It's winter in Massachusetts! So please note the following:
For online learning, classes will continue to be in session during a projected storm. Unless we announce otherwise, please assume classes are in session. For in-person learning, adults' and teens' classes will be switched 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.
Please note that the best way to contact the Education Department is via email: adultprograms@frenchlibrary.org. You can also call our Reception at: 617.912.0400 Tuesday through Saturday.
ABOUT OUR CLASSES AND WAYS OF TEACHING
Join us at the French Library and immerse yourself in French learning! Our immersion method and curriculum target systematic acquisition of grammar skills as a means of acquiring and using the language with immediate results.
The French Library offers a wide variety of classes to accommodate your needs, schedule and budget. You can chose to attend classes online via Zoom or in person at the French Library. Our teachers benefit from the expertise of the Alliance Française for the most effective methods of French language instruction. Our class sizes are small (10 students max online; 12 in-person) providing more opportunities for you to communicate in French, creating a lively classroom atmosphere.
Here are your options:
Language courses:
Regular track: 3h per week for 10 weeks (classes meet twice a week for 1h30)
Slow-paced track: 1h30 per week for 10 weeks (classes meet once a week for 1h30)
Short track: 3h per week for 6 or 7 weeks depending on the level (classes meet twice a week for 1h30)
Theme courses:
Classes meet 1h30 or 2h per week for 5 or 10 weeks.
Please contact us at adultprograms@frenchlibrary.org if you have any questions!
How to purchase your book:
In person classes: on site at the French Library OR online at MEP Education.
Online classes: online with MEP Education. Please look for your class here. All your class material can be purchased at a preferential rate on the mepeducation.net website.
A1? A2? B1? What’s my level?
All our classes are structured according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEF). The CEF is the language and fluency level scale used in the European Union. It goes from A1 to C2 and serves as the guideline for describing the level of fluency achieved by a foreign language learner. The chart below details our courses’ codification, the level progression and what a learner can do after completing a whole section. Each level requires 30h of teaching time. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions!
If you have never taken a class with us, we ask that you please complete the written and oral sections of our placement test for the upcoming session to ensure you enroll in the right course level.
A1 Absolute/Beginners (4 levels: A1.1 to A1.4)
A1.1 to A1.4: can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
Class material for language courses: L'Atelier + 1 for short track and Edito A1 for regular track
A2 Advanced Beginners (4 levels: A2.1 to A2.4)
Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
Class material for language courses: L'Atelier + 2 for short track and Edito A2 for regular track
B1 Intermediate (5 levels: B1.1 to B1.5)
Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise while traveling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
Class material for language classes: Edito B1
B2 Independent (4 levels: B2.1 to B2.4)
Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialization. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
Class material for language courses: Edito B2
C1 Proficient (2 levels: C1.1 to C1.2)
Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.
Class material for language courses: Tendances C1+/C2
C2 Proficient (1 level: C2.1)
Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
Class material for language courses: Tendances C1+/C2
Found 39 Results
A1 (absolute beginner) | Intensive Week | In-Person
Don't have the time to attend a full session this spring? Not a problem! Join us for our intensive week! 15h of French in one week. Are you ready for the challenge? PLEASE NOTE THAT REGISTRATION FOR THE SPRING INTENSIVE WEEK WILL CLOSE ON JUNE 12.
Read MoreA1-1 | Beginner French 1 | In-Person
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.
Read MoreA1-1 | French for Professionals | In Person
Focus on specific areas of real-life professional situations such as résumés, business presentations, reports, surveys and more in this course.
Read MoreA1-1 short track | Beginner French 1 | In-Person
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.
Read MoreA1-2 | Beginner French 2 | In-Person
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!
Read MoreA1-3 | Beginner French 3 | At your own pace - part 2 | In Person
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!
Read MoreA1-3 | Beginner French 3 | In Person
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!
Read MoreA1-4 | Beginner French 4 | In Person
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!
Read MoreA1+ | One Day Immersion | In-Person
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!
Read MoreA2 | Intensive Week | In-Person
Don't have the time to attend a full session this spring? Not a problem! Join us for our intensive week! 15h of French in one week. Are you ready for the challenge? PLEASE NOTE THAT REGISTRATION FOR THE SPRING INTENSIVE WEEK WILL CLOSE ON JUNE 12.
Read MoreA2 | Listen Up! | In-Person
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!
Read MoreA2-1 | Advanced Beginner French 1 | In-Person
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.
Read MoreA2-1 short track | Advanced Beginner French 1 | In-person
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]
Read MoreA2-2 | Advanced Beginner French 2 | In Person
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.
Read MoreA2-3 | Advanced Beginner French 3 | In-Person
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!
Read MoreA2/A2+ | Advanced Beginner Conversation | In-Person
Develop your conversational and communication skills through role-play, discussion of French media and other speaking activities adapted to your level.
Read MoreA2+ | One Day Immersion | In-Person
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!
Read MoreA2+ | Pronunciation | In-Person
Improve the quality of your spoken French by covering basic phonetic rules, challenging sounds, liaisons and intonation in this intermediate level class.
Read MoreB1 | Intensive Week | In-Person
Don't have the time to attend a full session this spring? Not a problem! Join us for our intensive week! 15h of French in one week. Are you ready for the challenge? PLEASE NOTE THAT REGISTRATION FOR THE SPRING INTENSIVE WEEK WILL CLOSE ON JUNE 12.
Read MoreB1 | Pronunciation | In-Person
Improve the quality of your spoken French by covering basic phonetic rules, challenging sounds, liaisons and intonation in this intermediate level class.
Read MoreB1-1 short track | Intermediate French 1 | In-Person
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]
Read MoreB1-2 | Intermediate French 2 | In Person
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.
Read MoreB1-3 | Intermediate French 3 | In-Person
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.
Read MoreB1-4 short track | Intermediate French 4 | In-Person
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!
Read MoreB1+ | Intermediate Conversation | In-Person
Master the art of conversation while perfecting the finer points of your grammar through the fun and varied speaking activities in this course!
Read MoreB1+ | One Day Immersion | In-Person
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!
Read MoreB1+ | Portraits d'Auteurs | In Person
In this class, you will discover the fascinating lives and works of influential French authors, immersing yourself each week in a unique world of ideas, emotions and artistry. In this first part of the Spring Classes, we will embark on a new path, focusing exclusively on the following authors: Arthur Rimbaud (1854-1891), Anna de Noailles (1876-1933), Marguerite Duras (1914-1996), Édouard Glissant (1928-2011) and Tahar Ben Jelloun (1947).
Read MoreB1+ | Portraits d'Auteurs | In Person
In this class, you will discover the fascinating lives and works of influential French authors, immersing yourself each week in a unique world of ideas, emotions and artistry. In this second part of the Spring Classes, you will discuss the following authors: Marie de France, Marcel Proust, Molière, Marguerite de Navarre and Michel de Montaigne.
Read MoreB1+ | World News with 7 jours sur la planète | In Person
Are you a news enthusiast who constantly needs to stay updated with what’s happening around the world? Look no further—this class is exactly what you need! Every week, we will focus on a current event that has made the headlines, viewed from the perspective of the francophone press. The class content will be based primarily (but not exclusively) on weekly updated materials found in the “7 jours sur la planète” collection, a program developed by the global francophone network TV5 Monde, dedicated to information and the teaching of French since 1984. Boost your proficiency and your critical thinking by looking at the world with un autre regard!
Read MoreB1+| 80th Anniversary of the end of WWII | In-Person
In this class, we will learn about 5 keys moments that led to the end of WWII.
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