Called structuro-global, they are based on the oral language (spoken and heard) and place the emphasis on the structures, sound, rhythm and intonation of the language which the student absorbs as a whole and reproduces in the same way a child learns its mother tongue, without the need to dissect or excessively analyze the language.   In the first week, an introduction to grammatical terms and sentence structure is given. Then, during the course, grammar is introduced appropriately whenever it helps the process of understanding and learning to speak correctly. Grammar is of course inherent in the structures contained in each lesson and the student absorbs it naturally and gradually, day by day, as it grows in complexity.

An audio-visual class

A modern language laboratory is used to support the classroom work and, together with audio-visual aids, is at the student's disposal for accelerating his or her progress or improving speech difficulties.

All these activities take place in a congenial atmosphere, created by all concerned, and which contributes so much to the students' progress and enjoyment. No special preparation or particular knowledge of French is required.

Some amount of specific homework is given in order to help overcome certain difficulties. A minimum amount is also given on an optional basis, but the rate and intensiveness of the lessons make it difficult for a student to forget from day to day. There is hardly any age limit: anyone, with no hearing impediment, can easily follow and derive full benefit from the audio-visual classes.

Because the maximum number of students in each class is limited to 10, each student's progress is closely monitored, with special exercises given to correct individual, characteristic errors. Thus each student can achieve the best possible results compatible with his or her potential and individual effort.

At the end of a 4-week session, regularly attended, a final examination is given leading to the Institut de Français Certificate (usually corresponding to about 5 US university credits for a 4-week session).

Teachers

All INSTITUT DE FRANÇAIS teachers are rigorously selected to ensure the highest possible teaching standard, which is the Institut's hallmark. They all hold various university degrees in foreign languages and linguistics. They are all native, accentless French speakers and speak fluent English; some also speak German, Japanese, Spanish or Portugese. They have been specially trained in the teaching of French to adults by audio-visual methods, have many years of experience in this field and are continually monitored by the Institut's teaching supervisor.