Whether you’re fluent in French or a new student, the French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF) has a class to help you get your language skills exactly where you want them. They have beginner, intermediate, and advanced courses, so all skill levels will be comfortably accommodated. The A1 Beginner class consists of ten three-hour sessions where students will learn more about French customs as they immerse themselves in the language. This course primarily teaches personal introductions, everyday expressions, and how to ask basic questions. More advanced students may prefer the Conversation & Grammar course. Here, students are exposed to a variety of French media, like films and newspapers, to help improve conversational skills in more diverse settings.
FIAF also provides classes for younger students in grades 9-12. The French for Juniors Beginner program aims to teach students basic conversational skills like greetings and introductions, both formal and informal. Students will also learn to converse about their personal lives and order food at a restaurant, as well as understand French in the past, present, and future tenses. High schoolers who already have a grasp of the language can check out the Advanced Beginner courses. These programs discuss more complex conversational topics, like hobbies, health, and tourism.
FIAF has been a popular destination to learn French in New York City for over 125 years. In addition to their immersive language courses, the school also has a robust calendar of community events. These include things like film screenings (sometimes including a Q&A with the filmmakers), wine tastings, and live performances. It is also home to the largest French library in the United States.
Former FIAF students often report that the school’s environment is helpful and welcoming. Students also appreciate having access to the French library and cultural center, which are also housed within the building. Many students report a noticeable difference in their pronunciation and conversational abilities after attending a few classes, and lots of people said they would recommend the school to others interested in learning French.
Recommended: Best language classes in NYC
Recommended: Best classes in NYC