Alliance Francaise
Programs and Reviews
The Alliance Francaise is an international network of learning institutions joined together by their love of French language and culture. Founded in 1883, operates as a private higher education establishment but is also nonprofit; they have served over half a million students from nearly 150 different countries in their existence! Alliance Francaise prides itself on its' programs ability to allow students to learn the language at their own pace.
Alliance Francaise offers French classes, spreads awareness of French and Francophone culture, and promotes cultural diversity. Programs are fundamentally based on a passion for the French language, the pursuit of excellence, listening, innovating, exchanging, and sharing. Alliance Francaise is recognized for their excellence and offers a quality education.
Programs Abroad
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Reviews
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Rating
Staff Interview
Go Overseas: What position do you hold at AF? What has been your career path so far?
Pascale: I am the Director of the Alliance francaise Paris Ile-de-France, I assumed this function in different Alliances all around the world, mainly on the Latin American continent but also in Brussels. I also worked for three years in the Ministry of French Foreign Affairs. I was in charge of the issues regarding the promotion and diffusion of the French language.
Go Overseas: Did YOU study abroad?
Pascale: I did not have the opportunity to study abroad, exchange programs were less plentiful and accessible than they are nowadays. But I encourage young people to do so. My son studied in several countries around the world, speaks several languages. These are for sure some advantages for professional opportunities in France and abroad.
Go Overseas: What does the future hold for Alliance Francaise - any exciting new programs to share?
Pascale: The activity of the Alliance francaise is booming for several years, in qualitative and quantitative terms. The labeling of our establishment in 2008 and in 2012 clearly indicates that our approach of constant research for quality is officially recognized. We will refocus our priorities on enhanced attention to the reception of students, material conditions but also the professionalism of the entire administrative team and teachers.
Present and future are moving decisively to offer quality, diversity, adaptation to the needs and demands of our audiences. As a strong symbol this year, our cultural program is focused on our prestigious partnerships with Parisian cultural institutions and a wide range of activities.
We strive to accompany each student so that his stay in Paris and in our Alliance francaise remains an unforgettable experience that meets their expectations, that's our challenge and our goal.
Go Overseas: What about the future of the industry? How do you think study abroad and international education will change over the next 10 years?
Pascale: I am convinced that we are going towards the development of university exchanges in the up-coming years with common core of studies to move towards a greater understanding of each other. Share learning strategies, teaching tools, information sources in a common context of multilingualism and cultural diversity can only strengthen individual skills, performance businesses and public institutions and even democracy, if we also discuss a political vision. A more accessible mobility, and some more structured exchange programs should be preferred in addition to trainings and distance exchanges that allows the Internet. This is what the Alliance Francaise Paris Ile-de-France continues to focus on: the encounter.
The teachers at Alliance Francaise were absolutely amazing. They pushed forward with the curriculum to ensure we were learning all that was needed to pass the final exams, but they also encouraged us to stop and smell the flowers - literally. Professors never yelled at us for missing class or coming in late -- on the contrary, they asked us what we learned about French culture in the park that day, and applauded us for practicing our French in the cafe. They were happy to take a pause in class to talk about the demonstration (strike) outside, or to answer our questions about French holidays and the like. The professors were approachable, knowledgeable and obviously passionate about spreading the French language and culture. As for my classmates, the classroom was a true melting pot, and I made amazing friends -- from Mexico, Canada, Belize, Equatorial Guinea, South Korea, China, Indonesia, Switzerland, Germany, etc. My classmates and I would often explore Paris together, going out for drinks, to see movies, etc., and some of us even rented a car one weekend and drove to the beach in Normandy. Overall - the Alliance Francaise provided great teaching, wonderful support and a fabulous place for building friendships - I highly recommend the program!