Le processus pour passer le DELF à Brown a été beaucoup plus simple que je ne l’imaginais. Je me suis inscrit, j’ai payé les frais, je me suis présenté à Rochambeau, et quelques jours plus tard, j’ai découvert que j’avais réussi l’examen. Si vous avez déjà suivi des cours de français à Brown, vous n’aurez pas à vous inquiéter. Il y a tellement de ressources en ligne et dans la bibliothèque, et vous n’avez besoin que de 50% pour réussir. De plus, l’examen sera surveillé par des personnes très sympathiques et l’environnement ne sera pas extrêmement officiel comme chez le SAT ou le GMAT. Alors n'ayez pas peur et obtenez votre certification DELF pour postuler aux écoles supérieures ou aux emplois du monde francophone !

Andrew, DELF B2 Candidate, Fall 23

I really enjoyed how the DELF A1 challenged me and made me more confident in my French abilities. As a beginner, it was motivating to have an exam to study for and the resources available for DELF preparation are really helpful. I expanded my vocabulary and feel more encouraged to continue learning French.

Anthony C., DELF A1, Candidate, Fall 23

I had heard about the DELF before coming to Brown, and when I found out that Brown was becoming a DELF testing center, I knew I had to take the exam as soon as possible. While the DELF isn’t required to study abroad in France, it is still a great way to prove your competency in French. I find it reassuring to have a document attesting to my French abilities.

I found that the DELF itself was very similar to the International Baccalaureate French exams that I had taken in high school. It might take some getting used to the structure of the exam, but once you have that down, the test itself is straightforward. Taking the practice exam will quell all fears that you might have and will make the actual test day a piece of cake!

DELF B2 Candidate, Spring 23

I attended one of the info sessions held by the French department, and it was very helpful in answering any logistical questions I had about the exam. To prepare for the exam, I used the textbooks to back up my grammar while practicing my speaking and writing skills during in-class activities. The French courses at Brown built a solid foundation in French and equipped me with enough skills to pass the A2 level without spending too much extra work. So if you keep up with the daily homework and actively participate in class, there's nothing you should be worried about. Bonne Chance !

DELF A2 Candidate, Spring 23

I believe the exam was very straightforward and the environment was similar to that of the practice exam taken through the French department. I would suggest looking through other practices as well though because the format of our exam varied from the practice. To practice and prepare for the exam, utilize the books we use for classes and do your best to practice writing and speaking as well. The class will prepare you well for the written and oral exam, but the first part will be easier if you utilize the textbooks. 

Laryssa B., DELF A2 Candidate, Spring 2023

When I first learned about the DELF, I wasn’t confident about taking it because I felt that I still had a lot to learn about the French language. I was inspired, however, when I met with professors from the French department, who assessed my proficiency, provided guidance about my strengths and how I could improve, and encouraged me that I had the skills to take the DELF. Professor Gaillard was extremely helpful because her explanation of the rules of the exam and the expectations for each level gave me a clear idea of how I could prepare. She suggested that dedicating myself to my French coursework and participating in class would also be very helpful preparation, which it was! Now I am extremely happy that I took the DELF because it is an international recognition of my language proficiency which will serve my areas of interest in concentrating in International and Public Affairs and French and Francophone studies. I feel that preparing for and passing the DELF not only benefits me academically and professionally, but it makes me more confident about learning the language and reaching my goal of becoming a fluent French speaker. I’m looking forward to taking the DELF again at more advanced levels, and I recommend it to anyone who is interested in pursuing French studies at Brown!

William F., DELF B1 Candidate, Spring 2023

Fils de Canadiens francophones, le français a toujours été parlé autour de moi, sans que je le maîtrise vraiment complètement. Les années ont passé, j’ai obtenu ma maîtrise à Brown, et c’est à ce moment-là que je me suis intéressé au programme de français auprès du Docteur Gaillard.

J’y ai trouvé des professeurs de langue française très compétents qui m’ont aidé à chaque étape de mon parcours. Toutes les matières, comme la grammaire, le vocabulaire, ainsi que l’expression écrite et orale, sont travaillées en profondeur. L’apprentissage est complet et rigoureux.

Le DELF est un examen qui est très bien préparé par le département de langue de Brown. Les ressources y sont nombreuses et très accessibles. Les horaires sont pratiques et l’accès facile. Tout est mis en œuvre pour assurer votre réussite à l’examen.

René H B. DELF B1 Candidate, Fall 24

I took the exam for two main reasons. First, I needed to document proficiency in an additional language as necessary milestone for obtaining my PhD, and, while I could easily do that with a guided translation of a paragraph rather than by taking a long exam verifying all competences, I wanted to have the document for myself to be kept for future opportunities in life. Second, I was enrolled for a few seminars at the Sorbonne that Summer and needed to present evidence of my capacity to follow the classes. I was nervous for the exam because I'm an anxious person myself, but I would have been significantly more nervous had I not taken the information session nor talked to Stephanie Gaillard several times in advance. She was especially helpful in explaining to me how it works and making me feel confident that I could do it. I cannot talk about the FLE courses at Brown because I didn't take them, but, judging from what I've seen, they are certainly excellent! I had help from a private tutor, people with whom I could talk in French casually, doing readings in French and looking up words and constructions I was not familiar with, and exposing myself to actual uses of the languages, like radio and other media. It was also helpful to set my daily alarm to a French-language news radio station, which I presume trained my brain in the language before waking up.

Henrique CARVALHO PEREIRA, DELF B2 Candidate, Spring 24

Réussir le DELF a été l'une des choses les plus gratifiantes que j'ai faites pendant mes études à Brown ! J'ai décidé de passer cet examen parce que je souhaite travailler pour le gouvernement canadien, où le français est une langue officielle. L'examen a été très bien organisé par le département de français de Brown, ce qui a rendu le processus très facile. Pour me préparer à l'examen, j'ai simplement révisé les concepts abordés dans le cours que je suivais (FREN 500). Cela ne m'a demandé que 2 à 5 heures d'étude. L'examen laisse également une grande marge d'erreur, vous n'avez pas besoin de tout faire correctement. En conclusion, je suis très heureuse d'avoir passé cet examen, car il atteste de mon apprentissage du français et constitue une certification que je conserverai toute ma vie ! 

Sonam SHULMAN, DELF B2 Candidate, Spring 24

Passer le DELF était une bonne expérience et je recommanderais de le faire à tout le monde. Il y a des ressources en ligne (dont certaines sont gratuites) et aussi au SciLi pour étudier, donc il y a beaucoup de moyens pour vous préparer. Quand je passais l'examen, je me sentais très préparée. Pour moi, c'était professionnellement avantageux parce que maintenant j'ai un certificat officiel qui atteste de mon niveau en français, alors qu'auparavant c'était difficile de définir précisément mon niveau. De plus, si je décide de continuer à étudier le français hors de l'université, je connais mon niveau et c'est plus facile de choisir un cours de français et de suivre mes progrès dans la langue. Je ne regrette pas d'avoir passé l'examen et je suis très contente de ma décision !

Maame Q. DELF B1&B2 Candidate, Spring 24

J'ai passé l'examen DELF (niveau B2) lors de mon dernier semestre à Brown. C'est pour cette raison que je considère l'expérience comme épreuve définitive de mon progrès au cours de l'université. L'examen B2 ne m'a pas exigé de grands gestes préparatoires, car grâce à mes cours de français (les échanges en classe, les devoirs à l'écrit, la lecture profonde) je possédais déjà une base compréhensive –– bien suffisante pour gagner le niveau B2. Chaque partie de l'examen, dont il y en a quatre, correspond nettement à des exercices bien travaillés dans des cours de langue ; et pour se renseigner auprès des particularités stylistiques du DELF, Professeur Gaillard m'a fourni toutes les ressources nécessaires. Je recommande fortement l'examen, et j'espère qu'il sera possible au futur de proposer le DALF ! Si j'avais eu l'option, je me serais sans doute lancée à l'entraînement du C1 ou C2. Surtout, en pensant au-delà de l'université, on ne peut pas douter de la valeur d'un certificat qui atteste clairement de sa maîtrise du français. C'est une énorme chance de pouvoir développer ses talents dans une autre langue ; pourtant ce phénomène se complique lorsqu'on n'est plus dans un contexte académique structuré. Le DELF nous permet de profiter de cette chance, de prolonger ses bénéfices, et de valoriser l'étude des langues pour tout.e.s dans une ère qui tente de la remplacer par l'automation et l'IA.

If you have done the work of a French class, you are already capable of taking the DELF. And even if you do not plan to speak French professionally, the DELF certificate is still a precious tool to add to your set. Why? Because it translates all of your hard-fought understanding into readily accessible categories, more specific and more informative than labels such as "intermediate" or "fluent." This, as I see it, is one of the best ways to carry French with you in life, wherever you go.

Elizabeth HAUPT, DELF B2 Candidate, Spring 24

The DELF B1 exam was a requirement as part of my application for French citizenship (via marriage). I'm also glad to have taken it to better understand my level of French since I've taken classes at various schools over the years. 

The exam was as expected - taken in two sessions and the format was what I read about online. The building at Brown was beautiful and very quiet so I was able to concentrate. I was nervous as it's been awhile since I've been in a classroom (I was 41!) but once you get going, it's quite enjoyable (a fun challenge!). 

I'm not affiliated with Brown, but I live in New England. Stéphanie Gaillard, Head of the DELF Center, was fantastic when answering the questions I had leading up to the exam and with coordinating the test. She let me know when my results were available before I even received the diploma in the mail. 

Brown had some resources to reference before the test on their DELF website. I also used RFI (Radio France Internationale)'s resources, and YouTube ("French with Love" was helpful), and Prep My Future (I paid for this service). I felt prepared and passed on the first try (!!). My suggestion - take as many practice tests as possible! 

Mary, DELF B1 Candidate, Spring 24

Avoir obtenu la certification DELF avec l’aide du département d’études françaises et francophones a été une expérience très positive! Dr. Gaillard et tous les professeurs du département nous aident à identifier la catégorie d’examen à choisir selon notre niveau de français et à nous préparer efficacement. J’ai seulement suivi la séquence de FREN 0100 à FREN 0600, sans expérience antérieure, et la pratique avec les examens blancs disponibles en ligne a été plus que suffisante. Il n’y a aucune raison de stresser ! De plus, la certification est très utile pour tout projet professionnel futur, car on peut ainsi prouver ses compétences et sa détermination. Le diplôme m’intéressait parce que je voulais démontrer ma capacité à parler une troisième langue et mon engagement à me dépasser dans mes candidatures aux écoles de médecine. Je suis très heureuse de l’avoir fait et je le recommande à toutes celles et ceux que cela intéresse.

Fernanda Coello Carmona, DELF B1 Candidate, Spring 24

Language proficiency exams can easily intimidate students; however, with the support of professors from French and Francophone Studies at Brown, the preparation and the exam itself become much lighter tasks. French classes are important for the foundation, for all four skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. However, the preparation can go beyond classes. Language learning takes time and effort, so I would say that any minute of practice counts toward DELF preparation, from listening to music and watching movies to holding a conversation in French. Low-stakes, everyday practice adds up over time. Before taking DELF, I perceived language proficiency tests as milestones marking completion of each level. Now they are a reminder of how far I have come from day 1, and they encourage me to go even further, as language learning is endless. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the French professors for support and recommendations on DELF and learning French! They are always there for you. 

Patcha CHANPRAKONE, DELF B2 Candidate, Spring 25

My initial motivation in taking the DALF B2 at Brown was its potential usefulness in graduate school applications. However, by the time I was registered and took the B2, I was actually already registered for the next level in the sequence, so, in my case, it served more as preparation for future exams. 

I found the information provided in the info session last spring incredibly useful, and it swayed me in choosing the DELF at Brown over taking it in New York or the International School of Boston. My communications with the center director were informative and helpful in the exam registration process, especially since I had taken the other DELF levels before and needed assistance in registering under a specific identification number. 

While the French sequence at Brown was responsible for molding the language I speak today, I found that for the exam, it was most useful to review previous tests and study using the dedicated textbooks. Since I was studying for the DALF when I took the DELF, I believe that it was the combination of my coursework at Brown, the C1-dedicated prep, and being familiar with the candidate's manual published by France International Education that allowed me to really ace the B2. 

Anna E., DELF B2 Candidate, Fall 25

Taking the DELF B1 exam at Brown University in Spring 2025 was a very meaningful experience for me. One of my main motivations was to obtain an official certification of my French level and to challenge myself. I also wanted to gain more confidence in using French in real-life situations. 

Before taking the exam, I completed French courses from FREN 0100 to FREN 0300 at Brown, and I was enrolled in FREN 0400 when I took the DELF B1. I mainly prepared through my French classes at Brown. The coursework, including speaking, writing, listening, and reading practice, provided strong and consistent preparation. Personally, I found that this was sufficient, and I did not need to rely much on outside materials.

Overall, the experience was positive and reassuring. I would definitely encourage future students to take the DELF—it is a great way to recognize your progress and build confidence in your French skills.          

Leo, DELF B1 Candidate, Spring 25

I viewed taking the DELF as an opportunity to apply my knowledge of French and francophone studies beyond the classroom - and use the DELF as a way to facilitate job or volunteer opportunities in francophone communities outside of the US. And I am very glad I took the exam!! The DELF organizers at Brown do a fantastic job in ensuring prospective test takers understand the DELF - both the outline of the test and the possible outcomes one may obtain as a result of taking the test. To prepare, I found it very helpful to take practice exams (there are a ton of free exams online) - as this helped me become acquainted with the outline of the exam and hone in on my weak areas. For Brown/RISD students specifically, our institutions offer several resources that may help in preparation for the DELF. I found it helpful to attend language conversation tables at the library, find opportunities to speak with francophone professors/ francophone classmates, and read french literature available at the library or online archives. Bonne courage :)

Sydney STOVALL, DELF B2 Candidate, Spring 25 & Spring 23 (DELF B1)