Covid-19 INFORMATION
Dear AFSF members, students, and visitors,
You will find on this page the latest communication regarding the measures we take at the AFSF around COVID-19. We care deeply about your health and well-being and will remain vigilant about responding to new information as it becomes available and reviewing our operations plans as needed.
The Alliance Française de San Francisco will continue to monitor the public health situation around COVID-19 and follow the guidelines set forth by the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH), the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
If you have any questions regarding our classes, please check this FAQ "special online classes and COVID-19"
(updated on August 16, 2021):
Thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation as we face this challenge together.
The AFSF team
WeDNESDAY, January 12 th, 2022
All in-person events for January and February are cancelled.
March small in-person events remain to be confirmed. No Francophonie event will be held in person but some oline workshops will be
planned to celebrate francophonie month.
Onsite classes are maintained with limited capacity. KN95 mask or equivalent or Surgical face masks are strongly recommended to student over cloths masks.
KN95 masks distributed to teachers who are teaching in person classes.
MONDAY, January 3 rd, 2022
We open a new onsite class for children age 7-12. Vaccination is required.
Restricted availability of onsite classes for adults.
Mask mandate is back in place and masks must be worn at all times in class or in any shared space.
Communication is sent to staff members to remind to stay home idf they experience any symptom or have been in contact with a covid positive
person following San Francisco guidance.
MONDAY, October 18 th, 2021
Our new vaccination policy becomes effective for staff and students, candidates or attendees who will be leading or attending in-person
classes, events or exams as well as staff working in-person at the AFSF, for which the vaccine is available.
We also require an person attending an onsite class to fill a
Covid liability waiver.
MONDAY, AUGUST 16 th, 2021
To limit contacts, only two classrooms will be used for group courses for adults:
- Upstairs: the classrooms # 3 and #4 have been merged to become only one big classroom.
- Downstairs: classroom #8 is available.
Group courses are scheduled at different times. Here is the list of in-person group courses starting next week.
Mask will be required for these classes. Transparent face masks distributed to teachers who are teaching in person classes.
If required by the City of San Francisco or the state of California, these courses will be transferred online until further notice.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 12 th, 2021
The AFSF is planning to re-open its doors very soon for some private classes and a few group courses. Masks
will be required for these in-person lessons.
We will let you know if these courses will be impacted by the recommendations from the City of San Francisco and the state of California
in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for more information...
You can already enroll in an in-person group class for adults that will be held in our premises, starting on August 24.
You can also schedule some private classes in person with some teachers starting in September.
saturday, April 3 rd, 2021
Our French classes will continue to be held online at least until June 19, 2021:
- Registrations are open for adults group classes
- Registrations are open for workshops until the end of June
- Registrations are open for Summer camps for kids
Friday, February 5 th, 2021
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Our French classes will continue to be held online at least until April 2021:
-
Registrations are open for adults group classes until the end of April
-
Registrations are open for teens group classes until May
-
Registrations are open for kids group classes until June
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Registrations are open for workshops until the end of June
-
- French learning camps / pods is reopening for 3 weeks in January
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26 th, 2020
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Our French classes will continue to be held online as 2021 starts:
-
Registrations are open for adults group classes until the end of April
-
Registrations are open for teens group classes until May
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Registrations are open for kids group classes until June
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Registrations are open for workshops until the end of June
-
- French learning camps / pods is reopening for 3 weeks in January
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1 st, 2020
- Our French classes will be held online until the end of the year. Registrations are open for adults group classes.
- French learning camps / pods will close on October 9, at the end of session 2 as our campers are returning to their regular schools. We plan on reopening if the schools close again during the semester.
-
TCF exams registration for 2021 are open, but keep in mind that we may need to cancel the exam depending on the
situation.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 19th, 2020
- Our French classes will be held online until the end of the year. Registrations are open for adults group classes.
- Classes for teens will be online for the entire school year, starting on September 14th. Registrations are open.
- Classes for kids will be online for the entire school year, starting on September 14th. Registrations are open.
- However, French learning camps / pods will be offered onsite from August 31st and until the end of the year, following the specific guidance from SFDPH, in sessions of 3 weeks each. Information, program and registration here .
- Workshops, Events, and French for Business classes will continue to be offered online until the end of the year as well.
- All TCF exams are still on hold until September. You can pre-register for the autumn sessions, but we may need to cancel the exam depending on the situation.
-
Books for classes are now available for shipping only (regular or express shipping). One week before a course starts, and once a
course has started, only express shipping will be available. Delivery is guaranteed under 1-2 days by USPS for experess shipping,
whereas delay is uncertain with regular shipping.
SATURDAY, MAY 30th, 2020
- The next session of group classes for adults will be held online, from June 22 to August 22 (no class between June 29 and July 6). Registrations are open.
- Summer camps will be offered onsite from June 15 following the specific guidance from SFDPH, in sessions of 3 weeks each. Information, program and registration .
- Books pick-up option is now available, please contact us by email to schedule it. Please, wear your mask.
-
all TCF exams are on hold until september. You can pre-register for the autumn sessions, but we may need to cancel
the exam depending on the situation.
TUESDAY, APRIL 28th, 2020
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We will also check your emails (afsf@afsf.com), from Tuesday to Friday, from 5pm to 6:30pm.
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Amandine will receive phone calls (415) 775-7755, from Tuesday to Friday, from 5pm to 7pm, and on Saturday from 12:30pm to 2pm.
To contact us during the shelter-in-place:
-
We will check your emails (afsf@afsf.com) every day, from Tuesday to Saturday, from 9:30am to 11:30am.
- Amandine will receive phone calls (415) 775-7755 every day Tuesday to Saturday from 10 to 12pm.
Our schedule for online classes have been updated. A new group "Joie de
Vivre" is now open on Wednesday mornings.
SATURDAY, APRIL 18th, 2020
-
Our priority is the health and safety of our students and teachers. In this particular situation, all Session 3 will be held
online
to avoid unnecessary risks with public transportation and continue social distancing. Also, learning French pronunciation while
wearing a mask would be a great challenge. We prefer that you practice safely from home and meet virtual new friends.
We hope to see you all in person soon.
-
If you need to purchase books for your course (Saison 1, Saison 2, Saison 3, or Saison 4), you can now choose between paper copy and digital copy.
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For paper copy, regular and express shipping are available.
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To download the digital copy, you will receive a code and insctructions by email. Please allow 1 to 3 business days to process your order.
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When you enroll for your course, remove the items you don't want when you check out.
-
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Some classes, such as "Joie de Vivre" and the Beginner 3 class on Saturday morning, are already full. An additional course is now open for the Beginner 3 level on Saturday afternoons, from 2 to 4 pm.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15th, 2020
Enrollment to our online group
classes for adults and
online French workshops are open.
Next session will start on April 27th with online courses.
In the meantime, we offer grammar review workshops
and private classes.
All our classes will be held online for the full duration of the session, from April 27 to June 20.
We are also working on a different format - online - for our summer camps! Please fill this survey if you are interested in summer camps to let us know what works for you.
TUESDAY, APRIL 7th, 2020
You can now enroll in our French
group classes for adults.
Next session will start on April 27th with online courses.
If we are allowed to reopen our classrooms before the end of the session (June 20), most of
the courses will probably be held again in our premises.
Classes taught by Michel de Bedoya will be online only for the full session.
TUESDAY, MARCH 31st, 2020
Our in-person events scheduled until May 4th
are postponed.
However, we have events for you online!
Find them on our Event
Calendar
and Facebook.
MONDAY, MARCH 30th, 2020
London Breed, Mayor of San Francisco, announced that the shelter-in-place order will soon be extended until at least May 1st.
- As we are in the middle of a session of group classes, you can still join conversation classes and connect with new people!
- Next session of group classes will start on April 27th, enrollment will open about 10 days in advance.
- Students enrolled in the current session can take extra private lessons at a discounted rate (email sent on March 20th): packages of 2 or 4 hours are offered - to use before April 26th.
- Waiting for the next session of group classes to start? Take private lessons in the meantime and enjoy learning something new each class. We offer 12-hour packages, you can use these hours at your own pace during the 12 months after your purchase.
- If you are interested in private lessons but are not sure the format corresponds to what you need, take a 1-hour online trial class and let us know if you want to continue.
For any enrollment or questions, contact us at afsf@afsf.com or by phone between 10am and 12pm (Tuesday to Saturday)
STARTING ON TUESDAY, MARCH 17th, 2020
On Monday, March 16th, the Public Health Officers of the San Francisco County with other Public Health Officers from the Bay Area
announced a Public Health Order that requires residents to shelter in place except for essential needs. This order will be in effect from
March 17th until April 7th.
As a result, the Alliance Française de San Francisco is temporarily closing its doors. All our group classes are
now switching online. We are making this as easy and interactive as possible for you to attend the class remotely.
Check your emails for detailed information.
* Note: The "Advanced Grammar" course with Caroline Smadja on Tuesday morning (9:30am - 11:00am), March 17th, will be rescheduled to a later date. Students enrolled in the course have been contacted by email.
WHAT TO DO TO ATTEND AN ONLINE CLASS ON KROWDLEARN
Krowdlearn is like Zoom or Skype, with integrated tools for teachers to make the class interactive and closer to an onsite classroom experience! Learn more about Krowdlearn here.
- The class will take place at the scheduled day and time via the e-learning platform Krowdlearn.
- Your instructor will provide a link a few minutes before the start of class, which you will see on Krowdlearn. You will also receive an email notification.
- You will need to click on the link provided in order to access the video conference – or “enter the virtual classroom.” No application or software is necessary to install. The video will open in your internet browser.
- Do not activate your own video and microphone when you enter the classroom, as this will affect the quality of the conference. You only need to view and listen.
- You will be able to ask questions when prompted by the instructor, either by speaking, or by using a messaging board connected to the video conference.
- Please wear headphones for best quality.
- The instructor will use the video to lead the class, including sharing their screen to guide you through the lesson. The teacher will be able to record the class and to send the video to students after the class.
WHAT TO DO TO STUDY ON APOLEARN E-PLATFORM.
Apolearn is a platform where you will be able to do your homework and other exercises (including all the content from your workbook Saison) , discuss with your teacher and your classmates. Also, your teacher will follow your progress on this platform to support your learning in a more customized way!
- You will need to click on the link provided in an email from the AFSF in order to access the platform. No application or software is necessary to install.
- Then follow the announcements from your teacher every week.
- Every week, we will release the content for your lesson and homework. You can study at your own pace during the week.
- The content, your results, and the platform access will be available for free until the end of the session 2 (April 26, 2020).
*** If your course requires a book Saison, note that the format of your course will change as the following:
-
1h30 of live online class with your teacher and classmates (you will receive a link by email from your teacher to join the online
classroom)
- Auto-corrective practice on Apolearn, our exercise platform
MONDAY, MARCH 16th, 2020
-
For group classes scheduled this week, we can already announce that the following courses will be offered online
only:
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Courses with Michel de Bedoya :
- Avancé: Conversation / Vocabulaire (B1-B2) : on Tuesdays, live online classroom with Michel, from 6pm to 7:30pm + 1 hour on Apolearn platform (see below)
- Beginner 5 (A1-5): on Wednesdays, live online classroom with Michel, from 6pm to 7:30pm + 1 hour on Apolearn platform (see below)
- Intermediate 5 (A2-5): on Thursdays, live online classroom with Michel from 6pm to 7:30pm + 1 hour on Apolearn platform (see below)
- Course with Olivier Walty :
- Avancé: Conversation / Grammaire / Vocabulaire (B1-B2) : on Saturdays, live online classroom with Olivier, from 10am to 12:30pm on Krowdlearn platform (see below)
- Course with Coline Lebeau :
- Expert : on Saturdays, live online classroom with Coline, from 10am to 12:00pm on Krowdlearn platform (see below) - Note thate there will be no class on March 21 and 28 as scheduled since the beginning of this session.
- Course with Caroline Smadja :
- Littérature : on Saturdays, live online classroom with Caroline, from 10am to 12:30pm on Krowdlearn platform (see below)
-
Courses with Michel de Bedoya :
- For group classes online, we are making this as easy and interactive as possible for you if you attend the class remotely. If your class is switching to online class, you will receive an email with detailed information for your class on Monday or Tuesday.
WHAT TO DO TO ATTEND AN ONLINE CLASS ON KROWDLEARN
Krowdlearn is like Zoom or Skype, with integrated tools for teachers to make the class interactive and closer to an onsite classroom experience! Learn more about Krowdlearn here.
- The class will take place at the scheduled day and time via the e-learning platform Krowdlearn.
- Your instructor will provide a link a few minutes before the start of class, which you will see on Krowdlearn. You will also receive an email notification.
- You will need to click on the link provided in order to access the video conference – or “enter the virtual classroom.” No application or software is necessary to install. The video will open in your internet browser.
- Do not activate your own video and microphone when you enter the classroom, as this will affect the quality of the conference. You only need to view and listen.
- You will be able to ask questions when prompted by the instructor, either by speaking, or by using a messaging board connected to the video conference.
- Please wear headphones for best quality.
- The instructor will use the video to lead the class, including sharing their screen to guide you through the lesson. The teacher will be able to record the class and to send the video to students after the class.
WHAT TO DO TO STUDY ON APOLEARN E-PLATFORM.
Apolearn is a platform where you will be able to do your homework and other exercises (including all the content from your workbook Saison) , discuss with your teacher and your classmates. Also, your teacher will follow your progress on this platform to support your learning in a more customized way!
- You will need to click on the link provided in an email from the AFSF in order to access the platform. No application or software is necessary to install.
- Then follow the announcements from your teacher every week.
- Every week, we will release the content for your lesson and homework. You can study at your own pace during the week.
- The content, your results, and the platform access will be available for free until the end of the session 2 (April 26, 2020).
FRIDAY, MARCH 13th, 2020
-
Group classes will be held at normal time and in our premises on Saturday 14th.
- If you prefer staying at home or if you feel sick, you can follow the class via Krowdlearn or Skype, remotely (see instructions above). Webcams are installed in the classrooms. Please contact your teacher asap and CC the reception (afsf@afsf.com) so that we can prepare accordingly.
- During your class on Saturday, you will discuss with your teacher and classmates about the possibility to start online only classes next week. In the meantime, stay safe and wash your hands often!
-
Private lessons are already offered online, via Skype or Krowdlearn, or any other videoconference call system that works
for you and your teacher.
- If you want to start taking your lessons online instead of at the AFSF, please get in touch with your teacher.
- If you prefer postponing you private lessons, let your teacher know.
- You will find his/her email address on our website, under the tab "About us > Our Team".
- For students who are enrolled in a group class this session and who prefer withdrawing from classes this session, contact us at afsf@afsf.com to receive a credit (valid for 1 year) corresponding to the number of missed classes this session.
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Also, ONLY for students who are enrolled in a group class this session, in case they would like to
review what they missed
or would like to review some topics individually, we offer discounted online private classes ( Limit of 4 hours per
person for this session (03/02 - 04/25). Valid only during the current session, until April 25. All hours must be used online during the
current session (before April 25th). No credit or refund for purchase of these private lessons.)
:- 2 hours of online private classes - $100 (instead of $130)
- 4 hours of online private classes - $190 (instead of $260)
- Should closing our cultural center or cancelling classes be advised by local authorities, we will keep you informed. In the event of a closure, we will transfer all the classes (group, private, and corporate) online, on the plateforms named above.
THURSDAY, MARCH 12th, 2020
- Group classes will be held at normal time and in our premises today on Thursday 12th, on Friday 13th, and on Saturday 14th. In the meantime, stay safe and wash your hands often.
- From today, you can listen to our updates on our automated voicemail.
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We are preparing to shift to live online classes as soon as possible. Our classrooms are open this week.
- In the meantime, people who feel sick or who are most at risk of getting sick (seniors and people with chronic illness and underlying medical conditions) should stay at home. If this is your case, please contact afsf@afsf.com to let us know about your situation (see more details below: IMPORTANT REMINDERS TO KEEP IN MIND).
- If you take private classes, get in touch with your teacher to take online classes.
- We will communicate with you by email by the end of the week to give you more detailed information. Any questions regarding online or on-site courses will be answered at that time.
- Reminder to the AFSF students and members: you can have access to the French e-library Culturethèque and you can borrow books and DVDs from our French Library. Once you have created your account on Culturethèque, your access is limited to 48h. Please contact the AFSF at afsf@afsf.com to extend your free access to a year.
- All our cultural events scheduled in March are postponed.
RECAP OF ACTIONS TAKEN AND MEASURES APPLIED BY AFSF
In our facility: implementation of reinforced hygiene measures.
- Performing enhanced environmental cleaning, including daily cleaning of frequently touched surfaces (e.g., doorknobs, keyboards, tables, etc).
- Disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer solutions, and tissues are available in each classroom.
With our staff: communication, training, and preparation for the next phases.
- Establishing procedures for staff who would need or wish to be quarantined at home.
- Training our teachers for online group classes on Krowdlearn and Apolearn platforms.
- Acquiring equipment to allow courses to be continued with teachers and/or students remotely.
For our students:
- Providing online private lessons.
- Preparing content and training for teachers to offer group classes online.
- Answering to questions and concerns.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS TO KEEP IN MIND
- Students and staff members who are sick should stay home and minimize social contact as much as possible to keep caregivers and adult family members safe.
- Staff and students who are well but who have a sick family member at home with COVID-19 should refer to CDC guidance for how to conduct a risk assessment of their potential exposure.
- Avoid close contact with those who are already sick.
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing with a clean tissue or the crook of your arm.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds at regular intervals (practice singing the alphabet in French while you lather your hands!)
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Use facial tissues only once before discarding
- Stay home from classes, events, work and other activities if you are sick
- Keep your children home from school and other activities if they are sick.
If you are in any of the following cases, please stay home and contact AFSF by email (afsf@afsf.com) or phone (415-775-7755).
- Ill with a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing AND have traveled from an affected area in the last 14 days,
- Ill with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing AND have been identified by Public Health as a recent close contact of a confirmed COVID-19 case or had recent close contact with someone who is being evaluated for COVID-19 infection,
- Ill with a severe lower respiratory tract infection and unknown contact during known community transmission, should be placed in a private room away from others and asked to wear a face mask (available at the office next to the emergency kit). The local health department will be then noticed and will provide guidance.
- Ill with symptoms of acute respiratory illness are recommended to stay home and not come to AFSF until they are free of fever (100.4° F [37.8° C] or greater using an oral thermometer), signs of a fever, and any other symptoms for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medicines (e.g. cough suppressants). Please call your doctor for guidance.
Additional advice on COVID-19 and how to stay healthy can be found on the World
Health Organization’s website.
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