Here are some common rules so every students can enjoy the French Conversation Club and improve together!
- Speak French at all times. As this is a space for practicing and enjoying the French language, we encourage you to speak French at all times. Everyone here is eager to improve and excited to connect en français. It is perfectly normal to need help with a word, phrase, or even a full sentence at times! For example, “Comment on dit XXX en français ?”. Please feel free to ask a teacher or use the chat—just remember to keep your conversations with classmates and in breakout rooms entirely in French.
- Read over the Theme of the Week document ahead of attending your sessions. This document is an aid to help guide your conversations for the week. It is very difficult to have a conversation (especially en français) without basic knowledge of the topic. You don’t have to memorize all the resources or watch the videos, but they (especially the questions) will help to prepare you to have deeper conversations and more engaging discussions en français with your new friends.
- Prepare a few questions (from the documents or your own) and have them ready for the session(s) you plan on attending in order to respect the time of your fellow club members and get the most out of your conversation club time.
- Be respectful and kind to your classmates. Please remember, this is a Conversation Club, not a French class, with a wonderful community—so let’s make it a space where everyone feels welcome to speak and be heard about our weekly topics. Ensure everyone has the chance to contribute and engage during each session. Let’s support each other with open minds and warm attitudes as we grow together en français!
- Attend the sessions that match the level you were recommended for. If you’re feeling ready to move up to the next level, that’s great—just reach out to a teacher first so we can reassess your skills and ensure the best fit for your learning. We can even do this during a regular session! We’re here to support your progress every step of the way.
- Don’t stay stuck! Stay in touch. We’re here to support you. Whether you have a question about French, need help with any question or concert, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can always email us at help@commeunefrancaise.com — we’re happy to help!
Not sure about your level? Here are our French Conversation Club guidelines
This level is likely for you if:
- You have had some initial exposure to French, perhaps through introductory classes or self-study.
- You know simple phrases and have a basic understanding of the language, but you find it challenging to deal with more complex sentences and recalling vocabulary.
- You are comfortable with straightforward sentences but find it hard to keep up in conversations, and understand another person.
- You can understand and respond to simple questions (“How many siblings do you have?” or “Why do you like summer?”), but you may have difficulty forming more complex answers.
- Grammar, like verb conjugations and sentence structure, and pronunciation are still a challenge for you.
In our beginner level sessions, the focus is on building confidence through practice, understanding simple responses, and gradually expanding vocabulary and comprehension skills. The atmosphere is supportive and aimed at creating a comfortable environment for learning and communication.
Please note that we don’t accept complete beginners in French as the French Conversation Club is not a French Class.
This level is likely for you if:
- You are able to hold conversations in French on a variety of topics beyond everyday interactions, such as sharing personal stories, expressing opinions, and discussing cultural themes.
- You can express your ideas and ask questions comfortably, though you may still make some grammar mistakes or occasionally find it difficult to find the right words or expressions.
- You feel at ease discussing a wide range of topics and describing experiences in detail, though you might need support when it comes to more complex sentences or uncommon vocabulary.
- You can understand spoken French in familiar situations, although faster speech or subtle nuances are still challenging.
In our intermediate sessions, the focus is on strengthening your conversational skills by practicing discussions around familiar but varied topics. You will keep building vocabulary, refining sentence structure, and improving your ability to understand different speaking styles and speeds, creating a solid bridge to more advanced fluency. The environment is interactive and supportive, encouraging you to ask questions, make mistakes, and build confidence in a relaxed setting.
This level is likely for you if:
- You are proficient in French and can discuss complex, abstract topics, such as literature, philosophy, current affairs, and cultural nuances when it comes to our weekly topic.
- You have a strong command of grammar, syntax, and vocabulary, allowing you to express subtle nuances and use idiomatic expressions, with occasional errors that do not impede the communication.
- You are comfortable understanding and interpreting subtle cultural references and can pick up on underlying tones or implications in conversations.
- You are able to engage in debates, articulate opinions with precision, and analyze complex ideas without frequent errors.
In our advanced sessions, the focus is on refining accuracy, deepening cultural awareness, and enhancing linguistic sophistication. The environment encourages you to push your boundaries, helping you to address any minor gaps while honing your fluency and command of the language in a collaborative and intellectually engaging setting.
This level is by evaluation and invitation, and is likely for you if:
- You can engage in debates and discussions on complex topics and intricate cultural issues.
- You possess an advanced command of French grammar, syntax, and stylistic nuances, allowing for precise, eloquent expression, even with complex language structures.
- You are comfortable using idiomatic expressions, nuanced vocabulary, and subtle linguistic cues to convey exact meanings and tone even if you may still be working at an advanced level and occasional errors occur.
- While you may not be near-fluent and working at a more advanced level, you are working here at refining the finer details of the language, such as mastering advanced idiomatic structures, regional variations, and subtle stylistic distinctions.
In our virtuose level sessions, the focus is on honing language mastery in an interactive, debate-driven setting. Participants engage in challenging discussions on advanced topics, using complex language and subtle expression. The collaborative environment encourages mutual learning, where members support and inspire each other to reach greater fluency and cultural understanding.