Theme Classes for Adults

In person and online, mornings, lunch time and evenings – we’ve made it easy for you. Join us for a French for Professionals, French through songs, Décrypter l’Histoire 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 does it take to learn French here.

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

It’s winter in New England! The following will be applied in case of a snowstorm or extreme weather:

For in-person learning, adults and teens classes will switch to an online format. Kids’ classes will be canceled and rescheduled. Please look for an email from your teacher or the Education Department for guidance and zoom links.

For online learning, classes will continue to be in session during a projected storm.  Unless we announce otherwise, please assume classes are in session. 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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A1
Online

A1-1 short track | Beginner French 1

Short Track Classes (6 or 7 weeks) tuesdays & Thursdays | 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM | Jan 28 - Mar 13

Long story short … the French Library is now offering a 7 week, online “Short Track” option our A1-1 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
In-Person

B2 | Portraits d'Auteurs | In Person

Theme Classes (5 weeks) Wednesdays | 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM | Jan 15 - Feb 12

The ultimate reward of the patient effort of learning a language might be the ability to enjoy its literature. What better way to grasp a culture’s facets and essence than by reading the masterpieces that both expressed and shaped it? In this class, you will immerse yourself in the life of one different author each week : from the main features of their biography and works, naturally, to the historical and cultural contexts of their time, to revealing samples of their production which we will explore in terms of style and literary resonance. This voyage includes star destinations of French literature: Gustave Flaubert, Renaissance icon Pierre de Ronsard, and 20th-century Marguerite Yourcenar. But we will also discover two lesser-known figures: Choderlos de Laclos, author of the one-hit-wonder Les Liaisons Dangereuses, and the memorialist Comtesse de Rémusat, whose exquisite first-hand observations transport us on a riveting journey to the court of Napoléon...

B2
Online

B2 | Je ne sais queer… French History with a queer eye!

Theme Classes (5 weeks) Mondays | 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM | Jan 27 - Mar 3

Forget about Louis XIV or Napoléon! While such figures were busy conquering the world and making official history, a few fascinating individuals were revolutionizing the fronts of sexuality and gender norms. Through a gallery of five colorful portraits, discover that l’Histoire de France is painted in many more shades than just Bleu, Blanc, Rouge!

B1
Online

B1 | Ateliers de Grammaire

Theme Classes (5 weeks) Fridays | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Jan 17 - Feb 14Fridays | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Feb 21 - Mar 21

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

C1
Online

B2+/C1 | Literature

Regular Classes (10 weeks) Mondays | 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM | Jan 13 - Mar 31

Improve speaking and comprehension while reading and analyzing French literary works from a wide variety of genres.

A2
In-Person

A2-1 | French for Professionals | In Person

French for Professionals Classes Wednesdays & Fridays | 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM | Jan 15 - Mar 22

Focus on specific areas of real-life professional situations such as résumés, business presentations, reports, surveys and more in this course.

A1
In-Person

A1-1 | French for Professionals | In Person

French for Professionals Classes Tuesdays & Thursdays | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Jan 14 - Mar 20

Focus on specific areas of real-life professional situations such as résumés, business presentations, reports, surveys and more in this course.

A1
In-Person

A1-1 | Beginner French 1

Language Classes (10 weeks) Tuesdays & Thursdays | 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM | Jan 14 - Mar 20Tuesdays & Thursdays | 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM | Jan 14 - Mar 20

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
In-Person

B1+ | One Day Immersion

Intensive Classes (1 day or 1 week) Friday - Feb 14 | 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM | Feb 14Friday - Feb 28 | 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM | Feb 28Friday - Mar 14 | 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM | Mar 14Saturday - Mar 22 | 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM | Mar 22

Looking to improve your language skills as quickly as possible? Can’t commit to a whole course session? Intensive immersion programs offer an exciting and effective way to learn a new language. Our One Day Immersion and Intensive One Week programs immerse you in the target language, allowing you to speak, think, and even dream in it! Unlike traditional grammar-focused classes, immersion programs emphasize practical usage and meaningful communication. During our One Day Immersion program, you will get 6h of French classes plus a lovely lunch (included in registration fee) with classmates and teachers!

A2
In-Person

A2+ | One Day Immersion

Intensive Classes (1 day or 1 week) Friday - Feb 28 | 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM | Feb 28Friday - Mar 14 | 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM | Mar 14Saturday - Mar 22 | 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM | Mar 22

Looking to improve your language skills as quickly as possible? Can’t commit to a whole course session? Intensive immersion programs offer an exciting and effective way to learn a new language. Our One Day Immersion and Intensive One Week programs immerse you in the target language, allowing you to speak, think, and even dream in it! Unlike traditional grammar-focused classes, immersion programs emphasize practical usage and meaningful communication. During our One Day Immersion program, you will get 6h of French classes plus a lovely lunch (included in registration fee) with classmates and teachers!

A1
In-Person

A1+ | One Day Immersion

Intensive Classes (1 day or 1 week) Friday - Feb 28 | 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM | Feb 28Friday - Mar 14 | 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM | Mar 14Saturday - Mar 22 | 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM | Mar 22

Looking to improve your language skills as quickly as possible? Can’t commit to a whole course session? Intensive immersion programs offer an exciting and effective way to learn a new language. Our One Day Immersion and Intensive One Week programs immerse you in the target language, allowing you to speak, think, and even dream in it! Unlike traditional grammar-focused classes, immersion programs emphasize practical usage and meaningful communication. During our One Day Immersion program, you will get 6h of French classes plus a lovely lunch (included in registration fee) with classmates and teachers!

B2
In-Person

B2| Intensive Week

Intensive Classes (1 day or 1 week) Monday to Friday | 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM | Mar 24 - Mar 28

Don't have the time to attend a full session this fall? Not a problem! Join us for our intensive week! 15h of French in one week. Are you ready for the challenge?

B1
In-Person

B1 | Intensive Week

Intensive Classes (1 day or 1 week) Monday to Friday | 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM | Mar 24 - Mar 28

Don't have the time to attend a full session this fall? Not a problem! Join us for our intensive week! 15h of French in one week. Are you ready for the challenge?

A2
In-Person

A2 | Intensive Week

Intensive Classes (1 day or 1 week) Monday to Friday | 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM | Mar 24 - Mar 28

Don't have the time to attend a full session this fall? Not a problem! Join us for our intensive week! 15h of French in one week. Are you ready for the challenge?

A1
In-Person

A1 (absolute beginner) | Intensive Week

Intensive Classes (1 day or 1 week) Monday to Friday, March 24 - 28 | 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM | Mar 24 - Mar 28

Don't have the time to attend a full session this winter? Not a problem! Join us for our intensive week! 15h of French in one week. Are you ready for the challenge?

A1
In-Person

A1-2 | Beginner French 2

Language Classes (10 weeks) Tuesdays & Thursdays | 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM | Jan 14 - Mar 20Tuesdays & Thursdays | 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM | Jan 14 - Mar 20

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
In-Person

A1-3 | Beginner French 3 | In Person

Language Classes (10 weeks) Tuesdays & Thursdays | 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM | Jan 14 - Mar 20

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

A1-4 short track | Beginner French 4 | In Person

Short Track Classes (6 or 7 weeks) Tuesdays & Thursdays | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Jan 14 - Feb 20

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.

A1
In-Person

A1-4 | Beginner French 4 | In Person

Language Classes (10 weeks) Wednesdays & Fridays | 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM | Jan 15 - Mar 21

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!

A2
In-Person

A2-1 | Advanced Beginner French 1

Language Classes (10 weeks) Tuesdays & Thursdays | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Jan 14 - Mar 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

A1-3 SLOW PART 1 | Beginner French 3 | In Person

Language Classes (10 weeks) Thursdays | 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM | Jan 14 - Mar 20

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!

A2
In-Person

A2-2 | Advanced Beginner French 2 | In Person

Language Classes (10 weeks) Tuesdays & Thursdays | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Jan 14 - Mar 20

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

A2-4 short track | Advanced Beginner French 4 | In Person

Short Track Classes (6 or 7 weeks) Wednesdays & Fridays | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Jan 15 - Feb 21

Long story short … the French Library is now offering 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!

B1
In-Person

B1/B1+ | Ateliers de Grammaire | In Person

Theme Classes (5 weeks) Wednesdays | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Jan 15 - Feb 12Wednesdays | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Feb 19 - Mar 19

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

B1
In-Person

B1-1 | Intermediate French 1 | In Person

Language Classes (10 weeks) Wednesdays & Fridays | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Jan 15 - Mar 21

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!

B1
In-Person

B1-2 | Intermediate French 2 | In Person

Language Classes (10 weeks) Tuesdays & Thursdays | 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM | Jan 14 - Mar 20

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.

C1
In-Person

B2+/C1 | Advanced Conversation: la parole est à vous!

Conversation Classes (5 weeks) Thursdays | 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM | Jan 16 - Feb 13Thursdays | 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM | Feb 20 - Mar 20

You are proficient in French and eager to enjoy the rewards of fun, real-life and intellectually stimulating conversations? This class is for you! Each lesson is custom-made based on themes that reflect your own interests, using various media and interactive activities and games. You will gain confidence, improve your speaking and listening comprehension, expand your vocabulary and polish your grammar in context, thanks to the personalized feedback of an experienced native French-speaking teacher.

B1
In-Person

NEW! | Who are the French?

Classes in English Wednesdays | 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM | Jan 15 - Feb 12Wednesdays | 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM | Feb 19 - Mar 19Saturdays | 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM | Jan 18 - Feb 15Saturdays | 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM | Feb 22 - Mar 22

Join us for our new series of English classes on French topics! For this session, discover who the French are in this cross cultural dialogue.

B1
In-Person

NEW! | Chat it up!

Classes in English Saturdays | 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM | Jan 18 - Feb 15Saturdays | 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM | Feb 22 - Mar 22

Join us for our new English classes! Designed for students learning English as a foreign language at the A2+/B1 level.

A2
In-Person

A2 | Listen Up!

Theme Classes (5 weeks) Wednesdays | 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM | Jan 15 - Feb 12Wednesdays | 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM | Feb 19 - Mar 19

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!