What we’re about
Hi. Welcome. I’m François Normandeau, founder of The French Club.
We have over 7,000 members in 17 MeetUp groups around the world (New York, Paris, San Francisco, Amsterdam, Dallas, Montreal, Atlanta, Mumbai, Chicago, Sydney, Toronto, Washington DC, Tokyo, Vancouver).
If you want the same thing most adults want, a clear path to real, practical French you can actually use when speaking, then this is the right place!
And your free gift is ready: the full A1 French course (50 modules), now available on our platform. It’s the equivalent of 1,200+ pages of explanations, examples, exercises, and homework, with extras like audio and video to help you build pronunciation and real speaking reflexes. No catch, no gimmick, no obligation, no credit card needed.
Start here:
https://www.frenchclub.net/
To unlock it, two quick steps:
1. Create your account.
2. Enroll in the Free Plan (the A1 course is included in the free plan, but it requires enrollment).
Step-by-step guide (account setup + free A1 enrollment):
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fSyoLZDxM2QdHXO0TnDh1UVFP_QjWTXA1Hj-qwcIIMM/
Once you’re in, begin with Module 1 right away.
The goal is momentum, not perfection.
What The French Club is
The French Club is a global community of French learners with live events on Meetup and a structured learning platform on frenchclub.net.
We focus on real-world fluency through:
- Structured courses from A1 to B2 (50 modules per level).
- Skill workshops that fix the real sticking points (pronunciation, listening speed, writing accuracy, confidence, etc.).
- Conversation events (A1 to B2), including practice sessions and student-led events.
- Small-group immersion experiences.
Meetup is where you’ll discover and join live events.
Our site frenchclub.net is where your learning path is organized in one place (courses, materials, and enrollment).
See you at an event soon !! ツ
— François Normandeau
Founder, The French Club
***
Links
Winter Academic Program 2026:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vjF6aQHIlpKUqaofeFEcv3wZcW1bPRaI_nToY9r4-Tw/
Website + free A1 course: https://www.frenchclub.net/
Meetup hub: https://www.meetup.com/pro/learning-speaking-french/
Welcome video: https://vimeo.com/1148335419
Substack: https://substack.com/@frenchclub
Upcoming events
203
- CA$280.00
⭐ French B1 Course – Intermediate Level (10 Weeks) ⭐
·OnlineOnlineThe French Club (all chapters) : already 500+ events completed
(Sept. 1, 2024 — 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
***
⭐ French B1 Course – Intermediate Level (10 Weeks) ⭐
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: Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 (week 1)
Ends on: Thursday, Mar. 12, 2026 (week 10)
7:00-9:30 pm NY time (EST)
***
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 (~80–120 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 isn’t 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) :
* 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
***
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 – 10 Weeks of Learning
Week 1: Speaking with Confidence – 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 que…, Je veux que…)
Speaking & Listening: Discussing current topics, expressing personal opinions
Reading & Writing: Writing an opinion piece or social media post
Key Topics:
- Structuring opinions: Je pense que…, À mon avis…
- Introduction to subjunctive (Il faut que je parte…)
- Expressing hypothetical ideas (Si j’avais plus de temps…)
.
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 à 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)
.
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 m’a demandé de…)
- Writing a concise and clear resume
.
Week 7: Advanced Storytelling & Hypotheticals
Vocabulary: Emphasizing emotions, storytelling techniques
Grammar: Plus-que-parfait & hypothetical phrases
Speaking & Listening: Telling “what could have happened” stories
Reading & Writing: Writing a fictional or personal story
Key Topics:
- Using past perfect (J’avais déjà fini…)
- Expressing regrets and what-ifs (Si j’avais su…)
- 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
***
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, I’ve 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
.
***7 attendees 
⭐ 10-Week "TEF/TCF CANADA" Mock Exam Series (with mocko.ai)⭐
·OnlineOnlineImportant 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).
***
⭐ 10-Week TEF & TCF Canada Mock Exam Series (with Mocko.ai) ⭐
Every Friday • Jan 9 – Mar 13, 2026 • 11:00 am–1:00 pm (NY time)
Free • Live on Zoom • Open to all French learners
***
Ready to see what a French exam really looks like?
Join us for a brand-new 10-week series where we will practice TEF Canada and TCF Canada mock exams together, live, using the powerful AI platform Mocko.ai.
This series is designed for anyone preparing for an official French exam or simply wanting to understand the exam structure, timing, strategies, and question types.
***
What to Expect Each Week
Over 10 Fridays, we will alternate between full mock-exam walkthroughs and special sessions with the Mocko.ai team.
8 sessions — Live mock exam practice
We will complete different sections of TEF and TCF Canada exams using the Mocko.ai platform. François will share his screen, guide you through the exam step-by-step, so that you can try to answer the questions, and then he will explain some key sections and provide answers and explanations.
2 sessions — Live presentations with Mocko.ai
Meet the Mocko.ai team directly! They will join us on:
• Friday, January 23, 2026
• One Friday in February (date announced soon)
These sessions will include a short presentation, Q&A, and tips on how to use AI-powered tools to improve your exam performance.
***
How the Sessions Work
Each meeting lasts up to 2 hours:
• First hour: Guided mock exam practice in real time
• Second hour: Explanation of key points, strategies, error analysis, and Q&A
This combination lets you see both the AI engine at work and the human teaching that makes everything clearer.
***
Why Join This Series?
• Experience real TEF/TCF exam conditions
• Understand question types, timing, and scoring
• Learn effective strategies for listening, reading, and structure
• Discover how to use Mocko.ai to strengthen weak areas
• Ask questions directly to the Mocko.ai team
• Prepare consistently over 10 weeks with a supportive community
• Use the referral code FRENCHCLUB if you later decide to upgrade to a premium plan on mocko.ai
This event series is free and open to everyone in The French Club’s community (6,700+ members across 13 groups).
***
Who Should Attend?
• Anyone preparing for TEF Canada or TCF Canada
• Students aiming for B2 / C1 results
• Learners wanting to demystify the exams
• Anyone curious about AI-powered language learning
***
Schedule
Every Friday, from January 9 to March 13, 2026
11:00 am – 1:00 pm (New York time)
Live on Zoom • Event in English
Where?
• Online, on Zoom
• Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5456313643
• Password: galaxy
***
About Me
In 2017, I was hired as a French teacher by a university in Spain.
Since March 2020, I’ve had the pleasure of teaching French
to 775 students from many countries, delivering more than
5,625+ French lessons, online and in person (as of Dec 10, 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
***14 attendees- CA$170.00
✨ Atelier de Conversation en Français — 10 Semaines — Niveau A2/B1✨
·OnlineOnline✨ 10-WEEK ONLINE CONVERSATION PROGRAM ✨
Maximum 5 students – 1.5 hours per week – Live on Zoom
French level required: A2 (minimum) or B1
You need to be able to express yourself over 30 minutes
even if you do make mistakes with verbs and conjugation, etc.
If you started to learn French not long ago and can't speak freely by yourself, this workshop is not a good option.
***
Join a small, supportive group of motivated French learners for a 10-week live conversation program designed to help you speak with greater confidence, fluidity, and spontaneity.
With a maximum of five students, each 1.5-hour class on Zoom offers structured practice through realistic role plays, guided discussions, and weekly themes such as dining out, debating, planning a trip, storytelling, and talking about books, holidays, and future plans.
Before each session, you receive targeted vocabulary and expressions so you always arrive prepared.
This workshop is ideal for A2–B1 learners who can already express themselves for at least 30 minutes and want to strengthen their oral skills in a dynamic, interactive environment.
If you’re ready to talk, react, explain, and enjoy real conversation in French, this course is the perfect next step.
***
BEFORE EACH CLASS
You will receive:
• A curated vocabulary list for the week’s theme you need to review
• Useful idiomatic expressions
• A few warm-up questions to answer spontaneously
***
DURING THE FIRST 5 MINUTES
While waiting for everyone to join, students respond to one spontaneous question (rotating weekly):
Examples:
• What did you do this weekend?
• What will you be doing this upcoming weekend?
• What is your favorite childhood memory?
• What do you like to do in your free time?
All classes include role switching so every student practices every function.
***
WEEK 1
RESTAURANT & FOOD SERVICE ROLE PLAY
Students act in rotating roles: hostess/host, server, and customers.
Practice:
• Asking for a table (with or without reservation)
• Preferences: inside/outside, near the window, quiet area
• Explaining dishes, plat du jour, starters, mains, desserts
• Asking questions about the menu
• Ordering food and drinks
• Handling problems: “We’re out of…”, “How is everything?”
• Requesting the bill, receipt, split payments
***
WEEK 2
DEBATE: RECYCLING & COMMUNITY CHOICES
A structured debate where students split into two teams:
• Team A: Pro-recycling
• Team B: Anti-recycling
Then reverse the roles.
Focus:
• Persuasion strategies
• Arguing clearly
• Asking challenging questions
• Responding under pressure
Alternative topics available each week for variety.
***
WEEK 3
CLOTHING & SHOPPING ROLE PLAY
Each student has a different task:
• Clothes for a beach vacation
• Clothes for a ski vacation
• Clothes for a wedding
• Clothes for work
Role play situations with a shop assistant:
• Explaining what you’re looking for
• Describing materials (wool, leather, cotton, etc.)
• Colors, sizes, fit
• Prices, discounts, alternatives
***
WEEK 4
PLANNING A VACATION
A multi-scenario session with rotating pairs:
• Making a hotel reservation (clerk + tourist)
• Booking a flight (agent + tourist)
• Discussing packing lists (family or friends comparing items)
• Choosing cities, attractions, and activities from curated lists
***
WEEK 5
SEASONS & PERSONAL HABITS
Students take turns describing what they do in each season:
• Weather preferences
• Seasonal activities
• Favorite and least favorite seasons – and why
• Group asks follow-up questions after each mini-presentation
***
WEEK 6
BOOKS & MOVIES — MINI PRESENTATIONS
Before class, each student prepares a short talk about a favorite book or movie.
In class, other students ask structured questions such as:
• Who is the author/director?
• Who is your favorite character and why?
• What genre is it?
• What surprised you?
• Why should someone read/watch it?
***
WEEK 7
YOUR FAVORITE VACATION
Before class, each student prepares a short narrative.
In class:
• Students ask one question each (rotating)
• Follow-up questions allowed
• Discussion about travel preferences and experiences
***
WEEK 8
HOLIDAYS & TRADITIONS
Topics may include:
• Vocabulary for major holidays
• Personal traditions and cultural comparisons
• How you celebrate and prepare
• Memories and rituals
Flexible enough for international learners.
***
WEEK 9
HOUSEHOLD TASKS & ROTATING JOBS
Each student receives a different chore and must explain it clearly.
Then roles rotate.
Practice:
• Describing tasks
• Giving instructions
• Tools and cleaning products
• Frequency and routines
***
WEEK 10
RETIREMENT and/or FUTURE PLANS
Focus on future tense, life goals, and personal projections:
• What retirement might look like (even hypothetically)
• Savings and money vocabulary
• Travel dreams
• Volunteering
• Hobbies and family plans
Students complete a final roundtable discussion.
***
Details:
Duration: 10 weeks
Date: Fridays
Time: 5 to 6:30 pm NY time
Number of participants : 4 maximum
Fee: $170 CAD to be paid in full at least 15 days before January 9, 2026
***
Payment Methods:
Stripe (available in 150 countries)
$170 CAD payment link:
https://buy.stripe.com/00wcN6eZv83JfTE7V8gbm05
PayPal:
@M2TradingUniversity
Interac E-Transfer (Canada only):
f_normandeau@protonmail.com
***
Access & Attendance:
* Only participants who have completed (full or weekly) 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
...6 attendees
Past events
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