Menu
Log in
Forgot password
Log in
Forgot password


Languages

ABOUT OUR LANGUAGE COURSES

WICE offers French language classes plus French and English guided discussion classes, film classes, and free conversation groups. Language courses are offered from September through June, except during Christmas holidays and official public holidays.

2023 Winter Trimester courses will be held on-line via Zoom as WICE reorganizes following the closing of our office location. Some classes may elect to meet from time to time in a café or other shared space.

For optimal personal attention and expression, core language classes (French 3 and 4) are limited to a maximum of 8 students, film and discussion groups to a maximum of 10.

WHICH LEVEL IS RIGHT FOR YOU

Before enrolling for the first time in a language-learning course, you may want to complete our online Placement Evaluation. It will collect your responses and display your final score sending a notice to the Languages Department. While it is not required, this evaluation may help you choose the right course level. If you have questions thereafter, or are unsure which course to take, please email us at languages@wice-paris.org.

Currently WICE is offering core French classes for levels 3 and 4 only. (See below for criteria.) If you are interested in a lower level, please email us at the address above.

  • Level 3: Capable of having a conversation on familiar topics and routine situations, with some errors. Ability to deal with simple, straightforward information. B1
  • Level 4: Capable of having a more fluent conversation on a wide rante of topics. Strong vocabulary with few mistakes. B2-C1.
  • Film and Discussion courses: These classes offer an opportunity to practice your oral and language skills and to increase vocabulary in a stimulating, less formal context. To participate fully, an intermediate level is recommended.

English Placement Test

French Placement Test

UPCOMING EVENTS

  • Tuesday French-English Conversation Group (in person)

    • 10 Jan 2023
    • 04 Jul 2023
    • 26 sessions
    • Maison Communale, 69 rue Violet , 75015 Paris

    Tuesday In-Person French - English Conversation Group

    Looking for a relaxed and welcoming place to practice and improve your French or English? WICE conversation groups allow you to practice your language skills in an easy, convivial atmosphere with native speakers.

    Participants are divided into small groups of 5 - 6 people, and the conversations are 45 minutes in French and 45 minutes in English. The subjects are of  the group’s choosing. Though an intermediate level of English and French is expected, there is a wide range of abilities.

    There is no need to register, but if you wish to participate in person in Tuesday's group, please contact Mary-Jo at mary-jo@wice-paris.org.


    This group meets at the Maison Communale, 69 rue Violet , 75015 Paris from 15:00 - 16:30, and then typically goes to a café afterwards for a bit of socializing.

    Metro line 8 stop Commerce, and busses #42, #70, #88.

    Participation is free with WICE membership.

    Show details

  • BJ122 English Guided Discussion

    • 12 Jan 2023
    • 30 Mar 2023
    • 11 sessions
    • Online via Zoom
    • 8
    Register

    Course Description

    This English Guided Discussion Group is open to people who have a strong intermediate or advanced level of English. Our group leaders suggest interesting topics and readings prior to each group discussion. If you enjoy reading, speaking, presenting, and engaging in diverse topic-centered discussions, this group is for you. In addition to learning and developing through guided conversation with other participants, you will also have the opportunity to get personalized constructive feedback. The group speaks only in English for one
    hour.

    Ce groupe de discussion guidée anglaise est ouvert aux personnes qui parlent anglais presque couramment (niveaux intermédiaire-avancé ou avancé). Nos animateurs proposent des sujets intéressants et des textes avant chaque groupe. Si vous appréciez la lecture, la communication, la présentation et la participation à des discussions
    diverses, ce groupe est pour vous. En plus d’apprendre et se développer à travers des discussions guidées avec d'autres participants, vous aurez également la possibilité d'obtenir des
    commentaires constructifs. Ce groupe de discussion guidée est un endroit idéal pour rencontrer d’autres passionnés de la langue anglais. Le groupe ne parle qu’anglais pendant une heure.

    Note: A Zoom link will be provided the day before the
    course begins. Be sure to check your email for it

    Facilitators

    The group will be led by several native English speakers of varying interests and backgrounds.

    Show details

  • BJ131 French 4.2 (Advanced Intermediate, Delf B2)

    • 13 Jan 2023
    • 31 Mar 2023
    • 11 sessions
    • Online via Zoom
    • 7
    Register

    COURSE DESCRIPTION

    This dynamic course will fine tune your abilities in an array of everyday life situations in French. Students at this level have the ability to express themselves on a range of topics. They are comfortable in most situations and have a strong vocabulary with few mistakes. Using interactive methods to ensure learner engagement and lasting progress, the course will facilitate your progress in vocabulary development, oral and written expression, comprehension, and pronunciation. Geared for learners with prior advanced-intermediate French, this course will be held in French once a week for 90 minutes.

    NOTE: This class will be held remotely. A Zoom link will be provided for students the day before the course begins. Be sure to check your email for it.

    No classes will be held the week of 27 Feb - 03 Mar. 

    ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

    Nathalie Allain is a native French speaker with a master’s degree in FLE (French as a foreign language) who is also fluent in English, German, and Japanese. To future students, she says: “In addition to textbooks, I like to make French come alive by using the language to discover the culture and history of Paris in one field trip each month.”

    Show details

  • BJ132 French Guided Discussion

    • 13 Jan 2023
    • 31 Mar 2023
    • 11 sessions
    • Online via Zoom
    • 7
    Register

    Course Description

    This French Guided Discussion Group is open to people who have a strong intermediate or advanced level of French. Group leaders provide participants with engaging weekly readings on a wide range of topics prior to each dynamic and fast-paced seminar.

    If you enjoy reading, speaking, presenting, and engaging in varied, topic-centered discussions, this group is for you. In addition to learning through focused conversation with other participants, you will also have the opportunity to get personalized constructive feedback.

    The French Guided Discussion group speaks only in French for 90
    minutes which gives participants an excellent space to practice.  

    Note: This course will be held remotely. A Zoom link will be provided for students the day before the course begins. Be sure to check your email for it.

    Facilitators

    Brice Dardel and Valerie Brosbrann are both native French
    speakers with extensive experience leading discussions.
    They alternate weekly sessions.

    Show details

  • Friday French-English Conversation Group (in person)

    • 10 Feb 2023
    • 31 Mar 2023
    • 6 sessions
    • Le Patronage Laïque Jules Vallès, 72 Avenue Félix Faure, 75015

    Friday In-Person French - English Conversation Group

    Looking for a relaxed and welcoming place to practice and improve your French or English? WICE conversation groups allow you to practice your language skills in an easy, convivial atmosphere with native speakers.

    Participants are divided into small groups of 5 - 6 people, and the conversations are 45 minutes in French and 45 minutes in English. The subjects are of  the group’s choosing. Though an intermediate level of English and French is expected, there is a wide range of abilities.

    There is no need to register, but if you wish to participate in person in Friday's group, please contact Mary-Jo at mary-jo@wice-paris.org.

    This group meets at Le Patronage Laïque Jules Vallès, 72 Avenue Félix Faure, 75015 from 15:00 - 16:30, and then typically goes to a café afterwards for a bit of socializing.

    Metro line 8 stop Loumel, Tram 3a stop Balard, and buses #62, #70, #80, #88.

    Participation is free with WICE membership.

    Show details

  • Tuesday French-English Conversation Group (Online)

    • 14 Mar 2023
    • 27 Jun 2023
    • 16 sessions
    • On Zoom

    French - English Conversation Group

    Looking for a relaxed and welcoming place to practice and improve your French or English? WICE conversation groups allow you to practice your language skills in an easy, convivial atmosphere with native speakers.

    Participants are divided into small groups of 5 - 6 people, and the conversations are 45 minutes in French and 45 minutes in English. The subjects are of  the group’s choosing. Though an intermediate level of English and French is expected, there is a wide range of abilities.

    There is no need to register, but if you wish to participate in Tuesday's remote group, please contact Dania  at dania.lawand@wice-paris.org.

    Participation is free with WICE membership.

    Show details

  • Thursday French-English Conversation Group (Online)

    • 16 Mar 2023
    • 29 Jun 2023
    • 16 sessions
    • On Zoom

    French - English Conversation Group

    Looking for a relaxed and welcoming place to practice and improve your French or English? WICE conversation groups allow you to practice your language skills in an easy, convivial atmosphere with native speakers.

    Participants are divided into small groups of 5 - 6 people, and the conversations are 45 minutes in French and 45 minutes in English. The subjects are of  the group’s choosing. Though an intermediate level of English and French is expected, there is a wide range of abilities.

    There is no need to register, but if you wish to participate in Thursday's remote group, please contact Elisabetta  at elisabetta.bianchi@wice-paris.org.

    Participation is free with WICE membership.

    Show details

  • Friday French-English Conversation Group (Online)

    • 17 Mar 2023
    • 30 Jun 2023
    • 16 sessions
    • On Zoom

    French - English Conversation Group

    Looking for a relaxed and welcoming place to practice and improve your French or English? WICE conversation groups allow you to practice your language skills in an easy, convivial atmosphere with native speakers.

    Participants are divided into small groups of 5 - 6 people, and the conversations are 45 minutes in French and 45 minutes in English. The subjects are of  the group’s choosing. Though an intermediate level of English and French is expected, there is a wide range of abilities.

    There is no need to register, but if you wish to participate in Friday's remote group, please contact Dania  at dania.lawand@wice-paris.org.

    Participation is free with WICE membership.

    Show details

  • BA121 French Film Discussion

    • 12 Apr 2023
    • 28 Jun 2023
    • 11 sessions
    • Remote on Zoom
    • 8
    Register

    For this advanced French course, you will watch a film at home (available on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Canal Plus, Orange, YouTube and other platforms) before a lively and engaging discussion in class. Each week a new film provides a basis for an immersive lesson with authentic spoken language and cultural reference points. Watching films is entertaining and enjoyable which breaks through psychological barriers that can arise in traditional language learning.

    If you love movies, there’s no more enjoyable way to increase vocabulary, improve conversational skills, and deepen your understanding of French culture. You can expect to view a wide range of films from the classic to the contemporary in many different genres. Here are the films under consideration for the spring trimester:

    Du Rififi chez les hommes (1955). Thriller, drame de Jules Dassin, avec Jean Servais, Robert Manuel.

    Petite nature (2022). Drame et comédie de Samuel Theis, avec Aliocha Reinert, Antoine Reinartz, Mélissa Olexa.

    Edmond (2019). Comédie historique d’Alexis Michalik, avec Thomas Solivérès, Olivier Gourmet, Mathilde Seigner.

    Journal d’un curé de campagne (1951) de Robert Bresson, avec Claude Laydu, André Guibert, Marie-Monique Arkell.

    Petit Paysan (2017) d’Hubert Charuel, avec Swann Arlaud, Sara Giraudeau, Bouli Lanners.

    La source des femmes (2011) de Radu Mihaileanu, avec Leïla Bekhti, Hafsa Herzi, Hiam Abbass.

    Marie-Octobre (1959) de Julien Duvivier, avec Danielle Darrieux, Paul Guers, Bernard Blier

    Un coeur en hiver (2003) de Claude Sautet, avec Daniel Auteuil, André Dussollier, Emmanuelle Béart.

    Coup de foudre (1983) de Diane Kurys, avec Miou-Miou, Isabelle Huppert, Guy Marchand.

     La Belle équipe (1936) de Julien Duvivier, avec Jean Gabin, Charles Vanel, Raymond Aimos.

     Sage Femme (2017) de Martin Provost, avec Catherine Frot, Catherine Deneuve, Oliver Gourmet.

     Chacun cherche son chat (1996) de Cédric Klapisch, avec Garance Clavel, Romain Duris, Renée Le Calm.

    About the Instructor

    Valérie Brosbrann grew up in Paris and moved to the US in 1981 where she lived for 38 years in New York City, Washington, D.C and Boston. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Brandeis University. She has been teaching French since 1986. She taught adults with the US State Department, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Afterwards, she taught at private high schools in Manhattan. She has taught all levels of French including Advanced and AP classes. She returned to Paris for retirement in 2018 and has been volunteering with WICE for four years.

    Show details

  • BA111 French 3.3 (Intermediate, DELF B1)

    • 13 Apr 2023
    • 29 Jun 2023
    • 18 sessions
    • Remote on Zoom
    • 7
    Register

    This lively French course will improve your ability to deal with an array of everyday life situations in French. This level is for students who understand simple, straightforward information and can express themselves in familiar contexts and take part in an everyday conversation on simple, predictable topics.

    Using interactive methods to ensure learner engagement and lasting progress, the course will help you develop your vocabulary, oral and written expression, comprehension, and pronunciation.

    Geared for learners with an intermediate knowledge of French, the 90-minute class will be held in French, twice a week for a total of 3 hours per week.

    About the Instructors

    Eric Popowicz is an experienced and engaging teacher of FLE (French as a foreign language) in both classrooms, where he has created his own successful teaching methods, and online. To future students, he says: “A language is so much more than a means of communication, it’s a secret passage to a country’s culture, its way of thinking, its approach to life. That’s why languages are so fascinating.” Eric will be teaching French 3 for the month of April.

    Audrey Charmont will return to this class beginning 11 May. Audrey has a Masters in Marketing and Communications as well as a DAEFLE (French as a Foreign Language). She has French teaching experience in France and abroad.
    Show details

  • BA132 English Guided Discussion

    • 13 Apr 2023
    • 29 Jun 2023
    • 10 sessions
    • Remote on Zoom
    • 10
    Register

    This English Guided Discussion Group is open to people who have a strong intermediate or advanced level of English. Our group leaders suggest interesting topics and readings prior to each group discussion. If you enjoy reading, speaking, presenting, and engaging in diverse topic-centered discussions, this group is for you. In addition to learning and developing through guided conversation with other participants, you will also have the opportunity to get personalized constructive feedback. The group speaks only in English for one hour.

    Ce groupe de discussion guidée anglaise est ouvert aux personnes qui parlent anglais presque couramment (niveaux intermédiaire-avancé ou avancé). Nos animateurs proposent des sujets intéressants et des textes avant chaque groupe. Si vous appréciez la lecture, la communication, la présentation et la participation à des discussions diverses, ce groupe est pour vous. En plus d’apprendre et se développer à travers des discussions guidées avec d'autres participants, vous aurez également la possibilité d'obtenir des commentaires constructifs. Ce groupe de discussion guidée est un endroit idéal pour rencontrer d’autres passionnés de la langue anglais. Le groupe ne parle qu’anglais pendant une heure.

    About the Instructors

    The group will be led by several native English speakers of varying interests and backgrounds.

    Show details

  • BA141 French 4.2 (Advanced Intermediate, DELF B2)

    • 14 Apr 2023
    • 30 Jun 2023
    • 11 sessions
    • Remote on Zoom
    • 8
    Register

    This dynamic course will fine tune your abilities in an array of everyday life situations in French. Students at this level have the ability to express themselves on a range of topics. They are comfortable in most situations and have a strong vocabulary with few mistakes. Using interactive methods to ensure learner engagement and lasting progress, the course will facilitate your progress in vocabulary development, oral and written expression, comprehension, and pronunciation. Geared for learners with prior advanced-intermediate French, this course will be held in French once a week for 90 minutes.

    About the Instructors

    Nathalie Allain is a native French speaker with a master’s degree in FLE (French as a foreign language) who is also fluent in English, German, and Japanese. To future students, she says: “In addition to textbooks, I like to make French come alive by using the language to discover the culture and history of Paris in one field trip each month.” Nathalie will be teaching French 4 for the month of April.

    Audrey Charmont will return to this class beginning 12 May. Audrey has a Masters in Marketing and Communications as well as a DAEFLE (French as a Foreign Language). She has French teaching experience in France and abroad.
    Show details

  • BA142 French Guided Discussion

    • 14 Apr 2023
    • 30 Jun 2023
    • 12 sessions
    • Remote on Zoom
    • 10
    Register

    This French Guided Discussion Group is open to people who have a strong intermediate or advanced level of French. Group leaders provide participants with engaging weekly readings on a wide range of topics prior to each dynamic and fast-paced seminar. If you enjoy reading, speaking, presenting, and engaging in varied, topic-centered discussions, this group is for you. In addition to learning through focused conversation with other participants, you will also have the opportunity to get personalized constructive feedback. The French Guided Discussion group speaks only in French for 90 minutes which gives participants an excellent space to practice.

    About the Instructors

    Brice Dardel and other native French speakers alternate weekly sessions.

    Show details

  • BA283 English Film Discussion (formerly American Film Classics)

    • 28 Apr 2023
    • 23 Jun 2023
    • 3 sessions
    • Remote on Zoom
    • 6
    Register

    Discover and discuss masterpieces of American and British cinema in this class for intermediate and advanced English speakers. You’ll watch a film at home on streaming, or borrow the DVD from your local library, before a lively and engaging discussion in class. You’ll be assigned one scene to watch at least three times! Every month you’ll view a film from an influential director so you’ll come to know the stylistic hallmarks of favorite genres and filmmakers. If you love the movies, this course is an enjoyable way to increase vocabulary, get comfortable with idiomatic expressions, improve your conversational skills, and deepen your understanding of American culture and cinema.

    During the winter term students discussed The Apartment by Billy Wilder, The Shop Around the Corner by Ernst Lubitsch, and Shadow of a Doubt by Alfred Hitchcock.

    The theme for the spring term is Americans in Paris, list of films to come soon.

    About the Instructor

    Ellen Feldman grew up in Philadelphia and currently lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She holds a Ph.D. in cinema studies from New York University and has taught film studies at the State University of New York, Geneseo campus, and Brooklyn College.

    Show details

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software