General Terms

Open Sessions

Open group sessions are those where we choose the topic, date and time, we promote the session and anyone can join. Open sessions have a lower fee than Closed, however the language-levels, interests and degrees of experience of participants can vary widely. 

Closed Sessions and Closed Programmes 

Closed or "private" sessions and programmes are those where the requester(s) chooses the topic(s), date(s) and time(s) and who can join. The language-levels, interests and degrees of experience of participants are determined by the requester(s). These are typically off-the-shelf programmes or have standard contents.

Defined Programmes

A defined programme is one where contents scope and sequence, dates and times etc are  defined in a written proposal and agreement. Fees are fixed, per programme not per participant, and group size and composition is determined by the requester(s). These are typically bespoke or unique programmes. 

"On-demand" sessions

On-demand sessions are open sessions where the requester(s) propose(s) a topic, date and time, commit(s) to attending the session and pay(s) the fee in advance. (On-demand fees are usually the same as open fees.) Both we and the requester promote the session as an open event. If the minimum group size is not reached, we may decide to cancel the session and to give the requester(s) a credit towards another session.

Group Sizes

Open and on-demand sessions typically have a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 8 participants, although some lecture-style sessions may be larger than 8.

Closed session and defined programme group sizes are determined by the session requester.

Confirmation of Dates and Times

Dates and times of a session or programme are confirmed once payment has been received or, in the case of an institution, an invoice issued subject to the other Terms on this page.

Modality

Sessions are typically held via online video conferencing, "synchronously", via Google Meet which can normally be accessed through a browser. Participants using an institutional email account may need (a) to open the session link in an incognito window or (b) to sign out of the institutional account due to their institution's use settings. Logging in through a personal gmail account can also be successful. Participants using a mobile device may need to log in through a personal gmail account. 

Face-to-face sessions are also offered, although travelling time and expenses may be added into the session fee.

Discounts

Schools receive a discount on the regular fee, and teachers who pay for sessions themselves receive an additional discount. For example, if the regular fee is $1000, the school fee might be $900 and the teacher self-pay fee $800. 

Multiple session registration attract an additional discount.

Payments

Payments must be made in advance by transfer, or on invoice per the Agreement. Multi-session discounts apply only when the full amount is paid. Registration and/or programmes are not confirmed until payment has been received.

Refunds

Programmes are confirmed on the basis of payments received, and rebates and/or discounts are calculated per the number of confirmed registrations; registrations are not confirmed until payment has been received. Accordingly, once a programme has been confirmed, refunds will not be made, however a transfer of a registration to a replacement participant in the same programme is generally possible. 

Lateness

Sessions start on time. If the student arrives up to 15 minutes late for a one-to-one session, the session may extend past its scheduled end-time, depending on the availability of the tutor. If a participant arrives late for a group session, missed content will not reprised.

If the student has not arrived by 15 minutes after the scheduled session start-time, the lesson will be abandoned and no credit will be given. If a group has not arrived by 15 minutes after the scheduled session start-time, the lesson will be abandoned and no credit will be given.

Re-Scheduling and Cancellations

With a minimum of six hours’ notice, a closed session may be re-scheduled by joint agreement. With less than six hours’ notice, the session will be abandoned and no credit will be given.

A student who is absent from an open group session will not receive a credit. Open-group sessions cannot be re-scheduled, and are not recorded.

Once a programme has been confirmed, including session dates and times, changes will not normally be made, including where participants later discover that a date falls on a holiday. Putative registrants are urged to check programme details carefully.

You will need ...

You will need an appropriate device for online video conferencing, stable internet connection, appropriate lighting and solitude, printing capabilities and a notebook (preferably spiral-bound) for taking notes, pens in at least two different colours, and any materials sent to you previously for your review and/or preparation.

Mailing Lists

We may send event announcements and notices from time to time. Complete the Contact Us form to the right to join our mailing list. 

And finally

Complete the Contact Us form to the right to ask how we can help you.