
Prerequisites: none

A2/B1

FRENCH ACCENT IN THE FRANCOPHONE WORLD

Annual Short Programs

French is a language rich in diverse accents, each unique to the region where it is spoken. Whether in France, Belgium, Quebec, Switzerland, or various African countries, you'll encounter a delightful array of accents.
Have you ever wondered about distinctions like "brun" and "brin"? Are you curious about whether the letter "T" should be pronounced in words like "but," "exact," "respect," and "contact"? Perhaps you've pondered the pronunciation of numbers like 70, 80, and 90 in Belgium.
In this course, we will explore the fascinating world of French pronunciation variations across different French-speaking regions.

ORDER THIS COURSE:
Online
Tuesday   9am ▸ 11am
19 Dec 2023

Study Skills

Annual Short Programs

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.
Prerequisites: none

B1 - Intermediate

Kick-Start French - Intermediate - B1

Annual Short Programs

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the French language in our intensive review class, spanning four days with 2.5-hour sessions each day. Our experienced instructors will guide you through a comprehensive curriculum covering grammar, vocabulary, and conversation skills, all within small class sizes to ensure personalized attention. You'll participate in interactive learning, gain cultural insights, and develop practical language skills.

Day 1: Presenting the university career from a written testimony. Grammar: Distinguish between the passé composé and the imparfait - Accord du participe passé - the plus-que-parfait.

Day 2: Presenting a professional background. Grammar: the relative pronouns.

Day 3 : Expressing feelings and emotions - Giving a critical opinion on culture. Grammar: The subjunctive.

Day 4: Talking about sustainable development. Grammar: - futur simple et antérieur.

Prerequisites: 305 or equivalent.

La Chasse-Galerie: A Quebecois New Year’s Legend

Annual Short Programs

What if you could travel anywhere you wanted in a flying canoe—but you had to make a pact with the devil first? Chances are, if you speak to someone from Quebec, they will recognize this premise belonging to the beloved folktale “La Chasse-Galerie.” In this workshop, we will explore the legend's rich oral and written history through several media: a written story, a short animated film, and a song. The focus is on written and oral comprehension, but you will also have the chance to express yourself in conversation and writing as we summarize the story and share our ideas.

This is a class for upper-intermediate to advanced (CECR B1/B2) students. Prerequisites: Completion of Edito 206 or instructor approval.

ORDER THIS COURSE:
Online
Tuesday   6pm ▸ 8pm
19 Dec 2023

Let’s eat France!

Annual Short Programs

Did you know that there are over 1000 types of cheeses recognized by the AOP (Appelation d’origine protégée)? And what is AOP, anyway and how does it determine the price of deliciousness? Although we won’t have time to taste them all, this workshop will introduce lovers of French cheese to a variety of flavors and pairings, from goat, sheep, cow’s milk as well as a tutorial on how to prepare, and serve, the perfect cheese plate. Conducted in French.

Study Skills

Annual Short Programs

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.
Prerequisites: none

Tour the French collection at the Portland Art Museum!

Annual Short Programs

In this workshop we will enjoy a virtual visit of some works by French artists housed in the Portland Art Museum’s permanent collection. Discussion will revolve around technique, subject matter, iconography, and symbolism. Come with your minds open and your eyes wide as we enjoy the beauty of French painting! Conducted in French.

ORDER THIS COURSE:
Online
Thursday   6pm ▸ 8pm
21 Dec 2023
B1/B2

La Chasse-Galerie: A Quebecois New Year’s Legend

Annual Short Programs

What if you could travel anywhere you wanted in a flying canoe—but you had to make a pact with the devil first? Chances are, if you speak to someone from Quebec, they will recognize this premise belonging to the beloved folktale “La Chasse-Galerie.” In this workshop, we will explore the legend's rich oral and written history through several media: a written story, a short animated film, and a song. The focus is on written and oral comprehension, but you will also have the chance to express yourself in conversation and writing as we summarize the story and share our ideas.

This is a class for upper-intermediate to advanced (CECR B1/B2) students. Prerequisites: Completion of Edito 206 or instructor approval.

ORDER THIS COURSE:
Online
Tuesday   6pm ▸ 8pm
19 Dec 2023

Let’s eat France!

Annual Short Programs

Did you know that there are over 1000 types of cheeses recognized by the AOP (Appelation d’origine protégée)? And what is AOP, anyway and how does it determine the price of deliciousness? Although we won’t have time to taste them all, this workshop will introduce lovers of French cheese to a variety of flavors and pairings, from goat, sheep, cow’s milk as well as a tutorial on how to prepare, and serve, the perfect cheese plate. Conducted in French.

Study Skills

Annual Short Programs

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.
Prerequisites: none

Tour the French collection at the Portland Art Museum!

Annual Short Programs

In this workshop we will enjoy a virtual visit of some works by French artists housed in the Portland Art Museum’s permanent collection. Discussion will revolve around technique, subject matter, iconography, and symbolism. Come with your minds open and your eyes wide as we enjoy the beauty of French painting! Conducted in French.

ORDER THIS COURSE:
Online
Thursday   6pm ▸ 8pm
21 Dec 2023
B2 - Lower Advanced

La Chasse-Galerie: A Quebecois New Year’s Legend

Annual Short Programs

What if you could travel anywhere you wanted in a flying canoe—but you had to make a pact with the devil first? Chances are, if you speak to someone from Quebec, they will recognize this premise belonging to the beloved folktale “La Chasse-Galerie.” In this workshop, we will explore the legend's rich oral and written history through several media: a written story, a short animated film, and a song. The focus is on written and oral comprehension, but you will also have the chance to express yourself in conversation and writing as we summarize the story and share our ideas.

This is a class for upper-intermediate to advanced (CECR B1/B2) students. Prerequisites: Completion of Edito 206 or instructor approval.

ORDER THIS COURSE:
Online
Tuesday   6pm ▸ 8pm
19 Dec 2023

Let’s eat France!

Annual Short Programs

Did you know that there are over 1000 types of cheeses recognized by the AOP (Appelation d’origine protégée)? And what is AOP, anyway and how does it determine the price of deliciousness? Although we won’t have time to taste them all, this workshop will introduce lovers of French cheese to a variety of flavors and pairings, from goat, sheep, cow’s milk as well as a tutorial on how to prepare, and serve, the perfect cheese plate. Conducted in French.

Study Skills

Annual Short Programs

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.
Prerequisites: none

Tour the French collection at the Portland Art Museum!

Annual Short Programs

In this workshop we will enjoy a virtual visit of some works by French artists housed in the Portland Art Museum’s permanent collection. Discussion will revolve around technique, subject matter, iconography, and symbolism. Come with your minds open and your eyes wide as we enjoy the beauty of French painting! Conducted in French.

ORDER THIS COURSE:
Online
Thursday   6pm ▸ 8pm
21 Dec 2023
B2/C1

La Chasse-Galerie: A Quebecois New Year’s Legend

Annual Short Programs

What if you could travel anywhere you wanted in a flying canoe—but you had to make a pact with the devil first? Chances are, if you speak to someone from Quebec, they will recognize this premise belonging to the beloved folktale “La Chasse-Galerie.” In this workshop, we will explore the legend's rich oral and written history through several media: a written story, a short animated film, and a song. The focus is on written and oral comprehension, but you will also have the chance to express yourself in conversation and writing as we summarize the story and share our ideas.

This is a class for upper-intermediate to advanced (CECR B1/B2) students. Prerequisites: Completion of Edito 206 or instructor approval.

ORDER THIS COURSE:
Online
Tuesday   6pm ▸ 8pm
19 Dec 2023

Let’s eat France!

Annual Short Programs

Did you know that there are over 1000 types of cheeses recognized by the AOP (Appelation d’origine protégée)? And what is AOP, anyway and how does it determine the price of deliciousness? Although we won’t have time to taste them all, this workshop will introduce lovers of French cheese to a variety of flavors and pairings, from goat, sheep, cow’s milk as well as a tutorial on how to prepare, and serve, the perfect cheese plate. Conducted in French.

Study Skills

Annual Short Programs

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.
Prerequisites: none

Tour the French collection at the Portland Art Museum!

Annual Short Programs

In this workshop we will enjoy a virtual visit of some works by French artists housed in the Portland Art Museum’s permanent collection. Discussion will revolve around technique, subject matter, iconography, and symbolism. Come with your minds open and your eyes wide as we enjoy the beauty of French painting! Conducted in French.

ORDER THIS COURSE:
Online
Thursday   6pm ▸ 8pm
21 Dec 2023
C1 - Advanced

La Chasse-Galerie: A Quebecois New Year’s Legend

Annual Short Programs

What if you could travel anywhere you wanted in a flying canoe—but you had to make a pact with the devil first? Chances are, if you speak to someone from Quebec, they will recognize this premise belonging to the beloved folktale “La Chasse-Galerie.” In this workshop, we will explore the legend's rich oral and written history through several media: a written story, a short animated film, and a song. The focus is on written and oral comprehension, but you will also have the chance to express yourself in conversation and writing as we summarize the story and share our ideas.

This is a class for upper-intermediate to advanced (CECR B1/B2) students. Prerequisites: Completion of Edito 206 or instructor approval.

ORDER THIS COURSE:
Online
Tuesday   6pm ▸ 8pm
19 Dec 2023

Let’s eat France!

Annual Short Programs

Did you know that there are over 1000 types of cheeses recognized by the AOP (Appelation d’origine protégée)? And what is AOP, anyway and how does it determine the price of deliciousness? Although we won’t have time to taste them all, this workshop will introduce lovers of French cheese to a variety of flavors and pairings, from goat, sheep, cow’s milk as well as a tutorial on how to prepare, and serve, the perfect cheese plate. Conducted in French.

Study Skills

Annual Short Programs

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.
Prerequisites: none

Tour the French collection at the Portland Art Museum!

Annual Short Programs

In this workshop we will enjoy a virtual visit of some works by French artists housed in the Portland Art Museum’s permanent collection. Discussion will revolve around technique, subject matter, iconography, and symbolism. Come with your minds open and your eyes wide as we enjoy the beauty of French painting! Conducted in French.

ORDER THIS COURSE:
Online
Thursday   6pm ▸ 8pm
21 Dec 2023

 

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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