Course Information

COURSES

Beginning French is a course using a comprehensive approach in teaching adult students the basic skills to communicate with ease in a French speaking environment. The course introduces students gradually and within a natural context, to the structures and vocabulary of the spoken and written language used in everyday life in the French speaking world. Dialogues recorded by native speakers as well as a great variety of documents provide an authentic French background to draw from, study and practice.

Intermediate French is a course for people who have acquired a basic knowledge of French and a sequel to our beginner courses. Using a dynamic communicative approach, intermediate French uses role playing and other teaching stimuli for the complex interchange encountered in different French speaking social environments.

Advance Conversation centers on more demanding topics, leading to a stimulating exchange of opinions about contemporary life, public issues, current events or the arts for instance. Most of these classes are based on selected articles from French newspapers, magazines, or periodicals.

Questions regarding your level of French language: We suggest that you either call the director or register for the class you think the most appropriate. During the first class the instructor will judge whether you should be in another level.

Special Courses

Are special classes covering various French subjects:


Arrangements can be made to cover these subjects in Private Instruction (see rates below) and/or Workshop (4 students minimum, $13.50 per hour per student, fee includes materials provided by the teacher.)
For more information, contact Marie-Claude at  marieclaude@afscv.org  or  (408)445-2095.

Private Instruction

for any level at the students choice of day and time if a teacher is available. Arrangements are made at:           marieclaude@afscv.org  or  (408)445-2095.
A (non-refundable) minimum of 6 hours is required, and to be paid in full upon receipt of the invoice or no later than the first lesson. As a courtesy to our teachers a 24 hour notice must be given if a lesson is to be missed; such lessons must be rescheduled and given within 2 weeks, or fee will be forfeit. Our rates are as follows:

   1 student  2 students  3-4 students
at the teacher's place $44/hour $55/hour $60/hour
at the school or at the student's home or work place $55/hour $65/hour $70/hour

CANCELLATION and MAKEUP POLICY:

Minimum enrollment per class is 4 students (maximum is 12 students). If the minimum is not reached the second week of class, students can either stay in the class for a shorter session or a higher fee, or take another class, or receive a pro-rated refund. Membership fees are not refundable. Students are welcome to make up for classes they miss by attending another class during the same session. Please contact Marie-Claude, the director, at (408)445-2095 or marieclaude@afscv.org


TEXTBOOKS:

The teachers will provide the books the first day of class.
Each book lasts several sessions. 

- Absolute Beginners, and all Beginner classes: "FORUM I" (set of 2 books = $ 50) 
- Intermediate classes:  "FORUM II"  ($ 50) or Connexions 2 ($ 51)  
-Advanced classes: "FORUM III"
($ 50) or Connexions 3 ($ 51)

(textbook $28, workbook $17, last several sessions).

- Conversation classes:  no books, handouts ($2.00)

REGISTRATION FEE: 

It is required for a first class registration, $30 per person ($15 for seniors and/or full-time students, $10 for each additional member of a family). It includes membership for the Alliance Française (18 months for Beginners, 12 months for Intermediates and Advanced). These fees are the main source of income for providing you with monthly cultural activities, and we greatly appreciate your contribution.


REGISTRATION and TUITION:

Registration is effective upon receipt of your check. The Alliance Française is a non-profit institution committed to offering courses as affordable as possible. We do our best to keep tuition rates within the reach of everyone. Therefore we are obliged to apply the following rules: no refunds can be made or credit given after the second week of class. Tuition is not transferable to another person, to another session or to private lessons. No exceptions can be made.