The Alliance Française
An International Cultural Network
The Alliance Française de Paris was created in 1883 around personalities such as Jules Verne, Louis Pasteur, Ferdinand de Lesseps, Armand Colin and Jules Renan. The international network of Alliances Françaises currently consists of 800 communities established in 135 countries.
The quality of instruction adapted to different publics and the ability to welcome all nationalities enables the Alliances Françaises to support and develop the teaching of French throughout the world to more than 550 000 students every year.
A non-profit organisation
The Alliances Françaises are non profit making societies registered with local authorities. They are administered by Committees composed of people from the economic, business and cultural spheres. Its statutes are recognised by the Fondation Alliance Française de Paris.
Education of Exceptional Quality
The larger Alliances Françaises offer courses for adults, adolescents and children. Many of those Alliances Françaises are examination centres for the DELF (Diplôme Elémentaire de Langue Française) and the DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française). These are mainly in the State Capital cities and ACT. Courses at the Alliance Française de la Côte Centrale include basic language (beginner through to advanced), conversation; French for travellers and a range of various workshops. These are for adults only (18 yrs+). At this stage we are unfortunately not able to cater for teenagers and younger.
An Organisation Proudly Supporting Cultural Projects
The Alliance Française Organization favours and supports tours by artists around the world, with the aim of developing links and exchanges between different cultures.
With the support of Cultures France and the French Embassy, Alliance Française organizes – where possible – cultural projects (singers, actors, mime artists, musicians, dancers) in all the countries where it is present. Some Alliances Françaises are also art galleries, where both French and other artists can exhibit. In each country where it is present, the Alliance Française takes special interest in supporting local artists. Our local organization on the Central Coast – which is entirely volunteer run – has a limited capacity to offer this. On the other hand we participate in all multicultural events to make our presence known and to promote the French language and culture.