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Open to adult learners in the Kingston community, as well as Queen's students, staff and faculty, the Department of French Studies offers a range of French classes at the Beginner, Beginner Plus and Intermediate levels to help you improve your French conversational skills. Space in classes is limited, so make sure to register today.
For more information on the class levels, please see below.
Next Session: Winter 2026
- Registration for the Winter 2026 classes will begin in January.
- Classes will begin on February 4th, 2026.
- Wednesdays | 5:30 - 7:30 pm | eight weeks | in-person
- Location on Queen's campus TBA
The cost of the classes is $210.
*Payment by credit card only. No refunds or cancellations.
Once registered, participants may change levels based on the instructor's recommendation.
PAYMENT PORTAL WILL OPEN JANUARY 2026
Class Levels
- Course levels offered are determined by interest/enrolment.
- Some courses may not be offered every session.
- Certificates of Completion will be awarded (upon request) to those who attend a minimum of 75% of the classes.
The Beginner level conversation course is designed for learners with no or very limited prior experience with the French language.
It has been designed to help learners build skills at the A1 level of the . In this course, you will develop foundational skills in French, build vocabulary, form basic sentences, and practice useful expressions for everyday conversation.
Activities at this level will help you to:
- understand familiar words and very basic phrases concerning yourself, your family, and immediate concrete surroundings when people speak slowly and clearly;
- use simple phrases and sentences to describe where you live and the people you know;
- ask and answer simple questions in areas of immediate need or on very familiar topics.
This course provides a supportive environment where you can confidently begin using French in practical settings. Emphasizing student engagement and participation, the course fosters a positive and welcoming space for classroom discussions and collaborative learning, helping you get started on your French language learning journey.
The Beginner Plus level conversation course is designed for learners with some experience with the French language and a little confidence in some contexts.
It has been designed to help learners build skills at the A2 level of the . In this course, you will expand your foundational skills to communicate more confidently in everyday situations, and learn common expressions to help you navigate real-life interactions.
Activities at this level will help you to:
- understand vocabulary related to areas of most immediate personal relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local area, employment).
- understand the main point in short, clear, simple messages and announcements.
- use a series of sentences to describe, in simple terms, your family and other people, living conditions, your educational background and your present or most recent job.
- handle very short social exchanges, even though you can't usually understand enough to keep the conversation going yourself.
With an emphasis on student participation and guided discussions, you鈥檒l develop the ability to hold basic conversations and understand simple texts. This supportive and collaborative learning environment encourages you to take risks with your language use, helping you build confidence in your French and creating opportunities to connect with others along the way.
The Intermediate level conversation course is designed for learners with a solid understanding of the fundamentals of the French language that are looking to expand beyond the basics.
It has been designed to help learners develop skills at the B1 level of the . You鈥檒l expand your vocabulary on diverse topics, refine sentence structure, and practice expressing opinions and presenting ideas with greater accuracy.
Activities at this level will help you to:
- understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc;
- connect phrases in a simple way in order to describe experiences and events, your dreams, hopes and ambitions;
- briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions;
- narrate a story or relate the plot of a book or film and describe your reactions;
With an emphasis on student participation and open discussions, you鈥檒l have opportunities to apply what you鈥檝e learned, develop your conversational skills, and build confidence in using French in everyday and social contexts. This positive, collaborative environment fosters connection with peers and supports your journey toward greater proficiency.