Screening Questionnaire
The preliminary screening uses a questionnaire, now posted on the site. Such questionnaire is qualitative in nature; it gives an insight into the prospective member history with the language, aspirations for the use of the language and a self assessment of one’s level. This typically takes less than 15 minutes and comes back to the Coordinator. The questionnaire is embeded below, or you can click this link to take it in another window.
This test takes 20 minutes and the results are received by the prospective member within 24 to 48 hours. Key is that neither tool will eliminate an applicant, unless from his or her perspectives such tools suggest the program might be too challenging for them.
Selection
There are no formal prerequisites for this program; the two preparatory steps are a) the above qualitative questionnaire and b) a subsequent e-test (see Alliance Française) suggesting a proficiency level (quantitative). The preliminary screening uses a questionnaire, now posted on the site. Such questionnaire is qualitative in nature; it gives an insight into the prospective member history with the language, aspirations for the use of the language and a self assessment of one’s level.
This typically takes less than 15 minutes and comes back to the Coordinator. The results are received by the prospective member within 24 to 48 hours. Key is that neither tool will eliminate an applicant, unless from his or her perspectives such tools suggest the program might be too challenging for them.
The range of prior experiences that might help the potential participant to blend in, covers at least:
- Bilingual
- Exposure to other Romance languages
- Music or theater
- Storytelling or public speaking
- Tutoring
- Study of language history and etymology (such as ancient languages or linguistics)
Time Commitments
Once enrolled, the various time commitments are:
- At least 2 hours of immersion per week (with other participants)
- Meetings at downtown bookshops once per week
- Beginners and Intermediates meet separately (normal week)
- Beginners, intermediate and advanced participants hold joint activities, held at various locations for special events (including tea tasting after hours with designated hours for the group or museum visits to French themed exhibits at non-busy times)
Time devoted to Individual preparation between weekly sessions depends on the choices made and the skill levels of the presenter. Making a presentation is a dry run for a recording; however, not all presentations are being recorded in a formal way to be posted on the site.
- Read texts or excerpts chosen the week prior (or several weeks prior); this includes to read out loud and noting vocabulary in need of help in its context.
- Take notes to prepare for presentation of the text to group members
- Draft a script for the first presentation (see PRACTICE page)