Travel

The ABC of Learning to Speak French in Lagos

I did it through Alliance Francaise lagos. I had always wanted to learn French. I had interest in secondary school but classes were not so regular hence, I only understood the basics which almost everyone knows. Bonjour, Ça va, Merci Beaucoup, Très Bien, Bonsoir and a couple of other phrases. In truth it must have been a little more than that before starting classes at Alliance Francaise Lagos. I also had learnt the pronouns – Je, Tu, il/elle, nous, vous, ils/elles. I had also learnt the three most important verbs ( to be – Être), ( to have – avoir) and (to go – aller). Maybe I went just a bit further, I remember having learnt the conjugations of these verbs in present tense as a song but then that was it. That was all I knew.

LEARN FRENCH ONLINE WITH NATIVE SPEAKERS! SEND AN EMAIL TO FIND OUT MORE

Alliance Francaise Lagos

Its a year since my first day at Class at Alliance Francaise Lagos and I will say I did it. Mama! I made it!. Je peux parler francais maintenant.  I have a DELF B1 Certification in French. I have a role at the World Bank in Washington DC, being bilingual put me at an advantage. I can speak french and hold up a conversation in French, of course I am not a native and I struggle sometimes. There are words I do not know, just like in English. There are times I speak slow, I sometimes have to think in English and translate in my head in French (very rarely though) but overall I would say that it’s been awesome and I applaud myself for where I am at currently.

French

My Reading Skills I would say is currently the best. I can read and understand almost anything in French, of course there are words I would have to check up but that’s fine, up next will be my listening skills, I understand perfectly when Africans speak french. I understand French folks, however sometimes it can be difficult especially when having a conversion with those who speak too fast and have an accent . However, this only happens when we are not having day to day conversations, it occurs when we are talking, arguing or expressing opinions on certain issues on which I  have limited vocabulary. My speaking can use a bit of work but I can communicate with ease and honestly that’s what I need. The most important thing is, I am not stopping but continuing in the pursuit of knowledge and to daily improve. Lets go through a bit of my journey at Alliance Francaise Lagos and what finally got me started.

Learn how to get started through my E- Guide to learning French!!!

WhatsApp Image 2019-08-09 at 15.27.47

What finally got me started was my Trip to Sao Tome and Principe HERE. Sao Tome  was a Portuguese colony and thus the people speak Portuguese, however, they almost had french as a second language thus, people mostly spoke Portuguese but a large sum of people could speak french also. Only if I could speak French yeah? I mostly survived using google translate and  hand gestures. On extremely rare occasions a met few people who spoke English and this travel experience was basically the turning point for me. I got back to Lagos and the intensive class was it for me. I took 6 months in total of classes A1 for 6 weeks A2 for 6 weeks and B one for about 12 Weeks and that was it.

Sao Tome

Sao Tome and Principe

I would not say I was the best student in the class, I know I am smart and able to pick up new things quickly, but what really worked for me was consistency and commitment. Putting in the extra hours, showing up to classes early (very important), studying after classes, listening to french songs, watching french movies, being actively involved in french cultural activities including competitions and public speaking, making friends who can speak french, bothering my professors with calls and messages and sending pictures and exercises for them to correct, also making friends who could only speak french and with whom you had to communicate with in french, using french learning applications and websites and also traveling to french speaking neighboring countries.

Alliance Francaise

Early to class

Alliance Francaise Lagos

Karaoke Event at Alliance Francaise Yaba

 Alliance Francaise Lagos

With Ambassador of France to Nigeria after Debate at Fete de la Fracophonie

Purchase a $10 or N3,900 E- Guide to getting a US Study Visa

Seme Border

Cotonou Border Stamps

Institute Francaise Benin

Obama Beach CotonouI thought to put this out there and help someone looking to start learning french, trying to find out how long it will take to grasp a full understanding of the language just like I was. I have a more detailed guide titled ‘A Nigerian’s Guide to Learning French‘ It has the extra things I did that will help you start out and get a grasp. The $10 E-Guide entitles you to;

  1. Two page DIY beginner guide to learning French
  2. A Native French Speaking Buddy
  3. 15 French movies with English and French Subtitles.
  4. 15 French songs with English Subtitles
  5. 15 Mobile or Video Calls once a week for 6 months
  6. Tips on Planning a weekend French Immersion trip like I did here, here and here
  7. How to land internship, volunteer or exchange experience in a Francophone country like I did
  8. Unlimited access to me via emails and Instant Messages for Tips and Tricks
  9. Books, Mobile Application and Recommendations and;
  10. Pre-Delf Preparation Tips

Think this sounds like a Plan Click this payment link for the E-Book and lets get started or send me an Email -olopadeanu@gmail.com to find out more. You can also connect with me on Social Media, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pintrest and Tumblr.

French School in Lagos

Alliance Francaise

Alliance Francaise or simply AF is an international organization that aims to promote the French language and culture around the world. its primary concern is teaching French as a second language and is headquartered in Paris.

Alliance Francaise Lagos

The Alliance Française of Lagos is a Nigerian non-profit institution in Lagos whose status has been approved by the Alliance Française of Paris. The Institute is involved with the training and education of Nigerians, most especially Lagosians in the French language and culture. Alliance Française has branches two branches in Lagos.

  • Alliance Française Ikoyi

The Alliance Francaise Ikoyi is located at the Mike Adenuga Center on Alfred Rewane Road Ikoyi. Landmark is Osborne Foreshore Estate. The institution just moved to the new building which was commissioned by Emmanuel Macron in May 2019. The Alliance Française Yaba actually moved to the new site at Ikoyi hence, there are no classes anymore at Yaba.

  • Alliance Française Ikeja

It is located at No – Muiz Banire street  Landmark is Arch Bishop Vinning Cathedral. It is inside Nursery and Primary School.

  • Alliance Française Ibadan

The center at Ibadan is located at 7th Day Adventist Road, Ibadan, Oyo-State.

Alliance Française Website

The Alliance Francaise Nigeria does not have a website, however, there is an Instagram Page and Facebook Page also a Twitter Handle for people to reach out to them. It’s basic, I wonder why they do not have a website up yet.

Alliance Francaise Lagos Course Fees 2020

The table below shows the Fees as at August 2019.

WEEKDAY CLASSES 58,000 PER SESSION TEXTBOOK N10,000

Time

Days

Duration

Morning Class

7:00am -8:30am

Mon – Fri

8weeks

Evening Class

6:00pm -8:30pm

Mon Wed Fri

8weeks

 

WEEKEND CLASSES 28,000 PER SESSION TEXTBOOK N10,000

Saturday Classes

9:00am -1:30pm

1:30pm – 4:30pm

Sat Only 8weeks

INTENSIVE PROGRAM 58,000 PER SESSION TEXTBOOK N10,000

Morning Class 8:30am – 11:30am /

11:30 – 2:00pm

Mon – Fri

4weeks

SUMMER INTENSIVE CLASSES N40,000 TEXTBOOK N10,000

Morning Class

9:00am -2:00pm Mon – Fri

2weeks

 

CONVERSATION AND PRONUNCIATION CLASS N35,000 PER SESSION

Afternoon Class 3:00pm – 5:00pm Tues & Thurs

4weeks

How do I speak French like a Pro in 6 months?

Alliance Francaise Lagos  was a great experience and one I would totally recommend to anyone. The date each session commences have to however be confirmed with the school.

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73 Comments

  • Reply Dolamu Tola August 9, 2019 at 5:49 pm

    nice page. Am really interested in your service.

    • AE
      Reply AE August 10, 2019 at 6:13 pm

      Hi Omotola, I will send you an email.

  • Reply Osilama August 10, 2019 at 3:13 pm

    Very helpful post . Detailed and well written. Taking up volunteer work in a French speaking Neigbouring country could be a daunting task for many given the sacrifices but I think that’d show how much one is ready to learn and improve. Kudos.

    • AE
      Reply AE August 10, 2019 at 6:20 pm

      Yeah, immersion is actually quite important even if it is for a few weeks. You are outside your comfort zone and have no choice. I strongly recommend even weekend trips to know how well you are doing in the language.

  • Reply Adewale August 11, 2019 at 2:05 am

    I feel so motivated to go and learn French, for real this time. Lol

    • AE
      Reply AE August 11, 2019 at 9:21 am

      I think you should, It is definitely a useful skill.

  • Reply Obianuju Ukwueze September 16, 2019 at 9:45 am

    Hello , I need a contact , the number i have is not reachable – 07052288001

    • AE
      Reply AE September 23, 2019 at 7:13 pm

      Hi, what exactly do you need a contact for?

  • Reply Adegbemisola Adebajo September 25, 2019 at 3:00 pm

    Hello, please when does a new session starts? And I don’t have any contact details of the alliance Francaise in Ikeja. Also, what’s the schedule of the class and duration.

    • AE
      Reply AE September 30, 2019 at 2:35 am

      Hi Adegbemisola, checkout @af.lagos on IG and send a DM

  • Reply Ajani Johnson October 10, 2019 at 12:48 pm

    Nice write up. I was looking for Alliance Francaise site and got directed here. Not a waste of time at all, thanks for also informing us that there are no classes in Yaba again. U narrated your story very well and I’m motivated to learn French the more. I will contact you

  • Reply Ajani Johnson October 10, 2019 at 12:50 pm

    Nice write up. I was looking for Alliance Francaise site and got directed here. Not a waste of time at all, thanks for also informing us that there are no classes in Yaba again. U narrated your story very well and I’m motivated to learn French the more. I will contact you, I need the motivation to realize this dream. Duolingo tried but, not as much as a human being would do, lol

    • AE
      Reply AE October 10, 2019 at 9:50 pm

      Lol…Thanks and I agree with you. Duolingo is great but nothing beats real life experience. I am unable to take classes now so I am back to Duolingo however and I am also listening to their french podcasts during my commute

  • Reply Obehi Oriaifo November 14, 2019 at 11:11 am

    Found this post very detailed and most helpful. Interested in signing up

    • AE
      Reply AE November 16, 2019 at 1:31 am

      In Alliance Française or my E-book? ?

  • Reply Wagor Deborah December 4, 2019 at 1:01 pm

    Thanks for the post. This is really what I need right now. I have DELF A2 certificate from AF pH. I want to serve (NYSC) at Abuja and complete my study also by enrolling for evening or weekend classes but it seems AF is not located in Abuja.

    Could you help me confirm??

    I’m also interested in your service

    Thank you!

    • AE
      Reply AE December 5, 2019 at 8:25 pm

      Hi Deborah, I will find out for you. I am only sure of Lagos and PH. I will find out

    • Reply Olayinka June 1, 2020 at 8:30 am

      Hi Deborah.

      I don’t think Alliance Française is in Abuja. However, there’s Institut Français over there. Institut Français is pretty much like Alliance

      • AE
        Reply AE June 2, 2020 at 4:33 pm

        Yup, Thanks Olayinka for the information for those who might be searching for Abuja. I have heard of Institut Francais. Do you take classes there?

  • Reply Tunji December 30, 2019 at 7:55 pm

    Hi,
    I’m currently studying french through a private tutor and he mentioned that we are already in lèvel A2 but I’m not sure I’m making that much of a progress. is there a place I can learn as I intend to take TEF exams by April 2020.

    i don’t mind evening classes. Monday to Sunday

    • AE
      Reply AE December 30, 2019 at 7:59 pm

      Hi Tunji, you can try Alliance Française, that’s where I did, to try out your French level you can do the DELF A2 before you take your TEF exam so you don’t waste money

  • Reply Victor January 2, 2020 at 4:00 am

    I plan on learning French this year regardless of a busy schedule, and this was really insightful, and helpful. Thank you AE.

    • AE
      Reply AE January 2, 2020 at 7:18 pm

      Thanks so much for reading

  • Reply Adekunle Abdul Wasiu January 6, 2020 at 10:49 am

    After Completion of each course, when is certificate going to be issued?

    • AE
      Reply AE January 7, 2020 at 10:04 pm

      It takes a while, in my opinion forever. It took a few months

  • Reply Blessing January 23, 2020 at 4:08 pm

    Hello, Sent a mail on how to purchase your E-Guide but there’s been no response.

    • AE
      Reply AE January 23, 2020 at 11:20 pm

      Hi Blessing, apologies, I will send you an email.

  • Reply Monsurat January 23, 2020 at 7:00 pm

    Words cannot describe how grateful I am for this post.
    Thank you so much
    I’m still a little bit confused and I’d be glad if you could answer my questions.

    • AE
      Reply AE January 24, 2020 at 12:04 am

      Hi Monsurat, kindly send me an email.

  • Reply Hikmah January 26, 2020 at 5:24 pm

    Please I need to be enlightened about the courses taken at alliance francaise and their certificate worth

  • Reply Leonard February 26, 2020 at 8:23 am

    Hello Anu, I sent a mailto you yesterday to requesting for the EBOOK. Kindly check your mail and give me a reply.

    • AE
      Reply AE February 29, 2020 at 4:55 pm

      Thank, I will

  • Reply Akinloluwa Akinwande March 14, 2020 at 7:07 pm

    Thanks for the insightful write up. Please, can you give me an idea of how much it cost you to reach A2.

    Thanks.

    • AE
      Reply AE March 18, 2020 at 4:33 pm

      Hi Akin, price changes, but I put the latest price in the blog post. I paid 120k to reach A2

  • Reply Kolade May 11, 2020 at 1:09 am

    Lovely post! Detailed ??

    • AE
      Reply AE May 12, 2020 at 2:54 pm

      Thanks Kolade

  • Reply Deborah May 16, 2020 at 4:10 pm

    Insightful post.
    Thanks alot. You sure ignited a spark .
    Please, how can I get your eBook?

    • AE
      Reply AE May 16, 2020 at 5:09 pm

      Hi Deborah, I will send you an email now.

  • Reply Onabanjo Oluwatosin June 3, 2020 at 3:15 pm

    Hi please can o know when classes resume and an idea of the cost as well as location of classes. I reside in Ojotathan you

    • AE
      Reply AE June 4, 2020 at 4:35 am

      Hi Tosin, for updated cost, Pls send them a DM on facebook, instagram or twitter. The lagos location is at Ikeja and Ikoyi as indicated in the blogpost

  • Reply Deborah June 16, 2020 at 5:29 pm

    Pls is there an online class for alliance francais. Where we can virtually learn everything??

    • AE
      Reply AE June 16, 2020 at 6:45 pm

      Hi Deborah, I do not know what is going on currently at Alliance, you would have to reach out to them to find out.

  • Reply Olukemi Kolawole July 17, 2020 at 7:43 am

    Good Morning Aanu,
    Your write up is very inspiring and informative.
    I wish my daughter could read this and also get inspired too. However, I will like to get your eBook for her.
    Kindly reach out to me today .
    Thanks.

    • AE
      Reply AE August 6, 2020 at 2:47 pm

      I’ll do that.

  • Reply FoB July 26, 2020 at 8:23 pm

    Hi, please is the class still holding considering the recent situation of the world now(covid 19) because I will like to enroll for the french class

    • AE
      Reply AE August 6, 2020 at 2:54 pm

      Hi FoB, I really don’t know what’s going on in Alliance Française now: you can reachout to them on Facebook or send an email.

    • Reply Tj November 14, 2020 at 6:06 pm

      They’ve resumed in-house classes

      • AE
        Reply AE November 21, 2020 at 1:45 am

        Thanks for the Info!

  • Reply Talabi Abiola August 27, 2020 at 11:55 am

    What an inspiring write up, i did A1 in September 2019 and finished in January 2020 but due to the Covid 19 outbreak i haven’t had any class, just reading your write up am inspired, Please send how to get your E Book.
    Thank you

    • AE
      Reply AE August 28, 2020 at 2:08 am

      Hi Talabi, Thanks for reading. I will send you an email shortly.

  • Reply East September 10, 2020 at 11:53 pm

    Hello I was actually searching for a place to learn French can you mail me so we chat better

    • AE
      Reply AE September 13, 2020 at 12:16 am

      Hi East, sent you an email.

  • Reply Funmi Kazeem September 24, 2020 at 1:01 am

    Hello AE thanks for your post, so helpful. which branch of AF did you attend and do you think there’s a significant difference in the which branch one goes asides the price difference which Ikoyi is more expensive, which will you recommend someone preparing for TEF should go. And how can i get your ebook. Last question please, do you think i can pass TEF after 6 months tutorial.

    • AE
      Reply AE October 8, 2020 at 2:30 am

      Hi Funmi, I doubt it matters which one you attend, I attended the Yaba branch, it moved to Ikoyi, I think you probably want to give it 1 Year, it depends on what level you would like to get in your TEF exam. Why are you writing TEF? I have sent you an email for information on the e-book.

  • Reply Okoye Collins Kenechukwu October 9, 2020 at 9:58 am

    Does AF have any other branch apart from Lagos and PH?? Am I Anambra right now.
    I really want to enroll.

    • AE
      Reply AE October 13, 2020 at 11:42 pm

      The branches I know of are the ones currently on my blog. I know any others

    • Reply Tj November 14, 2020 at 6:05 pm

      They have in Enugu,Owerri and kano

      • AE
        Reply AE November 21, 2020 at 1:44 am

        Thanks for the information TJ. I am sure others will find it useful.

  • Reply Anozie kelechi October 27, 2020 at 6:54 pm

    Hello good evening
    please I need information about the ikeja class ikoyi is far for me
    Thanks

    • AE
      Reply AE November 6, 2020 at 6:37 pm

      Hi Anozie. Pls reach out to A.F on Instagram or on Facebook

  • Reply Olayinka November 1, 2020 at 10:07 pm

    Hello! Just wanted to say I found your post very insightful thank you so much for sharing.

    • AE
      Reply AE November 6, 2020 at 6:30 pm

      Hi Olayinka, I am glad you did!

  • Reply Monisola November 2, 2020 at 8:15 am

    Hello Anu, I was actually searching for French school in Lagos before coming across your write up, can you mail me so that we can talk much better. Thanks

    • AE
      Reply AE November 6, 2020 at 6:26 pm

      Will do!

  • Reply Philip November 8, 2020 at 12:41 pm

    Please is there any Alliance Francaise Centre in Asaba

    • AE
      Reply AE November 21, 2020 at 1:43 am

      HI Philip. No, None that I know of.

  • Reply Tj November 14, 2020 at 6:02 pm

    This is a very enlightening and delightful post, I begin classes on Monday in the Port Harcourt branch and I’m very excited.

    • AE
      Reply AE November 21, 2020 at 1:43 am

      Great! Glad that you have started.

  • Reply Aeey July 15, 2022 at 4:24 pm

    Are you still much available?
    Your e-book and personal service?

    • AE
      Reply AE December 12, 2022 at 10:03 am

      Hi Joshua, apologies for the late response. E-book is still available. Happy to hop on a call sometime. However, I am not able to offer anything personal. I can however make some recommendations if you are looking to learn French.

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