Joshua ReyWe started learning a new language—French—for fun, but it turns out it’s more than just a hobby; it’s a gateway to a whole new world of culture and opportunities.
We can’t tell you how many times we patted our backs when we were able to have a conversation with a native French speaker. If that sounds good to you, then here are a few of our picks on where to learn the French language.
Vancouver’s Top French Classes
If you’re looking to take French classes, it’s important that you look into the quality of the instructors and the teaching materials. A good French class should also have experienced and qualified teachers who are fluent in the language.
Check out the criteria below to see how we assessed these establishments offering French classes:
1. Learn French in Vancouver
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Quality | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Curriculum | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Materials and Resources | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Instructor Qualifications | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Availability | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Instructors | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Class Hours | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Certification | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
Learn French in Vancouver is composed of a crew of skilled local French tutors who can handle everyone from total newbies to pros. They provide both in-person and online classes, which we found convenient.
The company’s curriculum is pretty awesome; they’ve got a bunch of options to match all skill levels. Students can start with the basics, like grammar and vocabulary, or dive into advanced conversations and even prep for the Test d’évaluation de français (TEF).
Right from the start, one thing that stood out to us was that pretty much all the instructors here are either Canadian-French or French citizens. We thought this was a good indication of the authenticity and quality of the language instruction.
There are a total of eight teachers here and you have the added bonus that they’re also open on Saturdays, which means students have the flexibility to schedule classes on weekends.
We’re just a bit bummed that they don’t give out certificates for completing the language courses. However, the focus here is more on practical skills and fluency than formal certification, so we think that’s a fair trade-off.
Pros
- Provides both in-person and online classes
- Covers a wide variety of French lessons
Cons
- Doesn’t provide certificate
Student Reviews
Great instructors
“Great instructors! I’m enjoying the classes a lot:) I have had both Eloise and Sophie as my instructors and both of them are absolutely wonderful and very patient with the student.”
-David T.
Incredibly friendly staff
“I cannot recommend this school enough. From the first phone conversation I had, everyone I spoke to was incredibly pleasant and friendly…”
-Sanchita S.
2. Berlitz Vancouver Learning Centre
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Quality | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Curriculum | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Materials and Resources | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Instructor Qualifications | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Availability | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Instructors | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Class Hours | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Certification | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
The Berlitz Vancouver Learning Centre is conveniently situated in downtown Vancouver, near Canada Place, Georgia Street, and Burrard Station, so it’s easy to locate.
Berlitz has established itself as an institution where students can learn languages, so it’s not surprising that they also hold French classes. But what stood out to us was that they have French courses that are specific to different proficiency levels.
This includes beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. In our opinion, this allows students to join a class that aligns with their current language skills and ensures effective learning.
We were also pleased to find out that all their instructors receive in-house training. We think this is great because it ensures consistent and high-quality teaching across all skill levels.
Apart from that, it was impressive to see that they offer French lessons in various formats. You can choose to study with a partner, in groups, individually, or even online—whatever works best for you.
They also provide certifications for different levels of proficiency, which can be beneficial for those who want to showcase their language skills to potential employers or institutions, so that’s a great incentive.
Overall, the Berlitz Vancouver Learning Centre has one of the top French classes in Vancouver as they have a flexible and comprehensive approach to language learning.
Pros
- Convenient location
- In-house trained instructors
Cons
- Relatively higher rates
Student Reviews
Efficient and rewarding
“AMAZING! Learning a language is not easy, but this Berlitz method is seriously efficient and rewarding…”
-Athena P.
Welcoming staff
“Thank you so much Berlitz! Since the first time I contacted Berlitz Vancouver every single staff member I have met, has been kind and very welcoming.:
-Diana B.
3. Alliance Française
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Quality | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Curriculum | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Materials and Resources | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Instructor Qualifications | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Availability | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Instructors | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Class Hours | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Certification | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
This French Language school and cultural center at Cambie Street takes learning French to a more immersive level.
Apart from the fact that they have French lessons for all ages and abilities, Alliance Française also encourages students to join in on movie screenings, theater plays and workshops, concerts, book clubs, art exhibitions, and social events.
We believe that these programs are what set them apart. In our opinion, this allows for a more well-rounded and comprehensive language learning experience. These events are included when you sign up for classes with them, which we thought was a pretty great value for the price.
Alliance Française uses an action-based and communicative method in their classes, which means you’ll be developing your grammar, reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
We were also impressed that they have 37 French instructors on board, all of whom provide in-person and online instruction. We think this ensures that students have access to a diverse range of teaching styles and expertise.
Overall, we think Alliance Française is a pretty solid choice. They have various activities for students to participate in, and their curriculum is designed to be immersive and engaging.
Pros
- Has various social activities
- Big team of instructors
Cons
- Some complaints about instructor efficiency
Student Reviews
Positive learning environment
“Excellent teacher, very positive learning environment, even online lessons are full of fun!.”
-Jackie X.
Structured lessons
“I love the Alliance Francaise classes – they are structured, yet informal enough to feel very comfortable. The instructors are fabulous, and great attention.”
-Holly H.
4. UBC Extended Learning
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Quality | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Curriculum | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Materials and Resources | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Instructor Qualifications | ★★★★★ 4/5 |
| Availability | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Instructors | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Class Hours | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Certification | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
The UBC Extended Learning Program is a comprehensive and diverse educational program offered by the University of British Columbia. They’ve got an impressive line-up of courses for lifelong learners who are looking to upskill themselves or explore new interests.
French classes here take on a more interactive and conversational approach, encouraging students to practice speaking and listening skills. The instructors use real-life scenarios and cultural topics to enhance language learning, making the classes engaging and practical.
Now, this may seem a tad intimidating, but in our opinion, this approach is highly effective in helping students become confident and fluent in French.
Apart from the usual courses, UBC also has a “French Language and Culture” certificate program that’s able to be completed online, which to us, sounded like a great option for those who may not have the flexibility to attend in-person classes.
We also liked that all of their instructors are native French speakers with experience working in French-speaking countries. However, we’re a bit disappointed to see that they only have ten teachers on board, as we think this limits their capacity to accommodate multiple students.
Nevertheless, we’re happy with what we’ve seen here at the UBC Extended Learning Program. Their interactive and conversational approach to teaching the French language makes the learning experience more practical.
Pros
- Interactive and conversational approach
- Experienced French instructors
Cons
- Small team of instructors
Student Reviews
Carefully-designed programs
“Carefully designed programs, lovely instructors and supporting fellow students. #iloveubccs.”
-Deli D.
Passionate instructors
“The instructors are passionate about their subjects and well organized. The most surprising thing for me is the online courses where there are no live classes felt very interactive and engaging…”
-Kimberly W.
5. IH Vancouver
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Quality | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Curriculum | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Materials and Resources | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Instructor Qualifications | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Availability | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Instructors | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Class Hours | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Certification | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
For over 70 years, IH Vancouver has provided classes in over 13 languages, TESL, TEFL, TESOL, and CELTA training, and a wide range of cultural programs and activities.
What we liked the most about them is that they keep their classes small—not exceeding ten students, which we absolutely liked.
We think this allows for a more personalized and interactive learning experience. With smaller class sizes, students have the opportunity to receive individualized attention from their instructors and actively participate in discussions and activities.
We found it unique that their course is non-credit based, meaning there are no letter grades or numerical evaluations. Instead, their instructors provide feedback on your skills during class sessions.
In our opinion, this approach fosters a more growth-oriented mindset as students focus on improving their skills rather than chasing grades. We’re just a bit iffy that they charge extra for textbooks and other course materials.
Despite that, we appreciate the fact that they hold all their French classes online, so you won’t have to worry about commuting to a physical location.
On a whole, we think IH Vancouver is a great choice if you’re looking for one of the top French classes in Vancouver.
Pros
- Small class size
- Non-credit based program
Cons
- Extra fee for course materials
Student Reviews
Professional and gentle instructors
“International house Vancouver is a good option for growth professional way, get international experience, learn Canadian culture. Staff is professional, gentle and emphatic.”
-Marina F.
Very good and professional teachers
“Good school with very good and professional co op teachers (Juliet & Gabriel) I had a very good international experience.”
-Mariana R.
