Alliance Française to Open in Heredia

A new branch of French-Costa Rican cultural organization Alliance Française will open its doors for French classes Sept. 21 in Heredia, north of the capital. The courses will be held in Barrio Mercedes, 100 meters from the Liceo Samuel Sáenz.

With its headquarters in the historic San José neighborhood of Barrio Amón and another branch in the west-side Sabana Sur, the organization has been teaching French to Costa Ricans for 60 years.

“It is great that demand for French has grown and enabled us to open a branch in Heredia,” Alliance Française Director Philippe Gasparini said. “Learning a second language opens up so many opportunities and enables people to really connect and learn about each other’s cultures.”

The organization has invested approximately ¢15 million (about $25,700) in the five-classroom building, which has a capacity of up to 200 students.

Alliance Française Deputy Director Nathalie Le Coutour said the organization is looking forward to the opportunity in Heredia, not only to teach French but also to get involved in the community through cultural activities.

“We want to export a little piece of France to Heredia,” she said.

French language classes will run Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Weekend hours will be 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For more information, contact Mercedes Donato at 2262-7182, or visit Alliance Française’s Web site at www.afsj.net.

Upcoming cultural events organized by Alliance Française include:

–Photography exhibit by Costa Rican-Panamian Pablo Franceschi, through Oct. 1, Alliance Française, Barrio Amón, free admission.

–Friday film showings (in French with subtitles in Spanish): “Le violon rouge” (1998) by François Girard, Sept. 18; “La prophétie des grenouilles” (2003) by Jacques-Rémy Girerd, Sept. 25, both at 6 p.m., Alliance Française, Barrio Amón, free admission.

–Jazz fusion evening featuring French trumpet player Erik Truffaz and Mexican electronic music artist Murcof, Sept. 24, 9:30 p.m., Jazz Café, Escazú.