How does private tuition work?
We are able to arrange for a tutor to teach you at your home, office or other convenient location. Before starting your tuition course we’ll speak with you about your level and motivation for learning a language so we can allocate a tutor we believe is best suited to you.
There are three ways to get in touch and arrange tuition:
(1) Fill in our online enquiry form for private tuition
(2) Email your enquiry to enquiries@thelanguagemachne.co.uk
(3) Ring us on 0845 094 1866
When can I start private tuition?
This depends on tutor availability, but we aim to arrange your first lesson within 7 days. For urgent enquiries we should be able to arrange a tutor more quickly.
What languages do you teach?
We aim to teach all languages!
What’s different about your tutors?
All our tutors are native and qualified. They are handpicked personally by Director of Studies, Ines Landa, who has been a language tutor for over fifteen years. All our tutors are qualified language trainers (the vast majority hold a specific qualification to teach their native language which is similar to a TEFL), degree educated and have experience teaching their native tongue.
As well as holding the required qualifications to teach their native language, we choose the most likeable, personable and professional tutors. Unlike many other organisations we keep in constant touch with our teaching force to ensure they are providing their students with the best service. We arrange monthly meetings with tutors to discuss and exchange new ideas and improve the quality of tuition.
We are happy to work with them and students benefit from learning in a friendly and professional environment.
Do you charge a registration fee?
No! And don’t get ripped off by other companies that do!
Do your prices include travel costs?
Our prices include reasonable travel expenses. For example, if you have a London or Brighton postcode then there would not normally be an extra charge for travel expenses. In some cases, however, our tutor may have to travel a greater distance and for these an agreed travel charge for the tutor may need to be added on a case by case basis. Students would be notified of this before tuition commences.
Where can I have private tuition?
Private tuition can be arranged at either your home, office or other suitable location. We have a network of tutors across the UK and aim to cover all areas. In some cases we may be able to arrange for you to travel to the tutor’s home to have your lessons.
When I am able to have lessons?
We are able to arrange a tutor for you at any reasonable time from early morning through to the evening. Most tutors are also available at weekends.
Can I learn with friends or colleagues?
Yes. Learning with friends or colleagues is a great way to learn as you’ll be able to interact in class with role-plays and also practise with each other after classes. It is also more cost effective to learn in a group.
I’m unable to make a lesson one week. Will I have to pay for it?
No, you will not be charged for lessons you do not use. Courses are flexible to take account of holidays and illness etc. and lessons can be rescheduled for another convenient date and time. We only ask that you give 24 hours notice to cancel the session otherwise it will be charged at the full lesson rate.
How do I know what level I am? Your level will be assessed either by staff at The Language Machine or your tutor will contact you prior to your first lesson to assess your level and needs.
Are you able to arrange tuition for staff at my company?
Yes, we can arrange for a tutor to come to your office and teach one-to-one or in small groups. We don’t normally recommend classes of more than 10 students.
How many lessons do I need?
This depends on why you want to learn and what your aims are and we can discuss this with you. Ideally students should try and take two lessons per week as this helps to reinforce learning, although we understand that some people do not have the time. The important thing is to complete any homework you’ve been given and practise a little and often.
As a rough estimate, for beginners who are looking to attain a basic level where they can get by in a foreign country will usually need around 18 hours of tuition.
How long are the lessons?
Most students find that a lesson for 1.5 hours is about right, although some prefer a longer 2 hour lesson. Some younger students or those who do not have much time opt for 1 hour sessions. For intensive learners we can arrange longer sessions.
How much does private tuition cost?
Unlike many other language companies our rates are transparent and available to all on our website and you can see them here. Moreover we do not charge a registration fee. Prices vary depending on the duration of the lesson and also how many students the lessons are for. Lessons with more students work out cheaper per person.
How do I pay?
Payment for all lessons with your tutor is made in advance for an agreed number of sessions. Payment can be made by card, cheque or bank transfer. Payments can be made easily and securely via an online Student Zone, where you can also monitor how many lessons you’ve used and how many you have remaining.
Students are able to purchase an initial trial block of 3 lessons to make sure they are happy with their tutor. Subsequent lessons are usually paid in minimum blocks of 6 or 12. We are unable to refund any unused lessons after they have been purchased.
At the end of your pre-paid block, tuition will carry on as usual unless you’ve given us the required one week’s notice and you’ll need to get in touch to purchase more lessons.
The Language Machine is an agency and we collect fees for lessons on behalf of our tutors which includes our commission.
My company is going to pay for my lessons. Are you able to invoice them?
Yes, we can invoice your company directly for an agreed block of lessons as long as the tuition has been approved.
I never liked learning at school, will private tuition be different?
Private tuition is nothing like school! All lessons whether for pleasure or business will take place in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Our tutors are all professionals and will do their best to put you at ease and make your learning experience enjoyable and fun. Many GCSE and A-level students benefit greatly from private tuition as it takes them out of the classroom environment which they find intimidating.
What are the benefits of private tuition?
Private tuition is the fastest and most effective way to learn a language. Private tuition can be tailored to your exact needs whether you are learning for pleasure, business or an academic qualification. You can learn at the days and times you choose and the lesson duration can be specific to your needs. If you need to cancel a lesson one week that’s fine as long as you give your tutor 24 hours notice.
Are your language tutors police checked?
Some of our tutors have been CRB checked. If this is a requirement then please let us know before we check availability for you.
Do you provide materials such as books?
Your tutor will provide basic handouts and photocopies. We recommend, though, that students purchase a textbook for the lessons. We have a recommended list of books and materials and your tutor will be able to give you guidance on the best option for you. We’ve teamed up with Amazon and you can purchase books online at our specially created language bookshop.
Can I take an exam?
Our tutors can tailor your training to gain a qualification. See here for a list of the various qualifications you could do and which ones we would recommend.
Do you teach children?
We are able to arrange tuition for children of any age from pre-school through to A-level. For GCSE and A-level we allocate tutors who are familiar with the National Curriculum and can help your child achieve the highest grades.
Do you have any group language lessons?
Some of our tutors run group Spanish courses in a number of locations. Currently they are running courses in Bloomsbury, Bayswater, Golders Green, Wimbledon and Greenwich. You can see details of these classes here. Group classes for other languages are not currently available.
Am I able to study abroad?
We have relationships with a number of overseas language schools which we can put you in touch with. See here for more details.
Can you supply references?
We have a page of testimonials from students which you can see here. We can also provide longer references on request from current or former clients.
