UPCOMING EVENTS

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• Tuesday French-English Conversation Group (in person)

  • Start
    11 Apr 2023
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  • End
    04 Jul 2023
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  • Schedule
    13 sessions
  • Location
    Maison Communale, 69 rue Violet , 75015 Paris

  Tuesday In-Person French - English Conversation Group

  Looking for a relaxed and welcoming place to practice and improve your French or English? WICE conversation groups allow you to practice your language skills in an easy, convivial atmosphere with native speakers.

  The Tuesday group meets at the Maison Communale, 69 rue Violet , 75015 Paris from 15:00 - 16:30. Participants are divided into small groups of 5 - 6 people, and the conversations are 45 minutes in French and 45 minutes in English. The subjects are of  the group’s choosing. Though an intermediate level of English and French is expected, there is a wide range of abilities.
  

  There is no need to register, but if you wish to participate in person in Tuesday's group, please contact Mary-Jo at maryjo@wice-paris.org.

  
  

  After the conversation group finishes, participants often go the nearby Le Commerce Café, 80 rue du Commerce, for an hour or so of socializing.

  Maison Communale, 69 rue Violet , 75015 Paris. Metro line 8 stop Commerce, and busses #42, #70, #88.

  Participation is free with WICE membership.

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• Tuesday French-English Conversation Group (Online)

  • Start
    11 Apr 2023
  •  
  • End
    27 Jun 2023
  •  
  • Schedule
    12 sessions
  • Location
    On Zoom

  French - English Conversation Group

  Looking for a relaxed and welcoming place to practice and improve your French or English? WICE conversation groups allow you to practice your language skills in an easy, convivial atmosphere with native speakers.

  Participants are divided into small groups of 5 - 6 people, and the conversations are 45 minutes in French and 45 minutes in English. The subjects are of  the group’s choosing. Though an intermediate level of English and French is expected, there is a wide range of abilities.
  

  There is no need to register, but if you wish to participate in Tuesday's remote group, please contact Dania  at dania.lawand@wice-paris.org.

  Participation is free with WICE membership.

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• BA121 French Film Discussion

  • Start
    12 Apr 2023
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  • End
    28 Jun 2023
  •  
  • Schedule
    11 sessions
  • Location
    Remote on Zoom
  • Spaces left
    2

  Register

  For this advanced French course, you will watch a film at home (available on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Canal Plus, Orange, YouTube and other platforms) before a lively and engaging discussion in class. Each week a new film provides a basis for an immersive lesson with authentic spoken language and cultural reference points. Watching films is entertaining and enjoyable which breaks through psychological barriers that can arise in traditional language learning.

  If you love movies, there’s no more enjoyable way to increase vocabulary, improve conversational skills, and deepen your understanding of French culture. You can expect to view a wide range of films from the classic to the contemporary in many different genres. Here are the films under consideration for the spring trimester:

  Du Rififi chez les hommes (1955). Thriller, drame de Jules Dassin, avec Jean Servais, Robert Manuel.

  Petite nature (2022). Drame et comédie de Samuel Theis, avec Aliocha Reinert, Antoine Reinartz, Mélissa Olexa.

  Edmond (2019). Comédie historique d’Alexis Michalik, avec Thomas Solivérès, Olivier Gourmet, Mathilde Seigner.

  Journal d’un curé de campagne (1951) de Robert Bresson, avec Claude Laydu, André Guibert, Marie-Monique Arkell.

  Petit Paysan (2017) d’Hubert Charuel, avec Swann Arlaud, Sara Giraudeau, Bouli Lanners.

  La source des femmes (2011) de Radu Mihaileanu, avec Leïla Bekhti, Hafsa Herzi, Hiam Abbass.

  Marie-Octobre (1959) de Julien Duvivier, avec Danielle Darrieux, Paul Guers, Bernard Blier

  Un coeur en hiver (2003) de Claude Sautet, avec Daniel Auteuil, André Dussollier, Emmanuelle Béart.

  Coup de foudre (1983) de Diane Kurys, avec Miou-Miou, Isabelle Huppert, Guy Marchand.

   La Belle équipe (1936) de Julien Duvivier, avec Jean Gabin, Charles Vanel, Raymond Aimos.

   Sage Femme (2017) de Martin Provost, avec Catherine Frot, Catherine Deneuve, Oliver Gourmet.

   Chacun cherche son chat (1996) de Cédric Klapisch, avec Garance Clavel, Romain Duris, Renée Le Calm.

  About the Instructor

  Valérie Brosbrann grew up in Paris and moved to the US in 1981 where she lived for 38 years in New York City, Washington, D.C and Boston. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Brandeis University. She has been teaching French since 1986. She taught adults with the US State Department, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Afterwards, she taught at private high schools in Manhattan. She has taught all levels of French including Advanced and AP classes. She returned to Paris for retirement in 2018 and has been volunteering with WICE for four years.
  

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• BA111 French 3.3 (Intermediate, DELF B1)

  • Start
    13 Apr 2023
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  • End
    29 Jun 2023
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  • Schedule
    18 sessions
  • Location
    Remote on Zoom
  • Spaces left
    5

  Register

  This lively French course will improve your ability to deal with an array of everyday life situations in French. This level is for students who understand simple, straightforward information and can express themselves in familiar contexts and take part in an everyday conversation on simple, predictable topics.

  Using interactive methods to ensure learner engagement and lasting progress, the course will help you develop your vocabulary, oral and written expression, comprehension, and pronunciation.

  Geared for learners with an intermediate knowledge of French, the 90-minute class will be held in French, twice a week for a total of 3 hours per week.

  About the Instructors

  Eric Popowicz is an experienced and engaging teacher of FLE (French as a foreign language) in both classrooms, where he has created his own successful teaching methods, and online. To future students, he says: “A language is so much more than a means of communication, it’s a secret passage to a country’s culture, its way of thinking, its approach to life. That’s why languages are so fascinating.” Eric will be teaching French 3 for the month of April.

  Audrey Charmont will return to this class beginning 11 May. Audrey has a Masters in Marketing and Communications as well as a DAEFLE (French as a Foreign Language). She has French teaching experience in France and abroad.

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• BA132 English Guided Discussion

  • Start
    13 Apr 2023
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  • End
    29 Jun 2023
  •  
  • Schedule
    10 sessions
  • Location
    Remote on Zoom
  • Spaces left
    3

  Register

  This English Guided Discussion Group is open to people who have a strong intermediate or advanced level of English. Our group leaders suggest interesting topics and readings prior to each group discussion. If you enjoy reading, speaking, presenting, and engaging in diverse topic-centered discussions, this group is for you. In addition to learning and developing through guided conversation with other participants, you will also have the opportunity to get personalized constructive feedback. The group speaks only in English for one hour.

  Ce groupe de discussion guidée anglaise est ouvert aux personnes qui parlent anglais presque couramment (niveaux intermédiaire-avancé ou avancé). Nos animateurs proposent des sujets intéressants et des textes avant chaque groupe. Si vous appréciez la lecture, la communication, la présentation et la participation à des discussions diverses, ce groupe est pour vous. En plus d’apprendre et se développer à travers des discussions guidées avec d'autres participants, vous aurez également la possibilité d'obtenir des commentaires constructifs. Ce groupe de discussion guidée est un endroit idéal pour rencontrer d’autres passionnés de la langue anglais. Le groupe ne parle qu’anglais pendant une heure.

  About the Instructors

  The group will be led by several native English speakers of varying interests and backgrounds.
  

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• Thursday French-English Conversation Group (Online)

  • Start
    13 Apr 2023
  •  
  • End
    29 Jun 2023
  •  
  • Schedule
    12 sessions
  • Location
    On Zoom

  French - English Conversation Group

  Looking for a relaxed and welcoming place to practice and improve your French or English? WICE conversation groups allow you to practice your language skills in an easy, convivial atmosphere with native speakers.

  Participants are divided into small groups of 5 - 6 people, and the conversations are 45 minutes in French and 45 minutes in English. The subjects are of  the group’s choosing. Though an intermediate level of English and French is expected, there is a wide range of abilities.
  

  There is no need to register, but if you wish to participate in Thursday's remote group, please contact Elisabetta  at elisabetta.bianchi@wice-paris.org.

  Participation is free with WICE membership.

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• BA141 French 4.2 (Advanced Intermediate, DELF B2)

  • Start
    14 Apr 2023
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  • End
    30 Jun 2023
  •  
  • Schedule
    11 sessions
  • Location
    Remote on Zoom
  • Spaces left
    3

  Register

  This dynamic course will fine tune your abilities in an array of everyday life situations in French. Students at this level have the ability to express themselves on a range of topics. They are comfortable in most situations and have a strong vocabulary with few mistakes. Using interactive methods to ensure learner engagement and lasting progress, the course will facilitate your progress in vocabulary development, oral and written expression, comprehension, and pronunciation. Geared for learners with prior advanced-intermediate French, this course will be held in French once a week for 90 minutes.

  About the Instructors

  Nathalie Allain is a native French speaker with a master’s degree in FLE (French as a foreign language) who is also fluent in English, German, and Japanese. To future students, she says: “In addition to textbooks, I like to make French come alive by using the language to discover the culture and history of Paris in one field trip each month.” Nathalie will be teaching French 4 for the month of April.

  Audrey Charmont will return to this class beginning 12 May. Audrey has a Masters in Marketing and Communications as well as a DAEFLE (French as a Foreign Language). She has French teaching experience in France and abroad.

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• BA142 French Guided Discussion

  • Start
    14 Apr 2023
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  • End
    30 Jun 2023
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  • Schedule
    12 sessions
  • Location
    Remote on Zoom
  • Spaces left
    4

  Register

  This French Guided Discussion Group is open to people who have a strong intermediate or advanced level of French. Group leaders provide participants with engaging weekly readings on a wide range of topics prior to each dynamic and fast-paced seminar. If you enjoy reading, speaking, presenting, and engaging in varied, topic-centered discussions, this group is for you. In addition to learning through focused conversation with other participants, you will also have the opportunity to get personalized constructive feedback. The French Guided Discussion group speaks only in French for 90 minutes which gives participants an excellent space to practice.

  About the Instructors

  Brice Dardel and other native French speakers alternate weekly sessions.

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• Friday French-English Conversation Group (in person)

  • Start
    14 Apr 2023
  •  
  • End
    30 Jun 2023
  •  
  • Schedule
    12 sessions
  • Location
    Le Patronage Laïque Jules Vallès, 72 Avenue Félix Faure, 75015 Paris

  Friday In-Person French - English Conversation Group

  Looking for a relaxed and welcoming place to practice and improve your French or English? WICE conversation groups allow you to practice your language skills in an easy, convivial atmosphere with native speakers.

  The Friday group meets at the Le Patronage Laïque Jules Vallès ,72 Avenue Félix Faure, 75015 Paris from 15:00 - 16:30. Participants are divided into small groups of 5 - 6 people, and the conversations are 45 minutes in French and 45 minutes in English. The subjects are of  the group’s choosing. Though an intermediate level of English and French is expected, there is a wide range of abilities.
  

  After the conversation group finishes, participants often go across the street to Bistro Mon Rêve for an hour or so of socializing.

  There is no need to register, but if you wish to participate in person in Tuesday's group, please contact Mary-Jo at: maryjo@wice-paris.org.

  Le Patronage Laïque Jules Vallès ,72 Avenue Félix Faure, 75015. Metro line 8 stop Boucicaut, and busses 62, 70, 80, 88.

  Participation is free with WICE membership.

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• Friday French-English Conversation Group (Online)

  • Start
    14 Apr 2023
  •  
  • End
    30 Jun 2023
  •  
  • Schedule
    12 sessions
  • Location
    On Zoom

  French - English Conversation Group

  Looking for a relaxed and welcoming place to practice and improve your French or English? WICE conversation groups allow you to practice your language skills in an easy, convivial atmosphere with native speakers.

  Participants are divided into small groups of 5 - 6 people, and the conversations are 45 minutes in French and 45 minutes in English. The subjects are of  the group’s choosing. Though an intermediate level of English and French is expected, there is a wide range of abilities.
  

  There is no need to register, but if you wish to participate in Friday's remote group, please contact Dania  at dania.lawand@wice-paris.org.

  Participation is free with WICE membership.

  Show details
• BA241 French Lit for Fun

  • Start
    24 Apr 2023
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  • End
    26 Jun 2023
  •  
  • Schedule
    3 sessions
  • Location
    Zoom online
  • Spaces left
    5

  Register

  Course Description

  Discover and discuss contemporary classics in this lively class for high-intermediate and advanced French speakers. You’ll read a book at home, either a short novel or play, then participate in a class discussion. The instructor will supply context and cultural elements, as well as discussion questions intended to spark reflection and debate. In the spirit of literary cafés, the class will help you gain a deeper knowledge of French societal issues and controversies.

  For the spring term, we will read Françoise Sagan’s Bonjour Tristesse, an entertaining novel set in the sixties on the French Riviera that provoked a scandal in its day, and critically acclaimed Jean-Luc Lagarce’s Juste la fin du monde, an autobiographical play later adapted for the screen by Canadian filmmaker Xavier Dolan.

  Please note: the first class will be primarily focused on introductions and a discussion of the first reading, and may be shorter than subsequent sessions.
  

  About the instructor

  Bleuenn Simon has taught French literature and French as a second language for over 18 years in France and in the United States. She is also a theater teacher, amateur actress, and author.

   

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• BA283 English Film Discussion (formerly American Film Classics)

  • Start
    28 Apr 2023
  •  
  • End
    23 Jun 2023
  •  
  • Schedule
    3 sessions
  • Location
    Remote on Zoom
  • Spaces left
    2

  Register

  Discover and discuss masterpieces of American and British cinema in this class for intermediate and advanced English speakers. You’ll watch a film at home on streaming, or borrow the DVD from your local library, before a lively and engaging discussion in class. You’ll be assigned one scene to watch at least three times! Every month you’ll view a film from an influential director so you’ll come to know the stylistic hallmarks of favorite genres and filmmakers. If you love the movies, this course is an enjoyable way to increase vocabulary, get comfortable with idiomatic expressions, improve your conversational skills, and deepen your understanding of American culture and cinema.

  The topic for the spring trimester is American Greats: Hitchcock and Welles.

  In this trimester, participants will discuss three films by two of the great English-language directors of the mid-20th century: Orson Welles and Alfred Hitchcock. The films to be discussed: Citizen Kane by Welles, Rear Window by Hitchcock, and Touch of Evil by Welles.

  About the Instructor

  Ellen Feldman grew up in Philadelphia and currently lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She holds a Ph.D. in cinema studies from New York University and has taught film studies at the State University of New York, Geneseo campus, and Brooklyn College.
  

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• BU071 French Pronunciation: Speedy Shortcut to Better French

  • Start
    07 Jun 2023
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  • End
    28 Jun 2023
  •  
  • Schedule
    4 sessions
  • Location
    Zoom (online)
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  Course description

  "I have a good grasp of French, but when I speak, people often ask me to repeat myself. It’s so frustrating!" 

  
  If this situation sounds all too familiar, our pronunciation class is for you. In four short weeks, you will noticeably improve your ability to communicate in every area of your French life. In each 90-minute class, you’ll get …

  
  - 30 minutes work on the French phonemes. Sometimes our mother tongue acts as a filter so we can’t even hear a sound, never mind reproduce it correctly. Through listening exercises (poetry, music...) you will learn to produce key French sounds by paying attention to your lips, tongue, vibration, and more.

   
  - 30 minutes using typical dialogues from daily life to become familiar with the rhythmic-melodic scheme of French and how to use it yourself. 

  
  - 30 minutes for spontaneity and fun where weput into practice what we have learned during the session. We will read texts aloud and perhaps even sing!

  
  

  About the instructor

  
  

  Audrey Charmont has a Masters in Marketing and Communications as well as a DAEFLE (French as a Foreign Language). She has French teaching experience in France and abroad

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