For several years I took the "aggressive dabbling" approach. Tried every app that promised results, listened to french podcasts, bought books in French and claimed to be translating them. Much of the basics were escaping me so when I decided to try an in-person class at AF I went all the way back to the beginning to learn much needed fundamentals. It's had a profound effect on my confidence. Having questions answered on the spot by someone who knows, is irreplaceable and a much more efficient use of time than any app.

One of my favorite parts of the program is that the same cohort continues from class to class. You get comfortable with the people you're learning with, which makes it much easier to build confidence speaking French. I have a wonderful teacher who focuses on communication rather than perfection—being understood and understanding others. Duolingo has been great for vocabulary and reading skills, but the Alliance classes have really helped me develop my speaking skills, confidence, and ability to communicate in real conversations. This is a really great class, and I’m going to continue doing it.

If you’re looking for a new social group, there’s a new social group you can meet. If you’re looking to just improve your French, you can just improve your French. Or you can do both, which I think is really important here too.

One of the things I like the most is the proficiency of the teachers. All of the courses I’ve taken here have been taught by just exceptional teachers, including my current one. She really has a great grasp and understanding of the subject. She explains things; she knows when we’re lost. I mean, she pulls it out of you – she makes you think.