The French Library/Alliance Francaise is THE place to learn French in Boston. We have a stellar staff, proven immersive method, and a number of ways for you to supplement your learning (events, a French library, etc). Whether you are taking French for the first time or getting back into it, we know you have questions! Below are some common questions to help guide your experience.
First, we're so glad you're here! Have you taken a class with us in the past calendar year?
Take a look at our current list of classes in your level and sign up!
Simply sign up for a placement test here.
We will need to assess your level with a written evaluation and then you’ll have to chat with one of our staff members/teachers. Don’t worry- we’re super nice and want to make sure you get the most out of the class. There is no need to “study” before this conversation.
We have five levels of beginner classes and four levels of advanced beginner! We hope to place you in the class where you can learn the most from your teacher and fellow students and thus getting a sense of how much you already know or remember will help your experience immensely.
Quite a few!
Time Investment
Language classes run for 10 weeks (11 if you are an absolute beginner) meeting twice per week, while theme classes run for 5 or 10 weeks, typically meeting once per week.
Content
Both are taught in the immersive style but theme courses tend to have more specific content, such as discovering a region of France, reading a book or short story, or general French conversation. Language and grammar classes involve homework whereas theme classes may or may not include after-class work.
We understand that everyone who wants to learn or practice their French operates with a different budget. When you break down the price per hour of our language classes, classes at the French Library are competitive with other classes in the area for French or other subjects you wish to learn more about (~$18/hr). If you still hesitate, we also offer monthly payment plans.
In addition, we offer discounts on classes to members of the Center (Premier members get an additional 5% off!) and an early bird discount (10% off!) if you register before a certain deadline.
Our classes are well worth the investment in yourself exploring the French language.
Oui ! Once you navigate here, you can use the drop downs to determine what classes you are looking for at a certain level, course type (theme, conversation, language), and session.
We know you have a lot of choices when it comes to language learning, and we hope you enjoy the teachers and resources that our Center provides. These teachers and resources are what makes us unique from learning a language online or on an app such as Duolingo. Not only are you getting real-time feedback but you are also exploring events that bring learning to life and connecting with others who are following the same journey as you.
We want to make your French adventure as easy and exciting as possible and if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. No matter if you are looking to take classes for fun or for a more academic mission, see where OUI can take you!
1. I can’t wait to start taking French classes with you! What should I do?
First, we're so glad you're here! Have you taken a class with us in the past calendar year?
Yes
Take a look at our current list of classes in your level and sign up!
No
Simply sign up for a placement test here.
We will need to assess your level with a written evaluation and then you’ll have to chat with one of our staff members/teachers. Don’t worry- we’re super nice and want to make sure you get the most out of the class. There is no need to “study” before this conversation.
2. I just want to start from the beginning and haven’t taken a class in years. Why do I need to take a test?
We have five levels of beginner classes and four levels of advanced beginner! We hope to place you in the class where you can learn the most from your teacher and fellow students and thus getting a sense of how much you already know or remember will help your experience immensely.
3. What are the differences between the theme classes and the language classes?
Quite a few!
Time Investment
Language classes run for 10 weeks (11 if you are an absolute beginner) meeting twice per week, while theme classes run for 5 or 10 weeks, typically meeting once per week.
Content
Both are taught in the immersive style but theme courses tend to have more specific content, such as discovering a region of France, reading a book or short story, or general French conversation. Language and grammar classes involve homework whereas theme classes may or may not include after-class work.
3. Why do the classes seem so pricey?
We understand that everyone who wants to learn or practice their French operates with a different budget. When you break down the price per hour of our language classes, classes at the French Library are competitive with other classes in the area for French or other subjects you wish to learn more about (~$18/hr). If you still hesitate, we also offer monthly payment plans.
In addition, we offer discounts on classes to members of the Center (Premier members get an additional 5% off!) and an early bird discount (10% off!) if you register before a certain deadline.
Our classes are well worth the investment in yourself exploring the French language.
4. Is there a way to sort by class type, level, etc?
Oui ! Once you navigate here, you can use the drop downs to determine what classes you are looking for at a certain level, course type (theme, conversation, language), and session.
We know you have a lot of choices when it comes to language learning, and we hope you enjoy the teachers and resources that our Center provides. These teachers and resources are what makes us unique from learning a language online or on an app such as Duolingo. Not only are you getting real-time feedback but you are also exploring events that bring learning to life and connecting with others who are following the same journey as you.We want to make your French adventure as easy and exciting as possible and if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. No matter if you are looking to take classes for fun or for a more academic mission, see where OUI can take you!
Why do you want to learn French? Tell us in the comments below!
Natalie Collet
Former Membership Manager
From the Midwest, Natalie is a Francophile at heart. Her interest in French started when studying ballet and the language and culture entranced her through her student years. She became involved with the - Alliance - in the suburbs of Chicago after she spent an unforgettable year teaching English in a French high school near Bordeaux. She is happy to join the team in Boston and work with the members to provide them with unique opportunities, quality programming, and a community through French!
