Adult Class Offerings

Class Offerings for Adults

The Alliance Française d’Albuquerque, founded 60 years ago, is our local, independent chapter of the international Federation of Alliances Françaises, the largest network of French language and cultural centers in the world. With over 800 chapters in more than 130 countries, the Alliance Française is dedicated to promoting French language and culture, and to fostering friendly relations between Francophones and Francophiles of all racial, ethnic and national origins. The School and the French for Children program admit students of any race, color, creed, sexual orientation and national or ethnic origin.

The Alliance School offers courses in French on all levels taught by highly qualified instructors who are native or near-native speakers. Although the majority of our classes will continue to meet on Zoom, we will offer select in-person classes. Our offices are conveniently located at 2917 Carlisle NE, suites 110 and 211.  Zoom classes are held for 4-9 students while in-person classes are held for 4-10 students. (If only three students enroll, the tuition is $20/hr/person). The textbooks used in each course are available for purchase in our office or may be found online. 

Course Descriptions

The Alliance School offers two types of courses conducted in French. Conversational French language classes introduce students to grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation while emphasizing communication. Advanced seminars are for students who have already studied French and wish to maintain or increase their fluency. Our small classes allow for more personalized attention and active participation in a friendly classroom setting that helps students gain confidence in speaking French.

Registration Information

***BEFORE REGISTERING, PLEASE NOTE: If this is your first Alliance course, please contact us at info@afabq.com or 505-872-9288 for assistance in placement and/or to schedule a placement interview. This will help us to ensure that every student enrolls in a class that is the right level for his/her abilities. Merci!

Tuition and Membership

Tuition for each course is based on a fee of $15 per hour of instruction. Alliance Française membership is required to enroll in our classes. Rates for the calendar year are $24 for those enrolling as a student in any AF course, $38 for families. Single non-student memberships are $29. Those enrolling in a summer or fall class, or joining or renewing their membership after July 1, may pay the pro-rated fee of $12 for an Alliance student membership ($19 for families, $14.50 for single). Members receive our newsletter, have library privileges and are invited to join in our social and cultural activities including lectures, films, dinners, lively celebrations of French holidays and monthly gatherings like Café Causette.

We ask that your registration form and payment reach the Director prior to the first day of class. PLEASE NOTE: Fees are refundable should the class be cancelled; however, no refunds will be allowed after the first week of class and tuition is not transferable from one session to another. IF you have not received a confirmation of your class three days before the scheduled start date, we may not have received your registration, so please contact us at info@afabq.com or 505-872-9288.

For all further information and for registration, please email info@afabq.com or call 505-872-9288. Merci!

School Calendar ~ 2024 ~ Starting dates

  • Winter session: January 8
  • Spring Session: April 1
  • Summer Session: July 1
  • Fall Session: Sept. 3
  • Intersession: November 25

Private Tutoring

Private tutoring is available for all Alliance members and students, primarily via Zoom or Skype, although we may be able to offer some lessons in our offices. For in-person tutoring, we may ask for proof of vaccination.  As of January 1, 2022, rates are $42 per hour for one person; $54 per hour for two people and $60 per hour for three or four people. After the first meeting, you may pay in advance for 4 sessions. If you are unable to attend a session, your fee will be refunded if you notify the instructor at least 8 hours in advance to reschedule.

Please call 505-872-9288 or send an email to info@afabq.com for more information and to purchase online or in-person tutoring.

French for Children

A fun way to learn French! Learn about French language and culture through games, songs and basic conversation. For more information on classes or tutoring (for ages 4-14), please call FFC Director, Karin Frings at 505-821-4169 or email info@afabq.com.

~Pratiquez votre français~

Become an Alliance member or follow Alliance Française d’Albuquerque on Facebook for a variety of online and in-person lectures & cultural offerings. AF Members are invited via email to our Fête du 14 juillet, Fête du Beaujolais Nouveau, Café Causette, Apéros, lectures, and Soirées Jeux ou Film. Of course, we invite you to join a class for even more opportunities to speak French!

See the Events page for more details.

Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy as to Students

The Alliance Française School admits students of any race, color, creed, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship programs and other school-administered programs.

Spring 2024 French Courses

Class Schedule Updates

  • Beginners I (Contacts, 1-6) ~ On Zoom April 10 6:00-7:30pm - Nandi Egber
    • Postponed to April 24.
  • False Beginners (Contacts, 1-6) ~ In person or On Zoom* March 25, 27 & 29 5:15-7:15pm - Lisa Pinceloup
    • Canceled
  • Intermediates I (Contacts, 11-14) ~ On Zoom April 8 2:00-3:30pm - Nandi Egber
    • Postponed to April 8.
  • Intermediates I (Contacts, 11-14) ~ On Zoom April 8 5:30-7:00pm - Nandi Egber
    • Postpone to April 8.
  • Intermediates II (Contacts, 15-18 & Alter Ego) ~ In person April 8 5:30-7:00pm - Lisa Pinceloup
    • Canceled
  • Intermediates III (Contacts, 19-21) ~On Zoom April 4 12:00-1:30pm - Penelope Lespinasse
    • Will meet on Thursdays.
  • Conversation Intermédiaire ~ On Zoom April 9 9:00am-10:30am - Penelope Lespinasse
    • Postponed to April 9
  • Advanced I/II: Lectures avec Penelope ~ On Zoom April 8 12:00-1:30pm - Penelope Lespinasse
    • Postponed to April 8
  • Advanced II+: Echanges en français! ~ On Zoom April 11 10:00-11:30am - Penelope Lespinasse
    • Canceled
  • Advanced III/III+: Alter Ego +A1 ~ On Zoom April 8 10:00-11:30am - Penelope Lespinasse
    • Postponed to April 8

Spring classes start on the dates listed below but may be postponed 1-2 weeks until minimum enrollment is reached. Students will be contacted by phone or by email 2-3 days before the scheduled starting date with a confirmation. If you do not receive a confirmation, we may not have received your registration, or the class may have been postponed. To verify a class confirmation or postponement, please email info@afabq.com, or call 505-872-9288 at least 1 day before the scheduled start date.

More information about textbooks can be found on our textbooks page.

Beginning

Bonjour le français! Learn the essentials for everyday communication and conversations. Text: Contacts, 7th ed. ($15). Optional supplement: Français Interactif (online, pdf, or print. See Textbooks page).
Beginners I (Contacts, 1-6) ~ On ZoomApril 10
The ideal course for those who have never studied French. Become familiar with the French alphabet, pronunciation and some  foundations of French grammar while learning basic greetings and exchanges.
With Nandi EgberWednesdays6:00-7:30pm10 weeks$225

Please let us know if you prefer an in-person class (likely on Thursdays with C. Shaffer).

False Beginners (Contacts, 1-6) ~ In person or On Zoom*March 25, 27 & 29
You'd like to review the material you learned in our Beginners I class or are ready to revive the French you learned in the past.  These 6 hours of intensive instruction will prepare you to join Beginners II.
With Lisa Pinceloup Mon, Wed, Fri.5:15-7:15pm6 hours$90

*Please let us know your preference for Zoom or an in-person class, and if you need a daytime class.

Beginners II (Contacts, 7-10) ~ In personApril 4
This is the sequel to Beg. I or False Beginners. Grammar: interrogatives, stress pronouns, indefinite & def. articles, avoir, il y a, adjectives, aller, futur proche, chez, possessives, counting from 100.  Conversation: Asking questions, describing people and objects, leisure activities, asking for directions.
With Carolyn ShafferThursdays6:00-7:30pm10 weeks$225

Please let us know if you prefer a daytime class.

Beginners II (Contacts, 7-10) ~ On ZoomApril 4
This is the sequel to Beg. I or False Beginners. Grammar: interrogatives, stress pronouns, indefinite & def. articles, avoir, il y a, adjectives, aller, futur proche, chez, possessives, counting from 100.  Conversation: Asking questions, describing people and objects, leisure activities, asking for directions.
With Nandi EgberThursdays6:00-7:30pm10 weeks$225
Beginning French for Travelers ~ On Zoom April 7
Planning a trip to France? Learn some practical French quickly (from Penelope who is living in France) to make your trip more enjoyable!  Text: DK Eyewitness French Phrasebook & CD 2003 ($10). (Copies available in our office).
With Penelope LespinasseSundays**9:00-10:30am7 weeks$157.50

**Please let us know if you'd prefer this class on Wed. 11:00am-12:30pm

Intermediates

Continue to build a solid foundation in French! Textbook: Contacts 7th ed ($15). Int II will also use Alter Ego+ A1 ($30).
Intermediates I (Contacts, 11-14) ~ On ZoomApril 8
Grammar:  -ir & -re verbs, comparative & superlative adjectives, expressions with faire & avoir, intro to passé composé. Conversation: shopping, clothing, weather, making plans, talking about the past.
With Nandi EgberMondays2:00-3:30pm10 weeks$225
Intermediates I (Contacts, 11-14) ~ On ZoomApril 8
Grammar:  -ir & -re verbs, comparative & superlative adjectives, expressions with faire & avoir, intro to passé composé. Conversation: shopping, clothing, weather, making plans, talking about the past.
With Nandi EgberMondays5:30-7:00pm10 weeks$225
Intermediates II (Contacts, 15-18 & Alter Ego) ~ In personApril 8
Grammar: passé composé with être, depuis, recent past, partitive article, irreg. verbs. Conversation: événements passés, vive les vacances, au menu. (Alter Ego is available for $30 in our office or for check out from our library).
With Lisa PinceloupMondays5:30-7:00pm10 weeks$225
Intermediates III (Contacts, 19-21) ~On Zoom April 4
Grammaire, lectures choisies et conversations animées! Grammar: irreg. verbs, direct & indirect object pronouns.  Conversation: les études & sujets divers.
With Penelope LespinasseThursdays12:00-1:30pm10 weeks$225
Conversation Intermédiaire ~ On ZoomApril 9
Would you like to practice your French beyond our language courses?  This fun, new class will give you 90 minutes of conversation time each week to help you build your vocabulary, fluency and confidence in speaking French. Lessons based on optional textbook Communication Progressive du français, Niveau débutant, A1, Livre + CD, 2e édition, CLE.
With Penelope LespinasseTuesdays9:00am-10:30am10 weeks$225

Advanced

Focus on your speaking skills while advancing in your study of French to more sophisticated grammar and vocabulary.
Advanced I (Contacts, 22-25): Parlez du passé! ~ In personApril 10
Grammaire:  pronoms relatifs (qui & que), passé composé & imparfait, pronoms y & en.  Conversation: sujets divers.
With Karin FringsWednesdays5:30-7:00pm10 weeks$225
Advanced I (Contacts, 22-25): Parlez du passé! ~ In personApril 4
Grammaire:  pronoms relatifs (qui & que), passé composé & imparfait, pronoms y & en.  Conversation: sujets divers.
With Maria RossThursdays4:00pm - 5:30pm10 weeks$225
Advanced I/II: Lectures avec Penelope ~ On ZoomApril 8
Improve your French through reading and discussing the chosen text. A vocabulary list and discussion questions will accompany each chapter. Familiarity with passé composé and imparfait required. Text provided.
With Penelope LespinasseMondays12:00-1:30pm10 weeks$225
Advanced II+: Echanges en français! ~ On ZoomApril 11
Join in animated conversations on various topics, all designed to help you gain confidence in speaking French!
With Penelope LespinasseThursdays10:00-11:30am10 weeks$225
Advanced II-III+: A la carte! Atelier de cuisine françaiseApril 17
Venez parler et préparer une vichysoisse et une salade betterave, carrote et pomme, puis dégustez votre création avec Bénédicte! Tuition includes food and beverage. Limited to 4 students per class.
With Bénédicte MaciasWednesdays10:30am -1:30pm3 hours$60
Advanced III/III+: Parlez français avec Patricia! ~ On ZoomApril 26- June 28
Finissez votre semaine avec un peu de français! Participez à des dialogues vivants et échangez de manière authentique pour gagner en confiance. (No class May 3 & one more date TBA.)
With Patricia DardantFridays2:00-3:00pm8 weeks$120
Advanced III/III+: Alter Ego +A1 ~ On ZoomApril 8
Continue your study of French with new activities, exercices, short readings and lively discussions of French culture and more ! Text: Alter Ego+ A1. (Available in AF Office ($30), in AF library, or on Amazon.)
With Penelope LespinasseMondays10:00-11:30am10 weeks$225
Advanced III+: Discussions animées ~ On ZoomApril 1
Commencez la semaine en français avec des lectures intéressantes et des discussions diverses.
With Maria RossMondays10:30am-12:00pm10 weeks$225
Advanced III+ : Lecture, conversation & grammaire ~ On ZoomApril 3
Révision de grammaire en utilisant Discovering French Rouge (disponible dans notre bureau) et lecture de nouvelles (Text TBA). Conversations dynamiques sur des sujets variés!
With Maria RossWednesdays5:15-6:45pm10 weeks$225
Advanced III+: Everyday Situational French ~ In personApril 5
Looking for a communication class focused on using and improving your French in daily life? This hands-on class is the perfect fit! Focusing on real-life situations, you will have the opportunity to practice using French for everyday situations and conversations. A small fee will be collected for handouts you'll receive in class.
With Maria RossFridays10:00-11:30am10 weeks$225
Advanced III+ Un peu de tout ~ On Zoom or in personApril 9
Un peu de tout – grammaire, phonétique, compréhension orale, lectures courtes et beaucoup de discussion avec moins de devoirs! (Text TBA. La classe se réunira sur Zoom ou en personne selon la préférence de la majorité des étudiants).
With Carolyn SimmonsTuesdays12:00-1:30pm8 weeks$180

Advanced Seminars

Vous parlez bien mais vous désirez affiner votre niveau, enrichir votre vocabulaire et approfondir vos connaissances.
Advanced III+/IV: Dictées! On Zoom4/25, 5/9, 5/23, 6/6, 6/20
Testez votre compréhension orale et expression écrite avec 2-3 dictées suivies de correction et discussion des difficultés.
With Patricia DardantThursdays2:00 - 3:00pm5 weeks$75
Advanced III+/IV: Edito B2 (2022) ~ On ZoomApril 25 - June 27
Immergez-vous dans le français de la vie quotidienne tout en améliorant votre compréhension et expression orale et écrite. Chapitre 11: l'intelligence artificielle. Chapitre 12: la force des arts. Grammaire: le futur, indicatif ou subjonctif, et les pronoms relatifs composés. Manuel: Edito B2, 4e édition, $35 (disponible à l’AF Abq et Amazon via Foreign Books Illinois).
With Patricia DardantThursdays10:00am-12:00pm10 weeks$300
Advanced III+/IV: Cercle de lecture 14h April 24
Lisez et discutez du roman de Jean François Pasques, Fils de personne. Ce roman a gagné le Prix du Quai des Orfèvres en 2023. (Disponible sur Amazon ou Kindle).
With Patricia DardantWednesdays2:00-3:00pm6 weeks$90
Advanced III+/IV: Cercle de lecture 15h30 April 24
Lisez et discutez du roman de Jean François Pasques, Fils de personne. Ce roman a gagné le Prix du Quai des Orfèvres en 2023. (Disponible sur Amazon ou Kindle).
With Patricia DardantWednesdays3:30-4:30pm6 weeks$90
Advanced III+/IV: Conversation avancée avec Maria ~ On ZoomApril 1
Venez parler de thèmes divers tels le voyage, le travail, la culture, les pays francophones et biens d'autres encore ! De plus, vous êtes libres de venir avec des idées de sujets dont vous aimeriez parler.
With Maria RossMondays2:30-4:00pm10 weeks$225
Advanced IV: Cosmopolite 5 (C1) ~ On ZoomApril 26-June28
Pour nos étudiants les plus avancés, venez perfectionner votre grammaire tout en parlant comme un moulin à paroles avec Cosmopolite 5 (Hachette 2020). Dossier 3: prenons soin de nous. Dossier 4: le langage du corps. Grammaire: pronoms compléments, pronoms relatifs et le subjonctif. (Manuel disponible sur Amazon, offert par Foreign Books Illinois). [No class May 3 & one more day, TBA.]
With Patricia DardantFridays9:45-11:15am8 weeks$180

Click here to print a PDF of the 2024 Spring Class Schedule

Click here to print a PDF of Alliance School general information