
What weâre about
Hi! Welcome to The French Club. đ
The French Club is a global French-learning community focused on real, practical fluency. Founded in September 2024, it has grown into 13 international Meetup chapters across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, with 6,700+ members and a structured curriculum built in-house (200 modules, from A1 to B2, about 4,000 pages).
Here on Meetup, youâll find our live eventsâmany of them freeâincluding the free A1 course (10 weeks), A1 conversation practice, A1 homework sessions, student-led events such as 'Raconte-moi une histoire', and occasional special sessions with partner companies. Youâll also see events hosted by members of our teaching team and community leaders (Cindy, Nicole, Jaime, and Gaffar).
If youâre looking for a more guided experience, we also offer paid options such as semi-private group classes (A1 to B2), the 'Atelier de Conversation', and French immersion experiences (Nice in Dec. 2025, Quebec city in June 2026, Bordeaux in Sept. 2026, etc.).
Our long-term home is frenchclub.net. Starting in early 2026, events will still be featured on Meetup, but bookings will gradually move to frenchclub.net, with the transition planned to be completed by the end of March 2026. The platform is still under construction, but you can already take a look.
See you at an event soon! â
â François Normandeau
Founder, The French Club
____________________
Welcome message:
https://vimeo.com/1148335419?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci
The French Club â Academic Program 2026:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vjF6aQHIlpKUqaofeFEcv3wZcW1bPRaI_nToY9r4-Tw/edit?usp=sharing
Our MeetUp hub: https://www.meetup.com/pro/learning-speaking-french/
Our language teaching platform: https://www.frenchclub.net/
Our Substack account: https://substack.com/@frenchclub
Our Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@the-french-club
Upcoming events
253
âąOnlineâ Entre Nous â The French Chat Club â
OnlineImportant Availability Note:
This event will be free and open to everyone for the winter 2026 period:
10 weeks, from January 1 until March 15, 2026.
Starting mid-March 2026, this will become available only to Starter ($25 USD/mo.) and Premium ($75 USD/mo.) plan holders on The French Club language platform (currently in development).
***
â Entre Nous â The French Chat Club â
Conversations in French, About All & Everything
***
Join us for a relaxed Friday evening gathering where French learners come together to practice conversation in a warm, judgment-free environment. Think of it as your virtual French cafĂ©âa place to unwind after the week, connect with fellow learners, and simply enjoy speaking French.
This session is designed for adults at all levels (A2 and above) who want to use their French in authentic, meaningful conversations. Join if you can create sentences, understand and reply to questions, express yourself even if partially or imperfectly.
Whether you've just completed your first course or you're more advanced, you're welcome here. We'll explore topics that range from lighthearted and fun to thought-provoking and deep, depending on where the conversation takes us. Topics will change week after week.
There's no curriculum, no homework, and no pressureâjust the pleasure of connecting with others through the French language. Share stories, discuss ideas, laugh together, and practice your French in the most natural way possible: by having real conversations.
Come as you are, bring your favorite beverage, and let's enjoy that cozy cafĂ© atmosphere togetherâfrom wherever you are in the world. :)
***
Details:
When: Friday evenings, 7:00 PM - 8:45 PM (NY time)
Where: Online via Zoom (Zoom call details here below)
Language used: French
Level: Open to those who can have a 60-min conversation in French
Number of participants: 13 maximum
Minimum age required: 18+ years old
No minors will be allowed, and no exceptions.
***
Horaire des rencontres:
19 décembre 2025:
RĂȘves et projets pour lâavenir
26 décembre 2025:
FĂȘtes, traditions et souvenirs dâenfance
2 janvier 2026:
Les décisions qui ont tout changé
9 janvier 2026:
Culture et divertissement
16 janvier 2026:
Les relations qui nous transforment
23 janvier 2026:
La créativité dans la vie quotidienne
30 janvier 2026:
Voyages mĂ©morables et lieux rĂȘvĂ©s
6 février 2026:
Le choc culturel
13 février 2026:
Amour sous toutes ses formes
20 février 2026:
Deuil de soi-mĂȘme et des autres, laisser-aller, abandon et sacrifices
27 février 2026:
Communication et compréhension
6 mars 2026:
Défis personnels
13 mars 2026:
Ce qui me rend fier / fiĂšre
***
Zoom call details:
* Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5456313643
* Zoom password: galaxy
* These are the Zoom login details for all events by this group.
* Please turn your camera on during the session,
for a more engaging experience.
***
What to expect
âą Nearly 2 hours of conversation entirely in French.
âą Light guidance and gentle nudges to keep conversations flowing naturally.
âą A mix of casual, curious, and deeper themesâthink travel, work, culture, habits, goals, creativity, and everyday life.
***
Who itâs for
âą A2 to C1 learners (students but not necessarily my students) who want to stay sharp and speak more spontaneously.
âą Adult learners (anyone and everyone) who value a respectful, supportive atmosphere.
***
What to bring
âą A camera and mic (please keep your camera on if possible).
âą A notebook for new words or expressions.
âą A spirit of curiosity and kindness.
***
House rules
âą This is a language spaceâbe welcoming, patient, and inclusive.
âą Keep it French as much as you can (no stressâsupportive help is always available).
âą No unsolicited private messaging or âpitching.â Respect boundaries and the group vibe.
âą Adults only. (Minors not allowed)
***
Outcome
Youâll leave with more ease, more confidence, and more French in your mouthâplus a few new expressions you can use right away.
***
About Me
In 2017, I was hired as a French teacher by a university in Spain.
Since March 2020, Iâve had the pleasure of teaching French
to 750 students from many countries, delivering more than
5,500+ French lessons, online and in person (as of Oct. 1, 2025).
For some info about me as a teacher, and testimonials, see:
https://www.italki.com/F_Normandeau
or https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/7237721
I look forward to assisting you soon.
François Normandeau
.15 attendees
âąOnlineâ 10-Week A1-Level French Learning Program - Open to all & free â
Onlineâ A1 French Course â Beginner Level (10 Weeks) â
Course Title: French for Beginners â A1 Level
* Duration: 10 weeks
* Weekly Class Time: 2.5 hours per week
* Course format: Live on Zoom
* Self-Study Suggestion: Minimum 10 hours/week
* Total Estimated Learning Hours: ~125 hours
* Group Size: unlimited number of students
***
Course Description
This A1-level French course is designed for absolute beginners who have no prior knowledge of the language.
Over the course of 10 weeks, learners will build a strong foundation in French through speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
By the end of the program, students will be able to introduce themselves, ask and answer simple questions, hold basic conversations, understand everyday expressions, and use fundamental grammar structures.
This course follows the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and prepares students to reach the A1 level, enabling them to interact in basic French in real-life situations.
***
Schedule:
Starts on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026 (week #1)
Ends on Sunday, Mar. 8, 2026 (week #10)
***
Cost & Payment Options:
This 10-week A1 French course is free and the explanations are provided in English. The course will have limited interactions (no speaking exercises), no correction of homework. However, you can be part of a dedicated WhatsApp group.
Ideally, students should go through the first 3 documents of the course and do the homework available in them before the start of the group classes on January 4th, 2026.
***
Optional:
A1 French Free Weekly Homework Session â hosted by Nicole, a student of mine.
Fridays @ 5:30pm to 6:30 pm EST
***
Access & Attendance:
* Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5456313643
* Password: galaxy
***
Course Outline â 10 Weeks of Learning
Week 1: Foundations of French
- Vocabulary: Basic greetings, introducing yourself, numbers 0-100, days of the week
- Grammar: Subject pronouns (je, tu, il/elle, nous, vous, ils/elles), definite/indefinite articles (le, la, un, une, des)
- Speaking & Listening: Introducing yourself, greeting others formally/informally
- Reading & Writing: Writing a short self-introduction
- Homework: Practice dialogues, listening exercises
Week 2: Talking About Yourself & Others
- Vocabulary: Family members, nationalities, professions
- Grammar: Present tense of ĂȘtre and avoir (to be and to have), adjective agreement (petit/petite, français/française)
- Speaking & Listening: Describing yourself and your family
- Reading & Writing: Writing a short text about your family
- Homework: Flashcards for professions & adjectives, listening to beginner dialogues
Week 3: Daily Life & Regular Verbs
- Vocabulary: Common verbs, daily routines (se lever, manger, travailler, dormir)
- Grammar: Present tense of -ER verbs (parler, aimer, habiter), forming negative sentences (ne... pas)
- Speaking & Listening: Talking about daily habits and routines
- Reading & Writing: Describing a typical day
- Homework: Conjugation exercises, watching a short French video
Week 4: Places, Directions, and Prepositions
- Vocabulary: Cities, transportation, places (école, banque, supermarché)
- Grammar: Prepositions of place (Ă , de, sur, sous, devant, derriĂšre), the verb aller
- Speaking & Listening: Asking for and giving directions
- Reading & Writing: Writing short sentences about your city
- Homework: Practicing directions, listening to French street dialogues
Week 5: Shopping, Food, and Ordering in a Café
- Vocabulary: Common foods, numbers 100+, ordering at a restaurant
- Grammar: Articles partitif (du, de la, des), quantities (beaucoup de, un peu de)
- Speaking & Listening: Ordering food and drinks
- Reading & Writing: Writing a grocery shopping list
- Homework: Watching restaurant ordering videos, role-playing dialogues
Week 6: Future Plans and Basic Conversations
- Vocabulary: Talking about free time, future activities (cinema, sports, travel)
- Grammar: Futur proche (aller + infinitive), expressing likes/dislikes (jâaime, je prĂ©fĂšre)
- Speaking & Listening: Talking about weekend plans
- Reading & Writing: Writing about your future plans
- Homework: Listening to audio on leisure activities, creating your own future plans
Week 7: Talking About the Past
- Vocabulary: Common past actions (hier, la semaine derniÚre, déjà )
- Grammar: Passé composé (with avoir for regular verbs)
- Speaking & Listening: Talking about what you did last weekend
- Reading & Writing: Writing a short paragraph about a past experience
- Homework: Reading a simple story in past tense
Week 8: Travel, Transportation, and Asking for Help
- Vocabulary: Transportation (bus, train, taxi, avion), emergency phrases
- Grammar: Questions (oĂč, quand, comment, combien), the verb pouvoir
- Speaking & Listening: Asking for help, booking tickets
- Reading & Writing: Filling out a travel form
- Homework: Practicing travel dialogues, listening to real-life recordings
Week 9: Invitations, Socializing, and Giving Opinions
- Vocabulary: Social phrases (on va au cinĂ©ma ?, pourquoi pas ?, câest une bonne idĂ©e !)
- Grammar: The imperative (regarde ! écoute ! parle !)
- Speaking & Listening: Inviting someone, accepting/refusing
- Reading & Writing: Writing a short invitation message
- Homework: Practicing role-plays, writing social messages
Week 10: Final Review & Everyday Conversations
- Vocabulary: Review of key topics
- Grammar: Reinforcing present, past, and future tenses
- Speaking & Listening: Role-playing real-life scenarios (restaurant, shopping, travel)
- Reading & Writing: Writing a final paragraph about yourself
- Final Assessment: Speaking practice & review exercises
***
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this 10-week course, you will be able to:
* Introduce yourself and others (name, nationality, profession, family)
* Use common verbs in the present, past, and near future
* Ask and answer simple questions in social situations
* Order food, buy things, ask for directions, and make plans
* Read and understand basic French texts (menus, timetables, invitations)
* Write simple sentences and short paragraphs
This course will give you the confidence to communicate in French in everyday situations!
***
About Me
As of November 25th, 2025, Iâve given 5,625 online lessons
to 780 students from about 50 countries.
For some info about me as a teacher, and testimonials, see:
https://www.italki.com/F_Normandeau
or https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/7237721
I look forward to assisting you soon.
François Normandeau
.
***19 attendees- CA$280.00
âąOnlineâ French A2 Course â Intermediate Beginner Level (10 Weeks) â
OnlineThe French Club (all chapters) : already 400+ events completed
(Sept. 1, 2024 â Oct. 1, 2025)
Upcoming events :
https://www.meetup.com/the-french-club-montreal/events/
Testimonials :
https://www.meetup.com/meetup-group-frenchclub/feedback-overview/
Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/@the-french-club
***
â French A2 Course â Intermediate Beginner Level (10 Weeks) â
in a SMALL group setting with 7 students maximum
***
Overview
This A2-level course is designed for learners who already have a basic understanding of French and want to build greater fluency and accuracy in everyday communication.
Over 10 weeks, students will strengthen their ability to speak, understand, read, and write in French through real-life contexts and guided practice.
The course offers structured lessons, engaging conversation practice, and regular feedback to help students become more independent and confident in using French at an elementary level.
Students will learn to describe their daily life in more detail, express preferences and opinions, talk about the past and future, and navigate social and practical situations.
Classes are dynamic, interactive, and supportive â ideal for learners who want to expand their vocabulary, solidify their grammar, and feel more natural when speaking.
***
Target audience
This course is ideal for:
* Learners who have completed an A1 course or have basic knowledge of French
* People preparing for immigration, studies, or work in a French-speaking environment
* Students seeking a structured, intermediate-level program to improve fluency, accuracy, and communication skills
* Adults who want to speak with more confidence and better handle common everyday situations
***
Details of the A2 French course
* Duration: 10 weeks
* Weekly Class Time: 2.5 hours (live on Zoom)
* Schedule: Sundays, 12:30 â 3:00 PM NY time (150 minutes)
* Group Size: Maximum 7 students
* Self-Study Strongly Suggested: Minimum 10 hours/week
* Total Learning Time: ~125 hours
No new admissions once the course starts in early January 2025.
***
Next Session Start Date
Schedule:
Starts on Sunday, January. 4, 2026 (week #1)
Ends on Sunday , March 8, 2026 (week #10)
***
Learning Outcomes for A2 Level Course
By completing this A2-level French course, you will be able to:
* Communicate about personal experiences and future plans with more details and fluency
* Express opinions, preferences, and feelings in conversations (e.g., likes, dislikes, comparisons)
* Understand and use past tenses (passé composé & imparfait) to describe past events and experiences
* Make suggestions, give advice, and express necessity (e.g., Tu devrais..., Il faut..., Si jâĂ©tais toiâŠ)
* Handle everyday situations with greater confidence, including shopping, travel, and work interactions
* Engage in longer dialogues and role-plays, including formal and informal conversations
* Read and understand short articles, emails, and everyday texts (e.g., travel guides, reviews, personal stories)
* Write structured paragraphs, including emails, personal narratives, and informal messages
This course will boost your fluency and confidence in real-life social, travel, and professional situations while reinforcing key grammar and vocabulary.
***
Curriculum & Study Materials
* Each week, you receive a comprehensive PDF (~80â120 pages) divided into 5 modules.
* Each module includes structured lessons, vocabulary, grammar, examples, and exercises.
* Highly recommended: 2 hours of daily self-study (10 hours/week).
* Weekly study guides and homework sections included in each weekly document.
* Each week concludes with an optional self-assessment exam and answer key.
* If you have questions during the week, you can ask in the dedicated WhatsApp group.
***
Class Structure
Each weekly 2.5-hour session is divided into two parts:
1. Review and clarification of core concepts (70 min. or less)
2. Practice through exercises and live conversations (70 min. or more)
Each group meeting will include a 10-min break about halfway.
This B2 French course (over 10 weeks) is given in a semi-private setting (7 students maximum) where interactions will be encouraged via exercises done each week during the classes, along with assisting students with their pronunciation.
The personalized attention and small group setting explain the fee for the course.
***
Communication & Support
* All materials and announcements are shared in a dedicated WhatsApp group. You will need the WhatsApp app in order to receive the documents and updates.
* Students can ask questions and exchange messages throughout the course.
* Course documents and reminders are sent via WhatsApp before each class.
***
Cost & Payment Options
The preferred option is full payment at least one week before the course begins to secure your spot (providing that the course is not sold out).
If your budget is tight, you may choose a weekly plan: $28 CAD per week, due at least 24 hours before each class (including the first session). If payment isnât received on time, you won't be allowed in the goup class.
Please select the weekly plan only if you intend to complete the full course. If you choose the weekly option and skip two group classes (consecutively or not), your enrollment will be ended (to prevent people from jumping in and out whenever it suits them).
* Full Course Fee: $280 CAD for the complete 10-week program
* Weekly Option: $28 CAD per class (paid 24h in advance, one class at a time)
Comparable courses over 10 weeks cost approximately $700 CAD in Toronto and NYC, with the Alliance Française or other schools.
Therefore, this course is less than half price, compared to competitors.
Additionally, not all schools could guarantee that you would be in a small group setting (with a total of 7 students).
***
Refund Policy
If you choose the full payment option and decide to withdraw from the course, refunds are calculated as follows:
If you attended 2 group classes or less than 2:
- Refund of the full $280 CAD.
If you attended 3 group classes or more:
- No refund available
In any case, if you end the group classes, you will no longer have access to the WhatsApp group or receive the course materials for the remaining sessions.
***
Registration Starts and Ends?
Registration for the 10-week semi-private (paid) group classes (A1 to B2) are open as of October 5, 2025, and operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Once a group reaches its maximum number of participants (7), registration for that group closes, and this can happen at any time.
Securing your spot early by completing payment is the only way to guarantee your place. Simply expressing interest or waiting until the last moment does not guarantee availability.
The final deadline to register for the upcoming January 2026 10-week session (for any semi-private group class) is December 31, 2025 at midnight (NY time). After this date, no new registrations will be accepted, regardless of your circumstances.
***
Accepted Payment Methods
1. Stripe (International Debit or Credit Card Payments) :
* Pay per week ($28 CAD): https://buy.stripe.com/eVqfZi3gNdo3ePA8Zcgbm00
* Full 10-week course ($280 CAD): https://buy.stripe.com/5kQ14o9Fb1Fl8rcb7kgbm01
2. PayPal (International payments) : @M2TradingUniversity
3. Interac E-Transfer (Canada only) : f_normandeau@protonmail.com
***
Access & Attendance
* Only participants who have completed payment in advance will be admitted.
* Zoom access closes 10 minutes after class starts to maintain class flow
* Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5456313643
* Password: galaxy
* Camera use is expected for a better group learning experience
* Zoom call etiquette: Ensure that you will have a stable and fast internet connection, and that you will be in a distraction-free environment, in order to not disturb the other attendees while attending the group class.
***
Extra Practice & Community Support
To further enhance learning, students are encouraged to organize their own informal study groups during the week.
While I will not be present for these peer-led sessions, they are highly recommended as a way to collaborate, share insights, and stay motivated throughout the 10-week journey.
***
Course Outline â 10 Weeks of Learning
Week 1
- Module 1: Revision: Present tense of regular verbs
- Module 2: Revision: Common irregular verbs (avoir, ĂȘtre, aller, faire, voir, prendre)
- Module 3: Introduction to passé composé (avoir)
- Module 4: PassĂ© composĂ© with ĂȘtre
- Module 5: Talking about recent experiences using time expressions (hier, la semaine derniÚre, déjà , encore
Week 2
- Module 6: Adjectives for personality & emotions, agreement
- Module 7: Describing emotions and feelings, moods and states.
- Module 8: Expressing opinions (Je pense que, Ă mon avis, selon moi)
- Module 9: City and nature descriptions
- Module 10: Comparative adjectives and some adverbs (plus, le plus, moins, aussi, tellement)
Week 3
- Module 11: Vocabulary: Daily activities & routines, Time expressions for the future (demain, dans une semaine, lâannĂ©e prochaine), Making suggestions and invitations
- Module 12: Futur proche (aller + infinitive)
- Module 13: Futur simple: Introduction and conjugation
- Module 14: Talking about holiday and weekend plans
- Module 15: Writing emails about future plans
Week 4
- Module 16: Verbs expressing preferences (aimer, préférer, détester), discussing hobbies & interests
- Module 17: Expressing agreement/disagreement, Using parce que and donc to express opinions and reasons
- Module 18: Verbs followed by infinitive (aimer + infinitif, préférer, vouloir)
- Module 19: Introduction to conditional (je voudrais, tu aimerais)
- Module 20: Writing a review (film, book)
Week 5
- Module 21: Vocabulary: Shopping, clothing, customer interactions, asking for assistance or help
- Module 22: Imperative (giving instructions and commands), Role-playing customer interactions
- Module 23: Direct object pronouns (me, te, le, la, lâ, les, nous, vous, les)
- Module 24: Indirect object pronouns (me, te, lui, nous, vous, leur)
- Moule 25: Expressing necessity & obligation (il faut, devoir + infinitive), Writing formal emails (requests and complaints)
Week 6
- Module 26: Booking accommodations and tickets, Travel-related vocabulary (transport, hotel, etc.)
- Module 27: Expressing preferences when traveling (Jâaimerais, Je prĂ©fĂšre), Asking for and giving directions
- Module 28: Using pronouns âyâ and âenâ (Il y a, Jâen veux, Jây vais)
- Module 29: Using prepositions with locations (Ă , en, chez, dans)
- Module 30: Writing a travel itinerary
Week 7
- Module 31: Vocabulary: Events, vacations and memories, Common storytelling expressions (Autrefois, quand jâĂ©tais petit(e), il y a longtemps), Expressing duration in the past (pendant, depuis, il y a)
- Module 32: Passé composé vs. imparfait: Differences and usage
- Module 33: Imparfait conjugation and usage
- Module 34: Passé composé conjugation and usage
- Module 35: Narrating past events and stories, Writing diary entries and short narratives
Week 8
- Module 36: Vocabulary: Health and well-being, problem-solving
- Module 37: Conditional tense, for giving advice (je voudrais, tu devrais, si jâĂ©tais toi, jâirais)
- Module 38: Using devoir, pouvoir to give recommendations
- Module 39: Hypothetical situations (si jâĂ©tais toi, je feraisâŠ), Making hypothetical suggestions (Si jâĂ©tais toi, je feraisâŠ)
- Module 40: Writing advice to a friend
Week 9
- Module 41: Educational vocabulary and talking about studies
- Module 42: Workplace, job applications, educational goals
- Module 43: Relative pronouns: qui, que and dont
- Module 44: Using relative clauses to add details (La ville oĂč je vis, Le travail que jâaime)
- Module 45: Writing a formal email (Cher Monsieur/MadameâŠ)
Week 10
- Module 46: Review: Key verbs, present and future tense (futur proche & futur simple)
- Module 47: Review: Key verbs and past tenses (passé composé, imparfait)
- Module 48: Review: Key topics from the course
- Module 49: Role-play: Everyday real-world dialogues
- Module 50: Final assessment (Speaking practice & writing task)
***
About Me
I was born in Montreal (QC), Canada and studied psychology and international finance. I have worked as a professional commodities trader from 2000 until January 2025.
In the past 30 years, I have lived and worked in Hungary, Italy, Spain, Mexico and Antigua and Barbuda.
In 2017, while learning Spanish and Catalan, I was hired as a French teacher by a university in Spain.
Since March 2020, Iâve had the pleasure of teaching French
to 750 students from many countries, delivering more than
5,400+ French lessons, online and in person (as of July 15, 2025).
For some info about me as a teacher, and testimonials, see:
https://www.italki.com/F_Normandeau
or https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/7237721
I look forward to assisting you soon.
François Normandeau
.9 attendees - CA$280.00
âąOnlineâ French B1 Course â Intermediate Level (10 Weeks) â
OnlineThe French Club (all chapters) : already 500+ events completed
(Sept. 1, 2024 â Oct 1, 2025)
Upcoming events (The French Club Montreal MeetUp group):
https://www.meetup.com/the-french-club-montreal/events/
Testimonials :
https://www.meetup.com/meetup-group-frenchclub/feedback-overview/
Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/@the-french-club
***
â French B1 Course â Intermediate Level (10 Weeks) â
in a small group setting with 7 students
***
Program Details
* Duration: 10 weeks
* Weekly Class Time: 2.5 hours per week
* Class Format: Live Class on Zoom
* Max Participants: 7
* Who Can Join? Those who have an A2 level in French
* Self-Study & Homework Suggested: 10 hours per week minimum
* Total Estimated Learning Hours: ~125 hours
No new admissions once the course starts in early January 2026.
***
Session Start Date
Schedule:
Starts on: Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026 (week 1)
Ends on: Sunday, Mar. 8, 2026 (week 10)
***
Course Description
This B1-level French course is designed for learners who have completed the A2 level or have a solid foundation in basic French.
It will help students transition from structured conversations to more natural, spontaneous communication, improve grammatical accuracy, and build confidence in work, travel, and social contexts.
This course follows the CEFR B1 level to prepare students for functional communication in social, travel, and work situations.
***
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
* Express and justify opinions in everyday conversations
* Engage in spontaneous discussions on personal and social topics
* Narrate past experiences and discuss future plans with accuracy
* Understand and summarize news articles, interviews, and reports
* Write structured emails, reviews, and professional messages
* Confidently handle work, travel, and real-world interactions
This B1-level course will enhance your fluency, comprehension, and accuracy, preparing you for independent communication in French.
***
Curriculum & Study Materials:
* Each week, you receive a comprehensive PDF (~80â120 pages) divided into 5 modules.
* Each module includes structured lessons, vocabulary, grammar, examples, and exercises.
* Optional but highly recommended: 2 hours of daily self-study (10 hours/week).
* Weekly study guides and homework sections included in each weekly document.
* Each week concludes with an optional self-assessment exam and answer key.
* If you have questions during the week, you can ask in the WhatsApp group.
***
Class Structure:
Each weekly 2.5-hour session is divided into two parts:
1. Review and clarification of core concepts (70 min. or less)
2. Practice through exercises and live conversation (70 min. or more)
Each group meeting will include a 10-min break about halfway.
This B1 French course (over 10 weeks) is given in a semi-private setting (7 students maximum) where interactions will be encouraged via exercises done each week during the classes, along with assisting students with their pronunciation. The personalized attention and small group setting explain the fee for the course.
***
Communication & Support:
* All materials and announcements are shared in a dedicated WhatsApp group.
* Students can ask questions and exchange messages throughout the course.
* Course documents and reminders are sent via WhatsApp before each class.
***
Cost & Payment Options:
The preferred option is full payment at least one week before the course begins to secure your spot (providing that the course is not sold out).
If your budget is tight, you may choose a weekly plan: $28 CAD per week, due at least 24 hours before each class (including the first session). If payment isnât received on time, you won't be allowed in the goup class.
Please select the weekly plan only if you intend to complete the full course. If you choose the weekly option and skip two group classes (consecutively or not), your enrollment will be ended (to prevent people from jumping in and out whenever it suits them).
* Full Course Fee: $280 CAD for the complete 10-week program.
* Weekly Option: $28 CAD per class (paid 24h in advance, one class at a time).
Comparable courses over 10 weeks cost approximately $700 CAD in Toronto and NYC, with the Alliance Française or other schools.
Therefore, this course is less than half price, compared to competitors.
Additionally, not all schools could guarantee that you would be in a small group setting (with a total of 7 students).
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Refund Policy
If you choose the full payment option and decide to withdraw from the course, refunds are calculated as follows:
If you attended 2 group classes or less than 2:
- Refund of the full $280 CAD.
If you attended 3 group classes or more:
- No refund available
In any case, if you end the group classes, you will no longer have access to the WhatsApp group or receive the course materials for the remaining sessions.
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Registration Starts and Ends?
Registration for the 10-week semi-private (paid) group classes (A1 to B2) are open as of October 5, 2025, and operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Once a group reaches its maximum number of participants (7), registration for that group closes, and this can happen at any time.
Securing your spot early by completing payment is the only way to guarantee your place. Simply expressing interest or waiting until the last moment does not guarantee availability.
The final deadline to register for the upcoming January 2026 10-week session (for any semi-private group class) is December 31, 2025 at midnight (NY time). After this date, no new registrations will be accepted, regardless of your circumstances.
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Accepted Payment Methods
1. Stripe (International Debit or Credit Card Payments) :
* Full 10-week course ($280 CAD): https://buy.stripe.com/5kQ14o9Fb1Fl8rcb7kgbm01
* Pay per week ($28 CAD): https://buy.stripe.com/eVqfZi3gNdo3ePA8Zcgbm00
2. PayPal (International payments) : @M2TradingUniversity
3. Interac E-Transfer (Canada only) : f_normandeau@protonmail.com
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Access & Attendance
* Only participants who have completed payment in advance will be admitted.
* Zoom access closes 10 minutes after class starts to maintain class flow
* Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5456313643
* Password: galaxy
* Camera use is expected for a better group learning experience
* Zoom call etiquette: Ensure that you will have a stable and fast internet connection, and that you will be in a distraction-free environment, in order to not disturb the other attendees while attending the group class.
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Extra Practice & Community Support
To further enhance learning, students are encouraged to organize their own informal study groups during the week.
While I will not be present for these peer-led sessions, they are highly recommended as a way to collaborate, share insights, and stay motivated throughout the 10-week journey.
***
Course Outline â 10 Weeks of Learning
Week 1: Speaking with Confidence â Strengthening Fluency
Vocabulary: Expanding everyday expressions, improving sentence structure
Grammar: Review of A2-level grammar, sentence connectors (donc, alors, cependant)
Speaking & Listening: Introducing yourself, your work, and your goals in greater depth
Reading & Writing: Writing a structured self-introduction
Key Topics:
- Sentence connectors (donc, alors, cependant, tandis que)
- Using pronouns for fluency (y, en, lui, leur)
- Making conversations flow more naturally
.
Week 2: Expressing Opinions & Debating
Vocabulary: Agreeing/disagreeing, presenting an argument
Grammar: Subjunctive (Il faut queâŠ, Je veux queâŠ)
Speaking & Listening: Discussing current topics, expressing personal opinions
Reading & Writing: Writing an opinion piece or social media post
Key Topics:
- Structuring opinions: Je pense queâŠ, Ă mon avisâŠ
- Introduction to subjunctive (Il faut que je parteâŠ)
- Expressing hypothetical ideas (Si jâavais plus de tempsâŠ)
.
Week 3: Storytelling & Describing Past Events
Vocabulary: Talking about memories and past experiences
Grammar: Passé composé vs. imparfait (advanced usage)
Speaking & Listening: Telling stories, sharing personal experiences
Reading & Writing: Writing a narrative about a past trip or event
Key Topics:
- Mastering passé composé vs. imparfait
- Using time markers (autrefois, jadis, tout Ă coup)
- Structuring engaging stories
.
Week 4: Future Plans & Professional Situations
Vocabulary: Work, career, and life goals
Grammar: Futur simple vs. futur proche
Speaking & Listening: Talking about career goals, planning a project
Reading & Writing: Writing a professional email or project plan
Key Topics:
- Writing emails and professional communication
- Talking about long-term vs. short-term plans
- Using conditional to be polite (Je voudrais, Vous pourriez)
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Week 5: Travel & Problem-Solving in French
Vocabulary: Hotel reservations, asking for help, handling complaints
Grammar: Using conditional and formal expressions
Speaking & Listening: Role-playing real-world travel situations
Reading & Writing: Writing a review or formal complaint
Key Topics:
- Making polite requests (Pourriez-vous⊠?)
- Handling problems in a restaurant, hotel, or store
- Using relative pronouns (dont, lequel, ce que)
.
Week 6: Conversations at Work & Interviews
Vocabulary: Job interviews, networking, workplace conversations
Grammar: Relative pronouns & indirect speech
Speaking & Listening: Practicing interviews, discussing work projects
Reading & Writing: Writing a job application or resume
Key Topics:
- Talking about work responsibilities
- Using indirect speech (Il a dit que⊠Il mâa demandĂ© deâŠ)
- Writing a concise and clear resume
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Week 7: Advanced Storytelling & Hypotheticals
Vocabulary: Emphasizing emotions, storytelling techniques
Grammar: Plus-que-parfait & hypothetical phrases
Speaking & Listening: Telling âwhat could have happenedâ stories
Reading & Writing: Writing a fictional or personal story
Key Topics:
- Using past perfect (Jâavais dĂ©jĂ finiâŠ)
- Expressing regrets and what-ifs (Si jâavais suâŠ)
- Using transition words for fluency
.
Week 8-10: Mastery & Final Assessment
Review: Revisiting major grammar & vocabulary points
Final Speaking Practice: Role-playing real-life interactions
Final Writing Task: Writing a formal report or personal essay
Key Topics:
- Advanced sentence structuring
- Mastering spontaneous conversations
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About Me
I was born in Montreal (QC), Canada and studied psychology and international finance. I have worked as a professional commodities trader from 2000 until January 2025.
In the past 30 years, I have lived and worked in Hungary, Italy, Spain, Mexico and Antigua and Barbuda.
In 2017, while learning Spanish and Catalan, I was hired as a French teacher by a university in Spain.
Since March 2020, Iâve had the pleasure of teaching French
to 750 students from many countries, delivering more than
5,400+ French lessons, online and in person (as of July 15, 2025).
For some info about me as a teacher, and testimonials, see:
https://www.italki.com/F_Normandeau
or https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/7237721
I look forward to assisting you soon.
François Normandeau
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