FAQ

FAQ

Course sessions

Every year, Alliance Française de Colombo proposes four terms, each of ten weeks’ duration.

  1. Term 1: 13th January – 02nd April
  2. Term 2: 08th April – 08th July
  3. Term 3: 11th July  – 24th September
  4. Term 4: 30th September – 17th December

What is the weekly class schedule?

We offer once-a-week schedules and twice-a-week schedules :

    • ADULTS: Once a week, 2.5 hours, Mondays / Tuesdays / Wednesdays / Thursdays / Fridays / Saturdays / Sundays (For each session of 2.5 hours, students receive 30 minutes of guided and reviewed independent work.)
    • ADULTS: Twice a week, 2.5 x 2 hours, Monday + Wednesday / Tuesday + Thursday / Saturday + Sunday (For each session of 2.5 hours, students receive 30 minutes of guided and reviewed independent work.)
    • KIDS: Once a week, one hour, Wednesdays / Fridays / Saturdays
  • TEENS: Once a week, 2.5 hours, Mondays / Tuesdays / Wednesdays / Thursdays / Fridays / Saturdays (For each session of 2.5 hours, students receive 30 minutes of guided and reviewed independent work.)

Accompaniment courses for National / London O.L. / A.L.: Once a week, Wednesdays / Thursdays / Sundays

What are the course fees?

Click here to view the courses we offer and the fees.

 

How do I register for a French course?

To become an Alliance Française student, you will have to:
– fill up and sign the Student registration : (Download Registration Form)

– Settle the fees: Course fee, registration fee, and prescribed books.
Registration periods for 2023 [More Information]

Where and when can I register?

  • You can register at our centre at No.11, Barnes Place, Colombo 7, or online:
  • Registrations at AF:
    If you are a complete beginner, you are very welcome to come over to our centre and sign up for the beginner’s class; if you have already learned French, please register for a placement test before your registration. Placement test 

Registration periods for 2023

  1. Term 1: 13th January – 02nd April
  2. Term 2: 08th April – 08th July
  3. Term 3: 11th July – 24th September
  4. Term 4: 30th September – 17th December

 

I’m already a Student of Alliance Française, how to settle my fees for the next term?

  • Refer to the rates for your course and, when necessary, the price of the new textbook & workbook.
  • Select your preferred payment method and make the payment. (See below “Payment Method”)

I’m a new student of Alliance Française, how do I settle my fees?

  • If you are a complete beginner in French :
    – Select your Beginner’s Course: A1.1 (Age 16 and above)/ Teens 1 (11-16 years)/ Kids 1 (6 10 years).
    – Total payment: Course fee + Registration fee + Textbook & workbook
    Please call over at the Alliance Française, No. 11, Barnes Place, Colombo 7.
    – Download the registration form [Registration form]
  • You have studied French before :
    – You will be required to sit for a placement test to determine your current level of French. You can register online via the website or on-site by visiting us at No.11, Barnes Place, Colombo 07. [Click here to register online].
    – Total payment: Placement test + Course fee + Registration fee + Textbook & workbook. Select your preferred payment method and make the payment. (See below “Payment Method”)

What are the different payment methods ?

  • Payment in cash at the Alliance Française Front Desk, No.11, Barnes Place, Colombo 7.
  • Bank transfer:
    Alliance Française de Kotte (guarantee) LTD
    HNB Cinnamon Gardens Bank
    A/C no: 076010120865

After making the transfer, please submit your payment confirmation to the relevant google form in the form of a photo of the bank slip / online fund transfer slip.

[See page to view google form]

How many students are there in my class?

We have an average of 10 students per class. (max. 18)

How do I ascertain my current level of French?

Check our level chart here. And if you are a non-beginner, please register for the next a placement, after which you will be informed of your recommended class.

What are your teaching methods?

Our highly qualified team of dedicated teachers will use French as a medium language in order to develop all four language competencies, i.e., listening, reading, speaking and writing, giving equal emphasis to all four skills. We also lay a special emphasis on social and cultural interactions. The courses are activity based, thematic and student-centered.

Our curriculum follows the European Framework of References for Languages (CECRL): A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2

What’s the difference between general course and workshops?

General courses adopt a holistic approach at the first three levels, focusing on everyday language skills in formal and informal settings (A1-B1). More emphasis is given to competencies related to higher-order thinking skills at the higher levels (B2-C2)

If you wish to learn French, whilst focusing on a specific competence or an area of personal interest, our French language workshops are made for you!

Which textbooks do you use?

For the Adults’ courses, we use Cosmopolite textbooks and workbooks 1 to 4, and for levels C1 and C2, our teachers combine textbooks and workbooks of (Cosmopolite 5 and Alter Ego 5), and various documents.

For the Teenagers’ courses, we use Adomania 1, 2, 3 & 4.

For the children’s classes, we use Les Loustics A1.1 and A1

Do I get a certificate after completing my course?

Yes, you can apply for a letter of completion if you have scored above 50% for the class evaluation at the end of each term.
At the end of each course, (Adults’ A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, Teens’ 4, 8, 12, 16, Kids 8 and 16), the Alliance Française will conduct a comprehensive summative evaluation targeting all four language skills. Those who score above 50%, will receive a certificate.

Do you offer courses for children and teenagers?

Yes, we do conduct children’s classes (for those aged between 6 to 10) and classes for teenagers (for those aged between 12 to 17) with fun and interactive activities.

See French for kids
See French for teenagers

Can I / Should I sit for DELF-DALF exams?

Even though the Alliance Française issues certificates at the end of each course, we still recommend that our students sit for the DELF and DALF exams, which is an official and internationally recognised diplomas of the French language. DELF DALF diplomas are valid for life. DELF and DALF sessions are organised throughout the year.
DELF-DALF exam fees and schedule. [Click here]

Could I have tailor-made individual French courses or small group classes?

Yes, we can organise individual lessons/ group classes of 2-3 students, according to your requirements and pace.
See French for Individuals and Mini Groups

School policy

Check Alliance Française School Policy

How do I register for DELF-DALF/ TEF?

During the registration period, you can register on-site at the Alliance Française or online via the website by submitting your registration form along with the necessary documents.
Exam registrations 

Sessions and calendar of exams

Click here to view the calendar.

What’s the difference between TCF and DELF-DALF?

Both DELF-DALF and TEF are recognized by the French National Ministry for Education.
The DELF and DALF are diplomas that are valid for life. There are six levels available, and candidates are free to take any level of the test as and when they wish (under the recommendation of their teachers).
The TEF is a grading certificate that places you in the spectrum of language proficiency from beginner to native level user. The TEF is valid for two years.

To which level should I sit for the exams?

We consider that each level A1/A2/B1/B2/C1 consists of approximately 180-220 hours of French learning.
For the DELF-DALF, you may ask your teacher to assist you to register at the right level.

How to prepare for the exam?

The Alliance Française organises DELF-DALF preparation courses prior to each the DELF-DALF exam sessions, check our workshops now

Can I sign up for several levels in one session of DELF-DALF?

Yes, but only for the DELF-DALF Tout Public sessions.

When can I receive my certificate?

DELF-DALF Exam results (Attestation de réussite) will be sent one month after the test.
DELF-DALF Certificates can be personally collected within four months after examination.
For TCF results, certificates are be delivered online within 1 month following the session.

Which level should I attain to study in France?

DELF B2 is the level required to enter a French University to study in the French medium. However, to study in the English medium, it is possible to qualify for entry at lower levels.
For more information on French studies : www.taiwan.campusfrance.org