I’ve been so impressed with our teachers at the end of this past semester. Learning a language calls for lots of talking with native speakers who are gifted at the craft of teaching. The teachers I’ve had at the Center are so good at what they do, and they’ve taken the classroom experience right into Zoom. The Center’s “small class” approach has worked really well for me online.
It’s scary to sign up for a first time with something like a language, but I can’t image kinder teachers.
Especially during a time when everyone’s so isolated, it’s a gift to be able to meet, talk and learn. I’m particularly missing classes during the two weeks in between terms, and can’t wait to get started up again in April!
For Adults
Start or continue your journey into the French language without the hassle of leaving home. During the closure we have moved our classes online for your convenience. Our online classes offer the same high quality instruction and teachers as our language classes here at the Center. We hope to e-meet you this winter! Enroll by December 15 and save 10% off 10-week classes.
Interested in what e-learning en français is like? Take a look at our video preview below.
Upcoming Class Demos
Online Demo Course: C1.1
Interested in how an online French class would work before signing up for one this fall? Try our free online crash course and get a feel for how e-learning with the French Cultural Center is as good as our in-person classes!
Read More
Online Demo Course: A1.0
Interested in how an online French class would work before signing up for one this fall? Try our free online crash course and get a feel for how e-learning with the French Cultural Center is as good as our in-person classes!
Read More
Online Demo Course: A1.1
Interested in how an online French class would work before signing up for one this fall? Try our free online crash course and get a feel for how e-learning with the French Cultural Center is as good as our in-person classes!
Read More
Online Demo Course: A2.1
Interested in how an online French class would work before signing up for one this fall? Try our free online crash course and get a feel for how e-learning with the French Cultural Center is as good as our in-person classes!
Read More
Online Demo Course: B1.1
Interested in how an online French class would work before signing up for one this fall? Try our free online crash course and get a feel for how e-learning with the French Cultural Center is as good as our in-person classes!
Read More
Online Demo Course: B2.1
Interested in how an online French class would work before signing up for one this fall? Try our free online crash course and get a feel for how e-learning with the French Cultural Center is as good as our in-person classes!
Read More
Online Demo Course: A2 Advanced beginner Conversation
Interested in how an online French class would work before signing up for one this fall? Try our free online crash course and get a feel for how e-learning with the French Cultural Center is as good as our in-person classes!
Read More
Online Demo Course: A2.4/B1.1 French through Songs
Interested in how an online French class would work before signing up for one this fall? Try our free online crash course and get a feel for how e-learning with the French Cultural Center is as good as our in-person classes!
Read More
Online Demo Course: B1 Intermediate Conversation
Interested in how an online French class would work before signing up for one this fall? Try our free online crash course and get a feel for how e-learning with the French Cultural Center is as good as our in-person classes!
Read MoreWhat You’re Saying About Our Classes
D.B.
Hilary G
Twice a week for the past five years I have taken a core language course at the French Cultural Center with a recurring group of students. We all come from different backgrounds and different experiences, but we share the same goal: to be fluent in French, and immerse ourselves in French culture. When the Center had to close in the middle of March, two weeks before my winter session was to end, I was worried I would not be able to keep up with my French. But more than anything, I realized I would miss connecting with my fellow classmates every Tuesday and Thursday. Without missing a beat, the Center supported my teacher to resume our class online. During this time of uncertainty in the world, I still had a place to go Tuesdays and Thursdays to learn, explore and share all things French. We continued at the same pace of learning, using the same textbooks, while leaving plenty of time to share stories and recommend French books, television programs and movies. There is no replacement for being able to meet in person, and I look forward to when the Center can reopen, but in the meantime I count down the days until our Spring session begins, online.
M.C.
My class adopted very well to the remote instruction via Zoom. Our instructor, Delphine, made a seamless transition to this method of teaching and made it enjoyable for all of us. There are some challenges (besides learning French), specifically the audio, and I do really miss my nighttime walks to the French Culture Center where I "m'exerce mon francais" in person with my peers. However, it is nice to have this service available in the interim, to see and to speak to familiar faces, and continue to learn this beautiful language!
B.M.
J’ai été très impressionné par les derniers cours de la classe Advanced Conversation qui ont été suivis à l’aide de ZOOM. Il était facile de se connecter et l’enseignant et tous les autres étaient également clairement compris en tout temps.En outre, l’enseignant a été en mesure de se regrouper en petits groupes pour les conversations, puis nous rejoindre dans l’ensemble du groupe pour une revue de l’exercice. Je vais poursuivre mes études au Centre Culturel Français en utilisant le programme ZOOM pour profiter de voir les autres et parler ensemble!
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE BEST WAY TO REACH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS VIA EMAIL AT EDUCATION@FRENCHCULTURALCENTER.ORG. REMEMBER THAT THOUGH ON ZOOM, WE ARE BASED IN BOSTON AND ALL OUR CLASSES ARE SHOWN IN EASTERN STANDARD TIME! MERCI!
Our immersion method and curriculum target systematic acquisition of grammar skills as a means of acquiring and using the language with immediate results.
Our teachers benefit from the expertise of the Alliance Française for the most effective methods of French language instruction. Our class sizes are small (max 10 students) providing more opportunities for you to communicate in French, creating a lively classroom atmosphere.
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.
Accelerate your journey to fluency by becoming a French Cultural Center member! For as low as $10, supplement your coursework with the full-immersion experience and enjoy discounts on our cultural events; borrowing privileges at our French-language library, the largest of its kind in New England; unlimited access to our digital resources; and much more!
Become a member
PLEASE NOTE: students must abide by class policies/codes of conduct for our online classes. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional and respectful manner with teachers and fellow classmates. We particularly ask students to observe the following rules:
– Isolate yourself
– Dress appropriately
– Sit at a desk/table
– Mute your microphone if there is external noise
– Be on time
Merci!
Language Classes
A1-0 | Absolute Beginner French
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 intended for students at the absolute beginner level with no prior French experience.
Read More
A1-1 | Beginner French 1
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!
Read More
A1-2 | Beginner French 2
Are you ready to kick-start your French education? Learn to introduce yourself, talk about your new neighbors, describe your personal preferences and much more!
Read More
A1-3 | Beginner French 3
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 More
A1-4 | Beginner French 4
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 More
A2-1 | Advanced Beginner French 1
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 More
A2-1 | Advanced Beginner French 1 - Slow-Paced
Enjoy a slow-paced class! 90mn once a week to give you confidence and time to learn.
Read More
A2-2 | Advanced Beginner French 2
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 More
A2-3 | Advanced Beginner French 3
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 More
A2-4 | Advanced Beginner French 4
This class will give you the skills to understand a tourist brochure, reserve a stay somewhere, research a destination online, express your indifference towards a situation and more!
Read More
B1-1 | Intermediate French 1
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!
Read More
B1-2 | Intermediate French 2
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 More
B1-2 | Intermediate French 2 - Slow-Paced - Part 2
Enjoy a slow-paced class! 90mn once a week to give you confidence and time to learn.
Read More
B1-3 | Intermediate French 3
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 More
B1-4 | Intermediate French 4
Delve deeper into the Francophone cultures around the globe while honing your language skills: understand a scientific documentary, learn about young, francophone thinkers, explain a scientific discovery, present the pros and cons of an innovation in technology, give your opinion, imagine the future. and more!
Read More
B1-5 | Intermediate French 5
Delve deeper into the Francophone cultures around the globe while honing your language skills: understand a scientific documentary, learn about young, francophone thinkers, explain a scientific discovery, present the pros and cons of an innovation in technology, give your opinion, imagine the future. and more!
Read More
B2-1 | Advanced French 1
Build upon your French skills by studying advanced grammar concepts and performing challenging tasks. Talk about fashion and trends, talk about food fads, look at different travel trends and more!
Read More
B2-2 | Advanced French 2
Master the skills you'll need to debate a topic, compare preferences, summarize and review a book, describe an actor, uncover a problem and provide solutions, discuss cultural nuances, and more!
Read More
B2-3 | Advanced French 3
Deepen your understanding of the complexities of French language and Francophone cultures as you analyze societal challenges and obstacles, take a position on an issue, describe and compare different cultures and political styles, and more.
Read More
B2-4 | Advanced French 4
Perfect your pronunciation, solidify your mastery of grammar and learn additional vocabulary—then apply your learning to demanding tasks like comparing and contrasting different professional behaviors, outlining a career path and explaining various life choices, and more!
Read More
C1-1 | Proficient French 1
Perfect your pronunciation, solidify your mastery of grammar and learn additional vocabulary—then apply your learning to demanding tasks like transcribing audio documents, criticizing political campaigns or debating the salaries of different professions.
Read More
C1-2 | Proficient French
Perfect your pronunciation, solidify your mastery of grammar and learn additional vocabulary—then apply your learning to demanding tasks like transcribing audio documents, criticizing political campaigns or debating the salaries of different professions.
Read More
C2-1 | Proficient French
Perfect your pronunciation, solidify your mastery of grammar and learn additional vocabulary—then apply your learning to demanding tasks like transcribing audio documents, criticizing political campaigns or debating the salaries of different professions.
Read MoreTheme Classes
A2-4/B1-1 | Dictées d’automne
Build your vocabulary and knowledge of idioms through various creative writing techniques and activities.
Read More
B1-2/B1-3 | French Figures Who Changed History: France’s Greatest Dames
Join Julien to learn about the women who shaped France.
Read More
B1-3/B1-4 | French Figures Who Changed History: François 1er
Join Julien to learn how François 1er influenced his time.
Read More
B2 | A la découverte de la Bretagne
Join Joséphine to learn all about Brittany. Discover the region's towns and cities, history, music, cuisine, and cultural events.
Read More
B2-1 | Paris's Greatest Museums
Sure, everyone knows about Le Louvre. But what about the Carnavalet or the Picasso museums? Join Lucile and go on a discovery of some of Paris's lesser known but amazing museums. Learn about their history and analyze some of their masterpieces.
Read More
B2-1/B2-2 | A la découverte de... Lyon et sa région!
Join Elsa to discover Lyon's rich history, culture and food!
Read More
B2-3/4 | Grammar
Learn elements of grammar through structured practice. Topics vary based on class needs.
Read More
B2-3/B2-4 | A la Une! From the Headlines
Join Nora learn, share and discuss major international and domestic headlines.
Read More
B2-3/B2-4 | Proust, la peinture et la musique
Join Lucile to enter the universe of Proust. Through passages of La Recherche du Temps Perdu, you will discover how much Arts is omnipresent throughout Proust's masterpiece.
Read More
B2-4/C1-1 | Literature
Join Elsa to improve speaking and comprehension while reading and analyzing French literary works from a wide variety of genres.
Read More
B2-4/C1-1 | Literature: Frère d'âme
Join Bojana to improve speaking and comprehension while reading and analyzing French literary works.
Read More
C1-1+ | Débat d'idées!
Join the verbal arena and come sharpen your analytical and oratory skills the French way!
Read MoreSpecialized Classes
B1.1-2 | Les post-impressionnistes
Join this class to learn about fascinating French artists who have influenced so many movements!
Read More
B2-4/C1-1 | Traduction
Learn translation strategies in the daily use of the French language.
Read MoreConversation Classes
A2-1 | Advanced Beginner Conversation for Seniors
If you are over 60 years old and would like to learn French with people of common age and interests, this new class will allow you to acquire linguistic knowledge while focusing on cultural aspects of France, its architecture and History, Customs and Traditions.
Read More
B1 | Intermediate Conversation
With an emphasis on conversation, multimedia resources and current events, this course will get you on your way to being a sparkling conversationalist (and improve your grammar too!)
Read More
B2-1 | Advanced Conversation
Master the art of conversation while perfecting the finer points of your grammar through the fun and varied speaking activities in this course!
Read MoreMore Offerings for Adults
Online and Private Lessons
Our new online learning option, as well as our private lessons, are a great way to get individualized instruction at your pace. With online and private lessons, you have more control over what you cover with your instructor. You can study with a book, or focus on conversation skills and work with video and audio material. We can also specify a theme to your lessons.
Read MoreProficiency Exams
Need official documentation of your French language proficiency for school applications, work or immigration? The Center offers the DELF/DALF, TEF and DAEFLE exams throughout the year.
Read MoreAccelerated Courses
Looking to improve your language skills as quickly as possible? Our Accelerated Programs provide all the knowledge of a normal 10-week class into a 5-week option for rapid language acquisition.
Read More