🎯 Your Roadmap to Immigration Exam Success
Your structured path to success
TEF & French Academy
Welcome to ATF!
A personal message from Alexandra
Founder of TEF & French Academy
🙏 Thank you for choosing us and trusting us in this process!
I know how important your French learning journey is to you. I myself tried to get permanent residence in Canada and invested enormously in it. Even though I didn't have problems with French, there were plenty of challenges. In fact, it's still not over! I understand the difficulties, the doubts, but also the hope and determination it represents.
That's why I created this special space to help you get the most out of your classes and optimize your learning. I want to prevent you from experiencing what I went through and I do everything to ensure you have smooth success, at least on the French part.
I know the exam is the goal for many of you, and that's exactly why we're here to support you every step of the way. Your success is our mission!
With all my affection and encouragement,
✨ Alexandra & the entire team ✨
👇 Click on a card to explore!
Each section contains resources specially designed for your success
📍 Your Learning Roadmap
🏗️ Foundation, Base, General French
No matter which exam you choose, here is the necessary foundation
Reminder: Our program is based on the official French teaching curriculum used by all schools
Beginner
~20-30h of classes
🎯Objective
Master the basics: greetings, personal introduction, simple daily phrases
✅You're ready for A2 if...
- •You can introduce yourself completely
- •You understand simple questions
- •You can make basic purchases
- •You conjugate in present tense
Want to know exactly what you'll learn?
📚 A1 curriculumElementary
~20-30h of classes
🎯Objective
Expand vocabulary, express simple opinions, talk about past and future
✅You're ready for B1 if...
- •You tell about past experiences
- •You express your tastes and opinions
- •You write a short letter
- •You understand simple texts
Want to know exactly what you'll learn?
📚 A2 curriculumIntermediate
~30-40h of classes
🎯Objective
Talk about daily topics, give arguments, understand the main idea of a text
✅You're ready for B2 if...
- •You debate on familiar topics
- •You understand radio news
- •You write structured texts
- •You handle unexpected situations
Want to know exactly what you'll learn?
📚 B1 curriculumAdvanced
~30-40h of classes
🎯Objective
Clear and detailed argumentation, understanding complex texts, fluent expression
🏆You're ready for exam preparation!
- •You argue in a structured way
- •You understand nuances
- •You express yourself spontaneously
- •You master different registers
Want to know exactly what you'll learn?
📚 B2 curriculumReady to Practice?
B1 students: You can start focusing more on exam preparation alongside your regular studies!
Once you've completed your B2 level, you're really ready to tackle your immigration exam with confidence!
🚀 Boost your French daily
Mini-challenges to check off!
Click on each activity you try - turn your learning into a game!
💡 Golden advice: Consistency beats intensity! Better 15 minutes daily than 3 hours once a week.
📺 Videos & Series
- ☐ Netflix with French subtitles
- ☐ YouTube: FLE channels (Français avec Pierre)
- ☐ TV5Monde Apprendre
- ☐ Arte.tv (French documentaries)
- ☐ France 24 (news)
- ☐ Series: Lupin, Plan Cœur, Dix Pour Cent
- ☐ Watch French ads (short and funny)
- ☐ Start with 10 min/day
📚 Reading
- ☐ French comics (Astérix, Tintin, Gaston)
- ☐ Short articles (1jour1actu)
- ☐ Duolingo Stories
- ☐ Magazines: Géo Ado, Science & Vie Junior
- ☐ FLE books adapted by level
- ☐ Short novels: Le Petit Prince
- ☐ LingQ to read with integrated translation
- ☐ Beelinguapp (French/English text)
- ☐ Read 1 article/week minimum
✍️ Writing
- ☐ Daily personal journal
- ☐ 5 sentences per day minimum
- ☐ Describe your day
- ☐ Write your goals
- ☐ Shopping lists in French
- ☐ Movie/book summaries
- ☐ Messages on French forums
- ☐ Comment under YouTube videos in French
- ☐ French pen pal (email/mail)
- ☐ 😄 Write a positive review for TEF & French Academy
🎧 Listening
- ☐ Short podcasts (InnerFrench)
- ☐ French music with lyrics
- ☐ France Info (5 min/day)
- ☐ RFI Savoirs (adapted level)
- ☐ French audiobooks
- ☐ Shadowing technique
- ☐ Repeat out loud
- ☐ French karaoke with lyrics
💬 Conversation
- ☐ Conversation groups
- ☐ Language cafés
- ☐ Apps: HelloTalk, Tandem, Speaky
- ☐ Talk to yourself in the mirror
- ☐ Record yourself and listen back
- ☐ Local francophone events
- ☐ Online conversation classes
- ☐ Discord/Reddit FLE communities
- ☐ Daily mini vlog in French
🎮 Fun Activities
- ☐ Video games in French
- ☐ Vocabulary quizzes
- ☐ French crosswords
- ☐ Change your phone language to French
- ☐ French board games (Scrabble)
- ☐ Gamified apps: Babbel, Busuu
- ☐ Escape games in French
- ☐ Clozemaster (vocabulary in context)
- ☐ Francophone TikTok challenges
🌍 Culture & Immersion
- ☐ French recipes with videos (Marmiton)
- ☐ Virtual museum tours (Louvre, Orsay)
- ☐ Francophone influencers (Instagram/TikTok)
- ☐ Online cultural events
- ☐ Virtual conferences/festivals
- ☐ Discover French gastronomy
- ☐ Explore art and history
🎤 Creative Speaking
- ☐ Dub movie scenes
- ☐ Invent stories out loud
- ☐ Participate in TikTok challenges
- ☐ French karaoke with lyrics
- ☐ Tell jokes in French
- ☐ Memorize idiomatic expressions
- ☐ Create Instagram stories in French
📱 Apps & Tools
- ☐ Anki/Quizlet (custom flashcards)
- ☐ LingQ (reading with translation)
- ☐ Beelinguapp (bilingual texts)
- ☐ Clozemaster (contextualized vocabulary)
- ☐ Reverso Context (real examples)
- ☐ Forvo.com (real pronunciation)
- ☐ French conjugator
- ☐ Larousse dictionary
🧩 Fun Methods
- ☐ "Word of the day" on the fridge
- ☐ Learn 1 idiom/week
- ☐ Memorize 1 French joke/week
- ☐ Riddles in French
- ☐ Create mental associations
- ☐ Invent mnemonics
- ☐ Vocabulary challenges with friends
🎉 Extras
- ☐ Set your phone and apps to French
- ☐ Find a francophone buddy (2 voice messages/week)
- ☐ Create a "learning" playlist (podcasts, music, videos)
- ☐ Follow French news on a topic you're passionate about
- ☐ Participate in online francophone events
- ☐ Join francophone Facebook/Discord groups
💡 General Tips
⏰ About study hours: don't get too focused on numbers!
🎯 Why hours vary so much
Each student learns at their own pace, has different study habits, memory abilities, and life circumstances. Even within our school, some teachers spend more time on each level but need less time later.
⚠️Common trap: "I did A1 in just 15 hours!" But then they spend 40 hours on B2 because they have gaps to fill.
✅Our balanced approach: Comprehensive coverage at each level means steady progress without major gaps to fill later!
🎓 How to make the most of your classes
🎯 Role of classes
- •Explain grammatical concepts
- •Practice oral expression
- •Answer your questions
- •Correct your mistakes in real time
⚠️ Classes are not enough!
Your responsibility outside of class:
- •Review what was covered in class
- •Learn new vocabulary
- •Do assigned homework
- •Prepare questions for the next class
⏰Golden rule: Come to class knowing what was covered before. Ideally, spend at least 30 minutes reviewing for every hour of class.
We don't set a precise number of hours to work at home - everyone learns at their own pace. The important thing is to arrive prepared!
💡 Tip: Prepare a list of questions to ask in class. If it's "urgent", write to the secretariat: atfmontreal@gmail.com - Alexandra will try to respond within 24h
📚 How to review vocabulary effectively
🔄 Review method
- •Review class vocabulary the same day
- •Use spaced repetition (1 day, 3 days, 1 week)
- •Create sentences with new words
- •Associate words with mental images
📱 Recommended apps
⭐Anki
Flashcards with intelligent spaced repetition
⭐Reverso Context
See words in context with real examples
💪 Don't be afraid to make mistakes!
🎯 Important reminder: Teachers are used to it! All day long, they face students making mistakes.
The more mistakes you make, the more you'll improve. It's a good thing!
- •Don't be shy in class
- •Ask your questions without hesitation
- •Actively participate in oral exercises
- •Every mistake is a learning opportunity
📅 Organization & Planning
- • Set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-bound)
- • Plan your review sessions
- • Keep a progress journal
- • Regularly review your goals
- • Prepare your materials in advance
🧠 Learning Techniques
- • Use spaced repetition
- • Create mental associations
- • Vary exercise types
- • Teach what you learn
- • Take regular breaks (Pomodoro)
🏠 Study Environment
- • Create a space dedicated to French
- • Eliminate distractions
- • Ensure good lighting
- • Keep your resources within reach
- • Sometimes change your study location
⏰ Time Optimization
- • Identify your peak energy moments
- • Use dead time (transport)
- • Prioritize important activities
- • Avoid multitasking
- • Reward yourself after each session
🚧 Managing Difficulties
- • Accept making mistakes
- • Ask for help when needed
- • Break down complex tasks
- • Regularly review your mistakes
- • Be patient with yourself
🌍 Cultural Immersion
- • Discover francophone culture
- • Follow French news
- • Explore French gastronomy
- • Listen to francophone music
- • Participate in cultural events
🎯 Tips by skill
👂 Listening Comprehension
- • Start with content with subtitles
- • Listen to the same content multiple times
- • Look at the transcript after or during
- • Note new words and look up their meaning
- • Vary accents (France, Quebec, Africa)
- • Practice active listening (take notes)
📖 Reading Comprehension
- • First read to understand the general idea
- • Use context to guess words
- • Make summaries of what you read
- • Gradually increase difficulty
- • Read aloud to improve pronunciation
🗣️ Oral Expression
- • Speak from day one, even poorly
- • Record yourself to self-correct
- • Imitate native pronunciation
- • Practice shadowing (repeat along with audio)
- • Prepare standard phrases for common situations
- • Don't be afraid to make mistakes
✍️ Written Expression
- • Start with simple sentences
- • Use logical connectors
- • Reread and correct your texts
- • Use AI to write and get corrections
- • Vary your vocabulary and structures
- • Write regularly, even 5 minutes a day
Common Struggles & Quick Fixes
😰 "I forget vocabulary immediately"
Quick Fix:
- • Use words in sentences immediately
- • Create mental images for each word
- • Review the same day, then 3 days later
- • Use Anki app for spaced repetition
😵 "Grammar is too confusing"
Quick Fix:
- • Focus on ONE grammar point per week
- • Learn patterns, not rules
- • Use grammar in context, not isolation
- • Ask your teacher for simplified explanations
😱 "I'm terrified to speak"
Quick Fix:
- • Start by talking to yourself in the mirror
- • Record voice messages to yourself
- • Practice with language exchange apps
- • Remember: mistakes are learning opportunities
👂 "I understand nothing when people speak"
Quick Fix:
- • Start with content WITH subtitles
- • Listen to the same audio multiple times
- • Use slower-speed content (0.75x speed)
- • Focus on understanding general meaning first
⏰ "I have no time to study"
Quick Fix:
- • Use micro-learning: 5-10 min sessions
- • Study during commute/waiting time
- • Replace one social media session with French
- • Wake up 15 minutes earlier
🔄 "I feel completely stuck"
Quick Fix:
- • Change your learning method completely
- • Take a 2-3 day complete break
- • Review material from 2 months ago
- • Talk to your teacher about your plateau
❌ Common mistakes to avoid
In learning:
- • Wanting to learn everything at once
- • Constantly comparing yourself to others
- • Neglecting review
- • Being afraid to speak
- • Taking breaks and resuming classes, then taking breaks again
In practice:
- • Translating word for word from your language
- • Completely ignoring grammar
- • Only practicing one skill
- • Not correcting your mistakes
📝 Exam Preparation
Choose your exam (from B1 level)
TEF Canada
Canada and Quebec
- •4 mandatory skills
- •B2+ level required
- •Validity: 2 years
- •MCQ + production format
TCF Canada
Canada and Quebec
- •4 mandatory skills
- •B2+ level required
- •Validity: 2 years
- •More MCQ
TEFAQ
Quebec (ARIMA)
- •2 mandatory skills, sometimes 4
- •B2 level required
- •Validity: 2 years
- •Different levels by skill
Don't overthink exam choice before B1 level!
Why wait until B1? By the time you reach B1 level, exam requirements may have changed. The government frequently modifies immigration exams.
Focus on the foundation first: The common base (A1, A2, B1) is the same for all exams. Don't waste time choosing too early!
💡 Smart approach: Master your French foundation, then choose the exam that fits the current requirements.
Need help choosing the right exam?
Get expert guidance to make the best decision for your situation
Complete Guide
Detailed comparison of all exams
Read our comprehensive article comparing TEF, TCF, and TEFAQ to make an informed choice.
→ Read Complete GuidePersonalized Advice
Get expert guidance
Still unsure? Contact us or try different exam formats in class to see which one suits you best!
✉️ Contact me: atfmontreal@gmail.com
TEF & French Academy Training
TEF and TEFAQ
📚 Specific TEF and TEFAQ courses
Specialized private courses with examiners and TEF/TEFAQ specialists - Personalized, rapid progress
→ Book a specialized course⭐ Exam-specific training
Official PrepMyFuture TEF and TEFAQ training - Official partnership, proven methods
→ Discover PrepMyFutureTCF
📚 Specific TCF courses
Specialized TCF private courses with examiners and TCF specialists - Personalized, rapid progress
→ Book a specialized TCF course⭐ Exam-specific training
Official PrepMyFuture TCF training - Official partnership, proven methods for TCF (minimum B1 level required)
→ Discover PrepMyFuture TCF💪 Motivation & Mindset
🎢 Your emotional roller coaster: the real learning journey!
Motivated Start
"I'll speak French perfectly in 3 months!"
This phase is beautiful and necessary! Enjoy this energy, but set realistic expectations.
First Difficulties
"Why is it so complicated?"
Welcome to reality! This is where real learning begins. Break down complex concepts into smaller pieces.
Big Discouragement
"I'll never make it!"
STOP! This is the most dangerous phase. You ARE capable. This is temporary - reach out for help!
Plateau/Routine
"I feel like I'm stagnating..."
Plateaus are normal! Your brain is consolidating knowledge. Try new activities to refresh your perspective.
Fed Up
"I'm sick of it!"
Your frustration is valid! Remember why you started. Look back at your first lessons - you've come so far!
Magic Click
"Wow! I understood that!"
THIS is the moment that makes everything worth it! Suddenly, everything clicks. You've earned this feeling!
Mastery & Pride
"I can express myself naturally!"
Congratulations! All this investment was worth it. Remember this feeling during tough times.
When you lose motivation: it's NORMAL!
Let's be honest: learning French is hard and expensive!
Why it's tough:
- •You spend a lot of money on classes and materials
- •You sacrifice your leisure time to study
- •It's not necessarily something you chose
- •Sometimes you're simply tired of it - and that's OK!
But think about the PRIDE you can have!
- •You probably speak 3 or more languages (or you learn a language for the first time) - wow, impressive!
- •Professional opportunities: it can help you find a job and be better paid (bilinguals earn on average 5-20% more!)
- •Connections: you can talk to more people
- •Lifelong investment: it will always be useful in your future
- •Mental health: it's excellent for your brain!
Tips if you feel unmotivated:
Rediscover love for the language
- •Discover French songs that touch you
- •Watch French movies that move you
- •Explore culture: perfumes, cuisine, French art
- •Find something that connects you emotionally
Remotivation techniques
- •Create a vision board with your goals
- •Put it in front of your desk
- •Imagine yourself in 1 year: you'll be so proud!
- •Look at your progress: review an old lesson or writing and see how easy it is now!
Stay consistent even when unmotivated
- •Lower your expectations: 5 minutes is better than nothing
- •Change your method: if reading is boring, try music
- •Find an accountability partner
- •Reward yourself for small efforts
Remember: You're not alone!
🌱 Learning is a personal journey:
Remember that everyone learns at their own pace. Some days will be easier than others, and that's completely normal.
It's okay to take breaks when you need them. Your mental health and well-being come first.
If French learning doesn't fit your life right now, that's okay too. You can always come back when you're ready.
🎯 Your future self will thank you:
- •In 6 months: You'll understand French movies without subtitles
- •In 1 year: You'll have meaningful conversations with francophones
- •In 2 years: French will feel natural, not forced
- •In 5 years: You'll be helping other French learners!
🔥 The person who gives up and the person who succeeds went through the exact same struggles. The only difference? One kept going.
Gentle Reminders for Tough Days
If you're feeling overwhelmed, here are some gentle suggestions:
🌸 Be kind to yourself:
- •Take a moment to breathe
- •Acknowledge how far you've come
- •It's okay to have difficult days
- •Consider what you need right now
- •Reach out if you need support
🌱 Small steps count:
- •Learning is not always linear
- •Every small effort matters
- •Progress comes in many forms
- •You have the right to choose your pace
🌟 Remember: Your well-being comes first. Learning should enrich your life, not overwhelm it.
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