On this page, you will find a list of French conversation groups, information on classes and other learning opportunities, and explanations of various French proficiency exams that can be taken by non-native speakers in order to affirm levels of fluency for personal or professional interest.

French Conversation Groups in Minnesota:

Looking for a place to speak French in Minnesota?  Then look no further!  Below is a list of conversation groups that meet all around the state and welcome people of all language abilities.  If you would like to add a group to the list, please contact Michelle Eberhard at michelle.eberhard@faccmn.com.

Alliance Française (Minneapolis); 1st Saturday of the month 9:30-11:30am

Alliance Française (Minneapolis); 1st & 3rd Friday of the month 12-1pm (apportez vos déjeuners!/bring your lunch!)

Barnes & Noble (Har Mar Mall, Roseville); Thursdays 6-9pm

Barnes & Noble (Galleria, Edina); Tuesdays 6:30-8:30pm

Black Dog Cafe (St. Paul); Sundays at 11:30am

Bordertown Coffee (Minneapolis); Fridays 2:30-3:30pm

Caribou Coffee (corner of Lexington & Larpenteur in St. Paul); Wednesdays 6:30-8:30pm

Espresso Royale Cafe (Minneapolis); Saturdays at 10am

Hudson Bagel & Coffee (Hudson, WI); 2nd & 4th Saturday of the month at 10am

Minneapolis Institute of Arts Restaurant (Minneapolis); Tuesdays 11:30am-1pm

Educational Opportunities:

**If you or a group of friends would like to learn about "le français des affaires" (business French), please contact Michelle Eberhard (michelle.eberhard@faccmn.com) for more information.

If you are interested in taking language courses, improving your knowledge of French, or even putting your language skills to use, consider the various options listed below:

Alliance Française of Minnesota - Schedule of child and adult French language courses offered, as well as additional French educational resources

Concordia Language Villages - Work at the Villages or Twin Cities Day Camps

Etoile du Nord French Immersion School - Located in St. Paul; kindergarten through sixth grade education offered in French

The French Academy - Located in St. Louis Park; preschool through fifth grade education taught entirely in French by native speakers

French Culture - Official website of the cultural services of the French Embassy in the U.S. (includes information on primary and secondary, and higher education, as well as on the French language in general)

Minnesota Chapter American Association of Teachers of French - Homepage for Minnesota's Chapter of the AATF

Normandale Elementary French Immersion School - Kindergarten through fifth grade education in Edina

Pierre Bottineau French Immersion - New immersion school opening in Minneapolis for the 2012-2013 school year.  Initially offering full-immersion kindergarten and first grade, and second and third grade French-enriched, education.  Will add one grade per academic year in order to expand to a kindergarten through fifth grade school for the 2014-2015 school year.

The World Speaks French - Resources for French teachers, learning French in an academic setting, promotional materials, and more

French Language Exams:

DILF/DELF/DALF

The DILF (Diplôme initial de langue française), DELF (Diplôme d'études en langue française), and DALF (Diplôme approfondi de langue française) are exams aimed at establishing an individual's proficiency in usage and understanding of the French language.  While the level of difficulty varies from test to test, each exam is comprised of four sections, including written and oral comprehension, and written and oral production.  In each of these sections, test-takers are challenged to demonstrate their ability to speak, write, and understand French.

These tests are created in accordance with the levels established within the Cadre européen de référence pour les langues, and each diploma is issued through the Ministre de l'Education nationale, de l'enseignement supérieur et de la recherche. 

Attaining a diploma through this system attests to the test-taker's French proficiency and can thus be used as demonstrated proof of competency for potential employers, entrance into a French post-secondary or graduate institution, or other areas in which proficiency in French is required or desired.

Individuals may choose their exam level based on their own abilities or preferences, and do not need to have completed any other level prior to signing up for the one they currently wish to take.

Adult DILF/DELF/DALF exam levels are as follows:

DILF A1.1 - first-time speaker

DELF A1 - beginner

DELF A2 - beginner/intermediate

DELF B1 - intermediate/advanced

DELF B2 - advanced

DALF C1 - experimented

DALF C2 - experimented

Exams for younger speakers: DELF Prim (8-12 years of age), DELF junior or scolaire (adolescents)

DELF Pro: for individuals seeking professional work in France or other Francophone countries

For additional information on the DILF/DALF/DALF, as well as other French language competency tests, please visit the website for the Centre international d'études pédagogiques (CIEP).

Preparation: The CIEP website also offers test preparation.  To access this information, click on the CIEP website link above and choose the test you would like to take.  You should then see a link to example subjects.  In addition, click here to access CIEP's bibliography of test preparation materials.

To locate a test center near you, please reference the Coordonnées des centres d'examen DELF-DALF.  For test-takers from Minnesota, the closest test center is likely the Alliance Française de Chicago.

TEF

The TEF, or Test d'Evaluation du Français, is another exam that asserts an individual's proficiency in French.  For more information on test components, preparation, and where you can take the exam, please visit the Alliance Française's website here.