FAQs
Inevitably you'll have many questions and we are always at the end of a telephone or email to answer them. However there are some issues that all our clients ask and we have tried to structure the answers below so we can help you plan and meet your expectations. If you can't find an answer here by all means contact us.
Please select one of the following categories:
Language Courses
What is the minimum age to attend a programme?
Our main market is for adult learners over 18 although we offer specific programmes for teenagers under 18 year, either in School groups or as individuals on exam revision courses. For details on our junior programmes please click here.
How long should I take the course for?
The fact that you are focussed on learning a language in your class each day you will find you make much quicker progress than you ever did in a evening class once a week back home. Clearly the longer the better but a two week minimum is a rough estimate for noticeable progress. If you are taking one to one then a one week intensive.
I can't find a course that seems suitable, can you arrange something tailor made?
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Do you have courses suitable for large groups?
Yes we can organise a closed group for you. We can design a tailored programme of class and activities and build in a group leader place if required. Please email us if you would like some more assistance in planning this.
What language level do I need to attend a programme?
We have courses for all levels from Beginner to advance. Our centres run different classes for different levels. Complete beginners may be restricted to specific start dates.
How long is your program and when do the programs start?
Our programs have start dates all year round and many programs have several start dates per month. Our programs are very flexible and you can select your length of stay, from a minimum of 2 weeks to 3 months, however our average length of stay is 4 weeks.
Language Schools
How do you choose your schools?
We are part of International House World Organisation, one of the more prestigious language training organisations in the industry. We have regular and stringent quality inspections and all abide by a code of conduct and set of teacher training standards and adhere to a Students Charter. Each centre is known to us and we have our own quality control checks on all points of a centre’s premises, staff and business practice before working in partnership with them. We also run a language school in the UK, voted one of the Top 4 in the world in 2006 by our industry, so we set high standards.
Are the schools closed during local bank holidays?
Most of our schools are closed during bank and public holidays. When booking your course information about public holidays will be displayed.
What should I expect on my first day at school?
Most of our schools expect you to start earlier on Monday, normally about 8.30 local time, to do a language placement test to see what kind of level you are and in what class you can start. (Beginners don’t have to under take this test) After this test the school will give a welcome introduction and classes will begin about 10.30 am. Thereafter classes normally at 9am, but please see your chosen programme for precise times.
Is it possible to change classes if I feel I have been placed in the wrong class?
This is no problem at all, just discuss this with your teacher at the end of the class and if they agree they will place you in another level.
Accommodation
What type of accommodation is the most popular option?
We highly recommend host family accommodation. This option is the most cost effective and offers the most benefit from the language learning point of view (half board includes dinner with the family, which is the cheapest way of catering as well as the best way to practice your language skills). Other types of accommodation that are available are hotels and in certain destinations studios or shared flats. We will always check availability for you.
How are the host families selected?
Our host families have to meet specific requirements before they can host our students. We require that the families live in a clean, safe, and comfortable environment. All our host families live within a reasonable and easily accessible distance from the school. We always try to match our students to the most suitable host families based on interests, occupation and especially allergy or dietary requirements, so please give us as much information about yourself as possible etc. The host families will treat you as a guest and they enjoy hosting
international students.
Do host families have specific ‘house rules’ where I should be aware?
The host family will provide you with a key of the house so you can come and go as you wish. There are some normal basic house rules were you should be aware of, such as cleanliness and tidying up after yourself.
What if I can't communicate with my host family?
Relax; you won’t be the first in that position. Your host family will appreciate your predicament. If you need to contact your host family during your travel over, but worried about communicating with them, then the local language school has an emergency phone number which we will give you on your confirmation letter.
What can I expect from a shared flat or apartment?
You’ll share these types of accommodation with other students or with local people. The student will have a single room and he/she have to share the bathroom, living and kitchens. Most of these accommodations are based on self-catering. So you’ll be buying your provisions from the local store!
Do I have to bring bed linens and towels with me?
Please bring towels with you as the host family and apartments do not offer them. Bed linens and pillows will be provided.
Is it possible to book extra nights?
Yes it’s possible to book a few extra nights, but we would have to charge you for that.
Classes
Back to Top
How many students should I expect in a class?
Usually our classroom sizes range from 8 to 12 students per class, depending on location. Below is a very general overview:
European schools: normally vary from 8 to 12 students.
South and Central American schools: normally vary from 1 to 6 students.
Africa/ Middle East and Asian schools: normally vary from 8 to 12 students.
How long is a lesson?
Typically a lesson lasts between 45 and 50 minutes.
Do I receive a certificate at the end of the program?
Yes. Most of our programs offer a "Certificate of Proficiency" and we can also help prepare you for internationally recognized language exams at some of our schools. Please contact us for further details.
What happens after the classes?
We call it Après Class. It is an important part of the experience. All our schools organize after class activities, but you can decide for yourself if you want to join them. Most activities are together with the other international students. A lot of activities are free, if you want to visit for example a museum you’ve to pay an additional fee.
Travel Back to Top
What is the day of arrival and what is the day of departure?
Normally the accommodation is booked from the Sunday afternoon before the course commences to the Saturday morning after the course finishes. NOTE: this is the general structure but please check your programme details for exact start and departure dates.
Will I receive any pre-departure information?
Yes, you’ll receive a pre-departure package with useful information before departing for the program.
Do you offer an insurance service?
We really recommend that you take out medical travel insurance. We have partnered with Endsleigh Insurance who provides a travel insurance policy specifically for people taking a Language Course overseas. Please click here for more details.
Do you offer a visa service if this is required?
We can help you obtain the relevant visas through our partner company CIBT, one of the world's leading travel document specialist and expediting services. Please click here for more details. Please note that in almost all cases, if you are a citizen of North America and require a visa to visit another country, you will be applying for a Tourist Visa - not a student or study visa. Your primary reason for the visit will be tourism, because our programmes do not involve full-time studies. Also, if a "Letter of Invitation" from one of our schools is required to obtain the necessary visa, we can certainly provide you with such a letter.
Are flights or travel to the destination included in the course price? If not how do I book a flight?
If you want to enquire about air or rail tickets to any destination we have an arrangement with our partner company STA TRAVEL the leading ticket specialist. Call them on 0207 361 6083 or e-mail them, giving them your date of arrival and departure, number of people travelling etc.
How do I get from the airport to my accommodation?
We can offer to meet you at the airport and transfer you to your accommodation. A pickup service is often provided if you arrive on a Sunday and are staying with a host family. If you choose to stay with a host family, and have requested a pick-up, a representative will meet you at the gate of the airport when you get off the plane. They will be holding a sign with your name or the name of the school on it. In all other cases, you must arrange and pay for you own transportation to/from your accommodation. Please check the prices on the courses page of our website. If you have requested a transfer we do need to know your flight details well in advance.
Pricing
How does the pricing structure work?
Our prices are exactly the same as going directly to the language school yourself. We do add a nominal admin. fee to cover the cost of bank transfers and registering you. What you get over and above our personal service and recommendations is the benefit of our relationship with our partner school. To be honest, they provide us with a good service because we are regular clients of theirs and part of the same organisation!
Are there any hidden costs?
None, if there are any supplements we will bring them to your attention as soon as possible. Occasionally there may be a high season supplement on accommodation, which we have not been informed of. Otherwise we try to keep our pricing transparent.
Other Queries
My question isn't answered here, who do I contact?
Just call our office. We would be delighted to help you. Our office hours are 09.00 to 5.30 (GMT)