FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions.
I am 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 your tutor 24 hours notice to cancel the session otherwise it will be charged at the full lesson rate.
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 have been given and practice 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.
My company is going to pay for my lessons. Are you able to invoice them?
Yes, we can arrange for your company to be invoiced directly for an agreed block of lessons as long as the tuition has been approved.
Can I learn online with a tutor?
Yes, we offer online tuition and it works out slightly cheaper than face-to-face tuition.
Our online learning platform has a live video link and advanced whiteboard tools.
You can also learn with a combination of online and face-to-face tuition.
How much does private tuition cost?
We try to be as transparent as we can on lesson costs and we do not charge a registration fee.
Prices vary depending on a number of factors including the duration of the lesson and also how many students the lessons are for. Lessons with more students work out cheaper per person.
Generally it costs between £30 & £50 per hour for one-to-one lessons depending on the language, achievement goals and complexity, but we always discuss your needs before introducing you to a tutor and agree costs prior to tuition commencing.
Can I take an exam?
Our tutors can tailor your training to gain a qualification.
Our tutors have helped hundreds of students pass with flying colours examinations such as GCSEs, A Levels, IB exams, DELE, Goethe Institut exams, etc.
I never liked learning at school – will learning privately 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.
Are you able to provide 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 teach at numerous companies with some students learning for business purposes while others are just learning for fun in a lunchtime language club or similar.
Can I learn with friends or colleagues?
Yes. Learning with friends or colleagues is a great way to learn as you will 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.
How do I know what level I am?
We offer a free 20 minute assessment with your tutor ahead of your first proper learning session. Typically this is carried out online either using our proprietary online learning software or via Skype or Facetime.
What are the benefits of private tuition?
Private tuition is the fastest and most effective way to learn a language.
It 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.
What is different about your language tutors?
All the tutors we work with are qualified language tutors. The vast majority hold a specific qualification to teach their native language which is similar to a TEFL, are degree educated, and have plenty of experience teaching their chosen language.
Most tutors are native speakers although we also work with some excellent non-native tutors who meet our exacting standards.
As well as holding the required qualifications to teach their language, we choose the most likeable, personable and professional tutors. Unlike many other organisations we keep in constant touch with the tutors to ensure they are providing their students with the best service.
We are happy to work with them and students benefit from learning in a friendly and professional environment.
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 do I pay?
The Language Machine takes payment on behalf of your tutor leaving them to concentrate on tutoring you.
The easiest way to pay for your lessons is to login to your online Student Zone and save your card details with our card provider — Stripe. We will then charge your card for the lesson fees two days after it has been logged by your tutor.
Alternatively we can arrange for you to pay by Direct Debit where lessons are charged soon after they have been logged.
Alternatively you can pay in advance for your lessons. You can either login to your Student Zone and “Top Up” your lessons with a debit or credit card. Alternatively you can pay by card over the phone on 020 7139 8609.
For companies we typically invoice in advance for an agreed number of lessons.
Do your prices include travel costs?
The prices quoted by our tutors include reasonable travel expenses.
In some cases, however, your 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.
Are your tutors DBS checked?
All tutors that work with children under 18 or other vulnerable groups must be DBS checked before we will introduce them to you.
If you have any specific requirements then please let us know so we can introduce the most appropriate tutor for you.
Do you provide learning materials such as books?
Your tutor will provide basic handouts and photocopies.
Depending on why you are learning and your level, your tutor might recommend that you purchase a textbook to accompany your lessons.
Where can I have private tuition?
Private tuition can be arranged at either your home, office or other suitable location such as a library or quiet coffee shop and, of course, online.
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.
Do your tutors teach children?
Yes. Many of tutors have lots of experience teaching children and we are able to arrange tuition for 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.
When am I 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.
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.