FAQs
1. Why should I learn Spanish ?
2. How do I know what level I am ?
3. How long will it take me to learn the language ?
4.
I can't always
make a set time each week,
what should I do?
5. Can I take a qualification at the end of my course ?
7. Are there any extra costs ?
Other
Questions ?
If you have a question that is not in this list, we
invite you to e-mail us.
Will be in touch soon.
1. Why should I learn Spanish?
The value of learning a foreign language is
clear to all as increased travel
opportunities and a globalization of TV have
meant that we are now all
exposed to foreign influences. For most
non-English speakers the choice
of which foreign language is easy - English; but
what should non-English
speakers learn. Chinese and Spanish are the two
most spoken languages
along with English and I'm afraid Chinese looks just too
different for most
people - Spanish it is then. Joking aside, Spanish
gives an excellent starting
block to all Latin languages and you should be able
to cope with languages
such as Portuguese and Italian with relative ease once
you've mastered
Spanish.
Social reasons:
-
I am going on holiday - Spain is our
number one holiday destination and when
you can also use Spanish to go further a field to Central and Southern America
as well then Spanish becomes the obvious choice for a language (and if you've
been to the USA recently you will know that it is rapidly becoming bi-lingual). -
I have relatives in that country -
whether that is where you came from originally
or that is where your relatives have chosen to settle what better reason can there
be than the prospect of visiting the relatives. -
I have a partner from that country -
not being able to communicate with your
mother-in-law may be seen to be an advantage, but knowing what she is saying
about you should be incentive enough for most. -
I am going to live in that country -
it goes without saying that the only way
you are going to cope is to speak the language. -
I have always wanted to speak another
language - as noted above, Spanish
is the best you can pick. -
I am interested in the culture of that
country - and why not, the Spanish speaking
countries have a fascinating history and culture.
Business reasons
-
My job involves dealings in that language
- even if your business partners speak
perfect English, it can only help relations if you give their language a go and show willing. -
I would like to work in that
country - although the English seem to be taking over
Southern Spain, you are unlikely to get far without at least a basic command of Spanish. -
I am applying for a job with an airline
- increasingly it is necessary to speak a foreign
language, as noted above Spanish is the most commonly spoken European language
after English and so the best choice, -
I would like to improve my general skills
- native English speakers are notoriously
bad at learning foreign languages, if you missed the opportunity at school or were forced
to learn the exceptionally un-useful German option this is where you can make up for it. -
My
company is being taken over by a Spanish speaking company - with
Banco Santander leading the way this seems to be an increasing trend in financial
services, be prepared.
2. How do I know what level I am at?
A common question as native English speakers
vary hugely in confidence and ability
- we have a quick test [click here] that
you can try and will give you an objective
assessment.
The course outlines also give an idea of what
will be covered which should help see
where you are (i.e. there is little point
in enrolling in the conversation class if you are
limited to "Buenos Días" and "Hasta
la vista, baby"), but you should really consult with
your tutor if you are in
doubt.
3. How long will it take me to learn the language?
How long is a piece of string ? All of
us have the ability to learn a foreign language,
the speed it takes really
depends upon a number of factors:
Motivation.
We are
here to help you - our teachers are trained motivators and will
discuss with you
how best to learn the language, if you will remember the language
better by
reading, hearing or repeating it for example.
Availability.
Individual tuition can be set up in one/two hour or in intensive sessions.
The
time and length of the course is tailored to suit your free time. Availability
is also
the time you can devote to studying between lessons. By choosing a
method with your
teacher, you can double the benefit you get out of the classes.
How proficient you wish to be in the language.
Do you wish to "just get by", be able
to converse or become fluent? It is
important that you set your targets with the
teacher right from the start.
Do you speak another language?
Once you have learned one language, you can acquire
a
"feeling" for languages which makes learning a new language much easier.
We have
found that any
language will help regardless of whether it has a Latin root.
How long do you have to learn?
Do you have a deadline? For short periods, you should
choose intensive courses
whereas if you wish to learn the language at your own pace,
a two-hour per week
course is appropriate. All courses are tailored to fit your requirements
-
pressure can sometimes be a very positive factor.
4. My work schedule varies from week to week, what should I do?
One of our key assets is flexibility - we will
do our best to fit around your working hours. We
will select a teacher who
can adapt easily to changing hours. The only condition we set is
that you advise
your
teacher of any change at least 24 hours before the arranged time.
5. Can I take a qualification at the end of my course?
Qualifications should be discussed with the teacher
when you set the targets for your course.
The teacher will be able to assess
your level and advise you as to the type of qualifications
that best suits you
requirements. The different countries’ ministry of education sanction most
official qualifications. You will often have to pay to enroll for examinations
and so it is
important
that you give yourself enough time to both apply and prepare for the
examination.
Set courses must be paid at least one week in advance of the course commencing.
All tailor made tuition should be booked in blocks of 6 hours, again paid in advance.
Payment can be made by cash or cheque.
Travel fees:
if the
teacher has to travel to a tuition location outside zone 1 and 2, you
may
be required to pay an additional travel charge.
Course books: in the case of private tuition,
your tutor may advise you to buy the
course book that you will be working on. In the case of
set courses, company or group
tuition, the books may be ordered from your tutor
or purchased by your self.
Exam fees: if you wish to
enroll for an official
exam, you will be responsible for booking
the examination and payment of all
enrollment fees.