To some, speaking French guarantees immediate cool points and even swoons from the ladies. But unfortunately, French can be as difficult to learn as it is appealing.
Sure, we all know bonjour and excusez-moi but when it comes to having a conversation, we’ll end up making a faux pas in a heartbeat. If you’re serious about picking up the language of love, here are 7 French classes in Singapore you can take from $14+/hour.
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If you’re going to pick up French seriously, it will be worth your while to take certification exams too – adding this to your resume could also gain you an edge over other job hunters. Read on to find out the different certifications and fluency measurements in use in Singapore.
CEFR
CEFR stands for the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. It measures your proficiency in Europe-based languages, like French and German. There are 3 levels, A, B and C which are also split into categories like A1 and A2. A1 is the lowest level of fluency while C2 is the highest.
Most of the centres in this list design their syllabus around CERF guidelines. For example, one module of 10 weeks brings you up to the category of A1.
DELF
If the CEFR isn’t challenging enough for you, enter DELF – the Diplôme d’études en langue française (Diploma of French-language studies). It’s an exam that covers CEFR levels A1, A2, B1 and B2. You’ll be tested on reading, listening, writing and reading, and the certification is recognised worldwide. Once attained, it’ll be your ticket to apply for bachelor programmes in French universities and some jobs.
DALF
For the most high-level Francophones, DALF is the Diplôme approfondi de langue française (Advanced diploma in French language) examination to test yourself. It’s a level higher than DELF and covers CEFR levels C1 and C2. You can use it to get into a masters programme or be eligible for big companies requiring French language skills.
Image credit: French Toast Language Centre
French Toast is one of the more well-known centres where you can take classes from $14.75/hour. The adult group classes are 20 hours long, which you can choose to complete the entire course in 4 weeks or 8 weeks. With classes scheduled throughout the day, it’s easy to find a timing that works for you.
On top of that, teachers are all 100% native French speakers too so you know you’re in good hands on your journey to become a master Francophone. If you’re still on the fence, you can take a $10 trial class to see if the teaching style and environment are suited for you.
Alternatively, take advantage of your SkillsFuture credits and you won’t have to fork out a single cent.
At the end of your course, you’ll get a certificate of completion that also doubles as an official certificate of your fluency according to Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) guidelines. If you’ve already finished the first four CEFR levels or are confidently fluent, you can take their Diplôme d’études en langue française (DELF) exam preparatory course too.
Miscellaneous fees: Course materials, $60
Full course fees: From $295
Upper Thomson branch
Address: 220A Upper Thomson Road, #02-00, Singapore 574352
Reception hours: Mon – Fri 10AM-7PM | Sat – Sun 9AM-1.30PM and 2PM-5PM
Class hours: 9AM-9.30PM
Telephone: 6455 6518
Parkway Centre branch
Address: Parkway Centre, 1 Marine Parade Central, #03-05, Singapore 449408
Reception hours: Mon – Fri 10AM-7PM | Sat – Sun 9AM-1.30PM and 2PM-5PM
Class hours: Mon – Fri 9AM-9.30PM | Sat – Sun 9AM-6.30PM
Telephone: 6455 6518
Website
Image credit: @frenchstudiosingapore
If you’ve always found it hard to sit still in lectures for hours at a time, French Studio might be conducive for you. On top of the usual books and worksheets, you’ll also get to learn French through music, newspapers, movies, and roleplay situations such as taking turns to order in a restaurant.
Image credit: French Studio
They also hold social events like wine tasting, so you’ll get a chance to meet fellow French enthusiasts beyond your classmates. Classes start from $14.50/hour for a weekly 2-hour session, and are also offered for Diplôme approfondi de langue française (DALF) – a more advanced diploma course.
Miscellaneous fees: Course materials, $55
Full course fees: From $290
Address: 81 East Coast Road, #02-01, Singapore 428785
Reception hours: Mon – Fri 10.30AM-7.30PM | Sat 9AM-2PM (Closed on Sun)
Class hours: 9AM-9.30AM, Daily
Telephone: 9499 9527
Website
Image credit: Alliance Française de Singapour
A beginner course at Alliance Française costs $380 for 8 weeks, but if you’re in a hurry to get your cert, there’s also a 4-week course at $680. This school is also the only place in Singapore where you can take your DELF and DALF exams.
They’re also the only school that offers a free 1-hour trial class during their French Fridays, where they teach you the basics like introducing yourself. Afterwards, you can connect with other students and teachers over a nice glass of wine to find out more about the course.
Image credit: Alliance Française de Singapour
Aside from French Fridays, they hold frequent social events like French-themed movie screenings, art exhibitions, and fashion shows.
Miscellaneous fees: Textbook & Workbook, $63 | One year student membership, $30
Full course fees: From $380
Address: 1 Sarkies Road, Singapore 258130
Reception hours: 9.30AM-6PM
Class hours: Mon – Fri 8.30AM-9PM | Sat 8.30AM-5.30PM (Closed on Sun)
Telephone: 6737 8422
Website
Image credit: Learning French Academy
Learning French Academy has adult group classes that follow CEFR guidelines with fees from $14.50/hour for weekly 2-hour classes. But they also have specialised corporate courses for specific industries like hospitality, law, and healthcare where you’ll learn conversational terms relevant to your field of work.
Located a short 5-minute walk from Ang Mo Kio MRT, it’s also a convenient upside for Northerners.
Miscellaneous fees: Course materials, $60
Full course fees: From $290
Address: 452 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10, #01-1793 (2nd floor), Singapore 560452
Opening hours: Mon – Fri 9AM-9PM | Sat – Sun 9AM-8PM
Telephone: 8339 7286
Website
Image credit: Inlingua
As the oldest language school in Singapore since 1972, it’s no surprise that Inlingua offers classes for a myriad of languages besides French, including less popular ones like Khmer and Burmese.
Their French classes start from $17.50/hour and you can choose how fast you want to finish the course. You can opt for classes of 2 hours/day for Mondays to Fridays and finish the course in 2 weeks, or take it easy with 10 weekly classes instead.
The courses here are SkillsFuture claimable so you don’t have to burn a hole in your pocket just to pick up a new language.
Miscellaneous fees: Course materials, $15-$65 | Registration fee, $20
Full course fees: From $350
Address: 51 Cuppage Road, #10-12, Singapore 229469
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9AM-9PM | Sat-Sun 9AM-8PM
Telephone: 6737 6666
Website
Image credit: Agape School of Education
According to testimonials from students at Agape, this language school takes a personalised approach in their lessons to ensure that every student achieves their best results for their examinations.
They only release prices for classes when they’re open for registration so keep a lookout on their website. One of the options is the DELF preparation course starting from about $16.67/hour for a 1.5 hour class, for 12 weeks.
If you have other commitments, you can also customise your classes with Agape so you can have greater flexibility in your schedule.
Miscellaneous fees: Registration, $30 | Course materials, from $60
Full course fees: From $300
Address: 153B Goldhill Centre, Level 3, Thomson Road, Singapore 307607
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10AM-10PM | Sat-Sun 9.30AM-7.30PM
Telephone: 6222 2331
Website
Image credit: Lingo
If you and a group of kakis want to pick up French together but no centre has a timing that fits all of your schedules, try Lingo. They can tailor a course specially for you that fits your preferred schedules and syllabus, with fees varying on the duration you choose. The teacher can even travel out of the centre to your group’s most ideal location, but that will also come with additional transport costs.
Normal group classes that are conducted in their centre start from ~$16.67 for 1.5 hour classes for 12 weeks or 2 hour classes for 9 weeks. If you can only afford time at home, there are also online classes which start from $50/hour for 10 hours. It might be more costly, but it’s a worthy investment since you can access the class modules anytime and rewatch recorded classes.
Miscellaneous fees: Course materials, $30
Full course fees: From $300
Address: 87 Beach Road, Chye Sing Building #03-01 (opposite Shaw Tower), Singapore 189695
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9.30AM-9.30PM | Sat-Sun 9AM-5PM
Telephone: 6253 3320
Website
French is spoken by 270 million people all around the world including Canada, North America, and Africa so you’re bound to find it useful for work or travel. Learning to be fluent in a new language will not only open up more employment opportunities for you as well, but maybe even romantic relationships!
Cover image adapted from: French Toast Language Centre & Alliance Française de Singapour
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