French Language Classes in Chicago IL area

French Institute of the North Shore, Illinois:
French Institute of the North Shore is a dedicated French school situated in Winnetka, only 30 km north of Chicago and ideally located on the Lake Michigan shore. Whether this is your first exposure to learning French or you just want to brush up from years past, our motivating approach and warm setting will inspire you to achieve your goal to speak French. The French Institute of the North Shore uses a refreshingly different and exciting methodology in foreign language acquisition that will make you forget those days of boring French classes. Learn practical vocabulary, key verbs in present, immediate future and past tense, how to form questions, communicate effectively in typical situations encountered by travelers, and understand a French menu and order in French.

French Language Classes:
- Beginner to advanced levels 

Course Descriptions:
Levels One to Four consist of three quarters. After completing Quarter 1, students advance to Quarter 2 and then to Quarter 3.

Level 1:
This beginning course introduces students to the essentials of the French language and culture. Learn practical vocabulary, key verbs in present, immediate future and past tense, how to form questions, communicate effectively in typical situations encountered by travelers, and understand a French menu and order in French.

Level Two:
Learn more extensive vocabulary, how to use and distinguish between le passé composé and l’imparfait. Study the necessary grammar to easily communicate in more complex sentence structures and learn how to manage in a variety of challenging everyday situations one might encounter. Interesting cultural topics will be explored.

Level Three:
This level introduces the future, conditional and subjunctive tenses. Increased vocabulary, including more idioms, coupled with advanced grammar structure enables students to communicate at an intermediate level upon completion of this course. Interesting cultural topics will be discussed.

Level Four:
This comprehensive review of French grammar is ideal for students who have completed Levels One, Two, and Three and are looking for the next progressive step to perfect their language skills. It is strongly recommended that students register for a Level 4 Prêt à Parler to complement this class. Students are required to purchase a text.

Audio Programs for Levels 1-4
Everyone knows practice makes perfect. The French Institute's interactive audio programs reinforce each weekly lesson with 30 minutes of practice drills and instruction. By listening and speaking along with the audio program in your car and attending the animated weekly classes you can quickly master the essential elements of the French language. Recorded by native speakers, a 14 disk CD series is available for Levels One, Two, and Three.

Level 5 - Conversation:
This course is designed for students who already have a solid command of the French language and desire to speak more naturally and effectively. Lessons provide students practice in conversing about popular topics. In discussing contemporary issues, students gain a better understanding of French people, culture, and language. Text may be required.

Literature Course - Levels 5 & 6
Enhance your reading comprehension and further your familiarity with French literary works by taking this new literature discussion class. Under the instructor's guidance, students consider themes, plot development and personal interpretation of French fiction. Participants will be expected to purchase the texts and to complete weekly reading assignments.

Level 6 / Advanced Conversation:
Using newspaper articles, magazine articles and televised news as a starting point for discussion about contemporary French culture, this advanced conversation class expands students' vocabulary and repertoire of idiomatic expressions, improves students' listening comprehension and refines verbal expression.

Pret-a-Parler - Levels 1-5:
This course, complementary to the group level classes, has a strong focus on cultural and current events in France. Through extensive conversation, students improve their verbal expression and increase their vocabulary, all while reinforcing key points from the group level classes and keeping up to date on happenings in France.

Private French Lessons:
Individual and semi-private lessons are available.

Placement:
Please contact us for further information on determining your placement, which is based on speaking ability. To ensure a solid foundation, it is best to advance to the next level after mastering your current level.