There are no prerequisites for studying at the IEF!

On arrival, students take a French test (oral and written comprehension) to determine their level… they can then be placed in the most appropriate class.

Our French language lessons are based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and cover every level from A1 to C2. The language level of each student is regularly assessed to ensure optimal individual progress.

The number of students per class is limited, to allow for maximum interaction with the teacher:

• 17 students max. for the beginner-level class
• 24 students max. for intermediate- and advanced-level classes

The goal of the IEF courses is to enable students to acquire or improve their knowledge of French grammar and vocabulary using a variety of tools (real-life documents, audio and visual recordings, etc.), all of which are designed to develop both oral and written expression and comprehension skills.

Teaching Content

Business French

Mastering business and sales vocabulary, to be able to write letters in French

• Vocabulary exercises
• Applied oral skills in the form of role plays
• Business discussions
• Study of texts taken from various business newspapers

Written expression

Mastering French grammar and its numerous idioms

• Dictations (to detect phonetic faults)
• Exercises in language structure
• Freewriting (but applying grammar rules)
• Role-playing with repetition of what has been learnt

Vocabulary

Mastering vocabulary: formal language, standard language, colloquial, and slang

• Vocabulary exercises (structure)
• Role-plays and sketches to apply the vocabulary acquired

Oral expression

Develop the ability to converse, express an opinion, reflect on a question and improve pronunciation

• Presentations on topics related to French culture and civilisation
• Learners select a current news topic and present it to the group
• Discussions and debates about current events
• Playing with language and words

Culture & Civilisation

Exploration of various aspects of French culture through film

• Film screenings
• Explanation of vocabulary
• Analysis of the form and content of the films, and the comparative cultures and civilisations of the different countries represented

Assessment

Students are assessed during their course to check what they have acquired, to gauge the difference between what they know and what they hope to achieve, as well as to check the quality and effectiveness of the teaching.

Students are assessed in the following ways:

• evaluative (at the beginning, to assess your level)
• formative (throughout the course, to guide learning and achieve objectives)
• summative (at the end of the course, to determine how much you’ve learnt)