Frequently Asked Questions

1How do I know my level?

Your native speaker trainer will assess your skills at the start of the course. For major languages, you can take our online multiple choice language tests FREE OF CHARGE. Assessment of other languages can be arranged; please contact us for details.

2How many lessons will I need?

This depends on what and how much you would like to learn. We suggest ten 2-hours sessions for complete beginners wishing to reach Survival level. Your experienced language trainer can offer you clear advice on how to reach your goals.

3Are your teachers fully qualified?

Yes, our teachers are native speakers and hold either a university degree and/or a teaching qualification to teach their language as a foreign language (similar to the TEFL/TESOL qualification for English teachers).

4Can more people join me for the class?

Yes - please contact us for pricing details. Generally, the cost will be $10 more per hour per learner. A group can consist of anywhere between 2 and 15 students. Each learner in the class should be at the same level, as any difference will hamper training.

5Can I just pay for the first lesson and see if I like it?

Generally, no. Our qualified, experienced trainers can't judge future success by just a single lesson.

6What if I don't like the trainer?

While usually not an issue, we recognize that this could happen. If you don't click with your trainer, we will arrange a replacement and will not bill you for the first session. If no replacement is available, you will receive a full refund.

7Do I get a certificate at the end of the course?

Yes. Upon completion of the course, you will receive a certificate stating the language studied, level achieved, and number of hours allocated to the course.

8Do I have to add sales tax to your prices?

No. There is no sales tax to add to our prices.

9Do I have to pay for the whole course in advance?

Yes, lessons are paid for in advance. To begin your course, we require a $450 deposit, payable by cheque or credit card. After we receive this initial payment, your course can begin, and we will invoice you for the remainder of the lessons. Monthly payments are usually not accepted (exceptions apply in special circumstances).

10Will I have the same teacher for the duration of the course?

Aside from circumstances in which a student explicitly asks for 2 or more teachers, we do our best to ensure you keep your original trainer for the entire course. On a rare occasion, we may be forced to swap a trainer due to sickness or changes in their personal situation. In our experience, however, this is an unusual ocurrence.

11What happens if I need to reschedule classes?

If you need to change the day or time of your class, you can do this directly with the trainer. We only ask you to give 2 or more business days’ notice (e.g. to change a class on a Thursday, let the teacher know on the Tuesday before).

12What happens if I need to cancel my course?

If you are unable to continue your course, you will receive a full refund minus the hourly cost of any classes already taken (including late cancellations); the cost of any course books already purchased on your behalf; a cancellation fee of $550.

13Can I modify a face-to-face course to an online one, and/or vice versa?

This is absolutely fine to ensure you continue to attend your classes in the short-term, especially if you need to travel for work or isolate yourself due to illness. Simply arrange the particulars of the lesson with your teacher and let your course coordinator know about why the lesson must be online. For the best experience, we advise using Skype, WhatsApp, or another free communication tool.

But if you want to make a permanent switch to an online course, it is possible your teacher and/or schedule might need to change. Therefore, please contact us so we can make any required contract changes; we will endeavor to make the transition as smooth as possible. It is important we are made aware of the change of circumstances so we can continue to support you throughout the course.

CORONAVIRUS: Due to the pandemic, we would like all customers to know that if they or their tutors are required to isolate or test positive, or if their city goes into a temporary lockdown, they can switch from face-to-face classes to online lessons AT ANY TIME – this will ensure continuity with the classes. Our Academic Department will do everything to ensure a smooth transition to remote study, including supplying digital learning materials and assisting with technical support, and securing a replacement teacher in the event your current tutor cannot provide online lessons.

14Any Other Questions

If you have any other questions not answered here, please contact our Sales Team who will get back to you within one business day.