Have a question that is not listed below? Please call us at 303-831-0304 or send an e-mail to info@afdenver.org and our friendly staff will be glad to answer any additional questions.
The Alliance Française has no political or religious affiliation and welcomes students, members, and volunteers of any age, sex, creed, race, color, sexual orientation, and national or ethnic origin.
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If Alliance Française is nonprofit, why do you charge for services?
Our status of 501(c)3 gives us exemption from federal taxes and qualifies us as a nonprofit organization. Our activities and services are offered for the purpose of serving the community and fulfilling our mission. However, it is necessary to charge for most services in order to cover overhead costs which keep our business in operation. In order to continue to grow and improve our service to the community, we depend on grants, donations, student enrollment and membership dues. [back to top]
Who's who at the Alliance Française?
Staff
Teachers
Board of Directors
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Who speaks French in the world?
- 113 million Francophones - Speak French (as a native or adopted language) fluently and use it on a regular basis.
- 61 million "occasional" Francophones - Live in a francophone country but do not speak French regularly, due to limited knowledge.
- 100-110 million students of all ages - Do not live in a francophone country, but have learned/are learning French in order to communicate with Francophones.
- French and English are the only languages spoken as a native language on 5 continents.
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French is a co-official language in Belgium, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, Chad, Comoros Islands, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Haiti (the two official languages are French and French Creole), Madagascar, Rwanda, Seychelles, Switzerland, and Vanuatu.
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School
Why learn French?
As you can see (ref: Who speaks French in the world ?), we do not really need to explain why you should study French. Many non-native French speakers simply like French for the way it sounds, for the culture, food and everything else that goes with it, for the good time they spent studying, working or traveling in French speaking countries, or for the random or life-long romance that still brings tears in their eyes... In addition, learning a second language has been proven to boost brain power. It develops the area of the brain which processes information in the same way exercise builds muscles. You may even have your own reason, but actually, you don’t really need one, you can do it just for fun! [back to top]
Is French difficult to learn?
All languages are different and have their own challenges and therefore it does not really make sense to compare them.
Consider the following:
* French sounds are difficult to understand and to pronounce. But one could say the same about Chinese.
* French grammar is difficult. But one could say the same about the subjunctive in German or in Spanish.
* French is difficult because you do not always pronounce what you write. Consider the English words wait and weight …
Most general statements about foreign languages are pre-conceived ideas. If you want to study a language but don’t have a specific goal right now, just follow your heart! The difficulty of the language is not the issue; everything is a question of personal motivation!
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How long will it take for me to become fluent in French?
This is the million dollar question! Language acquisition is a lengthy process which requires consistent attention and dedication. There is no set time period that can define how long it will take. It is a complex equation that includes personal capacities and motivation. Most of our classes only meet once or twice a week so it is important to attend each week. Students who continue class consistently from term to term and make the effort to practice at home will most certainly become proficient within a couple of year’s time. The internet offers a lot of additional resources and attending our events can also help you improve your overall cultural knowledge and give you a chance to practice conversing outside of the classroom.
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Who teaches the classes?
All of our teachers are native speakers of French and/or are fully bi-cultural (ie. Franco-American, Canadian–American, etc.) and they all follow the same teaching pattern designed according to the latest pedagogical standards for foreign language teaching. If it is important to you to know who will be teaching your class, please remember that teachers are usually not assigned their schedules until approximately a week before the start of the class. [back to top]
How does Alliance Française teach French?
Language is a living phenomenon. Its main purpose is to allow people to communicate. Therefore, we choose to favor a communicative approach.)
Various elements of vocabulary, grammar and syntax are studied together within the given context.
Our native French instructors speak mostly French in the classroom and students are encouraged to practice speaking and interacting in French during class time.
* Our instructors give you hints and open doors for you. However, we cannot guarantee that you will become a competent French speaker only by attending our classes. In order to achieve your goal, you will need to spend as much time as possible outside the classroom to practice and reinforce your skills. Language acquisition is not always easy, so the more motivation you put into studying French, the more spectacular your progress will be.
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What levels of French classes are offered?
We teach all levels, from beginning through advanced and expert and everything in between.
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What is my level?
If you have never before studied French, you are a complete beginner. If you have had some French it is recommended that you take our placement evaluation in order for us to determine your level as it relates to our program. placement test [back to top]
Will I be in a class with others who are at my skill level?
We group students of the same level to the best of our ability based on the information that we are given from placement evaluations and pre-registration conversations. Although we do our best to place students correctly, it is important to remember that all people are different in background and learning capacities. If you feel that you are not in the right class for your level, be sure to notify the administration right away. If you are in the correct level but need special attention, ask about options for private instruction. [back to top]
How many students will be in my class?
We limit our class sizes to 12 or fewer students. This gives you a small and congenial environment in which to learn. [back to top]
How will Alliance Française evaluate my progression?
There is on-going, informal evaluation in the class and our foundation courses evaluation as well as you own sel evaluation . [back to top]
What textbooks are used?
Our regular group classes require the use of either the Campus series 1 or 2 and Grammar Progressive 1 or 2 as well as Connexion 1 and 2. Sales tax applies to all books and audio material. [back to top]
Do I have to buy a new book for every class?
No. The required books are used through 4 levels of classes before you need to buy new ones. For example, if you start in the Beginning Level 101 class, you will use those same books through Beginning Level 104 (4 terms). When you begin Intermediate Level 201, you will need to buy new books for that level because you will have already covered all of the material in the beginner level book. [back to top]
How long do the classes run?
Class term varying by the type of class you are enrolled in. Class terms can be anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks long. One-day workshops are also available for schedules that do not allow for long-term commitments. Multiple classes can be taken at any one time. [back to top]
When do classes meet?
Class days and times vary. Please visit the Register Now! section of our website for an updated schedule. [back to top]
Where do classes meet?
Our Denver classes meet at our main administrative location at 571 Galapago Street, Denver, 80204. Boulder classes take place at a classroom in YWCA, 2222 14th St. Boulder, CO. [back to top]
Is there parking at the Main Location?
Yes. We have a free parking lot next to the building (west side, access through the alley). Out of courtesy to our neighbors, we kindly ask that our students utilize this parking lot. In case of need, free parking is also available on Galapago Street. [back to top]
I travel often for my job and cannot commit to consecutive weeks of class. How can I still improve my French?
Consider taking private classes. We can make flexible arrangements to meet your schedule and you can still make progress with your French, just not in a group environment. It is generally believed that 1 hour with a private instructor equals two hours of a group class.
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I just need to learn some basics before my trip to France and have limited time.
Consider our French Survival Kit. It covers the basics for travel needs. You will learn practical communication skills and cultural tips that will help you make the most of your trip.
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How do I register for a class?
Students may register in person, by phone (303-831-0304), fax (303-573-0378), mail (571 Galapago St., Denver, 80204), or online at www.afdenver.org (e-mail: info@afdenver.org).
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How much does it cost?
Group classes generally cost $13/hour for members.. All books are sold separately. The total cost of your class depends on the number of hours you take. [back to top]
I paid for my class over a week ago. Why are there still no charges posted on my account?
When you make a payment by phone, fax or e-mail, your charges have to be keyed in manually. Payments are processed regularly but not every day. [back to top]
What if I miss a class?
Please consult with a staff member of the Alliance Française to see what options are available. [back to top]
What if I have to withdraw from a class?
Out of courtesy to our teachers and other students, the following withdrawal policies have been designed :
• Students may withdraw at least two business days prior to the (first) class: Credit or refund may be requested in writing.
• After the (first) class: No refund.
• Up to one business day before the second class: Credit may be requested in writing. A $25 administrative fee will apply.
• Other conditions for special classes may apply. Please consult our updated withdrawal policies when enrolling for a class.
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What if I want something that is not offered in your class brochure?
Comments and suggestions are always welcome. Please feel free to let us know. If we are not able to accommodate your request in a group atmosphere, you may want to consider private instruction. [back to top]
Do you offer classes for children?
Yes. We offer a structured curriculum of age appropriate material for children between the ages of 1 and 12 years. We are not limited to those ages however, and special groups and private instruction can be arranged. Denver International School also offers language programs where we can refer you for children ages 4-11. [back to top]
Do you offer classes for teenagers?
We usually offer classes during the summer months for high school review. We also recommend private tutoring for teens that need to improve specific skills. [back to top]
Do you offer private instruction?
Yes, private instruction with one of our qualified teachers can be arranged to meet your personal schedule and needs. Cost is $37/hour (1 student) for AF members and $47/hour (1 student) for non-members for classes that take place at any of our designated classroom locations. A minimum of 5 hours must be purchased to begin. For classes at other locations, a travel charge is added to the cost of the class. A 10% discount is applied for 20 or more hours purchased in advance. [back to top]
Where can I improve my newly acquired skills and get some practical experience in French conversation?
Alliance Française offers many cultural and social events throughout the year that may provide you with an opportunity to utilize your language skills in a relaxed social setting and make new friends as well. You can check out the latest events planned on our website at www.afdenver.org. [back to top]
Membership
What are the benefits of becoming a member?
• Free video, audiocassette, and book rental privileges at the AF library
• A weekly e-newsletter . This newsletter will keep you informed of activities taking place at the Alliance Française and throughout the local French speaking community
• Discounts to our social and cultural events + a free event voucher
• Registration discounts for Alliance Française French classes
• Discounts at area restaurants and merchants who are in our partnership network
• 20% discount on translation services
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Is my membership or donation tax exempt?
• Pure monetary donations that do not receive services of any kind in return are 100% tax deductible because we are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
• Membership dues are considered to receive services which are in the form of “membership benefits”. A portion of your membership dues may be tax deductible if you feel that you did not take advantage of these benefits to the full value of the cost of your membership. It is at the discretion of the member what amount qualifies for tax deduction. [back to top]
