Bonjour chers amis de l’Alliance Française de Greater Orlando,
September was a big month for us! We launched a new Board Games Night, introduced a new conversation class – the Friday French Chat, and proudly participated in an amazing Latin Festival.
October brings cooler evenings and a rich lineup of activities to celebrate French language and culture. We are especially happy this month to host our second Friday French Chat and to welcome everyone to our Fall Family Picnic, both promising fun, learning, and community connection.
In addition, our Monthly Cultural Talk, Movie Night / Ciné-Club, DELF exams, and the Annual General Meeting offer more opportunities to engage with the French language, arts, and community.
Thank You for Our First Friday French Chat
A big thank you to everyone who joined us for our very first Friday French Chat – Season 1: La Francophonie through Food!
We are especially grateful to Mariela, who led this first edition dedicated to Lebanon.
During the evening, we explored Lebanon through the village of Tourza. From mountain traditions and olive groves to the legacy of the Phoenicians, we discovered how history, culture, and migration continue to shape life in this unique corner of the world.
Participants had the chance to smell, taste, and discover:
- Lebanese tabbouleh
- Arabic bread
- Labneh — a creamy strained Lebanese yogurt, served with a drizzle of olive oil
- Sumac & za’atar spice
- Rose water
- …and even Lebanese chewing gum
It was a warm and joyful evening, full of discoveries, conversation, and cultural exchange.
We look forward to welcoming you to the next Friday French Chat for another culinary and cultural journey!
Friday French Chat – October Edition
Season 1: La Francophonie through Food
- Date: Friday, October 10, 2025
- Time: 6:00 – 7:30 PM
- Location: Alliance Française of Greater Orlando
- Price: $40 per session (includes 1h30 French chat + food discovery)
Join Luciana for an immersive evening themed:
“Jacmel: L’Âme Festive d’Haïti”
Each month, a different AFGO teacher will guide participants through culture, cuisine, art, and Francophonie—with a special focus this season on food and culinary traditions.
This is the perfect opportunity to:
- Practice and improve your French
- Deepen your cultural knowledge
- Connect with fellow Francophiles in a warm, friendly environment
- Discover and taste authentic specialties
Reservation link will be sent out soon!
New Adult Beginner French Class – In Person
Our back-to-school class filled up quickly, so we are opening a new one! Why not join in and discover the beauty of the French language?
Start Date: Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Instructor: Luciana
Location: AFGO Office
What You’ll Learn:
- Basic grammar and everyday vocabulary
- Useful expressions for daily life
- French pronunciation and listening
- Conversation and interactive speaking
- French culture and traditions
Why Join?
- Friendly, small-group environment
- Perfect for total beginners or those reviewing the basics
- Supportive teacher and relaxed pace
- A great way to start the fall season with a rewarding challenge!
Register / Info: schooldirector@aforlando.org
DELF – Prove Your French Skills in Orlando
The exams are coming up very soon, and spots are still available! For the first time, you don’t have to drive far — take your DELF/DALF exam right here in Orlando at the Alliance Française of Greater Orlando, now an official DELF Testing Center.
Exam Dates – October 2025:
- Oct 13: DELF A1 & A2
- Oct 14: DELF B1
- Oct 15: DELF B2
Location: AFGO (registration via AF Miami)
Register here: DELF/DALF Registration
Why take the DELF/DALF?
- Internationally recognized worldwide
- Boosts academic, professional, and immigration opportunities
- Certifies listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills
Contact: schooldirector@aforlando.org
Central Florida Jazz Society Presents: RoSaWay in Concert – A French Disco-Jazz Experience
In partnership with the Central Florida Jazz Society, join us for an unforgettable evening with ROSAWAY, the Parisian disco-jazz duo fusing electro-pop, retro grooves, and cinematic energy.
With Rachel Ombredane on flute and vocals and Stéphane “SteF” Avellaneda on drums, expect an electrifying show where jazz, disco, and funk meet a unique French twist.
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025
- Time: 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Location: Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts, 460 E. New England Ave., Winter Park, FL 32789
Pricing:
- AFGO & CFJS Members: $30.00 (with fees: $32.07)
- Non-Members: $35.00 (with fees: $37.25)
- Youth (21 & under): $15.00 (with fees: $16.55)
AFGO members receive the CFJS member price — please bring proof of membership at the entrance.
Assemblée Générale – Annual General Meeting
We are pleased to announce our Annual General Meeting for all AFGO members. Join us to review the past year, discuss upcoming plans, and connect with fellow members. Your participation is important in shaping the future of our community!
Details:
Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: AFGO Office
We look forward to seeing you there and sharing updates about our programs, events, and initiatives.
Fall Family Picnic & Pétanque – Special Family Fall Picnic
Our October picnic is a special family fall picnic, the perfect occasion to relax, connect, and share good food in a beautiful outdoor setting. Join the AFGO community for a friendly potluck lunch, an ideal opportunity to meet new people, enjoy delicious dishes, and practice your French in a casual atmosphere. This event is for everyone who would like to be in a French environment, whether you are a student, a member, or simply a friend of French culture.
Event Details:
- Date: Sunday, October 19
- Time: 12:30 PM – Potluck Lunch
- Location: Mead Botanical Garden, Winter Park
Bring your favorite dish to share, and don’t hesitate to invite friends and family.
Everyone is welcome!
The afternoon will include children’s activities, costume contest, and plenty of pétanque fun — a festive way to celebrate the season together.
Cultural Talk – October
We’re excited to announce that our Cultural Talks series continues this month! Join us for an inspiring evening with Michele Regala as she shares her journey:
A Life Shaped by the French Language: Michele’s Journey from Au Pair to PhD in Language Education
- Date: Friday, October 24, 2025
- Time: 6:00 – 7:00 PM
- Location: AFGO Office
- Admission: Free for AFGO Members | $5 General Admission
- Language: French (questions in English welcome)
After the talk, stay for a friendly gathering to continue the discussion with Michele.
Movie Night / Ciné-Club
Join us for our monthly Movie Night at the AFGO office, starting with a potluck dinner and followed by the screening of the French film The Beauty of the Evil with English subtitles. After the movie, we’ll enjoy a short discussion to share thoughts and insights.
Event Details:
Film: The Beauty of the Evil
Date: Saturday, October 25
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: AFGO Office
Bring a dish to share and enjoy a warm evening of food, film, and conversation!
Board Games Night
Our very first Board Games Night was full of fun, laughter, and connection. From Colt Express and Fiesta to Skip-Bo and Labyrinthe, every table was alive with strategy, surprises, and smiles.
It was also a wonderful way to meet new members and strengthen our AFGO community. We can’t wait for the next one — will you join us?
Open Scene Latin Festival – Highlight: Souvenirs
During the Open Scene Latin Festival at the Maitland Art & History Museum, AFGO had a table to proudly represent the Alliance Française and engage with the community throughout the event.
We also had the chance to enjoy several incredible performances, including the U.S. premiere of Souvenirs by Claire & Antho (France). This special evening was particularly meaningful for us because the show was created by a French couple, blending physical theater, dance, and shadow play in a way that was innovative, moving, and deeply engaging.
A special congratulations to Thamara Bejarano and Mariela Saad, one of our teachers at AFGO, from Open Scene for organizing such an amazing festival! Thank you for allowing AFGO to be part of this unforgettable celebration — it was truly a highlight for our team and community.
September Cultural Talk – AI Edition
Thank you to everyone who joined our September Cultural Talk at the Alliance Française.
Our guest speaker Arnaud guided us through an engaging discussion on Artificial Intelligence, covering topics such as:
• Mapping the key players
• France’s role in AI
• How AI deep fakes are created
• Is AI truly intelligent?
• Using AI in a smart and responsible way
The evening concluded with a creative demonstration using Google Gemini Nano Banana, featuring our interviewer Olivier reimagined as Superman in New York.
Become a Host Family for a French High School Student
The association Strasbourg Amitiés USA, in partnership with East Ridge High School (Clermont), is bringing 24 French high school students to Florida from October 18 to 31, 2025.
Seven host families are still needed in Clermont, Winter Garden, Ocoee, or Windermere.
Hosting a student means:
- Experiencing a unique cultural exchange
- Sharing your daily life and traditions
- Creating lasting friendships across the Atlantic
- Enjoying a French presence at home and a chance to practice the language
If you’re ready to open your home and your heart, contact Marie at marie@aforlando.org or send us your info so she can reach out to you.
Welcome to Our September New Members!
This month, we are thrilled to welcome the newest members from all around Florida to the AFGO community. It’s wonderful to see our community expand, and we are delighted to have you join us!
- Amy R. – Oviedo, FL
- Hiroshi A. – Mascotte, FL
- Sheila M. – Orlando, FL
- William C. – Orlando, FL
- Mariel K. – Maitland, FL
- Dornevil G. – Winter Haven, FL
- Marina T. – Port Orange, FL
- Aichetou N. – Orlando, FL
- Sarah Q. – Orlando, FL
- Laurence L. – Orlando, FL
- Rafael M. – Kissimmee, FL
Your enthusiasm for French language and culture brings wonderful energy to our community. Whether through cultural events, classes, or casual meetups, we look forward to creating many memorable moments together.
We’re excited to see you at our upcoming events and continue celebrating the joy of French culture as a community!
Become a Member Too !
