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Alliance Française De Washington
Category: Education Specialty Schools Language Schools Language Schools [Edit]
2142 Wyoming Ave NW(between N Connecticut Ave & N Thornton Pl)
Washington, DC 20008
Neighborhood: Kalorama
(202) 234-7911
- Nearest Transit:
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Dupont Circle Metro Station (Red)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 9 am - 8 pm
Fri-Sat 9 am - 5 pm
9 reviews for Alliance Française De Washington
9 reviews in English
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Review from Nicole L.
10/25/2011 2 Check-ins Here
My visit to Alliance Française de Washington brought back memories of Alliance Française Singapore where I started my interest in French language, films and cooking. Needless to say, you can call me a francophile. The only time when "-phile" sounds positive. The charming home was the place for learning French language and the host of all kinds of francophile events. It was nice to learn about the organization and the events. I met the friendly management team Didier, Thomas and Marie at the event hosted by the Belgium Tourist Office in New York. They were promoting the 2012 Year of Gastronomy in Brussels. We were treated to St Feuillien beer, cheeses made from Chimay beer and a speech by the executive chef of the Belgium embassy about Belgium cuisine. He is a fan of seasonal food especially the game season in Belgium. How lovely.
Then last Friday we were invited back to Alliance Française de Washington for a chocolate tasting event hosted by Neuhaus Chocolatier. They gave us a history of chocolate making that started in Belgium. Neuhaus is the inventor of praline and ballotine. We tried their handmade chocolates ranging from Tentation (traditional nougatine: toffee filled with coffee ganache) to Jean (ganache of intense dark Peruvian chocolate (64% cocoa mass)) to Truffe au Marc de Champagne to Marzipans. I was in chocolate heaven mmmmm......!!! It was yet another awesome event at Alliance Française de Washington. I am definitely heading to the Neuhaus store at the Union Station : P -
Review from Gayle G.
Woodbridge, VA
1/2/2007 1 photo
Cet endroit est un centre cultural (this place is a cultural center). At the Alliance you can take a class, hear a lecture, see a film (most likely a French one), see an art exhibit or-- my favorite activity-- go to a wine and cheese event.
The Alliance offers a library that has videos and more than eight thousand books. There are chapters of this organization around the world and also about 150 of them within the US.
There's also a conversation club here if you want to practice your French. Oui! -
Review from Adrienne O.
Houston, TX
11/2/2010
Alliance: Je t'aime!
Though the language classes are pricey, my French 100 review has brought me not only back to speed on where I was when I left college, but I'm much better than I was before. Our class only has six people in it, though I suspect that's out of pure luck with someone dropping it and one girl never showing up. (It makes my heart sad for our amazingly sweet instructor when many skip; don't you realize you paid more than $300 for this?) You can get some very personal attention in the classes here.
I haven't used the library or gone to an event yet, but it's amazing they offer so much. It's really been a bright spot in my D.C. life. -
Review from Paul W.
Takoma Park, MD
8/2/2007
Way cool, been a member for several years. They teach an odd assortment of French classes, where you'll meet an odd assortment of people, all of which makes it even cooler in my book. Except in the summer -- they have no A/C in the classrooms! I needed sponges.
I still stay in touch with my wonderful teacher, who has been such a treat to know -- she's back in France now, so we have a good amie in Bretagne to visit!
They have an active events schedule, some of which they do in partnership with other French/food/cinema/cultural groups, all the better for getting to know the francophilic scene here.
I really want to take more language classes there, but I am afraid I've got to start with Russian now ...
So, get involved! If you've been wanting to hang with sexy, interesting, cultured French people, dis is da place ... just bring a sponge in August ... -
Review from Jessica L.
Chevy Chase, MD
9/4/2010
I really love my French classes here ... most of the time, they are fun and stimulating. I am definitely at a level now where I can converse with other French speakers and can actually understand French ads and news articles. The teachers are really supportive, don't give too much homework (they understand that a lot of their students are working professionals with very busy lives) - and yet, you still walk away from the classes learning so much.
The classes can be a bit expensive though for someone on a non-profit salary (although price is comparable to other language classes in DC). -
Review from Efrat Y.
Washington, DC
Updated - 9/30/2008
I am updating my review to reflect the conversational class I took (Parlez 2). While my formal language class are still wonderful, I was extremely disappointed with the conversation class. The instructor did not provide much moderation, meaning that 1-2 people in each class would dominate a discussion, while the rest of us were unable to practice. Additionally, the instructor did not do a good job of ensuring that discussion topics were appropriate for everyone in the class, meaning, again, only a few people were actually able to participate in discussions.
I am reluctant to take any more workshops through Alliance Francaise, and will instead either go to free conversation clubs or pay for one-on-one practice/tutoring.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/23/2008
The 5-star review is for their classes. I have taken 5 different courses (~ 1 year) at the Alliance… Read more »
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Review from Justin S.
11/30/2010 1 Check-in Here
The Alliance Française De Washington is without question, a wonderful place. I'm currently taking my second class here, my housemate is on his 4th. We're having a great time. As an overall experience, I'd rate Alliance Française De Washington a solid 5 stars. The administration is organized, the building is nice, and the teachers are extremely competent. Aside from just teaching French, they host numerous social and cultural activities. There's a friendly community feel which I really appreciate.
But...
All praises posted, there's a few things to consider before rushing to sign up for classes here:
If you're starting from scratch, this school is probably not the fastest, cheapest, or most efficient way to learning French. It's very expensive and their teaching methods seems extremely narrow. There's a strict focus on immersion learning that's almost entirely verbal. I'm not a verbal learner and most of the homework isn't structured to be a primary learning tool, so I need to do a lot of additional self-assigned studying outside of class just to keep up. I'm considering getting Rosetta as a supplemental resource because I'm worried that I'm going to have to start repeating classes. I'm sure the school has their reasons for their methods but after every class I'm a little more thankful for my high school Spanish curriculum... there were so many different ways to learn all bundled up. If you were slow to pick up conversation, there were still other ways to learn within the classes. That's not really the case at Alliance Française De Washington, and that's why I can't give it more than 3 stars.
Frustrations with the methodologies aside, I'm loving the experience at Alliance Française De Washington. The classes are fun, my teacher's been great, and the students have been a friendly, interesting mix. I'd recommended the school to anyone looking for a fun learning experience. -
Review from scott f.
Washington, DC
8/6/2009
I've taken one formal class (202) and used the library. I was happy with the class and my progress. It was very intimate as there were only a max of 5 of us. Our teacher was not a native speaker but she quickly dispelled any worry I may have had about her ability. She was very engaging and facilitated the discussion topics,,,getting us to participate and not merely being lectured too. I have plans to return in the fall. It's a shame but I haven't attended any cultural events.
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Review from Scott D.
Poolesville, MD
5/21/2009
The Alliance Française is super. It's a little piece of France in Washington. The classes, the cultural events, the library which is full of books, CDs and DVDs, they're all great. I can't say enough good things about this place that is so near and dear to my heart.
