Intensive Foreign Language Courses Fast Track
Saturday Fast Track | French Beginner 1
- Course Overview
- Who is this Course for
- Course Content
- FAQs
Want to speak French — fast?
Fast Track French: Beginner 1 takes you from complete beginner to the end of our level 3 in just 8 Saturday mornings. You will cover the same content as three of our French evening courses, but in a single focused programme designed for learners who want to make rapid, meaningful progress without a weekday commitment.
Each three-hour Saturday session combines structured coursebook work with real communicative practice — conversations, cultural exploration, and activities that help you use French from day one, not just study it. By the end of the course, you will be able to introduce yourself, navigate everyday situations in French, and hold your own in basic conversations about the people and places in your life.
Course Format
| Delivery | Face-to-face |
| Location | IH London, Covent Garden |
| Total Duration | 24 hours |
| Level | Complete Beginner: A1 (part 1 of 3) |
| IH Levels covered | 1, 2, and 3 |
| Coursebook | Mon Alter Ego 1 |
Why choose this course?
- Study with a trusted and internationally recognised language school in the heart of London
- Learn in an immersive, face-to-face environment with a qualified, experienced teacher
- Cover French Levels 1, 2, and 3 in just 8 Saturday mornings
- Benefit from practical activities, role-plays, and cultural moments every week
- Use French from day one — real communication, not just textbook exercises
- Make rapid progress without any weekday commitment
This course is for complete beginners who are serious about making rapid progress — people who want to reach A1 quickly, efficiently, and enjoyably, without spending a year on evening classes to get there.
It is a good fit for:
- Adults who are completely new to French and want to get started properly
- People who want to cover three levels of French in a single focused programme
- Learners who want real communicative practice — not just grammar exercises — from the very first session
- Anyone planning to travel, work, or study in a French-speaking country and wanting to build a solid foundation fast
This course may be especially useful if you want to:
- Build a genuine A1(beginner) foundation in French systematically and quickly
- Develop confidence in speaking, listening, and pronunciation from day one
- Experience French culture as part of the learning — not just an afterthought
- Set yourself up to progress to A2 and beyond without losing momentum
How does this compare to our French evening courses?
Both formats cover exactly the same content and lead to the same learning outcomes. Fast Track French: Beginner 1 covers three levels — the equivalent of three separate evening courses — in eight Saturday morning sessions of three hours each.
This course may not be the right choice if you prefer a slower, more gradual pace. In that case, our other French courses may be a better fit.
The content below gives you an overview of the grammar, vocabulary, and cultural themes covered in this course. It is a rough guide only — your teacher will select the most relevant material from the coursebook and may adapt the pace and order of topics to suit the group. Please note that this course does not cover every page of the coursebook.
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Greet people, introduce yourself, and ask and answer basic questions about yourself and others
- Exchange personal information — name, nationality, profession, and languages
- Talk about the world of French: countries, languages, and the diversity of the Francophone world
- Ask for and give directions, describe places, and name means of transport
- Talk about your family, your hobbies, and the things you like and dislike
- Use the core present tense verbs — être, avoir, aller, faire — accurately in everyday conversation
Course content overview
| Grammar focus | Subject pronouns; être and avoir; indefinite and definite articles; partitive article; gender and number; question forms (intonation, est-ce que, inversion); negation with ne…pas |
| Vocabulary and themes | Greetings and introductions; nationalities and languages; numbers 1–100; days, months, and seasons; food and drink; colours and adjectives |
| Culture and context | French customs around greetings and the bise; café and brasserie culture in France; the Francophone world and its diversity |
Self-study
We recommend 1–2 hours of self-study per week. Your teacher will suggest exercises from the coursebook or workbook and may also recommend online resources and apps to support your progress between Saturday sessions.
Learning approach
Lessons are face-to-face, dynamic, and led by a qualified, experienced teacher who speaks in French throughout. Every session combines structured coursebook work with practical communicative activities — conversations, role-plays, cultural exploration, and speaking tasks that help you use French in realistic, enjoyable situations from day one.
Grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation are developed systematically alongside communicative practice, so you make progress across all aspects of the language, not just conversation.
Do I need any previous knowledge of French?
No. This course is designed for complete beginners with no previous experience of French.
Do I need to buy a coursebook?
Yes. The course uses Mon alter ego 1 , which you will need from your second lesson onwards. The book is available to purchase on our website. There is nothing to organise before you start.
How is this different from the French Level 1, 2, and 3 courses?
This course covers the same content as French Levels 1, 2, and 3 combined and leads to the same outcomes — in eight Saturday morning sessions rather than three separate evening courses. If you want to progress quickly and prefer a Saturday format, Fast Track is the right choice. If you prefer a more gradual pace, our other courses may suit you better.
What does A1 mean?
A1 is the first level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), the internationally recognised scale used to describe language ability. It runs from A1 (complete beginner) through to C2 (mastery), and is used by language schools, employers, and universities around the world.
At A1, you are working at beginner level. By the end of the full A1 programme — which this course is part of — you will be able to introduce yourself, exchange basic personal information, understand simple questions and instructions, and use familiar everyday expressions in straightforward situations. It is the foundation on which everything else is built, and completing it puts you in a strong position to progress to A2 (elementary) and beyond.
Will the course cover every page of the coursebook?
No. The course covers selected content from Mon Alter Ego 1 rather than every page. Your teacher will prioritise the most important communicative and grammatical content, and the programme may be adapted to suit the pace and needs of the group.
Why does the teacher speak in French throughout?
Speaking in the target language from the start is one of the most effective ways to develop your comprehension and listening skills. Your teacher will always make sure you understand — through gesture, visual support, and careful use of language — so you will never feel lost.
What kind of activities will we do in class?
Each session combines coursebook work with practical communicative activities — role-plays, speaking tasks, cultural moments, and pair or group work. The aim is for you to use French every week, not just learn about it.
Will I be speaking in class?
Yes. Speaking and real communication are at the heart of every session. You will practise from the very first lesson, in a supportive and encouraging environment where making mistakes is part of the process.
What will I be able to do by the end of the course?
You will be able to introduce yourself and others, exchange personal information, describe places and people, ask for and give directions, and hold basic everyday conversations — all in French.
What happens after this course?
After completing this course, you can continue to Fast Track French: Beginner 2, which covers Levels 4, 5, and 6 at the same pace.
Alternatively, if you prefer a more gradual approach, you can move to our French Level 4 evening course.
Saturday Fast Track | Italian Beginner 1
- Course Overview
- Who is this Course for
- Course Content
- FAQs
Want to speak Italian — fast?
Fast Track Italian: Beginner 1 takes you from complete beginner to the end of our level 3 in just 8 Saturday mornings. You will cover the same content as three of our Italian evening courses, but in a single focused programme designed for learners who want to make rapid, meaningful progress without a weekday commitment.
Each three-hour Saturday session combines structured coursebook work with real communicative practice — conversations, cultural exploration, and activities that help you use Italian from day one, not just study it. By the end of the course, you will be able to introduce yourself, navigate everyday situations in Italian, and hold your own in basic conversations about the people and places in your life.
Course Format
| Delivery | Face-to-face |
| Location | IH London, Covent Garden |
| Total Duration | 24 hours |
| Level | Complete Beginner: A1 (part 1 of 3) |
| IH Levels covered | 1, 2, and 3 |
| Coursebook | Dieci A1 (Units 0–5) |
Why choose this course?
- Study with a trusted and internationally recognised language school in the heart of London
- Learn in an immersive, face-to-face environment with a qualified, experienced teacher
- Cover Italian Levels 1, 2, and 3 in just 8 Saturday mornings
- Benefit from practical activities, role-plays, and cultural moments every week
- Use Italian from day one — real communication, not just textbook exercises
- Make rapid progress without any weekday commitment
This course is for complete beginners who are serious about making rapid progress — people who want to reach A1 quickly, efficiently, and enjoyably, without spending a year on evening classes to get there.
It is a good fit for:
- Adults who are completely new to Italian and want to get started properly
- People who want to cover three levels of Italian in a single focused programme
- Learners who want real communicative practice — not just grammar exercises — from the very first session
- Anyone planning to travel, work, or study in a Italian-speaking country and wanting to build a solid foundation fast
This course may be especially useful if you want to:
- Build a genuine A1(beginner) foundation in Italian systematically and quickly
- Develop confidence in speaking, listening, and pronunciation from day one
- Experience Italian culture as part of the learning — not just an afterthought
- Set yourself up to progress to A2 and beyond without losing momentum
How does this compare to our Italian evening courses?
Both formats cover exactly the same content and lead to the same learning outcomes. Fast Track Italian: Beginner 1 covers three levels — the equivalent of three separate evening courses — in eight Saturday morning sessions of three hours each.
This course may not be the right choice if you prefer a slower, more gradual pace. In that case, our other Italian courses may be a better fit.
The content below gives you an overview of the grammar, vocabulary, and cultural themes covered in this course. It is a rough guide only — your teacher will select the most relevant material from the coursebook and may adapt the pace and order of topics to suit the group. Please note that this course does not cover every page of the coursebook.
What you will be able to do
- Greet people, say goodbye, and respond naturally in everyday situations
- Introduce yourself and others, and share personal information with confidence
- Ask about and give details such as your age, nationality, job, phone number, and address
- Order food and drinks at a bar or restaurant, and express your preferences
- Make a phone reservation at a restaurant
- Describe a house using basic vocabulary
- Talk about hotel services, book a room, write a review, and make a complaint
- Describe a city, name places of interest, and ask for and give directions clearly
Grammar covered
Levels 1 & 2 — Core foundations
- Formal and informal language
- Subject pronouns (singular and plural)
- Regular –are, –ere, and –ire verbs in the present tense
- Irregular verbs: essere, avere, fare, volere, potere, andare, venire
- Singular and plural nouns, adjectives, and articles (definite and indefinite)
- Negation and the prepositions di, in, a
- Anche / invece
Level 3 — Building on the basics
- Molto as adjective vs. adverb
- The verb dovere in the present tense
- Noun–adjective agreement
- Preposizioni articolate (articulated prepositions)
- C’è / ci sono (there is / there are)
Vocabulary and culture
- Parts of the day, greetings, and personal information
- Countries, nationalities, and classroom objects
- Jobs and workplaces
- Food, drinks, meals, and money
- Bars and restaurants in Italy
- Describing a house and home
- Months of the year and hotel-related language
- Famous Italian cities, monuments, and types of accommodation
Do I need any previous knowledge of Italian?
No. This course is designed for complete beginners with no previous experience of Italian.
Do I need to buy a coursebook?
Yes. The course uses a coursebook, which you will need from your second lesson onwards. The book is available to purchase on our website. There is nothing to organise before you start.
How is this different from the Italian Level 1, 2, and 3 courses?
This course covers the same content as Italian Levels 1, 2, and 3 combined and leads to the same outcomes — in eight Saturday morning sessions rather than three separate evening courses. If you want to progress quickly and prefer a Saturday format, Fast Track is the right choice. If you prefer a more gradual pace, our other courses may suit you better.
What does A1 mean?
A1 is the first level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), the internationally recognised scale used to describe language ability. It runs from A1 (complete beginner) through to C2 (mastery), and is used by language schools, employers, and universities around the world.
At A1, you are working at beginner level. By the end of the full A1 programme — which this course is part of — you will be able to introduce yourself, exchange basic personal information, understand simple questions and instructions, and use familiar everyday expressions in straightforward situations. It is the foundation on which everything else is built, and completing it puts you in a strong position to progress to A2 (elementary) and beyond.
Will the course cover every page of the coursebook?
No. The course covers selected content rather than every page. Your teacher will prioritise the most important communicative and grammatical content, and the programme may be adapted to suit the pace and needs of the group.
Why does the teacher speak in Italian throughout?
Speaking in the target language from the start is one of the most effective ways to develop your comprehension and listening skills. Your teacher will always make sure you understand — through gesture, visual support, and careful use of language — so you will never feel lost.
What kind of activities will we do in class?
Each session combines coursebook work with practical communicative activities — role-plays, speaking tasks, cultural moments, and pair or group work. The aim is for you to use Italian every week, not just learn about it.
Will I be speaking in class?
Yes. Speaking and real communication are at the heart of every session. You will practise from the very first lesson, in a supportive and encouraging environment where making mistakes is part of the process.
What will I be able to do by the end of the course?
You will be able to introduce yourself and others, exchange personal information, describe places and people, ask for and give directions, and hold basic everyday conversations — all in Italian.
What happens after this course?
After completing this course, you can continue to Fast Track French: Beginner 2, which covers Levels 4, 5, and 6 at the same pace.
Alternatively, if you prefer a more gradual approach, you can move to our Italian Level 4 evening course.
Saturday Fast Track | Japanese Beginner 1
- Course Overview
- Who is this Course for
- Course Content
- FAQs
Want to speak Japanese — fast?
Fast Track Japanese: Beginner 1 takes you from complete beginner to the end of our Level 2 in just eight Saturday mornings. Japanese is one of the world’s most rewarding languages to learn, and one of the most distinctive. In this course you will begin speaking Japanese from the very first session, while also learning to read and write hiragana, the first of Japan’s three writing systems.
Each three-hour Saturday session combines structured teaching with real communicative practice, conversations, activities, and tasks that help you use Japanese from day one, not just study it.
By the end of the course, you will be able to introduce yourself, talk about your daily routine, tell the time, go shopping, and navigate basic everyday situations in Japanese.
Course format
| Delivery | Face-to-face |
| Location | IH London, Covent Garden |
| Level | Complete Beginner (part 1 of 4) |
| IH Levels covered | 1 and 2 |
| Teaching materials | Minna no Nihongo Beginners Book 1 (Chapters 1–5) |
Why choose Fast Track Japanese: Beginner 1?
- Study with a trusted and internationally recognised language school in the heart of London
- Learn in an immersive, face-to-face environment with a qualified, experienced teacher
- Cover Japanese Levels 1 and 2 in just eight Saturday mornings
- Benefit from practical activities, speaking tasks, and communicative practice every week
- Use Japanese from day one — real communication, not just textbook exercises
- Make rapid progress without any weekday commitment
This course is for complete beginners who want to start learning Japanese properly — building a genuine foundation in both spoken Japanese and the hiragana writing system from the very first session.
It is a good fit for:
- Adults who are completely new to Japanese and want to get started properly
- People who want to cover two levels of Japanese in a single focused Saturday programme
- Learners who want real communicative practice alongside script learning from day one
- Anyone with a personal, professional, or cultural interest in Japan who wants to make rapid, meaningful progress
This course may be especially useful if you want to:
- Build a genuine beginner foundation in spoken Japanese quickly and systematically
- Learn to read and write hiragana — an essential first step in Japanese literacy
- Develop confidence in basic Japanese communication from the very first session
- Set yourself up to progress to Beginner 2 without losing momentum
How does this compare to our Japanese courses?
Both formats cover exactly the same content and lead to the same learning outcomes. Fast Track Japanese: Beginner 1 covers two levels — the equivalent of two separate courses in eight Saturday morning sessions of three hours each. Our standard courses cover one level at a time at a more gradual pace.
This course may not be the right choice if you prefer a slower, more gradual pace. In that case, our other Japanese courses may be a better fit.
The content below gives you an overview of the grammar, vocabulary, and script focus for this course. It is a rough guide only: your teacher will select the most relevant material and may adapt the pace and order of topics to suit the group.
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Greet people and introduce yourself and others in Japanese
- Ask for and give personal information including your name, nationality, and occupation
- Tell the time and talk about your daily routine and schedule
- Express where you go, when, with whom, and how you get there
- Use numbers confidently from 0 to 10,000
- Start reading and writing hiragana, the first of Japan’s three writing systems
Course content overview
| Grammar focus | Affirmative and negative sentences in the present tense; forming questions; particles wa, mo, ka, no, to, e, ni; the Ko-So-A-Do demonstrative system; past and past negative tenses; question word itsu (when) |
| Vocabulary and themes | Greetings and personal information; numbers 0–10,000; professions and nationalities; leisure activities and hobbies; time and daily routines; shops and everyday objects; days, dates, and national holidays |
| Script focus | Hiragana — characters are introduced and practised throughout the course. By the end of Beginner 1 you will be able to start reading and writing hiragana some hiragana characters |
Examples
- Watashi wa Tanaka Yoshio desu. – I am Yoshio Tanaka.
- Suzuki san wa isha ja arimasen. – Ms Suzuki is not a doctor.
- Yamada san wa gakusei desuka. – Is Mr Yamada a student?
- Sasaki san mo gakusei desu. – Ms Sasaki is a student too.
- Kore wa hon desu. – This is a book.
- Kore wa kuruma no hon desu. – This is a book on cars.
- Sore wa watashi no pen desu. -That is my pen.
- Kono kaban wa watashi no desu. – This bag is mine.
- Koko wa ima desu. – This is a living room.
- Tokei wa asoko desu. – The clock is over there.
- Ima gogo san-ji desu. – It is 3pm now.
- Watashi wa ku-ji kara go-ji made hatarakimasu. – I work from 9 to 5.
- Watashi wa asa hachi-ji han ni okimasu. – I get up at 8:30 in the morning.
- Watashi wa kino benkyo shimashita. – I studied yesterday.
- Watashi wa Hiroshima e ikimasu. – I (will) go to Hiroshima.
- Watashi wa densha de uchi e kaerimasu. – I (will) go home by train.
- Watashi wa kazoku to Nihon e kimashita. – I came to Japan with my family.
Self-study
We recommend 2-3 hours of self-study per week. Your teacher will suggest exercises and may also recommend online resources and apps to support your progress between Saturday sessions. Practising hiragana regularly outside class is especially important at this stage.
Learning approach
Lessons are face-to-face, dynamic, and led by a qualified, experienced teacher who speaks in Japanese throughout. Every session combines structured teaching with practical communicative activities — conversations, speaking tasks, and pair or group work — alongside script practice, so that language, literacy, and communication develop together from the very start.
Grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation are developed systematically alongside communicative practice, so you make progress across all aspects of the language, not just conversation.
Do I need any previous knowledge of Japanese?
No. This course is designed for complete beginners with no previous experience of Japanese.
Do I need to buy a textbook?
No. Your teacher uses Minna no Nihongo 1 and a range of other resources as teaching materials. You do not need to purchase any books before the course begins — your teacher will provide everything you need in class and may share additional materials digitally.
Will I learn to read and write Japanese?
Yes. Learning to read and write hiragana is an integral part of this course. Hiragana is one of Japan’s three writing systems and an essential foundation for all further study. By the end of Beginner 1 you will be able to start reading and writing some hiragana characters.
Is Japanese hard to learn?
Japanese has a reputation for being challenging, and it is true that the writing system and grammar are very different from other languages. However, many aspects of Japanese are highly logical and consistent, and learners often make faster progress than they expect — particularly in speaking — once they have the right foundation. The Fast Track format gives you the structure and pace to make real progress from the start.
What kind of activities will we do in class?
Each session combines structured teaching with practical communicative activities — conversations, speaking tasks, and pair or group work — alongside script practice. The aim is for you to use Japanese every week, not just learn about it.
Will I be speaking in class?
Yes. Speaking and real communication are at the heart of every session. You will practise from the very first lesson, in a supportive and encouraging environment where making mistakes is part of the process.
What will I be able to do by the end of the course?
You will be able to introduce yourself and others, give and ask for personal information, tell the time, talk about your daily routine, use numbers confidently, and start reading and writing hiragana.
What happens after this course?
After completing Fast Track Japanese: Beginner 1, you can continue to Fast Track Japanese: Beginner 2, which covers Levels 3 and 4 at the same pace. Alternatively, you can join one of our level 3 courses.
Saturday Fast Track | Spanish Beginner 1
- Course Overview
- Who is this Course for
- Course Content
- FAQs
Want to speak Spanish — fast?
Fast Track Spanish: Beginner 1 takes you from complete beginner to the end of our Level 2 in just eight Saturday mornings. You will cover the same content as two of our Spanish evening courses, but in a single focused programme designed for learners who want to make rapid, meaningful progress without a weekday commitment.
Each three-hour Saturday session combines structured coursebook work with real communicative practice — conversations, cultural exploration, and activities that help you use Spanish from day one, not just study it. By the end of the course, you will be able to introduce yourself, exchange personal information, navigate basic everyday situations, and hold your own in simple conversations about the world around you.
Course format
| Delivery | Face-to-face |
| Location | IH London, Covent Garden |
| Total Duration | 24 hours |
| Level | Complete Beginner: A1 (part 1 of 3) |
| IH Levels covered | 1 and 2 |
| Coursebook | Aula Internacional Plus A1 |
Why choose this course?
- Study with a trusted and internationally recognised language school in the heart of London
- Learn in an immersive, face-to-face environment with a qualified, experienced teacher
- Cover Spanish Levels 1 and 2 in just eight Saturday mornings instead of 12 or 16 weeks
- Benefit from practical activities, role-plays, and cultural moments every week
- Use Spanish from day one — real communication, not just textbook exercises
- Make rapid progress without any weekday commitment
This course is for complete beginners who are serious about making rapid progress — people who want to reach A1 quickly, efficiently, and enjoyably, without spending months on evening classes to get there.
It is a good fit for:
- Adults who are completely new to Spanish and want to get started properly
- People who want to cover two levels of Spanish in a single focused programme
- Learners who want real communicative practice — not just grammar exercises — from the very first session
- Anyone planning to travel, work, or study in a Spanish-speaking country and wanting to build a solid foundation fast
This course may be especially useful if you want to:
- Build a genuine A1 (beginner) foundation in Spanish systematically and quickly
- Develop confidence in speaking, listening, and pronunciation from day one
- Experience the diversity of Spanish-speaking culture as part of the learning — not just an afterthought
- Set yourself up to progress to A1.2 and beyond without losing momentum
How does this compare to our Spanish courses?
Both formats cover exactly the same content and lead to the same learning outcomes. This course covers two levels — the equivalent of two separate courses — in eight Saturday morning sessions of three hours each. Our other courses cover one level at a time at a more gradual pace.
This course may not be the right choice if you prefer a slower, more gradual pace. In that case, our other Spanish courses may be a better fit.
The content below gives you an overview of the grammar, vocabulary, and cultural themes covered in this course. It is a rough guide only — your teacher will select the most relevant material from the coursebook and may adapt the pace and order of topics to suit the group. Please note that this course does not cover every page of the coursebook.
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Introduce yourself and others, and exchange personal information including your name, nationality, age, and occupation
- Spell words aloud and use the Spanish alphabet confidently
- Count, use numbers in everyday contexts, and ask about prices
- Ask for and understand basic directions and locations
- Identify and name everyday objects, places, and people around you
Course content overview
| Grammar focus | Subject pronouns; ser and estar (introduction); indefinite and definite articles; gender and number; question words; hay; prepositions of place |
| Vocabulary and themes | Greetings and personal information; nationalities and languages; numbers; colours; everyday objects; the city |
| Culture and context | Spanish-speaking countries and their diversity; greetings and courtesy in Spain and Latin America; the Spanish alphabet and pronunciation |
Self-study
We recommend 1–2 hours of self-study per week. Your teacher will suggest exercises from the coursebook or workbook and may also recommend online resources and apps to support your progress between Saturday sessions.
Learning approach
Lessons are face-to-face, dynamic, and led by a qualified, experienced teacher who speaks in Spanish throughout. Every session combines structured coursebook work with practical communicative activities — conversations, role-plays, cultural exploration, and speaking tasks that help you use Spanish in realistic, enjoyable situations from day one.
Grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation are developed systematically alongside communicative practice, so you make progress across all aspects of the language, not just conversation.
Do I need any previous knowledge of Spanish?
No. This course is designed for complete beginners with no previous experience of Spanish.
Do I need to buy a coursebook?
Yes. The course uses Aula Internacional Plus A1, which you will need from your second lesson onwards. The book is available to purchase on our website. There is nothing to organise before you start.
How is this different from the Spanish Level 1 and 2 courses?
This course covers the same content as our Spanish Levels 1 and 2 combined and leads to the same outcomes — in eight Saturday morning sessions rather than two separate courses.
If you want to progress quickly and prefer a Saturday format, Fast Track is the right choice. If you prefer a more gradual pace, our other courses may suit you better.
What does A1 mean?
A1 is the first level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), the internationally recognised scale used to describe language ability. It runs from A1 (complete beginner) through to C2 (mastery), and is used by language schools, employers, and universities around the world.
At A1, you are working at beginner level. By the end of the full A1 programme — which this course is part of — you will be able to introduce yourself, exchange basic personal information, understand simple questions and instructions, and use familiar everyday expressions in straightforward situations. It is the foundation on which everything else is built, and completing it puts you in a strong position to progress to A2 (elementary) and beyond.
Will the course cover every page of the coursebook?
No. The course covers selected content from Aula Internacional Plus A1 rather than every page. Your teacher will prioritise the most important communicative and grammatical content, and the programme may be adapted to suit the pace and needs of the group.
Why does the teacher speak in Spanish throughout?
Speaking in the target language from the start is one of the most effective ways to develop your comprehension and listening skills. Your teacher will always make sure you understand — through gesture, visual support, and careful use of language — so you will never feel lost.
What kind of activities will we do in class?
Each session combines coursebook work with practical communicative activities — role-plays, speaking tasks, cultural moments, and pair or group work. The aim is for you to use Spanish every week, not just learn about it.
Will I be speaking in class?
Yes. Speaking and real communication are at the heart of every session. You will practise from the very first lesson, in a supportive and encouraging environment where making mistakes is part of the process.
What will I be able to do by the end of the course?
You will be able to introduce yourself and others, exchange personal information, describe everyday objects and places, ask for directions, and hold basic everyday conversations — all in Spanish.
What happens after this course?
After completing this course, you can continue to Beginner 2, which covers Levels 3 and 4 at the same pace. Alternatively, if you prefer a more gradual approach, you can move to our Spanish Level 3 standard course.
Fast Track French Levels 1 and 2 (A1) - Twice a Week
- Course Details
- Course Content
Our Fast Track French Level 1 and 2 (A1) course is designed for complete beginners who are looking to accelerate their language learning. Classes take place twice a week at our school in Covent Garden. Led by qualified, experienced teachers, our lessons are dynamic, engaging, and focused on spoken communication. Classes are taught primarily in French and include a variety of interactive activities such as group discussions, role-plays, and practical exercises to build fluency and confidence.
Is this course for you?
This course is ideal for complete beginners who are ready to commit to a more intensive learning experience. If you’re looking to make faster progress and can attend classes twice a week, this course is a great fit. However, if you prefer a slower pace or have a busier schedule, we also offer evening, afternoon and weekend courses that take place once a week—perfect for learners seeking a less intense option. If you already have some basic knowledge of French, we recommend taking our placement test or contacting the Foreign Language Department, as a more suitable course may be available for you. After this course, continue your learning with Level 3 and 4 (A1) and beyond. Progression is based on your class participation and self-study—there are no formal tests. To help you better understand our level system, check our level chart.
Course Dates:
Monday and Wednesdays: 12th January 2026 – 25th February 2026 (Break 16th and 18th February 2026)
Tuesday and Thursdays: 10th March 2026 – 30th April (Easter Break – 31st March – 9th April 2026)
Monday and Wednesdays: 11th May 2026 – 24th June 2026 (Spring Break 25th and 27th May 2026)
Tuesday and Thursdays: 7th July – 13th August 2026
Monday and Wednesdays: 31st August – 7th October 2026
Tuesday and Thursdays: 13th October – 26th November 2026 (Autumn Break – 27th and 29th October 2026)
What’s Included in your course?
- Lesson summaries, notes & resources
- French study tips
- Additional study resources
- Support from experienced teachers
- Exclusive workshops and events to IH London students
By the end of your course, you should be able to:
- Introduce yourself and other people.
- Ask and respond to basic questions in everyday situations.
- Talk about different nationalities and languages.
- Share personal details such as your birthday, phone number, and email address.
- Express likes and dislikes in casual conversations.
- Announce and provide information about an event.
- Get to know others by asking for personal information.
Materials
Required Coursebook:
MON ALTER EGO 1 – Livre de l’élève + Parcours digital – A1 – Catherine Hugot, Monique WAENDRIES & Celine HIMBER
Publisher: Hachette
ISBN 9782017153139
For this course we will use units 1 to 2 in the coursebook. Please note we might not cover all activities during the course. You can buy your coursebook via our website with a link shared with you on your welcome email.
Fast Track French Levels 3 and 4 (A1) - Twice a Week
- Course Details
- Course Content
Our Fast Track French Level 3 and 4 (A1) course is designed for students who have already done a beginner course and are looking to accelerate their language learning. Classes take place twice a week at our school in Covent Garden. Led by qualified, experienced teachers, our lessons are dynamic, engaging, and focused on spoken communication. Classes are taught primarily in French and include a variety of interactive activities such as group discussions, role-plays, and practical exercises to build fluency and confidence.
Is this course for you?
This course is aimed at students who have already started learning French. It is recommended that you have previously completed French levels 1 and 2 or a course of at least 24 class hours. If you’re looking to make faster progress and can attend classes twice a week, this course is a great fit. However, if you prefer a slower pace or have a busier schedule, we also offer evening, afternoon and weekend courses that take place once a week—perfect for learners seeking a less intense option. If you already have some knowledge of French, we recommend taking our placement test or contacting the Foreign Language Department, as a more suitable course may be available for you. After this course, continue your learning with Level 5 and 6 (A1) and beyond. Progression is based on your class participation and self-study—there are no formal tests. To help you better understand our level system, check our level chart.
Course Dates:
Mondays and Wednesdays: 9th March 2026 – 29th April (Easter Break – 30th March – 8th April 2026)
Tuesdays and Thursdays:12th May 2026 – 25th June 2026 (Spring Break 26th and 28th May 2026)
Mondays and Wednesdays: 6th July – 12th August 2026
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 1st September – 8th October 2026
Mondays and Wednesdays: 12th October – 25th November 2026 (Autumn Break – 26th and 28th October 2026)
What’s Included in your course?
- Lesson summaries, notes & resources
- French study tips
- Additional study resources
- Support from experienced teachers
- Exclusive workshops and events to IH London students
By the end of your course, you should be able to:
- Describe places, and ask for or give directions
- Use adjectives, definite and indefinite articles, and demonstrative adjectives
- Apply prepositions of place and à/en with modes of transport
- Use verbs such as aller, prendre, and descendre in context
- Talk about your hobbies, family, and announce or react to news
- Use the pronoun on, form questions with Qu’est-ce que…, and use the verbs faire and jouer
- Apply possessive adjectives and adjective agreement
- Distinguish between c’est / ce sont and il est / elle est / ils sont / elles sont
- Use the recent past (passé récent) and near future (futur proche) tenses
- Use tonic pronouns (les pronoms toniques) correctly
Materials
Required Coursebook:
MON ALTER EGO 1 – Livre de l’élève + Parcours digital – A1 – Catherine Hugot, Monique WAENDRIES & Celine HIMBER
Publisher: Hachette
ISBN 9782017153139
For this course we will use units 3 and 4 in the coursebook. Please note we might not cover all activities during the course. You can buy your coursebook via our website with a link shared with you on your welcome email.
Fast Track Italian Levels 1 and 2 (A1) - Twice a Week
- Course Details
- Course Content
Our Fast Track Italian Level 1 and 2 (A1) course is designed for complete beginners who are looking to accelerate their language learning. Classes take place twice a week at our school in Covent Garden. Led by qualified, experienced teachers, our lessons are dynamic, engaging, and focused on spoken communication. Classes are taught primarily in Italian and include a variety of interactive activities such as group discussions, role-plays, and practical exercises to build fluency and confidence.
Is this course for you?
This course is ideal for complete beginners who are ready to commit to a more intensive learning experience. If you’re looking to make faster progress and can attend classes twice a week, this course is a great fit. However, if you prefer a slower pace or have a busier schedule, we also offer evening, afternoon and weekend courses that take place once a week—perfect for learners seeking a less intense option. If you already have some basic knowledge of Italian, we recommend taking our placement test or contacting the Foreign Language Department, as a more suitable course may be available for you. After this course, continue your learning with Level 3 and 4 (A1) and beyond. Progression is based on your class participation and self-study—there are no formal tests. To help you better understand our level system, check our level chart.
Course Dates:
Monday and Wednesdays: 12th January 2026 – 25th February 2026 (Break 16th and 18th February 2026)
Tuesday and Thursdays: 10th March 2026 – 30th April (Easter Break – 31st March – 9th April 2026)
Monday and Wednesdays: 11th May 2026 – 24th June 2026 (Spring Break 25th and 27th May 2026)
Tuesday and Thursdays: 7th July – 13th August 2026
Monday and Wednesdays: 31st August – 7th October 2026
Tuesday and Thursdays: 13th October – 26th November 2026 (Autumn Break – 27th and 29th October 2026)
What’s Included in your course?
- Lesson summaries, notes & resources
- Italian study tips
- Additional study resources
- Support from experienced teachers
- Exclusive workshops and events to IH London students
By the end of your course, you should be able to:
- greet people, say goodbye, and respond appropriately in everyday situations
- introduce yourself and others clearly and confidently
- ask and answer questions about where you and others are from
- give personal details and understand questions during a hotel check-in
- ask for and give information such as your age, nationality, job, phone number, email, and address
- spell and recognise basic words such as names, countries, cities, and email addresses
- say and understand numbers when talking about phone numbers, ages, prices, and room numbers
- order food and drinks at a restaurant or bar
- express your food and drink preferences
- make a phone reservation at a restaurant
- describe a house using basic vocabulary and structures
Materials
Required Coursebook:
DIECI A1 – C. Massimo Naddeo & E. Orlandino
Publisher – ALMA Edizioni
ISBN 9788861826212
For this course we will use units 0 to 4 in the coursebook. Please note we might not cover all activities during the course. You can buy your coursebook via our website with a link shared with you on your welcome email.
Fast Track Italian Levels 3 and 4 (A1) - Twice a Week
- Course Details
- Course Content
Our Fast Track Italian Level 3 and 4 (A1) course is designed for students who have already done a beginner course and are looking to accelerate their language learning. Classes take place twice a week at our school in Covent Garden. Led by qualified, experienced teachers, our lessons are dynamic, engaging, and focused on spoken communication. Classes are taught primarily in Italian and include a variety of interactive activities such as group discussions, role-plays, and practical exercises to build fluency and confidence.
Is this course for you?
This course is aimed at students who have already started learning Italian. It is recommended that you have previously completed Italian levels 1 and 2 or a course of at least 24 class hours. If you’re looking to make faster progress and can attend classes twice a week, this course is a great fit. However, if you prefer a slower pace or have a busier schedule, we also offer evening, afternoon and weekend courses that take place once a week—perfect for learners seeking a less intense option. If you already have some knowledge of Italian, we recommend taking our placement test or contacting the Foreign Language Department, as a more suitable course may be available for you. After this course, continue your learning with Level 5 and 6 (A1) and beyond. Progression is based on your class participation and self-study—there are no formal tests. To help you better understand our level system, check our level chart.
Course Dates:
Mondays and Wednesdays: 9th March 2026 – 29th April (Easter Break – 30th March – 8th April 2026)
Tuesdays and Thursdays:12th May 2026 – 25th June 2026 (Spring Break 26th and 28th May 2026)
Mondays and Wednesdays: 6th July – 12th August 2026
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 1st September – 8th October 2026
Mondays and Wednesdays: 12th October – 25th November 2026 (Autumn Break – 26th and 28th October 2026)
What’s Included in your course?
- Lesson summaries, notes & resources
- Italian study tips
- Additional study resources
- Support from experienced teachers
- Exclusive workshops and events to IH London students
By the end of your course, you should be able to:
- Talk about hotel services and describe facilities using appropriate vocabulary
- Describe a city and talk about places of interest, monuments, and activities
- Ask for and give directions clearly, using basic prepositions and location phrases
- Apply the correct form of molto as an adjective or adverb
- Use dovere to express obligation or necessity
- Form sentences with correct noun–adjective agreement and articulated prepositions
- Talk about availability using c’è and ci sono
- Describe your daily habits and routines using reflexive and regular verbs
- Talk about how often you do things using adverbs of frequency
- Make appointments, suggest plans, and respond to invitations
- Use the verb piacere to talk about likes and dislikes
- Understand and use indirect object pronouns like mi, ti, le, and gli in context
- Use common expressions such as Anche a me and Neanche a me
Materials
Required Coursebook:
DIECI A1 – C. Massimo Naddeo & E. Orlandino
Publisher – ALMA Edizioni
ISBN 9788861826212
For this course we will use units 5 and 6 in the coursebook. Please note we might not cover all activities during the course. You can buy your coursebook via our website with a link shared with you on your welcome email.
Fast Track Italian Levels 5 and 6 (A1) | Twice a week
- Course Details
- Course Content
Our Fast Track Italian Level 5 and 6 (A1) course is designed for students who have already done the Fast Track Levels 3 and 4 course and are looking to accelerate their language learning. Classes take place twice a week at our school in Covent Garden. Led by qualified, experienced teachers, our lessons are dynamic, engaging, and focused on spoken communication. Classes are taught primarily in Italian and include a variety of interactive activities such as group discussions, role-plays, and practical exercises to build fluency and confidence.
Is this course for you?
This course is aimed at students who have already started learning Italian. It is recommended that you have previously completed Italian levels 3 and 4 or a course of at least 48 class hours. If you’re looking to make faster progress and can attend classes twice a week, this course is a great fit. However, if you prefer a slower pace or have a busier schedule, we also offer evening, afternoon and weekend courses that take place once a week—perfect for learners seeking a less intense option. If you already have some knowledge of Italian, we recommend taking our placement test or contacting the Foreign Language Department, as a more suitable course may be available for you. After this course, continue your learning with Level 7 and 8 (A1) and beyond. Progression is based on your class participation and self-study—there are no formal tests. To help you better understand our level system, check our level chart.
What’s Included in your course?
- Lesson summaries, notes & resources
- Italian study tips
- Additional study resources
- Support from experienced teachers
- Exclusive workshops and events to IH London students
By the end of your course, you should be able to:
- Describe the weather using everyday expressions
- Ask for and give information about a trip or holiday
- Talk about past experiences using the passato prossimo
- Share memories and stories about past holidays
- Use regular and irregular past participles correctly in context
- Use time expressions like stamattina, stasera, anni fa, poi, dopo, and alla fine to talk about when things happened
- Use the particle ci to refer to locations or places
- Talk about popular tourist destinations in Italy
- Describe the seasons and typical weather for each
- Talk about Italian holidays and related cultural traditions
- Talk about Italian traditions, festivals, and family celebrations
- Describe how you spent the last New Year’s Eve using the passato prossimo
- Discuss plans for upcoming holidays
- Describe a person’s appearance, personality, and family relationships
- Use greetings and wishes for birthdays and holidays
- Use nel + year, prima di and dopo with nouns, and mai with the past tense
- Use possessive adjectives correctly, especially with family members
- Consolidate the passato prossimo with regular and irregular verbs
- Use and understand numbers from 101 to 10,000
- Talk about Italian family life, values, and customs related to celebrations
Materials
Required Coursebook:
DIECI A1 – Euridice Orlandino & Ciro Massimo Naddeo
Publisher – ALMA Edizioni
ISBN 9788861826212
Units 7 and 8
Please note we might not cover all activities during the course. You can buy your coursebook via our website with a link shared with you on your welcome email.