COURS DE CIVILISATION
FRANÇAISE DE LA SORBONNE
Excellence in teaching French as a foreign language
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Discover the CCFS
The Cours de Civilisation Française de la Sorbonne (CCFS) depend on the Robert-de-Sorbon Foundation, recognized as being of public utility since 2009. Its main mission is to contribute to the influence of French culture around the world through the teaching of civilization and French as a foreign language. Created in 1919, the CCFS today have century-old expertise and constitute a renowned institution dedicated to French as a foreign language (France langue Etrangère, FLE).
Mainly attended initially by an American public, the CCFS today brings together nearly 160 nationalities with a strong presence of the Chinese, American, German, English, Brazilian, Korean, Spanish, Japanese, Polish, Russian and Swedish nations. Around 1,500 students attend the establishment annually.
Testimonials
Louis-Jean Fesquet
Professor of practical courses and French civilization…
Liliana Forero
Student at CCFS
“I like the courses offered by the Cours de Civilisation Française de la Sorbonne…”
Vester Smith
Vester, a student from Arkansas, USA, tells us more about his experience with the Cours de civilisation française de la Sorbonne.
A Reference Institution since 1919
FLE quality label
Français Langue Etrangère – French as a Foreign Language – Quality label awarded 3 stars to the CCFS (maximum score)
A century-old expertise
The CCFS rely on an original and rigorous pedagogy, combining French language courses, phonetics and civilization conferences.
A modern and adapted study environment
Starting in January 2025, the CCFS will welcome students in modern, modular facilities tailored for learning French, located in the 17th arrondissement of Paris.
State-of-the-art educational equipment
The institution is equipped with the latest technologies (interactive boards, latest generation LMS, connected phonetics laboratory, etc.).
Optimal class numbers
Based on language structures and interactivity, CCFS pedagogy requires small numbers.
Indicative average numbers:
Intensive and phonetics courses: 12
Language courses: 16
+160 nationalities
Since 1919, the CCFS have trained nearly 500,000 students from more than 160 different nationalities.
Academic Expertise
All lessons taught within the Cours de Civilisation Française de la Sorbonne meet the requirements of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
Language courses take place in small groups led by qualified and experienced teachers. They allow you to acquire progressive mastery of French in all its components, both written and spoken. An approach to literary texts is also proposed.
Phonetics courses taking place in laboratories are specific to different mother tongues, their goal being to improve pronunciation, comprehension and oral expression. Teachers specializing in applied linguistics have students work individually in a language laboratory.
Conferences related to French civilization conferences designed by eminent specialists allow students to deepen their knowledge of French society and culture, while perfecting their oral understanding of the French language.
Prestigious Academic Partnerships
The institution offers several partnerships with other higher education establishments, as well as preparatory classes that enable students to join these partner establishments. These prestigious agreements stand out for the quality of their education and correspond to a unique offering in the FLE (French as a Foreign Language) market.
The CCFS also have agreements with numerous international universities and welcome hundreds of international students from these partnerships each year. The institution also maintains close relations with cultural offices or education departments of foreign embassies in France, a joint work which reinforces the effectiveness of the linguistic and cultural lessons offered within the framework of the CCFS.
Live in Paris
Discovering Paris as an international student is often an unforgettable experience. The City of Lights, with its rich history, vibrant culture and delicious cuisine, offers an exciting adventure for students from all over the world.
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Student services
Studying at CCFS: a rewarding experience supported by quality student services Choosing a school to learn French is not just about choosing courses: it’s also about choosing an environment, learning conditions, and daily support. With this in mind, the Cours de Civilisation Française de la Sorbonne (CCFS) has implemented a
Why is learning French in Paris a unique experience?
Learning a language is much more than acquiring grammatical skills or enriching vocabulary: it’s about immersing yourself in a culture, exploring a way of thinking, and experiencing a different daily life. And when it comes to French, Paris is undoubtedly the ideal destination. Its history, heritage, and intellectual and artistic
Phonetics and Confidence in Speaking: How Pronunciation Promotes Fluency
Learning French is not limited to memorizing grammatical rules or enriching vocabulary. To express oneself with ease, it is essential to master pronunciation, an often neglected but essential aspect of communication. This mastery comes through the study of phonetics, a central discipline for anyone who wishes to express themselves with
Flexible and effective French courses: discover the CCFS evening program
Today, many people want to improve their French without disrupting their daily lives. Whether they are working professionals, students with irregular schedules, or expatriates seeking linguistic integration, they all share a common need: to learn French in a flexible and effective way. The Cours de civilisation française de la Sorbonne
French civilization conferences: Unlocking the richness of History, Culture in 2025
Have you ever wondered how French culture has shaped global history and language? French civilization conferences offer a unique gateway to understanding this rich heritage. From medieval kingdoms to modern art movements, these sessions delve into the heart of France’s cultural evolution. With over 80% of research in French studies
Mastering French phonetics: How CCFS courses transform your pronunciation and spoken fluency
Struggling to master the unique sounds of French? You’re not alone. Studies show that over 70% of learners find French pronunciation challenging due to its nasal vowels, liaisons, and silent letters. This is where French phonetics courses at the CCFS make a difference. Designed to improve spoken French, these courses
