Inexpensive French lessons?

[FranceMaineMan]

Salut. My name is Nathan and I have just recently moved to Lyon to be with my French partner. I know basic French for high school and college. Does anyone know where there may be some fairly intense French lessons or classes that don't cost an arm and a leg?
Also, are there and other English speaking people who want to connect? I am a 37 year old, partnered guy simply looking for some nice, decent, down-to-Earth friends here in Lyon.

[Bevdeforges]

It's kind of the wrong time of year - most activities and associations are just closing up shop for the summer. But you could ask at the mairie (town hall) for a list of the associations in the area. Come September (La Rentrée - when school and Life starts again throughout France) they may have a Forum des Associations or some other event to allow the local clubs and associations to publicize their offerings.

Here in the Paris area, there are a number of local associations that give very reasonably priced French lessons for foreigners. Many have names that include "Dire Lire" but there are other groups, too. I'd be surprised if there aren't similar groups in the Lyon area.

You might also try contacting the Lyon AVF avflyonrhone - Espace de communication de l'AVF Lyon Rhône before they shut down for the summer. The Lyon group has a very active "international" section and the people there should have some information about inexpensive French classes and groups organizing French instruction in the area.
Cheers,
Bev

[tinytina]

Hey Nathan,
Welcome to Lyon!

I have recently moved to Lyon also as I married a french guy back home. I've been here 2.5 months and have found a couple of french schools but unfortunantely all cost $, but the links Bev gave you are quite good.

Also I have joined a language group that try to get together for conversation practise each week / fortnight and we usually bring along beer and chips to make it more sociable, if you feel like ever joining that your more than welcome there are currently 3 that come, NZ (25), me - Australian (34) and a German guy (25).

Depending on your visa status and how long you intend staying in france and if you apply for your carte de sejour you get assessed by the Immigration dept here OFII and they deem up to 400 hours of free lessons for new immigrants (I have my initial testing on Monday for this, it has taken almost 3 months to hear back from them though).


Tina

[dijid]

While not really lessons, you can supplement your French learning for free taking online courses offered by universities and/or LiveMocha. Carnegie Mellon University has a free courseware French Course, and I know there are others (just cán't think of it off the top of my head.) I did Live Mocha for a while (it's similar to Rosetta Stone, but you get peer feedback on items if you wish.) Another thing would be to search out any language groups in your area. I joined one locally called Crossroads (I think it's a unique organization, not something that has branches throughout France) for 20€/year and I can participate in weekly language exchanges in which the first hour is in French and the second hour is in English. I would think there might be something like that in Lyon.

Good luck!

[FranceMaineMan]

Originally Posted by dijid

While not really lessons, you can supplement your French learning for free taking online courses offered by universities and/or LiveMocha. Carnegie Mellon University has a free courseware French Course, and I know there are others (just cán't think of it off the top of my head.) I did Live Mocha for a while (it's similar to Rosetta Stone, but you get peer feedback on items if you wish.) Another thing would be to search out any language groups in your area. I joined one locally called Crossroads (I think it's a unique organization, not something that has branches throughout France) for 20€/year and I can participate in weekly language exchanges in which the first hour is in French and the second hour is in English. I would think there might be something like that in Lyon.

Good luck!

Thank you Dijid. I will look into both of those.
Nathan

[FranceMaineMan]

Originally Posted by tinytina

Hey Nathan,
Welcome to Lyon!

I have recently moved to Lyon also as I married a french guy back home. I've been here 2.5 months and have found a couple of french schools but unfortunantely all cost $, but the links Bev gave you are quite good.

Also I have joined a language group that try to get together for conversation practise each week / fortnight and we usually bring along beer and chips to make it more sociable, if you feel like ever joining that your more than welcome there are currently 3 that come, NZ (25), me - Australian (34) and a German guy (25).

Depending on your visa status and how long you intend staying in france and if you apply for your carte de sejour you get assessed by the Immigration dept here OFII and they deem up to 400 hours of free lessons for new immigrants (I have my initial testing on Monday for this, it has taken almost 3 months to hear back from them though).


Tina

Hi Tina,
Thank you so very much for the information. I would be Very interested in the get-togethers/conversational groups. That would be great as I know absolutely no one here there than my partner and I have little opportunity to practice the basic French that I already know...plus some beer, chips, and salsa while practicing is always good.
Please let me know when and where you have the groups.
Please feel free to email me personally at francemaineman(AT)gmail(DOT)com

Thanks again,
Nathan

[FranceMaineMan]

Originally Posted by Bevdeforges

It's kind of the wrong time of year - most activities and associations are just closing up shop for the summer. But you could ask at the mairie (town hall) for a list of the associations in the area. Come September (La Rentrée - when school and Life starts again throughout France) they may have a Forum des Associations or some other event to allow the local clubs and associations to publicize their offerings.

Here in the Paris area, there are a number of local associations that give very reasonably priced French lessons for foreigners. Many have names that include "Dire Lire" but there are other groups, too. I'd be surprised if there aren't similar groups in the Lyon area.

You might also try contacting the Lyon - Espace de communication de l'AVF Lyon Rhône[/url] before they shut down for the summer. The Lyon group has a very active "international" section and the people there should have some information about inexpensive French classes and groups organizing French instruction in the area.
Cheers,
Bev

Thank you for the wonderful information Bev. I will definitely look into the Espace de Communication Lyon ASAP. You have been very helpful and it is greatly appreciated.
Thanks again,
Nathan

[French Connection]

Hi Tina!

I wish I could come along to your language group night as that is the perfect thing I'm looking for but unfortunately I live in Strasbourg & I see that you have a Kiwi in your group - awesomes stuff!

Moana

Originally Posted by tinytina

Hey Nathan,
Welcome to Lyon!

I have recently moved to Lyon also as I married a french guy back home. I've been here 2.5 months and have found a couple of french schools but unfortunantely all cost $, but the links Bev gave you are quite good.

Also I have joined a language group that try to get together for conversation practise each week / fortnight and we usually bring along beer and chips to make it more sociable, if you feel like ever joining that your more than welcome there are currently 3 that come, NZ (25), me - Australian (34) and a German guy (25).

Depending on your visa status and how long you intend staying in france and if you apply for your carte de sejour you get assessed by the Immigration dept here OFII and they deem up to 400 hours of free lessons for new immigrants (I have my initial testing on Monday for this, it has taken almost 3 months to hear back from them though).


Tina

[avillalobos]

Hello Tina and Nathan,

My name is Anjie Villalobos. My husband and I just moved to Lyon 3 weeks ago. I am looking forward to learning the language and I would love to join this practice group. If you would kindly let me know when you will be meeting next.

Thank you!

Anjie

PS ~ Homemade salsa is my specialty!

[GALLUS]

Making friends, especially the type of intimate relationship (boyfriend or girlfriend) seems to be the best way.

Can be expensive 'though. Take it easy....