What kind of computer operating system do I need?
The video web conferencing software that you will be using to access our online classroom is compatible with PCs, Macs and Linux machines.
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What is video web conferencing and how does it work?
We use video web conferencing to connect our students to the online classroom. Each student and teacher will be able to connect to this classroom through a web based URL. You will be sent a link through your email that allows you to connect to your classroom each time your class meets. All you will have to do is click on the link provided in your email. This link will redirect you to your online classroom URL. Once this page is opened, you will be asked for your name. Type in your name and click "accept". You will then be sent into the classroom. (If a box pops up asking you to accept or deny all audio and video feed, please click "accept" so that you may show your video. Your video will not work otherwise. If you accidentally click "deny", you will be able to right-click and accept all audio and video once you are inside of the classroom.)
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How do I communicate with my teacher during class time?
You and your teacher will be communicating through Skype. Skype is completely free to download and it will allow you and your teacher to phone each other through the internet for free. Skype is available for PCs, Macs and Linux operating systems. You may find more information about Skype here.
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What if I am having audio problems related to Skype?
If, when you are in a call with your teacher, you are hearing a lot of feedback, noise or an echo, please check to see if your computer's built-in microphone (if applicable) and your headset microphone are not turned on at the same time. If they are, you will need to disconnect or deactivate the computer's built-in microphone. To turn off your computer's built in microphone, click "start" and go into the control panel. Look for "Sounds And Audio Devices". Click on this icon. Now click on the "Hardware tab". And scroll until you see your computer's built-in microphone. It may be listed as "Realtek AC'97 Audio". Highlight this and click on "Properties". Now click "Disable this device" under device usage. And click "Ok". That should disable your built-in microphone. If this is not the problem, deactivate the built-in microphone on your webcam. If, after completing these steps, the problem persists then you will need to hang up and call your teacher back.  
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How do I know my level?
Your native speaker trainer will assess your skills at the start of the course. For major languages, you can take our online multiple choice language tests. Assessment of other languages can be arranged; please contact us for details.
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How many lessons will I need?
This depends on your reasons for learning. We suggest that, for Complete Beginners wishing to reach a Survival level, 24 hours (e.g. 12x2-hour sessions are a reasonable estimate.) As experienced language teachers, we can offer advice on reaching your goals.
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Are your teachers fully qualified?
Yes - our teachers are native speakers and hold either a university degree on their own language and/or literature or a qualification in teaching their language as a foreign language (similar to the TEFL qualification for English teachers).
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Can I have 3 or more people in the class?
Yes - please contact us for pricing details. Generally, the cost will be $5 more per hour per learner. Each learner in the class should be at the same level, as any difference will hamper training. Public group classes cannot be cancelled. If you miss a class, you will not receive a refund for that particular lesson. Private group classes can only be cancelled if all students within the group are in agreement to cancel the class or all are unable to attend a session and reasonable notice is given (minimum: 2 working days).
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Can I just pay for the first lesson and see if I like it?
Generally, no - qualified, experienced trainers are almost universally unwilling to teach a single lesson as this is not long enough to judge success. It may be acceptable in exceptional circumstances.
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What if I don't like the trainer?
While not usually an issue, we appreciate this can happen. If you don't click with your trainer, we will arrange a replacement and you will not be billed for the first session. If no replacement is available, you will receive a full refund.
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Do I get a certificate at the end of the course?
Yes – on completion of the course, you will receive a certificate stating language studied, level achieved and number of hours.
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Do I have to add Sales Tax to your prices?
No. There is no sales tax to add to our prices.
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Do I have to pay for the whole course in advance?
Yes - lessons are paid for in advance. To start the course, we require a $400 deposit, payable by check or credit card. The course can start as soon as this is received - we then invoice you for the remainder of the lessons. We do not usually accept monthly payments.
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Will I have the same teacher for the duration of the course?
Aside from circumstances in which a student explicitly asks for 2 or more teachers, we do our very best to make sure that you keep your original trainer for the entire course. Our teachers are, however, only human, and on rare occasions we may be forced to swap a trainer during your course due to sickness or a change in their personal situation. In our experience, however, this is an unusual occurrence.
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Will my classes be recorded?
Yes, all classes will be recorded (audio and online whiteboard only). You will be able to access the recordings, together with the online whiteboard and all study documents used in the class, after each lesson through a secure link sent to you by your trainer. These recordings are made so that you will be able to review your lessons outside of class time, especially useful if you are in a group class and you cannot make it to the class that day.
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Will I receive course materials?
Yes. We organize all materials for you. These materials will be sent to you by email or through the mail.
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Can I attend my lessons from a hotel room or internet cafe?
Yes, you may attend your lessons from any place that has internet access. However you will need to make sure that your place of study has a very low noise level. Internet cafes are sometimes full of people and the back ground noise can be a distraction to both you and your trainer. Where ever you choose to study please make sure that you can concentrate.
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What kind of hardware do I need?
It is essential that you have each of the following- a headset, microphone and a webcam. You will be listening and speaking to your trainer through your headset and microphone. We strongly recommend that you have a webcam as this will make the interaction between you and your trainer much more pleasant and productive.
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What kind of internet connection do I need?
You will need a broadband or cable connection. A dial-up connection will be usually too slow for you to properly interact with the software used during your lessons although it might be good enough for the occasional lesson if you have no other alternative and are on the move.
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What happens if my internet goes down or I lose my connection?
You are responsible for making sure that your internet connection is up and running correctly. If your internet connection fails during a lesson you will lose that particular lesson. No make up will be granted.
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Can I change the session times once I start the course?
Yes. You are totally flexible to rearrange your lesson times directly with the teacher (as long as you give 2 working day's notice) but you cannot change the length of the sessions once you have booked your course, i.e. if you book 2-hour sessions, then you must continue with 2-hour sessions and cannot change to 1-hour sessions.
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