Although most foreigners likely envision immersing themselves in French while strolling along the Seine in Paris, there are some great options for French language courses in Strasbourg.
In full transparency, I did take a great intro-level course with some fellow au pairs when I lived in Paris. But, outside the classroom, it was easy to get by with English.
On the other hand, Strasbourg is a wonderful place to study French because you actually have to use it in your day-to-day life!
Note: This article was last updated in February 2024.
First things first – how did I end up needing French language classes in Strasbourg?
In one of many face-palm decisions I’ve made over the years, I moved to Paris in 2018 with about 10 words of French. (Like many Americans, I’d chosen Spanish as my foreign language course over the years.)
Fortunately/to my chagrin, the majority of the time, that wasn’t an issue. While I dutifully attended my au pair French course, I didn’t use what I practiced that much. Parisians will quickly (read: impatiently) switch to English if they suspect it will speed the interaction along, even if you soldier on in French!
Also, the vast majority of the Parisian workforce speaks English now
This makes for a golden “best of both worlds” experience if you’re a tourist. However, this is not necessarily the best environment in which to improve your French. Paris was a nice way to ease into French language learning (and I have nothing but good things to say about the language school I enrolled in, L’Ecole L’Etoile). However, moving to Strasbourg showed me just how invaluable the “immersion” part of language learning truly is.
Where to take French language classes in Strasbourg?
I took classes through Alliance Française in Strasbourg, one of multiple locations in France. The school is an organization committed to sharing the French language and culture with Francophiles around the world. It is quite an investment of both time and money, but I’ve already seen huge returns with respect to my ability to speak and listen – which also means I can finally argue a bit! (This is très important if you’re going to live in France for any length of time.)
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What is my intensive course schedule like?
I enrolled in Alliance’s most intensive language learning option, a three-month course running from 9 AM to 1 PM every day, Monday through Friday. There is one 20-minute break at the halfway mark. Besides that, it’s a solid block of all French.
If you’re interested, but not sure you’re able to commit to a course for several weeks, you can find information on their other courses here. The school also offers an option to live with a French family throughout your course!
Ascertaining language proficiency
In Europe, language proficiency is measured on an A to C scale with a 1 or a 2 indicating where on the letter level you fall. For example, A1 is debutante, or complete beginner. At my language school, the classes are broken up by proficiency level. As it happens, I’ve landed in the intermediate-advanced group, where most of the time it feels like I’m lost at sea surrounded by glaciers ominously labeled “subjunctif” and “plus-que-parfait.”
In the higher levels, much of the class is spent in conversation or giving mock presentations on random topics like your favorite museum or a current event in your home country. I tell you, nothing (except maybe copious amounts of alcohol) will unlock the language gates faster than ranting about the state of politics in your home country. But I digress.
When I began my French course in Paris, I had a beginner level (so, A1)
When I completed the course, I was awarded a diploma certifying me as A2, meaning that I could hold very basic conversations and ask for directions in French – but not necessarily catch the reply.
To ascertain my level going into this fall, Alliance sent me an online test. I also had to schedule an in-person or Skype appointment to demonstrate my speaking ability. From this process, I was placed into the “B” level.
The “B” level is where most learners of any language will spend their time, as it represents the huge (and oftentimes hugely frustrating) gray area of intermediacy. Compared to English, French is incredibly precise and unforgiving. (And, to a large extent, native French speakers take pride in this.)
The “C” level is generally understood as fluency. If someone says they have C1, then you can expect them to be able to:
- eavesdrop on heated conversations in public
- navigate complex conversations smoothly
- argue or debate a point
- convey their point at an advanced level of writing.
C2 is less commonly talked about as it represents all of the above, plus precise fluency in academic settings.
Strasbourg is great for any level of French study
The Alsace region is known for being proud and friendly. Timbered homes, lovely canal walkways, and a rich gastronomic culture make for a gorgeous stopover visit for the average traveler. (There is are also great thrift shops in Strasbourg.)
It only gets better the longer you stay. There are so many opportunities to have the little conversations that are so integral to building confidence in a foreign language and so many places to reward yourself with a sweet or savory treat after, too!
There have also been some pleasant surprises
Alliance Francaise – Strasbourg emphasizes French language learning in the context of French culture. In practice, this means that I received French explanations of why the French are the way they are.
Other times, a particularly enthusiastic teacher created a highly interactive class, which was perfect for practicing French. He brought us to a little-known Strasbourg atelier that makes handmade garments and introduced us to the founder and her two interns.
I am routinely enchanted, amused, baffled, exasperated, outraged, or some combination of all the aforementioned by the French. So, interactive classes and passionate explanations were extremely helpful to me. They serve to remind me why I’m trying to learn this language in the first place: I don’t want to just be able to communicate, I want to be able to express myself properly.
Also, learning about the intricacies of cultural differences helps me to be able to understand the French psyche rather than simply accept it.
A lot of random twists and turns resulted in my enrollment in this intensive language class
And honestly, I can’t recommend studying intensive French in Strasbourg enough. Language courses are uniquely challenging and bonding. You, and everyone in the classroom, are out of their element. The point is to get comfortable with being uncomfortable and get down in the language-learning trenches. This looks different for everyone and results in a potent, unforgettable experience that is truly unlike any other.
Other options: French language schools in Strasbourg, France
People come to Strasbourg for many different reasons and learning French is a common one. Below is a list of other options besides Alliance Française where you can study the French language. Note that depending on your citizenship and the length of time you want to come, you may need a visa.
Great article! I’m just about to start the three month course in Strasbourg and this both made me excited and quietened my nerves. Thank you!
Thanks Holly! Hope you enjoy the course and that your French takes off!