Frequently asked questions

About our French language classes

When are classes offered?

Our Alliance offers classes on a quarterly schedule and class sessions are generally 10 weeks. Each session's dates are published in the class schedule on our website.

Does the Alliance Française de Seattle offer private lessons as well as group classes?

Yes. We offer individual private lessons, either in tandem with a course or courses as well as by separate arrangement. We also arrange semi-private classes limited to a maximum of three students. If you are considering a group class, you are also welcome to attend the first class session on a trial basis to see if you like it. Please coordinate with our Director of Education at least one week prior to the start of the group class to attend the first meeting.

Do I have the chance to evaluate a class before committing my time and money?

Yes, prospective students receive a free evaluation of their level of French and, if they wish, may observe a class at no charge.

Do I have to come in to enroll in a class?

No, you may enroll by mail or fax using our Registration Form. We recommend that you check class availability first by calling the office on 206.632.5433.

Does the Alliance Française de Seattle follow the standards used by other Alliance Française chapters?

Yes. Classes at the Alliance Française de Seattle progress in a comprehensive learning program following the AF FRAMES (Alliance Française French-American Educational Standards). This program is based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages Educational Standards (CEF). In it, each new level builds upon the previous one, until students achieve fluency and confidence.

Does the Alliance Française offer any French certificates of language proficiency?

Yes, we do. In addition to offering the TEF and TEFAQ (Test d'Evaluation du Français and Test d'Evaluation du Français Adapté au Québec), required for becoming a permanent resident in Canada, we can provide a letter to certify that a student has successfully completed certain courses and indicate the corresponding level. The Alliance Française de Seattle also helps students prepare for the DELF (Diplôme d'études en langue française) and DALF (Diplôme approfondi en langue française) proficiency exams recognized by the French government's Centre international d'études pédagogiques (CIEP). These exams evaulate the four French language proficiencies: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Currently, the DELF and DALF are given at the Alliance Française de Portland. If you are interested, please contact us.