General Information

What are the benefits of membership to the Alliance Française de Seattle?
As a member of the Alliance Française de Seattle, you are part of a community of people who appreciate and value the French language and Francophone cultures.   Our programs and activities are designed to help you broaden your understanding of these cultures and the French language.   You can participate in our Language Center classes and workshops, film viewings, celebrations, cultural events such as fine and performing arts, and programs with renowned lecturers and speakers from around the world.   The Alliance Française de Seattle offers many and varied opportunities for native French speakers to stay connected with contemporary France, and to share and preserve your cultural heritage.   All members have access to the multimedia resources in the Alliance Française de Seattle library, and you receive regular news and information updates concerning French- and Francophone-related activities in our area. Please click here for more details about Membership to the Alliance Française de Seattle.

Does the Alliance Française de Seattle offer activities for young adults and children?
Yes! The Alliance Française de Seattle believes that children and young adults are some of our most important members! We recognize that the earlier a child is introduced to a second language, the more easily the child will become proficient in the language and gain an appreciation for cultural diversity and collaboration. We offer dedicated classes for preschool, elementary, and middle school children throughout the year. Our instructors are experienced in working with preschool through teenaged students, and the learning environment is supportive and stimulating. We also offer engaging summer camps for children for a cultural and creative exploration of French through games, crafts, cooking, singing, outdoor fun, field trips, and much more!

How does the Alliance Française de Seattle connect native French speakers in the area?
The Alliance Française de Seattle was founded in 1987 to bring together French and French-speaking people in the local community, and we continue that tradition today. We offer many and varied opportunities for native French speakers to connect with each other to socialize and make new acquaintances and contacts. Our cultural activities, film viewings, celebrations, fine and performing art programs, and visits by French dignitaries are well-attended by the local French community. You'll find current French literature, periodicals and films in our library.   We send you regular news and information updates about programs at the Alliance Française de Seattle and throughout the community.   Bienvenue!

Does the Alliance Française de Seattle offer programs designed for business professionals?
The Alliance Française de Seattle can provide customized consulting on effective Franco-American business relations and protocols, as well as language classes for company groups. We are integrating more flexibility into our course schedule to accommodate the busy lifestyles of our students with professional careers.

Does the Alliance Française de Seattle provide translation or interpreting services?
Yes! Certified translators and intepreters are available for your personal and business projects. For more information about our translation services, please email us at info@afseattle.org or phone us at 206.632.5433.

Is it possible to be an intern at the Alliance Française de Seattle?
We have varying-length internship opportunities available for English- and French-speaking college students. If you are studying in a French grande école or a French university, you are are eligible for a long-term internship. An agreement (une convention de stage) between your French university and the Alliance Française is required. All interested candidates should email their CVs and cover letters to info@afseattle.org.

Does the Alliance Française de Seattle offer any certificates of French proficiency?
Yes. The Alliance Française de Seattle offers the DELF (Diplôme d'études en langue française) and DALF (Diplôme approfondi en langue française) proficiency exams that are the official French proficiency exams of the French government's Centre international d'études pédagogiques (CIEP). The exams evaulate the four French language proficiencies: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.  Upon your successful completion of the exam, you receive an official, internationally-recognized certification of your French language proficiency. Please visit the DELF/DALF Certifications page of our website for more details.

Classes

When are classes offered?
The Alliance Française de Seattle offers classes on a quarterly schedule, and class sessions are generally 9-12 weeks. Each session's dates are published in the Calendar on our website, and in our newsletter L'ÉCHO.

Does the Alliance Française de Seattle offer private lessons as well as group classes?
Yes. We offer individual private lessons, and ask our students to register for a minimum of 10 hours of private classes. Semi-private classes are limited to a maximum of three students. If you are considering a group class, you are also welcome to attend the first class session on a trial basis to see if you like it. Please coordinate with our Director of Education at least one week prior to the start of the group class to attend the first meeting.

Does the Alliance Française de Seattle follow the AF FRAMES standards used by other Alliance Française chapters?
Yes. In your classes at the Alliance Française de Seattle, you will progress along a comprehensive learning program that follows the AF FRAMES (Alliance Française French- American Educational Standards), a program based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages Educational Standards (CEF). The program offers beginner through advanced levels, with each new level building upon the previous one until you have achieved fluency and confidence.

For class descriptions and more information, please visit the Language Center section of our website.

Cultural and Social Events

Does the Alliance Française de Seattle offer programs other than French language classes?
Yes! The Alliance Française de Seattle is an educational and cultural nonprofit   organization whose mission is to promote the French language, increase awareness of French and francophone cultures, and foster friendly relations between the American and French people. Our programming embodies this mission, and includes activities and events such as workshops, film viewings, celebrations, fine and performing arts programs, and forums with French dignitaries and renowned lecturers and speakers from around the world. We offer events for children and families, and coordinate with other community groups for special activities. Please check our calendar of activities for a current schedule of exciting events!

Can I bring a guest or non-member to the Alliance Française cultural events?
Absolutely! Unless an event is specifically designated as a Members-only event, all of our cultural activities are open to members and their friends, families and interested colleagues. Non-members will usually be charged a slightly higher admission fee.

How can I volunteer for cultural events at the Alliance Française?
The Alliance Française de Seattle welcomes volunteers interested in contributing their time and skills to our various cultural events and other activities. Volunteer opportunities range from a few hours to ongoing initiatives. We will work with you to identify a volunteer opportunity that matches your interests and schedule. The environment is casual, friendly, and francophone, and you'll be exposed to the French language as you work! Please visit the Support Us section of the website for more information about ongoing volunteer opportunities.