We all strive hard to find a course that can make us fluent in French. So what exactly are we asking? To begin with, let’s answer the simple question: 

“What is Language or Linguistic Proficiency?”

“Language proficiency or Linguistic Proficiency is defined as the ability of an individual to speak or perform in a language.” But that’s not all! And there are many different levels of French Language Proficiency that you can attain depending on your choice.

The Council of Europe develops CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) as part of a project called the “Language Learning for European Citizenship” where, CEFR standards are used to measure the proficiency of individuals in various languages (German, French, English, or Spanish). This scheme was planned as a validation of language ability for non-native speakers of the language. CEFR splits language learners into three main types – A, B, C and then additionally divides each category into two categories like A1, A2, B1, B2 and C1, C2!

Where and why do these different CEFR levels matter?

CEFR is not only used in academic settings but also used by several employers. A CEFR diploma is very versatile for your CV or résumé, and they often don’t expire. You may need a CEFR certificate for school admissions, to join a University course, and Employment. Several students use CEFR levels to verify their current level and work for the next proficiency level.

The “A” Levels: Basic User

A1 or Beginner: It is the most basic level of language learning, where a user is a slow speaker, can recognize and use known expressions and fundamental phrases used every day, can introduce himself/herself, can answer and ask questions about the personal details.

A2 or Elementary: At the A2 CEFR level, a language learner can understand commonly used terms related to shopping, employment, family, and geography, etc., can do routine tasks, can exchange information, and explain matters of immediate need clearly.

The “B” Levels: Independent User

B1 – Threshold (or intermediate): When a user reaches the B level of CEFR, he can identify basic meaning of conversations at work, school, leisure, etc., can handle situations wrt trave, can write or create texts, can express feelings, can give opinions, reason discuss and plans on a topic briefly.

B2 – Upper Intermediate or Vantage: At this stage of French learning, a user can understand the fundamental idea of a complex text, or technical piece related to his field, can communicate with a degree of fluency and spontaneity without too much strain for either the learner or the native speaker, can undoubtedly produce detailed text on a wide range of subjects, can express their point if view very clearly.

The “C” Levels: Proficient User

C1 – Advanced or Effective Operational Proficiency: When a French language learner acquires this level of CEFR he becomes proficient as a user, where he understands a wide variety of high demanding longer texts and conversations, recognizes implicit meaning, can state ideas without struggling for expressions, can produce cogent, detailed text on most complex topics, can be active in social media, academic or professional situations by effectively using French.

C2 – Mastery (or proficiency) this is the mastery level of CEFR, and here the user is can understand almost everything, read, write and speak French with ease, can summarize information, spoken and written, can differentiate precise meanings of words, sentences, and paragraphs, in most complex situations, can reconstruct arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation, can express himself spontaneously, with greater degree of fluently and precision.

1. FluentU– It is a flexible online learning solution that lets you study the French language through the web’s best videos inspired by the real-world—like music videos, movie trailers, news, and inspiring talks—and turns them into personalized language learning lessons with interactive subtitles that you can tap on to look for a word instantly!  Practice and reinforce all the vocabulary through adaptive quizzes and tracks it to give you a 100% personalized experience.

2. Inlingua– Inlingua is one of the world’s leading language training organizations – with nearly 308 Language Centers in 34 countries across Europe, Africa, Asia, North, and South America, teaching over 20 different languages. At the end of the program, Inlingua conducts a 2-hour test to assess the student’s ability to listen, read and speak and offers certificates after successfully clearing. The certificate is accepted by the embassy for visa purposes and recognized the world over for job, travel, visa, admission to foreign universities, etc. All their levels correspond to the CEF(Common European Framework of Reference) levels. Inlingua’s teachers can also help you in preparing for the official certification test conducted by Alliance Française.

3. Alliance Française– It is a 50-year-old institution. The institute welcomes more than 3,500 students every year at its various centers. It is student-oriented and provides trainers who are experts in teaching French and participate regularly in training programs offered by the French Embassy and the network of the Alliances Françaises. Students are taught using a method of teaching that is based on modern, efficient techniques, which encourages self-development and active learning. The French language course complies with official guidelines recommended by the CEFR. On completion of each level, a DELF international examination is held. Independently of the DELF exams, students have to pass internal evaluations throughout the session to move up to the next level. Alliance Française offers regular weekday classes, weekend classes, an intensive summer course as well as a fast track course. It is backed by Ambassade de France en Inde and Institute Franchise India, 

4. ILSC– It is one of the best private language schools in the world. Their schools are situated in 8 unique cities including magical Vancouver, energetic Toronto, passionate Montréal, action-packed New Delhi, exciting San Francisco, trendsetting New York, warm and sunny Brisbane, and dynamic Sydney. ILSC boasts of its affiliation to-

•  Association of Language Travel Organisations, ALTO– having language travel agents in your country along with language schools worldwide united with the same objective: to offer you the highest standards in language travel abroad,
• Greystone College- offering Diploma & Certificate Programs in International Business Management, Business Administration, Hospitality Management, Convention Management, and
• TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other and Indo-Canadian Business Chamber)– an organization dedicated to the development of Indo-Canadian Trade, Business, and Bi-Lateral Relations.

5. Multibhashi– It is a technology platform that imparts impactful content designed by its impaneled Linguist experts across major Indian languages imparted via Cloud LMS, Cloud telephony, Streaming Video, Real-time Chat, Experiential Learning, Gamification & Interactive evaluation leading to Adaptive Learning by the user. MultiBhashi focuses primarily on early-stage language learning. It provides a blended approach to learning where the user is encouraged to self-learn as well as learn with a tutor on one-on-one chat, call and video sessions, topics related to their job role. In November 2020, Mutibhashi was recognized as the most promising and the only Language Learning EdTech startup, in the first annual convention of HolonIQ India and South Asia EdTech 100,  from an approximate 3000 EdTech companies across India and South Asia including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

5. Government of Quebec– While there’s a pretty significant application process, the government of Quebec offers free online French courses for those who are living in Quebec or planning to live there. Even if you’re not planning on moving to Quebec anytime soon? You can still access a ton of free exercises and helpful materials that the Canadian government has made available to anyone.

7. Athabasca University- It is a real yet online university in Alberta, Canada. It offers a wide range of degrees and courses, online. Despite being an online course the course is set up like a real university course that includes online interactive classes complete with lessons, exercises, and quizzes as well as audio and speaking components. Furthermore, the courses offer students interaction with the professor and other students.

8. Francolab- It is an initiative created by TV5 Québec (a television station in Québec, Canada). As such, the language used in the materials is Canadian (Québecois) French. It offers various free courses and activities available for learners. Each course is based on a different five to eight medium-length videos, and they revolve around topics such as “Les règles de l’art” (The Rules of Art). Other videos are stories based on Québecois folklore such as “La dame blanche” (The White Woman) and each lesson comes with teaching notes that include grammar and vocabulary explanations as well as quizzes.

9. Français Interactif (Interactive French)- It is a French online course, developed by the University of Texas’ French department, meant to complement existing French language courses offered by the University of Texas. However, it can stand alone as its own French course being structured like an interactive online textbook. There are 13 chapters available with vocabulary lists, videos, songs, and grammar lessons. The topics of the “chapters” are for beginners and include things like la Ville (the city) and la Maison (the house). The grammar lessons include short dialogues, descriptions, and practice exercises.

10. Babbel– Babbel is one of the most widely-used online language learning platforms worldwide that is characterized by monthly subscription fees instead of course-based fees. It gives you access to a number of online courses. Babbel offers French courses to learners at the beginning of their French journey and at the intermediate level that feature a dialogue with audio coupled with grammatical and vocabulary-building opportunities. Babble also offers a number of courses that focus on advancing a learner in a specific French skill area such as listening and speaking, grammar or idioms. Babbel’s lessons are followed by exercises to reinforce learned concepts.