The Survival Programme is designed for those who are complete beginners and wish to study for a short period of time, 6 weeks, to learn enough practical language to be able to communicate in simple situations should they go to that country, on holiday for example. The teaching approach put emphasis on oral communication and practical cultural differences. The Academic Programme is designed for those who wish to study for a longer period of time, 11 weeks, and would like to develop all their skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing). The course is structured so that students can continue study throughout the year by offering 4 terms a year with short breaks in between.

Question Are the teachers fully qualified and experienced?

All our teachers are all fully qualified native speakers with extensive experience in teaching general and business language to groups and individuals. They are all highly motivated and are trained in a variety of techniques and approaches. Many of our staff are also involved in our teacher training programmes and are qualified and experienced teacher trainers.

Question Will I get a certificate at the end of the course?

Attendance certificates are available on request at the end of the course (Academic Programme ONLY).

Question What qualification do I get at the end of the course?

All our courses have a general focus. Their main objective is to improve your ability to communicate accurately and effectively. If you wish to take an exam, please contact the relevant cultural institute.

Question Are these courses GCSE equivalent?

In most cases a GCSE level is the equivalent to our elementary level. Because the standard of GCSE varies depending on language and institution, we recommend you take our test on line.

Question What if I select the wrong level?

The first lesson will be a diagnostic lesson so that the teacher can properly assess students’ level and needs. After the first lesson the office will make sure that every student is in the most appropriate level.

Question What method will my teacher use?

All our teachers are native speakers and hold an International House Teacher Training Certificate. During the lesson oral communication is the main objective although work on reading, writing and grammar is also an important part of our programmes. From the first lesson your teacher will speak in the target language. The teacher is able to clarify meaning through the effective use of teaching aids like pictures and mime. As all the language taught is related to a specific topic, it easy to understand the meaning of the new language, even without translation. Students are able to measure their progress in terms of things they are able to say and do in the target language.

Question Can I go into the intermediate class after beginners?

We offer 8 different levels in our Modern Languages Department. Please find more details on Full level chart, situated on the right hand side of the page on our Academic programmes.

Question I studied French for 2 years. What’s my level now?

We offer 8 different levels in our Modern Languages Department. Please find more details on Full level chart, situated on the right hand side of the page on our Academic programmes and test you level using our test on line. Just go to the page on our Academic courses.

Question I am a beginner. Will the teacher translate in English?

Our teachers are trained to maximise your exposure to the target language during your lessons so to give you every opportunity to learn and practice the language of your choice. The teacher is able to clarify meaning through the effective use of teaching aids like pictures and mime. As all the language taught is related to a specific topic, it easy to understand the meaning of the new language, even without translation.

Question What’s the difference between the 11-week course the 22-week course, 33 and 44?

Absolutely none. These are simply different forms of payments the school offers you. The more weeks you buy, the less they cost.

Question Is there an exam at the end of the course?

The focus of our courses is general. An Attendance Certificate is issued at the end of the course on request. Our courses offer excellent teaching and our students make considerable progress. For examinations, please contact the relevant Cultural Institute.

Question What is the difference between the Survival once a week and the Survival twice a week?

The Survival once a week covers 6 topics in 6 lessons where the twice a week option covers 12 topics in 12 lessons.

Question What can I do if I wish to continue after finishing the Survival course?

If you have just finished the Survival once a week you should join the Academic Programme at Beginners level. Some parts will be similar but in the Academic Programme you will learn the basic structures of the language, so you will work on all the 4 skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing) and grammar. If you have just finished the Survival twice a week you should join the Academic Programme at Beginners Continuation level.

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