GENERAL LANGUAGE COURSES
A general language course is the most popular course and is for those students who have the time and want to improve their language skills on a long-term basis.
General courses are aimed at all levels from beginner to advanced. They are ideal for students who want to learn for a variety of reasons including travel, social or work.
The course typically covers all the key language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing, although the tuition is tailored to your exact needs. Tutors usually use a communicative method to immerse students in the language and learn through context.
To gauge a student’s initial level and their progress we use the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
CEFR Levels
A1 Basic User
Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
A2 Basic User
Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
B1 Independent User
Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
B2 Independent User
Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
C1 Proficient User
Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
C2 Proficient User
Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.
Free introductory lesson
We offer all students a free 20 minute introductory lesson/assessment with their tutor. This online meeting is an opportunity to get to know your tutor before you start and for them to gauge your level and find out about your learning motivation. Book Now
pay as you go tuition
No need for individuals to purchase a large block of lessons. Our state of the art online system allows us to take payment for lessons quickly and easily as they are taken. More About Payment
qualified experienced tutors
We are proud to collaborate with a team of professional tutors who are dedicated to teaching their native tongue. We make sure we select the most likeable, personable and professional language tutors. Meet Our Tutors
1-TO-1 OR GROUP TUITION
All language courses are available to take either 1-to-1 or in a group with friends or colleagues. Typically most courses involve taking one or more lessons per week.
I had 10 lessons with the amazing Italian teacher Elisabetta and she exceeded my expectations for sure! I am much more confident with the language and very passionate about learning more! Thank you ever so much.
Kamylla CaponiItalian Student
Roberta was an excellent tutor for my needs. She encouraged me to use the correct grammatical methods in a way which was positive and encouraging. Since taking the lessons my confidence in speaking and understanding the language has improved and I still look back at the exercises which she set for me as a way to come back to the essential developments which we studied. I would recommend Roberta to any potential student at any level.
Graham RhodesItalian Student
Luis has been teaching me for two years. He was from the start focused on my level and my business field, lessons have been evolving with exercises and texts tailored to my interests and targeting areas of concern. He has given me confidence, made lessons fun, and my employer has noticed the difference. I have also learned a lot about English culture and social conventions, which has contributed to improving my wealth of vocabulary and expression.
He’s very professional and able to accommodate changes in my schedule.
Gonzalo OrdovasSpanish Student, Ordovas Art
Cecilia is an excellent Spanish tutor. She help my daughter in the preparation for her A level exam to improve her knowledge of grammar and vocabulary and build her confidence. My daughter got A* for Spanish and she is going to read Spanish and Italian in Bristol University.
Ellie DHappy Mother
Gloria takes great care and shows unlimited patience in helping us learn the language. What we really appreciate is the way she structures our lessons so as to enable us to get the most from them in the time available. Needless to say time flies and because of this we look forward to each and every lesson with her. We have found it to be a very pleasurable experience. To anyone wishing to learn Spanish we have no hesitation in recommending Gloria.
Mike LenhoffSpanish Student