FIAF French Institute Alliance Franaise in New York

Review №1

2022-06-11

Beware of FIAF and the man who is in charge of registration and payments,Guillaume Lefèvre, he is not a very helpful or empathetic person. Beware of the misleading high tech language used when paying for any online classes through FIAF, hyflex. It was misleading because I thought it was a zoom class, and all zoom classes I still take the teacher is right there to that zoom class well lit, and sound good, hyflex is more for inperson students that if they miss a class they can attend virtually. Yes it was offered on a zoom format but it was a camera stuck into a classroom, basically observing the in person students, the sound was awful and the instructor, who was very nice, emailed me personally with her struggles to manage this type of class. I explained to Guillaume that I thought the class zoom was misleading in the description as I am not in NY, I was taking the course from Florida, his response and assumption on high tech language of hyflex and that he sent his secretary to respond, not him, that he would withdraw me for a $45 cancellation fee, which he did just that versus a refund and not open to my feedback that it was a failure as a zoom class out of state student. Horrible experience, and if you are looking at FIAF from out of state, and doing this as zoom you will be very disappointed and beware of the misleading language of hyflex, I will not recommend FIAF, and my network in France is well aware of this horrible experience with such a beautiful language and culture. I actually find Babbel to work much more effectively in practicing French. Good Luck!

Review №2

2019-04-05

Beautiful, quiet space with very friendly and helpful staff. The Institute is very proactive, there is always something happening which they inform you on email (if this is your preference) about. Also membership includes free tickets for French movies. Since NY Public Library branches don`t have many books in French, I strongly suggest to everyone who appreciates the language and culture to become a member.

Review №3

2014-08-13

If you enjoy French, the language, the culture, the arts, this is THE place for you. The language classes are excellent. You will not find better teachers anywhere. You can find your level and then improve your skills at your pace. The library is excellent and a great place to read newspapers or magazines or novels or use their computers. The cultural events are varied and high quality. Take advantage of this resource!

Review №4

2019-02-28

The best place to submerge oneself in order to be in France. Once you reach the place , it feels like you are already there. The library is well equipped and also offers you to access other platforms from the computers. They have a wide collection of books on sale for 1$ and apparently its ever changing. I picked up 2 already. They screen movies every Tuesday and have lots of social , cultural events. Being a member, is the best way to get access to such events.

Review №5

2022-04-20

Taking French classes here. Everyone is super helpful and welcoming! Love it. I look forward to going there every week!

Review №6

2018-10-15

The childrens French classes were successfully organized and taught! I am in the Minimes program (age 7-10) and it was a BLAST! My teacher last year, Aurelia, made learning French fun and easy! She combined French with fun activities such as arts-and-crafts activities. Send your child to French classes at FIAF if she/he wants to learn French and have fun. From complete beginners to native French speakers, FIAF has the perfect program for you! Unfortunately, I am not available for French classes September-December every year because of my Nutcracker rehearsals and performances. See you in January! Merci, FIAF!

Review №7

2022-06-17

Immaculate French Language School, Library, Theatre and SkyRoom 😀

Review №8

2014-03-06

We love the A Petit Pas classes at FIAF. My daughter adores her teachers and is fiercely proud of the work she does each week. The new director Anne is improving things and starting new programs that are creative and are engaging my daughter in new ways. She made her first crepe this afternoon and couldnt wait to share it with the family. Her French is really improving and shes excited to use it.

Review №9

2014-03-10

Both of my children have attended the a petits pas classes since they were 1 and 3 year olds and love it. The teacher is fantastic, my daughters adore her and always love coming to class even when they are tired. They have made some great friendships. I dont know what the mention of unsanitary food is below but I have never seen that. The kids are always served alphabet biscuits from a jar and the teacher uses tongs to take each one out. I should also note we are not French, I dont speak French and my children have picked up the language quickly.

Review №10

2013-05-29

“A petit pas” … Not impressed.I must agree with the review below associated with the “A petit pas” children program. Our son is French -American and I was looking for a program in French to strengthen his exposure to the language and culture. Being given the program is designed by Alliance Francaise, I expected high quality and did not even think of researching before signing up.I should have.Both the teacher and the program were uninspired. While the program is advertised as lasting 1.5 hour, the first painful 30 minutes are spent doing nothing, children just rummage through two plastic bins filled with mismatched toys with some French music in the background. The only interaction they get in French at this stage is when the teacher tapes on the wall some paper shapes with the kid’s name on it. When the “class” starts finally, it is painfully boring. Children are not enticed to communicate with each other (whether it’s in French or in English). They just obey the teacher’s directions. The “A petit pas” class is more about learning to follow orders than learning to enjoy French. No room for imagination, but lots of do’s and don’t. It’s so comic that the reviewer below commented on unsanitary food being served to children, as I had the same reaction: the placemats look wiped but not cleaned, the plastic bag was from mysterious origin and also, the teacher will peel fruits and serve them without washing her hands first (and the food is served at the end of the class, after 1.5 hour of touching all kind of surfaces). We will not renew and we are impatient to be done with our prepaid package of sessions.Quel dommage.