Are your teachers native speakers?
Yes.
Do your teachers have linguistic training and teaching experience?
Our teachers' qualifications meet at least 2 of the following 3 criteria (and very often all 3):
1. Relevant experience as a language trainer.
2. Advanced degree in languages.
3. Advanced degree in pedagogy.
Which approach can I expect from my teacher?
Our teachers use an approach known as the “communicative method.” This method has the following advantages:
1. Popular with students, because it is a dynamic method which fosters active participation.
2. Familiar to teachers, because it is a part of the curriculum of most language teaching programs.
3. Easy to contextualize, which makes the course activities more relevant to the professional world of the participants.
Our version of the communicative approach is based on the following 5 activities:
1. C-issue (controversial issue): the vocabulary necessary to complete this activity is introduced through a news article adapted both to your level and to your professional or target context(s). The acquisition of the vocabulary is consolidated using a debate.
2. G-point (grammar point): an outline of the problem, consisting of a balanced mix between theoretical rules and concrete examples, is given by the teacher. This is followed by oral and written exercises.
3. RP-situation (role play situation): the goal of this activity is to practise situations which you face on a daily basis.
4. LE-topic (listening exercise topic): again, a subject adapted to your professional or target context(s) is chosen by the teacher. The difficulty of the audio fragment is adapted to your level. Each time the fragment is heard, the questions asked by the teacher become more detailed.
5. W-task (writing task): the goal of this activity is to teach you to edit or fill in the various documents you use professionally. The teacher splits up this activity into four sub-activities: document type, grammar point, style tip, composition tip.
What is the instruction language used in class?
The same as the target language. Your teacher is trained to explain everything in his or her mother tongue, even to complete beginners. That said, most teachers are pretty well versed in a number of languages and if you need to get a handle on some highly specialized terminology, for instance, we would definitely assign a teacher to you who can help with the translations.
How will you monitor the quality of my course?
We will solicit your feedback through an intermediate evaluation (approximately 1/3 of the way through the course) and through a final evaluation.
Will I have the same teacher for the duration of the course?
Barring exceptional circumstances, yes, or unless you request otherwise.
How many distinct levels do you identify?
Seven: a beginner level and the six levels of the Common European Framework for Languages: A1 (Breakthrough), A2 (Waystage), B1 (Threshold), B2 (Vantage), C1 (Effective Operational Proficiency), C2 (Mastery). We usually offer group courses up to level B2. Beyond that, we have found that students are often better served by one-on-one classes on account of their special needs beginning to outweigh even mother-tongue related issues.
How many people are in a group?
Never more than 6.
Where do the classes take place?
Unless otherwise specified, the classes take place at rue du Grand Hospice 34a, 1000 Brussels, Belgium.
What happens if the course I signed up for can't go ahead?
In the exceptional circumstance that your course cannot go ahead (e.g. due to an insufficient number of participants), you will have the choice between (a) receiving a complete refund of the money you transferred to us or (b) switching to another course plan, possibly involving a different timetable and/or a different hourly rate.
What happens if I cannot attend? Do I lose my class?
If it is a group class, normally yes. A one-on-one class, however, can be rescheduled provided you advise us 24 hours before it is supposed to start and provided you haven't run out of free 24h cancellations.
How many free 24h cancellations will I get with my one-on-one course?
One per 10 hours of classes. So if you were to purchase 45 hours worth of one-on-one classes, you would be entitled to cancel 4 classes free of charge up to 24 hours before they are scheduled to start. You can increase this number by purchasing additional free 24h cancellations.
How soon can my one-on-one classes start?
Ten days after your enrollment has been completed. In some urgent cases, such as next-day job interviews, we have been able to initiate teaching within hours of an initial request, but such feats depend heavily on concurrent teacher availability.
Do I need to buy any course materials?
Unless otherwise specified, the course materials are included in the price.
How long will my purchased hours remain valid?
One year from the date of registration. If you signed up with a voucher, the validity periods imposed by the agency issuing the voucher apply.
Will there be an exam at the end of the course?
If you require one, yes. Also, if you want to continue with group lessons, or switch to group sessions from private ones, we will have to assess the progress you have made.
Will I get a certificate at the end of the course?
Upon request, yes.
Do you accept chèques-formation?
No, but we will soon.
Do you accept language vouchers issued by Actiris?
Yes.
Are you recognised as a service provider eligible for KMO-portefeuille subsidies?
Yes.
Do you accept opleidingscheques?
Yes.
Which languages do you teach?
Dutch, English and French in groups and on a one-on-one basis. Other languages are only available one-on-one.
Do you offer any living accommodation?
Not yet.
Can I obtain a student visa by enrolling with you?
No.
Are your prices VAT included?
Our services are exempt from VAT under Article 44(2.4) of the Belgian VAT Code.
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