Frequently Asked Qestions
What is the advantage of studying and living in your teacher's home?
The
main advantage of living and studying in the teacher's home is that you
have maximum exposure to the language each day. In contrast to studying
at a typical school, you are isolated from your own language and
immersed in English. There is no temptation to speak anything but
English. In addition, you have the undivided attention of your personal
teacher, and there is no time wasted traveling to and from classes.
Total immersion is the most efficient way to improve your English.
What is the biggest advantage of one-to-one instruction?
On
a one-to-one basis, host-teachers can and do focus on your personal
linguistic challenges. In addition, you can advise us in advance, or
during the program, of particular areas you would like to focus on.
Within this context, it is also important to provide structure, so we
select a textbook appropriate for your level of English. Our textbooks
range from elementary to advanced.
How much will my English improve?
When
living and learning in your teacher's home, you have the best
opportunity to improve all of your English language skills rapidly.
However, the amount your English will improve is related to attitude
and length of stay. Those students who embrace the program will see
dramatic improvement. Away from your lessons, learning is on-going
throughout the day, and you should focus on the development of your
speaking and listening skills at these times.
What can I expect to be doing outside of my formal language lessons?
Host-teachers,
of course, have other family members to think about, have the house to
manage, and the cooking and shopping to do. The teachers expect you to
fit into the home as a member of the family, and you will naturally be
invited to join in with any trips. These may be rather mundane outings
like going to the shops or more exciting outings like going on a day
trip to the city or seaside, but nothing is guaranteed in respect to
recreation time. The host teacher will orient you to your location and
the local transportation options so that you will feel confident about
getting out and exploring on your own. Doing so will really benefit
your language skills and further develop your confidence to use English.
Is there a structured recreation program?
As
part of our aim to maximize English language improvement, as a
standard, we do not provide you with a formal recreation program,
including accompanied excursions. Linguistically, and to promote
confidence with the language, we encourage you to be self-sufficient
regarding visits to places of historical/cultural interest. Of course,
we prepare you for these in accordance with the logistic and English
language challenges you may meet. As you are welcomed into the home as
a member of the family, you will generally be invited to accompany the
family on any outings made in the evenings or at the weekends.
Can you arrange special extracurricular activities?
Some
clients like to have a set of pre-arranged excursions in place before
arriving, and we are happy to arrange this. However, as this is not
standard, there are additional charges. Tailor-made courses such as
English with golf or horse-riding, for example, can be arranged. Please
contact us for these special requests.
Can you offer English for specific purposes?
English
for Exams and Business English are popular programs. We also offer
specialist programs in English for professional fields such as
medicine, law, aviation and so on. We choose teachers for these
programs who have skills specific to these areas. If you would like a
specialist program, select a Business English course on your
registration form and advise us of your professional field of interest.
What if I have allergies or special dietary requirements?
If
you have any allergies to food or pets, or any special dietary
requests, please advise us in the appropriate section of the
registration form.
Do you offer airport transfers?
Yes,
we do so when requested. Most often we will arrange for the
host-teachers to meet you at the airport, but when this is not
possible, we use a safe and reliable taxi company. Costs for transfers,
which are not included in course fees, are dependent on the exact
location of the host-teacher's residence. One way charges are typically
between GBP 55-85 in the UK and US$ 75-125 in the USA and Canada.
Written quotations will be submitted for your approval prior to
arrival. If you prefer to make your own travel arrangements, we can
help by providing information on the most convenient public transport
available.
Are there any additional hidden costs such as booking fees and host family search fees?
No.
Our charges are all-inclusive, which means that the price you see
published on this website is the amount you pay. The services included
are: diagnostic test prior to arrival; instruction from an ESL
qualified/experienced teacher; educational materials; accommodation;
daily breakfast, light lunch and dinner; end of course progress report
and certificate.
Do you provide travel insurance?
We
do not provide travel insurance, including health care coverage, but
you are strongly advised to buy it, particularly if you are coming to
the United States. We strongly recommend you purchase this before you
leave your country.
What if I don't like my host teacher?
We
have never had to move a student, but in the event of exceptional
circumstances, we can consider a move. Our host-teachers are thoroughly
vetted, and they have consistently received the highest evaluations
from students over the years.
If I want a course that is longer than six weeks, will I stay with the same teacher the entire time?
When
you book with us for six weeks or more, we typically accommodate you
with two host-teachers. Over the years, we have developed this policy
in order to keep courses engaging. You have the additional benefit of
experiencing the English and culture of another household, as well as
the differing techniques of a second tutor. If you are staying for
twelve weeks, you may wish to divide your program into two periods of
six weeks (two host-teachers) or three periods of four weeks (three
host-teachers). We will work with you to design a course that works
best for you.
How do you choose a teacher for each student?
More
important than location is selecting the right host-teacher, and we do
this by looking very carefully not only at your level of English and
linguistic requirements, but also by considering your background,
interests and so on. We then look carefully at our host-teacher
profiles and select the one which is most suitable. It is important to
remember that all of our host-teachers are guaranteed to have EFL
teaching qualifications of a standard acceptable to the BRITISH
COUNCIL, or equivalent regulatory body in the USA and Canada.
Can you set up two-to-one instruction for me?
Two-to-one
instruction is only available for family members, friends or co-workers
booking together for the same program and with the same level of
English. Unfortunately, it is impossible for us to match up two
individuals from different countries, who have the same level of
English and want the same type of course over the same time period.
Click on your flag for an introduction in your language.
Live and Learn
in Your
Teacher's Home
