Get to Know Our French Programs
Welcome to our FAQ page, where we’ve gathered answers to the most common questions about our French language programs. Whether you’re interested in group classes or private lessons, you’ll find helpful information to guide you in making the best choice for your learning journey.
French General classes FAQs
How long does it take to learn French?
The time it takes to learn French varies depending on several factors, including the amount of time dedicated to studying, your ability to learn new languages, and the desired level of proficiency. We have developed a program called “My French Transformation” that enables students with no prior knowledge of French to effectively communicate and write in the language within 6 months.
What is the "My French Transformation" program?
“My French Transformation” is an intensive 6-month program designed to take students from complete beginners to confident French speakers in 6 levels. The program covers all fundamental aspects of the French language, including grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and conversational skills. It includes:
- Live Classes: Held twice a week to provide interactive learning experiences.
- Online Platform: Offers access to class recordings, homework, and additional resources.
- Community Support: Connects students with French teachers and fellow learners for practice and mutual support.
- Weekly Video Challenges: Engages students in practical applications of their skills.
- Real-life Social Events: Provides opportunities to practice French in social settings.
This program builds a strong foundation in French, equipping students with the necessary skills to join our specialized TEF (Test d’Évaluation de Français) and TCF Canada (Test de Connaissance du Français) preparation courses or aim for a bilingual job in Canada.
Tell me more about the difference between each of the 6 levels of “My French Transformation” program?
‘My French Transformation‘ program is organized in 6 levels and aims to reach an A2-B1 level in 6 months.
- Level 1: Begin your French journey with this introductory course designed for absolute beginners. Learn essential vocabulary, basic grammar, and foundational conversation skills to help you greet, introduce yourself, and navigate simple interactions. Perfect for those with no prior knowledge of French.
- Level 2: Expand your foundational French skills by learning to navigate everyday situations and order at restaurants. This course focuses on practical conversations and essential grammar, helping you build confidence in interacting in various social contexts.
- Level 3: Advance your French by learning to discuss future plans and describe everyday situations in more detail. This course focuses on future tenses and practical applications, helping you confidently navigate conversations about travel, work, and leisure activities.
- Level 4:Enhance your fluency by learning to describe past events and personal experiences. This course emphasizes the use of past tenses, helping you confidently narrate stories, share memories, and discuss cultural habits.
- Level 5: This course covers conditional tenses and discussions on technology, music, and literature, enhancing your ability to communicate effectively on diverse topics.
- Level 6: Achieve fluency by mastering the subjunctive mood. This course helps you express wishes, doubts, and feelings, and use idiomatic expressions, making your French sound more natural.
How can I know which level to join?
If you have previously learned French and prefer to start the program at Level 2 or higher, we recommend taking a placement test or contacting us to determine the best starting point for you, ensuring you join the class that best matches your proficiency level.
Please note that due to our small group class format, we do not offer refunds. All registrations are final.
What materials are provided in the group classes, and are they included in the price?
All materials are included in the price, designed to complement and enhance your classroom learning experience. During your studies, you will have access to:
- Online Platform: Includes recordings of all classes, homework, and additional resources.
- Weekly Video Challenges: Provides opportunities to practice French between classes.
- Special Invitations: Access to exclusive student-only events.
- Immersive Resources: A list of top French movies, series, books, and podcasts to help you immerse yourself in the French language and culture.
How often do the group classes meet, and what is the class duration?
Group classes meet twice a week, with each live session taught by a native French teacher lasting 90 minutes. To ensure rapid progress, we encourage students to practice French daily. You will be invited to join video challenges and write about your everyday life, actively engaging with the language.
What is the maximum number of students per group class?
To ensure personalized attention and effective learning, we aim to limit our group classes to a maximum of 16 students.
What happens if my class falls on a statutory holiday?
On statutory holidays, no live classes will be conducted. Instead, students will be offered to allocate this time to self-study through our online platform, which includes specific lessons and homework aimed at reinforcing their learning. The teacher will address any questions related to these assignments in the next class session.
TEF/TCF Preparation Course FAQs
What are the TEF & TCF exams?
The TEF Canada (Test d’Évaluation de Français) and the TCF Canada (Test de Connaissance du Français) are official French language proficiency exams approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). They are used to demonstrate your level of French for Canadian immigration programs, including Express Entry.
Both exams assess the same four language skills — listening, reading, writing, and speaking — and their results are valid for two years. For immigration purposes, scores from both the TEF Canada and the TCF Canada are converted into Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB), which determine eligibility and immigration points.
At Learn French in Calgary, we prepare students for both the TEF Canada and the TCF Canada through the same structured program, as the exams are very similar in format and requirements.
Which exam should I choose: TEF Canada or TCF Canada?
Both the TEF Canada and the TCF Canada are officially accepted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and are evaluated using the same CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) levels for immigration.
For most students, the choice between TEF Canada and TCF Canada comes down to personal preference or exam availability, as both exams assess the same language skills and carry the same value for Canadian immigration.
At Learn French in Calgary, we prepare students for both exams through the same structured program, so you do not need to decide immediately. Our team can help guide you toward the exam that best fits your situation when the time comes.
Is TEF preparation different from TCF preparation?
No. For Canadian immigration purposes, TEF Canada and TCF Canada preparation is very similar.
Both exams assess:
Listening
Reading
Writing
Speaking
They are both converted into CLB levels by IRCC, and the language skills required to succeed are the same. For this reason, our preparation program is designed to cover both the TEF Canada and the TCF Canada, and students preparing for either exam follow the same curriculum and classes.
How long does it take to prepare for the TEF or TCF exam?
For students with no prior knowledge of French, we recommend first enrolling in the 6-month My French Transformation program to build a strong foundation in the language.
After completing this program, students can continue with our TEF Canada and TCF Canada exam preparation course, which typically lasts:
3 months to reach CLB 4, or
6 months to reach CLB 7, depending on individual progress and commitment.
To achieve the best results, we strongly encourage students to:
Attend all live classes
Complete all assigned homework and practice activities
We also provide additional resources for students who are fully committed to their French learning journey. Immersing yourself in French on a daily basis — by watching French movies, reading French books, and listening to French podcasts — can significantly enhance your proficiency and overall readiness for the TEF or TCF exam.
Do I need to speak French before starting the program?
No prior knowledge of French is required.
If you are starting from zero or have very basic French skills, we recommend beginning with our 6-month My French Transformation program. This program is designed to build strong foundations in French and prepare students to confidently continue into TEF Canada or TCF Canada exam preparation.
Students who already have an intermediate or advanced level of French may be able to start directly in the exam preparation program, depending on their level.
What happens if I miss a class in the "My French Transformation" program or individual levels?
We provide recordings and materials for missed classes, allowing you to catch up at your convenience. Additionally, instructors are available to help with any questions or areas of difficulty. Please make sure you communicate with your teacher during the classes, or with us by filling out the form on the Contact Us Page if you need support with your learning. Our classes are non-refundable so we aim to find a quick option for you to have the best learning experience with our school from the beginning of the programs.
What is the cancellation policy for group classes?
All registrations for our group classes are final due to our small-group format. If you cancel more than 7 business days before the program starts, you can choose to:
- Postpone your classes for up to 6 months.
- Use 75% of the paid amount as credit for private classes (valid for 6 months).
- Receive a 50% refund within 5 business days.
Cancellations made within 7 business days of the start date are non-refundable. Once the program begins, no refunds are provided. For more details, please refer to our full terms and conditions.
Are the French classes available online and in-person?
We currently offer group French classes online, while in-person classes are available in a private format only.
Students can enroll online in:
For students who prefer in-person learning, private French lessons are available on request, including support for TEF or TCF exam preparation.
How do I register for the TEF or TCF exam in Calgary?
While our school supports students in preparing for the TEF and TCF exams, we are not an exam centre. To register for the TEF/TCF exam in Calgary, please contact Alliance Francaise.
French Private Lessons FAQs
How do you customize private lessons?
We start with an initial assessment to understand your current level and goals. Based on this, we create a personalized lesson plan focusing on your specific areas of improvement.
- No Previous Knowledge: Follow our French Transformation program.
- Level B1: Register for conversational and grammatical classes based on your goals, or register for private TEF preparation classes if you wish to prepare for the exam.
For more details, please visit our private classes page.
How flexible is the scheduling for private lessons?
Private lessons offer flexible scheduling. You can arrange classes at times that fit your personal and professional commitments. We advise you to schedule your class at a regular time one or twice a week so it can be part of your routine and make constant progress.
For more details, please visit our private classes page.
Do I need to sign up for a minimum number of lessons?
While we recommend a minimum of 2 French classes per week to achieve significant progress, there is no mandatory minimum. You can choose between 1, 4, 8, and 12 classes of 60 or 90 minutes each.
What is the cost of private lessons?
The cost varies depending on the duration and frequency of the lessons, as well as whether the focus is on general French or TEF preparation. We provide detailed pricing on our Private French Classes page.
Are the private lesson materials included in the price?
Yes, all necessary materials are included. This includes textbooks, workbooks, and any additional resources tailored to your specific needs.
What is the cancellation policy for private lessons?
For private classes, cancellations must be made at least 24 hours in advance to avoid being charged for the session. If you cancel less than 24 hours before your scheduled class, you will be charged for the full amount of the session. Please refer to our full terms and conditions for more details.