A good knowledge of the French language is essential for anybody considering to study or work in France, as courses are taught in French in all institutions of higher education and as French is used almost exclusively in all companies. You need to be able to write, read, talk and take notes in French. The best is to acquire a basic level of French before you come to France, then potentially take an advanced course when you arrive. Yet it is still possible to take French classes if you don’t speak a single word!   

• Learning French before you come to France

In most foreign countries there is an Institut Français or an Alliance Française, where you can take French courses at any level and sit examinations for the DELF and DALF diplomas, which are recognized in France. How to find a course?    The French embassy can give address details for these centres. You can also find by yourself the address of the nearest Alliance Française at: http://www.alliancefr.org/rubrique.php3?id_rubrique=2312 Or the address of the nearest Institut Français at:

http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/annuaire/xls/annuaire_culture.xls

• Learning French in France

In France, many public and private institutions offer courses in French as a foreign language. Prices vary considerably with the type of institution and the duration of the course.Chambers of commerce and industry (CCIs), universities, language schools and the Alliance Française usually offer courses leading to French language diplomas recognized by the Ministry of Education (Ministère de l'Éducation nationale). However, some language schools only offer a “School certificate“ or an “Attestation“ at the end of the course. Be careful: these documents have no official value!  How to find a course?    The French Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs has compiled a catalogue of educational centres offering courses in French as a foreign language in France. This catalogue lists key services, opening dates, courses, examination, addresses, etc. (See link below and choose "Les répertoires des centres de formation en France").

• Diplomas

DELF and DALF    The Ministry of Education (Ministère de l'Éducation Nationale) recognizes two French language diplomas: the DELF basic diploma (Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française) and the DALF advanced diploma (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française).The DELF basic diploma has two levels, known as premier degré and deuxième degré. The premier degré gives access to the deuxième degree. Only students who have passed the DELF deuxième degré can go on to take the DALF. Good to know: The DALF advanced diploma exempts students from having to take the language test when applying for admission to the first year of higher education in France. Examinations outside France are organized by a national commission based at Centre International d'Études Pédagogiques . See the related addresses below.  University diplomas    There are three university diplomas in French as a foreign language:    - Basic diploma: CPLF (Certificat Pratique de Langue Française)     - Intermediate diploma: DEF (Diplôme d'Études Françaises)     - Advanced diploma: DSEF (Diplôme Supérieur d'Études Françaises)  These diplomas are awarded by universities recognized by the Ministry of Education (Ministère de l'Éducation Nationale). Courses are accessible to students with a baccalauréat or equivalent qualification.In addition to these three standard diploma courses, universities may also offer their own special courses. Diploma courses run by Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIP)    The Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIP) offers French language diploma courses primarily focussing on business or other special purposes (secretarial work, tourism, hotel trade, science, technology, law). There are three diplomas in French for business and four in French for special purposes. The CCIP also run a certificate course in business French, addressing students that already have a basic understanding of the language and wish to acquire a firmer command for business purposes. Students sit the diploma examinations at the CCIP or at other examination centres under CCIP supervision. French evaluation test (TEF)    The TEF French Evaluation Test, set up in January 1998 by the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIP), is designed to assess non-native speakers' command of the French language. Specifically, it evaluates understanding and expression in everyday French.

Full details are available on-line at the CCIP site (see addresses below).  

French Language Test (Test de Connaissance du Français, TCF)    An official French language test (TCF) was set up in 1999 by the Centre International d'Études Pédagogiques (CIEP) on behalf of the French Education Ministry to assess non-native speakers' command of the French language. The basic test includes 80 questions, and there are two optional sections evaluating oral and written expression. The TCF test can only be taken at centres certified by CIEP  (see addresses below). Source: Egide and CIDJ

Photos: © F. de la Mure / Ministry of Foreign an European Affairs