Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
General Questions
Is there an application deadline?
We do not have any application deadlines. It is, however, generally true that the earlier you book, the better. Popular language schools and accommodations can be fully booked at an early time, especially during high season (July through September), and short-term bookings will not be able to reserve their first choices.
When will I receive my travel information?
Your complete travel documents including information on the school and your accommodation as well as travel tips will be received approximately two weeks before your departure.
Can I participate on a language tour as a beginner?
Of course! Previous knowledge is not required. As a beginner in most languages (exceptions: Chinese and Japanese) after four to six weeks of study you will have built up a good basic vocabulary.
What are the age requirements?
For most language courses the minimum age is 18 years old.
Are there specific starting dates?
Principally all language courses begin on Mondays. At some schools there are (especially for beginners) specific starting dates, which can be found on the corresponding school's webpages.
Why do the prices vary so much?
Prices for the various schools and course locations vary and in some cases they vary considerably. This is not based upon differences in quality but rather it is due to strongly differentiating living costs (for example New York vs. Ecuador).
Language Tour Questions
Will German or English be spoken during class?
No. Principally classes are taught monoliguistically in the language of the country. Despite this, teachers have very good German and English vocabularies.
How many class hours does a course have?
At most schools the standard courses are offered with 20 hours of study per week and intensive courses with 30 hours per week. Some schools also have courses varying from these norms.
How large are the classes?
Our group courses usually have a maximum of 6 to 12 participants and an average of 4 to 8 participants. Our mini group courses usually have a maximum of 5 participants and an average of 3. The exact class sizes for each school can be found on the corresponding school's webpages.
Are group courses offered for every proficiency level?
Most schools offer group and mini group courses for all proficiency levels including beginners. Exceptions can be found on each school's webpages.
Is there a placement test?
Yes! All schools administer a placement test on the first day of classes (or in advance in some cases) independent of the course that has been booked. Beginners without any previous knowledge of the language are not required to complete the placement test. The test forms the basis for the group divisions and at the same time gives teachers an overview of the current state of knowledge of the individual students. In this way classes can be aligned to the specific needs of the students.
Will I receive a certificate of participation after the language course?
All students receive an official certificate from the school upon successful completion of their courses.
Is there an organized activities program?
An extensive activities program is offered at every school. For example dance lessons, cooking classes, excursions, and fiestas are offered. At some schools the activities program is included in the language course fees, and at other schools activities must be additionally booked. Detailed information on what is included in prices can be found on each school's webpages.
Accommodation Questions
What accommodations are offered?
Our schools offer various accommodations. The most popular type of accommodation is the host family, above all because you learn quickest through conversations with native speakers. In addition we offer accommodations in private apartments, shared apartments, vacation apartments, student residence halls, hostels, and hotels. Detailed information can be found on each school's webpages.
What meal plans are included?
Our language courses can be booked with or without meal plans. Most accommodations are offered with breakfast, half-pension, or full-pension.
Arrival Questions
Who organizes the arrival?
Each student is responsible for organizing his or her own arrival in the designated country. However, we will gladly give you tips for finding a reasonably priced flight.
Where can I book a reasonably priced flight?
Reasonably priced flights can be found at numerous providers on the internet. In most cases, flights are cheaper the earlier they are booked. Specifically for flights to Latin America, there are often Last-Minute-Bargains! Cheap flight tickets sell out especially quickly during high season. Under Flights on our our homepage you will find a search and booking engine for the most important price worthy airlines in Europe.
Are there specified arrival and departure dates?
Arrival for most schools is usually on the Sunday before language courses begin, and departure on the Saturday after courses end. You can book extra night at most schools without any problems.
