Theme Classes for Adults

In person and online, mornings, lunch time and evenings – we’ve made it easy for you. Join us for Love is in the Arts, Paroles de Philosophes, Urban Theories, PostModern Love, Peindre l’automne or a conversation class, to name just a few of what we have in store for you!

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Intensive Programs

Looking to improve your language skills as quickly as possible? Can’t commit to a whole course session? These programs are for you!

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Are you new to the French Library?

Bienvenue ! Welcome! Check out this page dedicated to help new students

If you have any questions, contact us at adultprograms@frenchlibrary.org or call reception at 617.912.0400.

If you are an absolute beginner, you can register for the A1.1 class. If you already know or speak some French, even if the last time was many years ago in high school, make sure to take your free placement test. You can learn more about our levels and how long it takes to learn French here.

Our policies have changed! Make sure to read them before you register.

For online learning: In the event of power and/or internet outages, here are some general tips:

– If you experience a power outage or a Zoom interruption at your home, please contact the Education Dept. via email: adultprograms@frenchlibrary.org or at (617) 912-0400.  You might also want to be in touch with the teacher directly, to make arrangements to review any missed material.

– If a teacher loses connection during a class, please stay in your virtual classroom for a few minutes while the teacher logs back in.  If your teacher is unable to make it back quickly, please check your e-mail for further instructions from your teacher or a member of the education team.

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B1
Online

B1-3 | Intermediate French 3 SLOW PACE PART 1

Language Classes (10 weeks) Fridays | 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM | Sep 12 - Nov 14

Keep looking forward and making progress! Learn how to talk about your career path, express enthusiasm for a professional project, understand and give advice for an interview, take risks, describe your typical workday and more.

A1
Online

A1-1 | Beginner French 1

Language Classes (10 weeks) Wednesdays & Fridays | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Sep 10 - Nov 14Tuesdays & Thursdays | 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM | Sep 11 - Nov 20Mondays & Wednesdays | 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM | Sep 10 - Nov 19

Are you ready to kick-start your French education? Learn to Ask for and give directions, understand an itinerary, get around using public transportation, and much more! This class is for students with limited prior experience in French.

B1
Online

B1-1 | Intermediate French 1

Language Classes (10 weeks) Tuesdays & Thursdays | 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM | Sep 11 - Nov 20

Identify criteria for something, be cautious or aware of something, express your wishes and intentions, ask politely for something, talk over the phone, give advice, outline a hypothetical situation, describe a memory, a place, a visit to a foreign city and more!

A2
Online

A2-4 | Advanced Beginner French 4

Language Classes (10 weeks) Tuesdays & Thursdays | 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM | Sep 11 - Nov 20

This class will give you the skills to understand a tourist brochure, reserve a stay somewhere, research a destination online, express your indifference towards a situation and more!

A2
Online

A2-3 | Advanced Beginner French 3

Language Classes (10 weeks) Mondays & Wednesdays | 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM | Sep 10 - Nov 19Tuesdays & Thursdays | 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM | Sep 11 - Nov 20

Keep building your language skills and awareness. In this class, you will learn how to interpret a chart about names, speak to someone’s character, describe someone, talk about your emotions and much more!

A1
Online

A1-2 | Beginner French 2

Language Classes (10 weeks) Wednesdays & Fridays | 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM | Sep 10 - Nov 14

Give an opinion on an outfit, analyze a weather app, talk about the weather, ask for and give your clothing and shoe size, ask for the price, describe an object—all in French!

A1
Online

A1-2 short track | Beginner French 2

Short Track Classes (6 or 7 weeks) Mondays & Wednesdays | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Sep 10 - Oct 22Mondays & Wednesdays | 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM | Sep 10 - Oct 22

You don't have time for a 10-week class? No worries! We have you covered. Our A1-2 “Short Track” option is your course! With the same 3 hours of instruction per week as our standard-length class, this new program is perfect for students who cannot make the financial or time commitment of 10 weeks of intensive learning. But just because you’re short on time, doesn’t mean you can’t live life to the fullest! By the end of our A1 Short Track program, students will feel just as confident moving into A2 as their standard language class cohort! Two things to know before registering: 1. This short track program requires that you spend time outside of time class to work on homework and 2. you cannot transfer from/to short track to/from regular track.

B2
Online

B2-2 | Advanced French 2

Language Classes (10 weeks) Tuesdays & Thursdays | 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM | Sep 11 - Nov 20

Build upon your French skills by studying advanced grammar concepts and performing challenging tasks. Talk about fashion and trends, talk about food fads, look at different travel trends and more!

A1
Online

A1-3 | Beginner French 3

Language Classes (10 weeks) Mondays & Wednesdays | 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM | Sep 10 - Nov 19

Are you ready to kick-start your French education? Learn how to look for an apartment, understand a room inspection, learn about lodging regulations, draft a set of rules for shared living, and much more!

A1
Online

A1-4 | Beginner French 4

Language Classes (10 weeks) Mondays & Wednesdays | 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM | Sep 10 - Nov 19

Are you ready to kick-start your French education? Learn to understand an exchange program, describe positive experiences, express purpose, describe a professional goal, indicate a wish or desire, talk about an ability or skill, understand professional tasks. and much more!

B1
Online

B1-2 | Intermediate French 2

Language Classes (10 weeks) Mondays & Wednesdays | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Sep 10 - Nov 19Mondays & Wednesdays | 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM | Sep 10 - Nov 19

You're ready to move on to bigger and better things! Describe different behaviors, talk about and suggest outings or events, give advice, talk about family activities, go out as a group, analyze different customs and traditions, and more.

B1
Online

B1-3 | Intermediate French 3

Language Classes (10 weeks) Tuesdays & Thursdays | 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM | Sep 11 - Nov 20

Keep looking forward and making progress! Learn how to talk about your career path, express enthusiasm for a professional project, understand and give advice for an interview, take risks, describe your typical workday and more.

B1
Online

B1-5 | Intermediate French 5

Language Classes (10 weeks) Mondays & Wednesdays | 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM | Sep 10 - Nov 19

Delve deeper into the Francophone cultures around the globe while honing your language skills: understand a scientific documentary, learn about young, francophone thinkers, explain a scientific discovery, present the pros and cons of an innovation in technology, give your opinion, imagine the future. and more!

B2
Online

B2+/ C1 | Advanced Conversation

Conversation Classes (5 weeks) Mondays | 6:40 PM - 8:10 PM | Sep 15 - Oct 20Mondays | 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM | Oct 27 - Nov 24

Vous maîtrisez le français et vous avez envie de participer à des conversations amusantes, réelles et intellectuellement stimulantes ? Ce cours est fait pour vous ! Chaque leçon est conçue sur mesure en fonction de thèmes qui reflètent vos propres intérêts, en utilisant divers médias et activités interactives et ludiques. Vous gagnerez en confiance, améliorerez votre compréhension orale et écrite, élargirez votre vocabulaire et perfectionnerez votre grammaire en contexte, grâce aux retours personnalisés d'un enseignant natif francophone expérimenté.

B1
Online

B1 | Listen Up!

Theme Classes (5 weeks) Mondays | 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM | Sep 15 - Oct 20Mondays | 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM | Oct 27 - Nov 24

Strengthen your listening skills while improving your vocabulary and grammar by engaging with a variety of fascinating audio media, including podcasts, readings, and mini role plays!

B2
Online

B2 | The Académie Series: French Language

Conversation Classes (5 weeks) Thursdays | 7:45 PM - 9:15 PM | Sep 11 - Oct 9

The Académie Series: Spotlight on the Institut de France The Institut de France — a cornerstone of French intellectual life — was founded in 1795 with a bold mission: to unite the nation’s brightest minds in science, literature, and the arts. Its goal? To advance knowledge, foster independent thinking, and advise public authorities. At the heart of the Institut are five prestigious academies, each a guardian of excellence in its field. Their formal gatherings — held under the iconic dome — are steeped in tradition, with members donning the famous green ceremonial attire. Here’s the lineup: Académie Française – 40 members dedicated to the French language and its legacy. Académie des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres – 55 members exploring history, archaeology, and classical studies. Académie des Sciences – 250 members under 75 (plus senior members), pushing the frontiers of scientific discovery. Académie des Beaux-Arts – 67 members shaping the future of visual and performing arts. Académie des Sciences Morales et Politiques – 50 members reflecting on philosophy, law, economics, and politics.

B2
Online

B2 | The Académie Series : Science

Conversation Classes (5 weeks) Fridays | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Sep 10 - Oct 10

The Académie Series: Spotlight on the Institut de France The Institut de France — a cornerstone of French intellectual life — was founded in 1795 with a bold mission: to unite the nation’s brightest minds in science, literature, and the arts. Its goal? To advance knowledge, foster independent thinking, and advise public authorities. At the heart of the Institut are five prestigious academies, each a guardian of excellence in its field. Their formal gatherings — held under the iconic dome — are steeped in tradition, with members donning the famous green ceremonial attire. Here’s the lineup: Académie Française – 40 members dedicated to the French language and its legacy. Académie des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres – 55 members exploring history, archaeology, and classical studies. Académie des Sciences – 250 members under 75 (plus senior members), pushing the frontiers of scientific discovery. Académie des Beaux-Arts – 67 members shaping the future of visual and performing arts. Académie des Sciences Morales et Politiques – 50 members reflecting on philosophy, law, economics, and politics.

B2
Online

B2 | The Académie Series: Ethics and Principles

Conversation Classes (5 weeks) Fridays | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Oct 17 - Nov 14

The Académie Series: Spotlight on the Institut de France The Institut de France — a cornerstone of French intellectual life — was founded in 1795 with a bold mission: to unite the nation’s brightest minds in science, literature, and the arts. Its goal? To advance knowledge, foster independent thinking, and advise public authorities. At the heart of the Institut are five prestigious academies, each a guardian of excellence in its field. Their formal gatherings — held under the iconic dome — are steeped in tradition, with members donning the famous green ceremonial attire. Here’s the lineup: Académie Française – 40 members dedicated to the French language and its legacy. Académie des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres – 55 members exploring history, archaeology, and classical studies. Académie des Sciences – 250 members under 75 (plus senior members), pushing the frontiers of scientific discovery. Académie des Beaux-Arts – 67 members shaping the future of visual and performing arts. Académie des Sciences Morales et Politiques – 50 members reflecting on philosophy, law, economics, and politics.

A2
Online

A2| Morning Chat

Conversation Classes (5 weeks) Mondays | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Oct 27 - Nov 24

A relaxed environment for lovers of French language and culture to sharpen their speaking skills. Discuss everything from daily activities to social issues. No homework and no required textbook.

B1
Online

B1+ | Ateliers de Grammaire

Theme Classes (5 weeks) Mondays | 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM | Sep 15 - Oct 20Mondays | 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM | Oct 27 - Nov 24

Learn elements of grammar through structured practice. Topics vary based on class needs.

A1
Online

A1-3 short track | Beginner French 3

Short Track Classes (6 or 7 weeks) Tuesdays & Thursdays | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Sep 11 - Oct 21

Join us for our 6 week, online “Short Track” option our A1-3 course! With the same 3 hours of instruction per week as our standard-length class, this new program is perfect for students who cannot make the financial or time commitment of 10 weeks of intensive learning. But just because you’re short on time, doesn’t mean you can’t live life to the fullest! By the end of our A1 Short Track program, students will feel just as confident moving into A2 as their standard language class cohort! Two things to know before registering: 1. This short track program requires that you spend time outside of time class to work on homework and 2. you cannot transfer from/to short track to/from regular track. You have the option to purchase A1.3 ST + A1.4 ST as a bundle and save $ !

B1
Online

B1-1 short track | Intermediate French 1

Short Track Classes (6 or 7 weeks) Wednesdays & Fridays | 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM | Oct 22 - Dec 5

Just because you’re short on time, doesn’t mean you can’t live life to the fullest! By the end of our B1 Short Track program, students will feel just as confident moving into B2 as their standard language class cohort! [/padded_text]

A2
In-Person

A2-2 | Advanced Beginner French 2 | In Person

Language Classes (10 weeks) Wednesdays & Fridays | 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM | Sep 12 - Nov 14

Do you want to discuss jobs of the future, describe the future, highlight the utility of an object, express intent or remind someone of something? Do you want to do all of that in French? You can! Plus you'll improve your grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation skills at the same time.

A2
In-Person

A2-1 | Advanced Beginner French 1

Language Classes (10 weeks) Tuesdays & Thursdays | 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM | Sep 11 - Nov 20

Time to go beyond the basics! Gain the grammar, vocabulary, and confidence you'll need to comprehend an excerpt from a piece of literature, describe a photograph, share a memory (happy or otherwise), read a tourist manual, and much more.

A1
In-Person

A1-4 | Beginner French 4 | In Person

Language Classes (10 weeks) Tuesdays & Thursdays | 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM | Sep 11 - Nov 20Tuesdays & Thursdays | 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM | Sep 11 - Nov 20

Are you ready to kick-start your French education? Learn to understand an exchange program, describe positive experiences, express purpose, describe a professional goal, indicate a wish or desire, talk about an ability or skill, understand professional tasks. and much more!

A1
In-Person

A1-3 | Beginner French 3 | In Person

Language Classes (10 weeks) Tuesdays & Thursdays | 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM | Sep 11 - Nov 20Tuesdays & Thursdays | 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM | Sep 11 - Nov 20Wednesdays & Fridays | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Sep 10 - Nov 14

Are you ready to kick-start your French education? Learn how to look for an apartment, understand a room inspection, learn about lodging regulations, draft a set of rules for shared living, and much more!

A1
In-Person

A1-2 | Beginner French 2

Language Classes (10 weeks) Wednesdays & Fridays | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Sep 10 - Nov 14

Give an opinion on an outfit, analyze a weather app, talk about the weather, ask for and give your clothing and shoe size, ask for the price, describe an object—all in French!

A2
Online

A2-1 short track | Advanced Beginner French 1

Short Track Classes (6 or 7 weeks) Wednesdays & Fridays | 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM | Oct 22 - Dec 5Tuesdays & Thursdays | 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM | Oct 23 - Dec 9

Just because you’re short on time, doesn’t mean you can’t live life to the fullest! By the end of our A2 Short Track program, students will feel just as confident moving into B1 as their standard language class cohort! [/padded_text]

A1
Online

A1-4 short track | Beginner French 4

Short Track Classes (6 or 7 weeks) Tuesdays & Thursdays | 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM | Sep 11 - Oct 21Wednesdays & Fridays | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Sep 10 - Oct 17Tuesdays & Thursdays | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Oct 23 - Dec 9

You don't have time for a 10-week class? No worries! We have you covered. Our A1-4 “Short Track” option is your course! With the same 3 hours of instruction per week as our standard-length class, this new program is perfect for students who cannot make the financial or time commitment of 10 weeks of intensive learning. But just because you’re short on time, doesn’t mean you can’t live life to the fullest! By the end of our A1 Short Track program, students will feel just as confident moving into A2 as their standard language class cohort! Two things to know before registering: 1. This short track program requires that you spend time outside of time class to work on homework and 2. you cannot transfer from/to short track to/from regular track. YOU HAVE THE OPTION TO PURCHASE A1.4 ST + A2.1 ST AS A BUNDLE AND SAVE $

A2
Online

A2-4 short track | Advanced Beginner French 4

Short Track Classes (6 or 7 weeks) Wednesdays & Fridays | 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM | Sep 10 - Oct 17

Join us for a 6-week, online “Short Track” option for an A2-4 course! With the same 3 hours of instruction per week as our standard-length class, this new program is perfect for students who cannot make the financial or time commitment of 10 weeks of intensive learning. But just because you’re short on time, doesn’t mean you can’t live life to the fullest! By the end of our A2 Short Track program, students will feel just as confident moving into B1 as their standard language class cohort! YOU HAVE THE OPTION TO BUY A2.4 ST AND B1.1 ST AS A BUNDLE AND SAVE $!