Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is my level of study?

If you start a new language and you are not a complete beginner in that language, we need to assess your level. Please come to one of our Advice Evenings. If you are unable to attend we can arrange level assessment over the telephone. For more information please contact the Languages Department here.

How will I know when my place is confirmed?

A place is only confirmed after an application form and payment has been received. For information on enrolment, please click here or contact our Languages Department. Email will be used as the primary method of contact and confirmation of your place on the course will be emailed unless otherwise requested.

Will I get a certificate?

For the general Evening Language Courses students receive an EBSL certificate of attendance that allows them to enrol for the next level. Please note that there is no academic credit attached to the certificate. Attendance will be recorded throughout the course, certificates will not be issued to students who have missed more than 50% of the course. Click here for Spanish Qualifications.

What are the credentials of the tutors?

All our language tutors are native speakers and experienced teachers of general and business language. Please contact the languages department if you would like further information. Alternatively, please attend one of our Advice Evenings which will be your opportunity to meet with the Head of Languages, Mr Josef Müller, and to pose any questions to the language tutors themselves.

How are the courses taught?

All the courses follow a communicative approach and cover all four skills: speaking, writing, reading and listening, with an emphasis on speaking. All our language tutors are native speakers and experienced teachers of general and business language.

Materials used in class include course books, audio and video resources, satellite television, the internet and CD-ROMs.

The classrooms are modern and equipped with computers and projectors that allow access to the internet in order to exploit online language learning resources. Some classes will be held in the Learning Resources Centre which has state-of-the-art multimedia language learning facilities.

How many students are there per class?

There is a maximum of 15 students per class. Every effort will be made to accommodate all languages and levels. If a class should not run because it is undersubscribed, fees will be fully refunded.

What if I miss a class?

Should you miss a class, tutors are available for advice and additional self-study guidance. Regrettably, classes you are unable to attend cannot be refunded or carried over to another term.

What if I pay for a course and change my mind?

A full refund will be offered if cancellation is made up to 10 days prior to the start of a course. Withdrawals made less than 10 days before the start of a course will be subject to a 25% administration fee. We regret that once a course has commenced fees are not refundable, and classes you are unable to attend cannot be refunded or carried over to another term. If a class should not run because it is undersubscribed, fees will be fully refunded.

Do I have to stay for the whole Advice Evening?

Please come along any time between 5.30-7.00pm, please allow 20-30 minutes to complete the assessment. For all information regarding the Advice Evening please click here.

What level will I be after completing the course?

For a detailed description of the levels of study please click here. Our courses are designed with the intention that after completion of a 10 week term students will be ready to progress onto the next level (Lower Intermediate - Intermediate - Upper Intermediate etc.), however each person has his/her own learning style and everyone learns at a different pace. You can learn faster if you regularly attend your classes and dedicate some time outside the class each week to revising and practising. Students are welcome to repeat or skip levels as they see fit.

What can I do if the class I am enrolled on is too easy or too difficult?

We will be happy to move you to the correct level class. Please speak to your tutor in the first instance, as they are the best placed to advise you on your language level. If you decide to move level, please contact the Languages Department and we will advise you on which classes are available.

Do I need or buy a text book or course material?

For most courses you will need to buy a text book. Your tutor will advise you during the first session of what material you will benefit from purchasing.

Is there an exam at the end of my course?

There is no official examination at the end of the course.

Can I get a student card?

Attendance at our evening language courses will not make you eligible for a student card.

Can I use the Regent's College Library?

Regrettably studying on an evening language course does not make you eligible for a library card.