This post will give information for people who would like to go to learn French in France, but before giving information about French schools we will first introduce the
Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and the different certifications of French-language.
The
Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment, abbreviated as CEFR, is a guideline used to describe achievements of learners of foreign languages across Europe and, increasingly, in other countries.
The Common European Framework divides learners into three broad divisions which can be divided into six levels:
A Basic Speaker
B Independent Speaker
C Proficient Speaker
The CEFR describes what a learner is supposed to be able to do in reading, listening, speaking and writing at each level.
level
|
description
|
| A1 | Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help. |
| A2 | Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need. |
| B1 | Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. |
| B2 | Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options. |
| C1 | Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices. |
| C2 | Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in the most complex situations. |
The
Test de connaissance du français (TCF) is a language placement test for non-native speakers of French.
It fulfils French language entry requirements, can be used to demonstrate language ability for job applications or for personal use.
The TCF follows the European standards for language tests as set forward in the
Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and is equal to
DALF.
Lowest level is A1 indicating beginner, top fluency levels are C1 and C2.
Level C1 and C2 indicate advanced mastery of French. French university Sciences-Po uses TCF level C1 as the primary language prerequisite for evaluating the abilities of non-native speakers to follow academic discussions and carry out academic research in the French language.
The
Diploma of Advanced French Language Studies (known in French as the
Diplôme approfondi de langue française, or DALF) is a certification of French-language abilities for non-native speakers.
The "Proficient User" divisions are certified by the
DALF.
The
Diplôme d'études en langue française (DELF) (English: Diploma in French Studies) is a certification of French-language abilities for non-native speakers of French.
It is composed of four independent diplomas corresponding to the first four levels of the
Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
Here is an example of the requirement to be admitted as an undergraduate student in a French university, here at the Universite Jean Moulin Lyon 3 in Lyon:
- TCF DAP : level B1 and a minimum of 9/20
- TCF Grand Public : minimum level of B2
- DALF C1 or C2
- DELF B2
Here is a selection of French language school in France which offer normal courses and also courses to prepare the different certifications of French-language test:
The
Eife2f — French language school in Lyon for foreign students offer normal courses from beginner to Advanced and also prepares students for the Delf and Dalf exams.
http://www.eife2f.com/french-course-in-france/language-school-to-learn-french.html
The
Inflexyon school in Lyon has offers specialized for each student.
- Preparation for DELF, DALF, TEF and other exams
- Specialized french
- Small-sized class, private classes, night classes
- Preparation to be a french student
- Practice speaking and writing
- Meet french people
- A school to prepare life in France.
http://www.inflexyon.com/en/the-school/
The French Language and Culture Institute (ILCF) belongs to the Literature and Languages Department of the Catholic University of Lyon. It offer different courses and preparation for DELF, DALF, TEF and other exams and has been approved as an Official Examination Center for various French language diplomas.
http://www.ilcf.net/french-courses-in-lyon-france-learn-french-french-classes-delf-dalf-tcf-ccip-exams-42222.kjsp
The
Accord Language School in Paris
offer different courses and cultural activities and can arrange accommodation.
http://www.french-paris.com/uk/info/school.php
The
Paris Langues in Paris
offer different short term courses and cultural activities and can arrange accommodation.
http://www.parislangues.com/
The Centre de Français Langue Étrangère (CFLE) is part of the University of Poitiers and offer Full time courses and Part-time courses.
http://cfle.univ-poitiers.fr/spip.php?article75&lang=en
The Alliance Française Paris Ile-de-France offers different types of courses covering all levels of French learning, from complete beginner (level A1) to autonomous (level C1), workshops personalized and Professional classes.
http://www.alliancefr.org/en/who-are-we
