LEVELS

The curriculum follows the guidelines of the FRAMES program, defining the different levels of language learning, optimizing the choice of courses, and incorporating a global point of view.

Courses based on the CEFR Level (Comman European Framework Reference

All our courses are aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference of Languages (CEFR) to ensure continuous and measurable progress.

CEFR Fluency Levels

The Common European Framework Reference for Languages (CEFR) is the internationally used European guideline for describing the level of fluency achieved by a foreign language learner. The Alliance offers multiple courses within each CEFR level, as detailed below.

Beginner A1

  • Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type.
  • Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has.
  • Can interact with others at a beginner level. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.

Advanced Beginner A2

  • Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of everyday life (e.g. very basic personal & family information, shopping, local geography, employment).
  • Can communicate simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.
  • Can describe in simple terms his/her background, immediate environment, and basic needs.

Intermediate B1

Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, and leisure.

Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken.

Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest.

Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

Advanced B2

  • Understand the main ideas of both concrete and abstract topics in complex texts, including technical discussions in a field of specialization.
  • Interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers comfortable without strain for either party.
  • Produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

Expert C1/C2

  • Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning.
  • Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions.
  • Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes.
  • Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
  • Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read.
  • Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation.
  • Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.

This reference system defines levels of foreign language proficiency based on speaking and writing skills: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2. It provides a common basis for the design of official programs, diplomas, and certificates. It therefore encourages educational and professional mobility, and creates bridges between all Alliance Françaises and institutions that align their course offerings with the CEFR.

Build a solid foundation in French with this basic immersion program.

Level A1 includes courses 101, 102 and 103

You will be able to:

  • Understand and use familiar everyday expressions and basic phrases aimed at satisfying basic needs.
  • Introduce yourself and others.
  • Ask and answer questions about personal details such as where you live, people you know and things you have.
  • Interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.

Level A2 includes courses 201, 202 and 203

You will be able to:

  • Understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment).
  • Communicate according to simple and routine tasks requiring simple and direct exchanges of information on familiar and routine matters.
  • Describe, in simple terms, aspects of your background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.

Level B1 includes courses 101,102, 

You will be able to:

  • Understand the main points regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.
  • Deal with most situations likely to arise while traveling in an area where the language is spoken.
  • Produce simple connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest.
  • Describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

Reinforce your knowledge of French grammar and practice both oral and written skills through socio-cultural themes.

Level B2 includes courses 201, 202

You will be able to:

  • Understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in fields of specialization.
  • Interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party.
  • Produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

Determine your French Competency with Ev@lang!
Fast and modern: Ev@lang is an innovative tool designed by French International (former CIEP) to accurately determine your foreign language competency level.