About Alliance Française de Limerick
Alliance Française de Limerick (AFL) is the oldest Alliance Française in Ireland. Set up in 1944 by a like-minded group of French language enthusiasts in Cruise’s Hotel it was first known as ‘The French Circle.’ By 1969 the French Circle had become part of the worldwide organisation Alliance Française and we have been promoting the French language and culture on a non- profit making basis in the Limerick region ever since. It is now giving classes to adults, teenagers, and children, in French as a second language as well as French as a mothertongue (FLAM), both in Limerick and in Ennis.
Our courses are in line with the CEFR, which is the European standard reference framework for languages, and cover all levels from Beginners to Advanced and are aimed at meeting every need: general French, conversational, exam preparation, one to one and business classes.
All of our teachers are native French speakers, qualified and experienced at teaching French as a foreign language. Through regular assessments they will follow your progress closely and advise you personally.
Our small groups have a maximum of 12 students allowing you to feel at ease and benefit from more individual time with your teacher.
We also offer individual classes at times convenient to your schedule. If you are looking for a business class in French, a personal class to improve your level, or if you want your children to take grinds to pass their Junior Cert or Leaving French exams, our team will look after you.
If you are unsure of your level, take our online placement test and one of our teachers will contact you to let you know which class is the most suitable for you.
Our classes are equipped with a computer linked to a large flat screen in order to provide your learning experience with all the current technological facilities! We also hold a library with hundreds of references for all publics.
Our academic year runs from September to May and has two semesters. We usually allow students preparing the Leaving Cert to take an intensive course during the Christmas Holidays and we also hold summer camps. Our methodology is to place an emphasis on immediate communication so that our students can communicate in French as quickly as possible in personal or professional social situations.
We are the only approved exam centre for DELF and DALF in Limerick and hold exams in January, April and May. DELF (Diplôme d’Etudes en Langue Française) and DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française) are official qualifications awarded by the CIEP and the French Ministry of Education to certify the competency of candidates from outside France in the French language. For each exam, four skills are evaluated: listening and written comprehension, oral and written production. The DELF/DALF diplomas are recognised throughout the world and are valid for life! A certification to boost your CV or your university application.
Finally, we provide a membership card allowing AFL members to socialise with people who love the French culture, and to maintain their level of French by accessing a virtual library called Culturethèque.
We hope you will enjoy your learning experience with us! Don’t hesitate to let us know if you have any comment to improve our organisation.
Thank you!