French Cultural Center / Alliance Française of Boston & Cambridge

Shauna Murray

Unfortunately I have not had a great experience with this center. In August I took the placement test to see which class I should enroll in and after a few weeks I did not hear from anyone regarding the verbal portion so I enrolled in a course where I thought I would be placed and paid thinking this would elicit a response from the organization. A week after paying for a course I received an email from Clare (Sept 3rd) responded the same day and then did not get another response from her until September 10th. On September 14th I took my verbal exam and it was suggested at that time to take private lessons and then enroll into a course. Elsa emailed Clare on Sept 14th to make the transfer of my payment to my account. I followed up on September 15th with Clare and did not receive a response until the 17th when she indicated she would only be transferring part of the amount for the course as a portion of the fee was for a book (which I never received). I provided her with my availability on September 18th and since then have not heard a WORD from her or anyone at this center. I requested a refund on 2 occasions and still have not received a response from this group. I highly suggest people look at alternatives to this center.

Ned Connolly

An excellent community gathering place for those interested in speaking French or learning about and sharing in the Francophone world. The Ciné-club and the Alors... conversation groups are particularly worthwhile.

Kristy Thibodeau

I started taking group beginner classes at the French Cultural Center and have been pleased with the process. I have a high school equivalency. My teacher, Angelique, is fantastic. She speaks 99% of the time in French, making you immersed to listening to the language and dialect. The class is small with 3 people but we all appear to be at the same level based on our placement tests prior to the class. The books and CD/DVD are appropriate and the homework is never stressful. The class meets for 1.5 hours 2x week over 10 weeks, but they go by fast because they are enjoyable. I am anticipating on moving onto the intermediate classes.

Flute Goddess

A gem for everything French-we've taking classes in conversation and grammar. They have concerts and talks on a variety of subjects. The library includes an elibrary. Formidable!