Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome! We trust that learning French will be enjoyable for you!

You can enrol in any of our Beginner 1 courses. We run these at different paces throughout the year, including: Term courses (2 hours of class per week over 8-10 weeks), Express courses (4 hours of class per week over 5 weeks, and Speedy courses (a couple of hours of class each day for 1 week). 

Each Beginner 1 course covers the same content, so you can choose any pace which suits you!

If you are unsure of your level, please book a level assessment here!

Conducted over the phone with one of our teachers, level assessments consist of general conversation to see how comfortable you are expressing yourself on different topics.  

Pas de panique! It's a basic and relaxed conversation, and the teacher will be able to recommend the best class for your level.

We now offer placement tests! Our user-friendly platform provides a variety of exercises to evaluate your reading, listening and writing skills. Here!

Self-assessing your language skills in a foreign language can be tricky. This is why we recommend you book a level assessment here.

You may be advised to enrol in Beginner 1 (for complete beginners), but you may also find that you remember more than you think!

Yes, we do! We offer online classes for all levels as well as in-person classes in our CBD campus, South Yarra, and  Spring Place branches.
To see what's available, click here. 

The Alliance Française is a Not-for-Profit organisation which means that course running costs have to be covered by student fees.

AFM costs include teachers’ time, course content and delivery; plus physical site and virtual classroom costs, with these requiring equal investment.

For all classes, both online and on-site, we make significant investment in technology for our service and course delivery, to ensure that we can provide the highest levels of service for our Students.

We also ensure support from the AFM’s wonderful Customer Service team from Monday to Saturday, with additional support on Sundays when we run special activities on weekends. Our standard Customer Support hours are on the AFM website here

Our courses are split into levels like A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2 - these levels come from a standard called the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference). We've put together this simple explainer video to explain them. 

Our in-person and online classes cover the same content, and include very similar activities and class interactions. 
Students spend the same number of hours in either the physical classroom or the virtual classroom and our teachers aim to recreate a 'real-life classroom' environment in all of our online classes. 

Conducted via Zoom, online classes are just as interactive as in-person classes and cover the same content - just from the comfort of your home!

The million dollar question!

Fluency can mean different things to each person, depending on your starting point and your specific goals.

The concept of fluency has been debated by many linguists and scholars who argue that there is no agreed definition on what constitutes fluency in a language. Instead, it is more about being competent in the language for the purposes for which you will use it.

With this in mind, you can read the Council of Europe's definition of each level of the Common European Framework of Reference (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2) here.

All of our classes incorporate reading, writing, listening and speaking components, but we do have some courses which specifically focus on skills such as speaking and pronunciation.

Look out for Grammaire & Conversation (B2/C1), Culture & Civilisation (B2/C1), Art & Culture (C1) during our regular terms as well as other speaking-focused courses over our holiday sessions. 

No, our course fees do not include books.

You can purchase your books through Language International Bookstore here. There are also direct links to your books on the course selector when you enrol.  

A set of textbook/exercise books are typically used for around six different levels.

Please note that our Maternelles and Prep courses as well as some of our grammar, conversation or cultural courses do not require any books or additional material.

Please bring:

• A notebook, a note pad or exercise book
• Writing utensils 
• A device such as a smartphone (to look up words, and join in for Kahoot)
• A water bottle

• Be willing to experience and take risks 
  Please leave perfectionism at the door and allow yourself to make mistakes, because you will learn from them and from active listening.

• Set realistic expectations 
  It takes time and effort to become proficient in French and expect periods when you do not seem to be making much progress. Identify your needs before you get started and set yourself achievable goals.

• Be proactive, independent and organised 
  You will not speak French fluently just by sitting in a classroom. The work you put in and the opportunities for extra exposure to the language that you create or encounter will greatly assist your progression and satisfaction as a learner.
   
• Study frequently and for shorter periods of time
  It is more efficient to break study time into smaller chunks than study infrequently for extended periods of time. Try to do a few homework exercises every night rather than all of them the night before your class. In addition, make the most of the mentally "idle" moments during the day when you can fit in some study. For instance; you can review the alphabet whilst brushing your teeth; count your steps whilst going for a walk; name as many objects as you can in French at the office, write shopping lists or to-do lists in French! 

• Give yourself time
  Accept that you will reach a plateau from time to time and feel that you are no longer progressing. This is a normal part of the learning process and happens when you are actually on the verge of stepping up to a higher level. So this is good news! 

No, you choose your session and commit to attending it for the full duration of the course. 

Note: some courses (generally 1 or 2 week intensive courses) take place more than once per week.

Unfortunately, no.

While there is a set program to be covered for each specific level, different teachers may move at slightly different paces to cater to their specific group needs.

To ensure you make the most of your French learning experience, we aim to minimise disruptions to the group dynamic as much as possible.

Unfortunately, no.

Each Alliance operates independently, so memberships are not transferable. 

It's absolutely fine if you need to take a break from your French lessons. We have four intakes in the year and we are bound to have your next level on offer during all of our sessions. 

For example, if you complete Beginner 1 in Term 1 and take a break in Term 2, you can enrol in Beginner 2 in Term 3. 

We have gone digital! Click here to access your student card and click here to access your membership card. 

Please note that you need to be logged into your AFM account on our website to be able to view them. 

There are a number of online websites/applications which you can sign up for to connect with French language learners and use to find a pen pal. Please find some suggestions below:

Tandem - Users are encouraged to put a few words on their profile about their interests, what language or aspect of language they want to learn, and what they want to speak about (or who they want to speak to). Uploading a photo is also a requirement. And that’s about it — it’s basically a messaging app where you’re encouraged to connect with fellow language learners to practice through the digital spectrum of chat.

HelloTalk - One of the most popular language learning apps, HelloTalk is free. It offers advanced messaging features that help you easily correct your language partner’s messages during chats. You can also talk via audio and video.

InterPals Penpals - this website sets you up with other native language speakers around the globe.

Babelvillage - this website pairs you up with a native language speaker and lets you two interact online. It also offers other learning options too. 

Polyglot Club - an online community for language learners to meet fellow students.

Perhaps you already know someone in a French speaking country with whom you could exchange emails!

Check out this page on our website for more information.

We completely understand that it can be daunting, and you may feel a bit overwhelmed at first.
Many of our team members, too, have experienced similar feelings when learning a new language, so you’re not alone!

Several AFM staff members have taken up language classes which were fully immersive, so we know what it's like.
We can attest to feeling frustrated during the first couple of classes and struggling to understand what was being said or to follow instructions.

The good news is that, after only a couple of weeks, we were able to follow basic cues and make more sense of what was going on. Fast forward to the end of the level, several of our team members were surprised at how much we had learnt, despite English being near to non-existent in class.

At the AFM, we a encourage all our teachers to take on a full-immersion approach to make the most out of the 2-hour sessions we offer our students.

For dates, times and location of your class, please see the 2nd page of the PDF accompanying the enrolment confirmation email. This is sent to you automatically upon enrolment.

Our youngest learners are Les Maternelles (3-5 yo). Please note that they must be toilet trained in order to join the program.  

No, we do not offer trial classes for children. 

During the school terms, we offer our regular term course which follow the school year term dates. Our children programs are academic and simultaneously fun and engaging, structured around cultural themes pertinent to both France and Australia. Our native French teachers teach grammar through written activities and games whilst also incorporating songs and story-time, especially for the younger learners. 

We also offer week-long holiday programs for beginner and intermediate levels. Our holiday programs are often focused on cultural topics such as Easter, Halloween, Magic, to name just a few. Students must attend the full week-long program. 

We understand that you might wish to accompany your child to their first class, especially if they are very young. For children in Les Maternelles and Les Preps, you are welcome to accompany them to the classroom to meet the teacher and familiarise them with the space and you can stay for the first 10 minutes. For all other courses, parents are not permitted to stay in the classroom.

The class progression depends on which level your child starts learning French with us.
For example, for those children who begin in Les Maternelles, they will continue onto Les Preps when they begin Prep at school. They then move onto Children 1, Children 2, Children 3 etc. until they reach Children 6.

Our courses are yearly based so they will remain in Les Maternelles for one year, then Les Preps for one year, then Children 1 for one year and so on. Importantly, the timetable of their class will remain the same as they progress. That's to say, if they have a Saturday morning class at 10am in Children 1, this will remain the same for Terms 2, 3, and 4, and their Children 2 class the following year will continue to run at 10am on Saturday mornings.

Changes will only be made to class times in exceptional circumstances when there is no other option to continue the usual class time. 

Outlined below are our children courses and the corresponding target levels for each course.
If your child is Francophone, we encourage you take a look at the different Francophone classes that we offer for both children and teenagers (click here for more information). If your child is learning French as a second language, you can refer to the course descriptions below which are also found on our website :  

Les Maternelles : Specifically designed for pre-schoolers aged 3 to 5, this French playgroup is packed with hands-on learning activities, stories, songs and games, to help children develop their social skills and give them a fun introduction to the French language.

Preps: This course is specifically designed for children who are learning how to read and write in their first year at school. Focusing on cultural themes, the program helps children to discover the French language through verbal expression and repetition, songs, games, reading and some written activities. 

Children 1: This level is for children enrolled in grade 1 to 4 in primary school who are beginners in French. They will discover the French language and learn the vocabulary and structures required to greet and introduce themselves in French, count up to 30, spell basic words, name objects, animals, hobbies and express what they like and dislike amongst other things.

Children 2: This level is for children who have completed Children 1 or who have met with our tutor to assess their level in French. In this course, they will learn the vocabulary and language structures required to talk about their daily routine, express what they like and dislike, introduce their family, describe the weather and follow or give instructions amongst other things.

Children 3: This level is for children who have completed Children 2 or who have met with our tutor to assess their level in French. In this course, they will learn the vocabulary and language structures required to talk about their hobbies, describe events or situation that occurred in the past, express an opinion, ask questions and describe someone amongst other things.

Children 4: This level is for children who have completed Children 3 or who have met with our tutor to assess their level in French. In this course, they will learn the vocabulary and language structures required to give and follow directions, talk using the past and future tenses or name food and preferences amongst other things.

Children 5: This level is for children who have completed Children 4 or who have met with our tutor to assess their level in French. 

Children 6: This level is for children who have completed Children 5 or who have met with our tutor to assess their level of French.

To place your child on a waiting list for one of our courses, please contact our Customer Service team via 9525 3463 or send an email with your name, contact number and your class time preference to customerservice@afmelbourne.com.au.

If your child is finding their class too easy, we recommend first having a chat with the teacher to express your concerns. If the teacher agrees, they will then speak to the Children's Course Coordinator, and if they think that a more advanced class would be suitable for them, the Customer Service team will organise a class transfer. 

For high school students, yes, they can enrol in the class that matches the year level that they are currently completing at school. The only exception to this general rule applies when a student has learnt French for longer than their classmates (i.e. began in Year 3 rather than in year 7 like the rest of their cohort) or if they have spent an extensive amount of time in France. 

For children courses, the students who begin in Les Maternelles continue onto Les Preps when they begin Prep at school. They then move onto Children 1, Children 2, Children 3 etc. until they reach Children 6. 
If a child is a total beginner to French and is in year 1 - 4 at school, they must join a beginner class. 
For all other children who have already learnt some French, you will need to organise a French level assessment with the Children's Course Coordinator, Janina, in order to find out which class would be appropriate for them. 

For primary school students, please call reception on 9525 3463 to organise time for an in-person level assessment with the Children's Course Coordinator. Both the child and a parent need to be present. 

For high school students, if you are unsure of your level, you can book in an over-the-phone level assessment via this page on our website. You can also click here to see an overview of our high school French courses and this might give you an idea of which class would be most suited to you. 

Our VCE Immersion Days are a great way to get ahead for your VCE exams!
These days are led by our very experienced teachers who have a thorough grasp of the VCE curriculum and the skills required to succeed in the exams. These days focus on the format of the listening, reading, writing and speaking sections of the exam. 

If you are an IB student, you can attend one of our VCE34 Immersion Days and the language practice will no doubt improve your French language skills. However, these days specifically cover the VCE curriculum and not IB.

Yes, all our teachers and staff members have a current Working with Children Check. 

To read our AFM Child Safe Policy,  please click here. 

BMC FAQs

Our online courses are exactly the same as our in-person courses in terms of content, just held in an online format.

Each lesson takes place as a face-to-face virtual class via Zoom. All students also gain access to our online platform Apolearn, where you can interact with your teacher and your fellow students. This is also where your teacher will upload class content during the course. If Zoom and Apolearn are new tools for you, rest assured - we will be guiding you along the way! All students receive more information on how to use both platforms prior to their first class.

If you are using a tablet/iPad, we recommend that you click on join your virtual classroom with the application, rather than from your browser. We’ve noticed that there are some issues with audio when using Zoom through the browser on mobile devices.

No. The Alliance Française is a not-for-profit association, dedicated to the promotion of the French language and culture. For any administrative formalities (such as registration, passport, CNI, life certificate, visas, birth certificate, etc.) please refer to the website of the French Consulate in Sydney : http://www.ambafrance-au.org.

Melbourne’s Honorary Consulate can also help you with some formalities. It is located at 342A St Kilda Rd, Melbourne St Kilda Rd VIC 3004. Email: consul.melbourne@ambafrance-au.org

If you currently have any resources from the library, please continue to look after them for us and you can return them when we are able to reopen fully. No fines will be added to your account.

In the meantime, all AFM members and current students have access to the Culturethèque (the IF/AF digital library) where you will find thousands of French-language resources that you can enjoy from home - books, magazines, videos, comics, audio books and more! You can find further suggestions for digital resources here.

Follow us on Facebook & Instagram too for regular recommendations on tools, language resources and French language & culture inspiration!

Hold tight! Please allow a couple of days for this service to be activated.

Please contact customerservice@afmelbourne.com.au to organise a time to collect your documents from our premises in CBC campus.

Yes! You can find more information about schools with French bilingual programs here.

AFX Student Exchange (click here to visit their website). 

Via the Language International Bookshop (click here to visit their website). 
You can buy books online via their website or by visiting their store located at 13-15 Station Street, Kew East.