Frequently Asked Questions

- Where do courses take place?
- When do courses take place?
- Do you run open group courses?
- Can I take lessons with my friend or partner?
- Do you teach other languages than the ones on the list?
- How long does a language course last?
- How long does a language lesson last?
- Is there a level test before I start?
- How much does a language course cost?
- How much does presentation skills training cost?
- How much do you charge for proof reading?
- How do I pay?
- How do I enrol?
- How soon can I start?
- What do I need to bring?
- Do you teach children?

If your question is not answered here, please contact us.

Where do courses take place?

Generally at our school in Northenden.

For corporate clients, it may be better, in some circumstances, that you have your lessons at your workplace but it is usually preferable that one-to-one students come to us, so that you are away from the distractions of your work.

For private clients, it is almost always better for you to come to us, so that you are away from the distractions of your home life. However, if for some reason you are unable to get to us, we can arrange for the teacher to come to you.

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When do courses take place?

We are open all (feasible) hours, Monday to Friday.

Timetables for one-to-one/one-to-two lessons are flexible. You can have as many lessons in the week as you want to, at times to suit you. It doesn't have to be the same day or time every week and, if you need to, you may cancel/reschedule a lesson without charge - provided you do so the day before.

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Do you run open group courses?

No.

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Can I take lessons with my friend or partner?

Yes. Provided you are at a compatible level - and are compatible in terms of supporting each other's learning - this can work well.

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Do you teach other languages than the ones on the list?

Yes. We work with all European and Oriental languages (not African or Indian languages). The reason the languages listed are on the list is that we teach them often. If you want to learn a language that isn't on the list, it will take us a little bit longer to organise it - but that's all.

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How long does a language course last?

As long as you want it to. There is no maximum or minimum number of lessons; it is entirely up to you. We offer intensive courses (6 hours a day for a week), semi-intensive courses (3 hours a day for 1, 2 or 3 weeks) and extensive courses (one or two lessons a week for as long as you like).

In terms of how many lessons you will need to learn a language, it is of course impossible to say. If you are an experienced linguist, it will probably be quicker and easier for you; if you have time to work on it between lessons, this will speed up your progress: there are many variables. However, as a rough idea, we can generally say that if you take two lessons a week and do homework as well, you can go from total beginner to being able to hold a (more or less basic) conversation in about six months. A more intensive course may get you there more quickly, if that's what you need. Or you may wish to take it much further than basic conversation - many of our clients have been with us for several years.

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How long does a language lesson last?

Generally, an hour and a half. If you want something different, we can do it but this is our standard.

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Is there a level test before I start?

For corporate clients who are not beginners and who are studying in a group, yes. This is done as part of the needs analysis.

For private clients and corporate clients taking individual training, we can discuss your level as part of the general discussion of your requirements and objectives. If you would like to take a little test before you start your course, you are very welcome to do so. If you would prefer not to, that's fine. You just tell us how much you've studied before and we'll take it from there, making sure we also fill in any gaps there may be in your existing knowledge.

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How much does a language course cost?

For corporate clients, it depends on the length and intensity of your course, the number of participants and what exactly your requirements are. Please contact us to discuss arrangements and fees.

For private clients, the fees are £50 per 90-minute lesson one to one and £60 per 90-minute lesson one to two. The number of lessons you have is up to you. There is a small reduction in the lessonly fee for intensive and semi-intensive courses.

There is no deposit and you can pay either at the end of every lesson or for a number of lessons in advance if that suits you better.

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How much does presentation skills training cost?

For private clients or corporate clients attending individual training, the fees are £150 per 3-hour session at our school.

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How much do you charge for proof reading?

It depends how long your work is and how much needs to be done to it. A rough estimate is between £100 and £200 for 20,000 words but it really depends how much time it takes.

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How do I pay?

For corporate clients, arrangements vary. We can discuss what would suit you best.

For private clients, you can pay by cheque on the day or in advance (as you like), in cash on the day or by bank transfer in advance if you like.

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How do I enrol?

It's very easy! You ring up and have a chat with us. If you would like to come and visit us to discuss your requirements and objectives, you are very welcome to do so. There is no charge for this meeting and no obligation either. We do ask, however, that you make an appointment, in case we are teaching when you arrive.

After we've spoken, either on the telephone or face to face, we book your first lesson and take it from there.

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How soon can I start?

For language courses, you can almost always start within two weeks of your telling us you definitely want to. Often it's possible to start the next day.

For presentation skills, the training can almost always be arranged within a fortnight.

For proof reading, we understand that you are often working to very tight deadlines. We will do whatever is possible to help you in the time available but please try to contact us at least a week before your work has to be submitted.

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What do I need to bring?

Nothing. We provide you with a file and a pen. There is always paper on the tables and we supply the study materials. Once you get started, we recommend you buy yourself a dictionary, if you haven't already, but you won't need that for the first lesson.

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Do you teach children?

Yes. We teach children on the same basis as adults, i.e. one-to-one or one-to-two. If two children are having their lessons together, it's very important they should be of compatible level and age. Siblings more than a year or so apart, for example, usually don't learn best together.

Lessons are usually shorter than the 90 minutes we do with adults, depending on the age of the child.

Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

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