FAQ


F.A.Q

Basics / Tech / Cancellation / Refunds

Just drop me a note to explain your level and objectives (or goals) and we will schedule a 30 min free consultation to see how we can work together. It’s that easy!

You can click the button “I am ready” below. 

 
 

Over 15 years of teaching languages and learning them, my methodology has evolved a lot.  In the past 3 to 4 years, I have been crafting and honing my own particular teaching method based around creativity, introspection, inquiry and self-expression, becoming an experiential learning method.

The name I have given to this method is “Embodied Language Learning” because it moves away from a brain centred learning to a much more holistic way of learning a language, it slows down and let the knowledge sink in.

Classes are delivered via Zoom online via video conference so it doesn’t matter where in the world you are as long as you have an Internet connection.

Skype and Zoom are the most popular voice and video communication services in the world. You can make unlimited free video calls to anyone in the world provided that person is using the same service too.

Getting ready for your Skype or Zoom Spanish lesson with me is pretty easy. Just download the free software from either Skype.com or Zoom.com, create a free account and you will be ready to go in minutes!  If your computer does not already have a built-in microphone (and/or camera), you may need to purchase a microphone (and/or camera + headset).You can even use these services from your smartphone or tablet!

Choose a package and you will be able to complete your payment via credit card or Paypal account (and in your own currency).

I am a ‘Spanish as a Foreign Language’ teacher and examiner certified by Instituto Cervantes (which is the institution that administers the exams). I have ample experience preparing students for this exam as well as creating material to support these classes. Oh, and the success rate is greater than 97% so far! More.

Let’s talk! I offer conversation sessions within the “Unfurling Program” that is oriented to help you reach fluency. These Spanish conversation sessions are ideal for students who don’t have much time to work on their Spanish or don’t have the opportunity to practise speaking in Spanish.Coaching is for pre – intermediate, intermediate or advance independent students, who are disciplined and committed with the language, as I offer all the guidance and support needed to successfully advance in the language but the student needs to work on their own in order to see results.If you are still unsure, let’s talk! Schedule a free 30 minutes consultation with me – no strings attached – and let’s see what’s best for you. Schedule your FREE CONSULTATION here.

If any problems occur with the sound due to an intermittent Internet connection, weak WiFi signal, faulty computer equipment, or Skype / Zoom program issues, the interrupted lesson can be rescheduled (generally a determination is made within the first 15 minutes whether to continue or re-schedule if necessary). When it is an isolated problem the lesson or lost time will be made up without any additional cost thus you will never miss out on a lesson due to technical problems! Some recommendations to optimize audio and video quality:

  • Make sure Zoom is kept updated.  
  • Wear headphones/headset.
  • If you hear echoes in the audio it can be because the other party’s speakers are too loud and generating feedback.
  • Wear headphones and the echoes should subside instantly!
  • Adjust the light.  Ample front lighting can mean the difference between talking to a real person and talking to a grainy ghostly silhouette.
  • Minimize ambient noise.  Try to create a quiet, classroom-like environment while you are having a lesson.
  • Close other programs during the lesson.  Overloading your Internet capacity with open programs could worsen audio and video quality.
  • Use Ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi.  Ethernet will give you a much smoother, more consistent experience.
  • Ensure other users of the same Internet connection are not uploading or downloading movies, music, or large files in the background.
  • Disable backup software temporarily while on the call.

The lesson will be considered void if the student does not appear by 15 minutes after the scheduled start time. That specific class subsequently can not be rescheduled.

Sure, but the cancelation must not be less than 24 hours in advance of the lesson! Any lessons cancelled 24 hours in advance can be rescheduled (usually within the same month). If there are technical problems, the lesson or lost time will be made up for.

Yes, but there is plenty of time to use your hours and in order to ensure a positive outcome and a good learning experience it is important to be consistent and practice in continuous blocks.Expiry times (after the commencement of the first class) a 5 hour package expires after 7 weeks, 10 hour package expires after 12 weeks, 20 hour package expires after 22 weeks. As you can see, a minimum of on average one hour per week is advised.  However I do understand we all have private lives and unexpected situations sometimes occur, so in these cases an extension of the expiration date can be discussed on a case by case basis.

There are no refunds once the first lesson of a pack has been scheduled or the course materials have been sent. You can request an extension of the expiry date of your pack or request a transfer of your hours to another person (that person will be asked to attend a 30 minutes chat and the transfer can be refused).

Do you have any other questions? Email me!