Six questions to ask when choosing a language school

There are countless language schools all over the world, all promoting the best learning experience and value for your money. However, it’s important to know exactly what each school has to offer. Before choosing your school, we recommend that you ask yourself the following questions:

1. Does the school have a teaching methodology that suits my needs?

We all have different learning styles, and there are many different approaches that a language teacher or school can take to help you learn a new language. A good school will make their teaching philosophy available on their website, and will groom their instructors to teach accordingly.

Some schools focus heavily on teaching grammar and vocabulary, with little opportunity for communication, while others focus primarily on communication with little to no language support. It’s important to find a school that is flexible and balanced in its approach, and that uses a variety of teaching styles to meet your learning needs.

2. What is the average class size?

A class with 10 students or more can give you lots of opportunities for communication with different people, but your teacher will also need to divide his or her attention between you and your classmates. For example, a 90 minute lesson with 10 learners will only allow for 9 minutes of individual attention from the instructor per student.

Quite often, large language schools will need to fill classes with more students to cover their operating costs and administrative salaries, making it difficult for them to offer small classes at reasonable rates.

Nonetheless, options are usually available for smaller classes and it might be worth the added expense. Less students in a class guarantees more one-on-one time with your instructor and more opportunities for your instructor to tailor the lesson to your needs, instead of the needs of your classmates’.

3. What is the cost and what does the price include?

Language schools advertise their prices differently, so the best thing to do for comparison is determine the hourly rate for the course that interests you. Often rates are published based on a 45 minute lesson, making the costs appear lower than they actually are. Make sure you know how many contact hours you will get with your teacher, and ask if there are any hidden or extra costs such as course materials or cancellation fees.

4. Are the teachers university trained?

There are several levels of certification that a language teacher can have, so it’s critical to know what your instructor’s background is before you commit to a course. As a minimum, most language schools in Zurich require their language teachers to have a CELTA certificate. This is a one month certification, which introduces the general principles of contemporary language teaching, and gives the instructor 6 hours of observed teaching practice. A CELTA certificate also requires its students to have a bachelor’s degree, but it does not require any previous education in language teaching.

More seasoned language instructors will typically have further education in language teaching, such as a university degree or a DELTA certificate. These advanced degrees and certificates require years of study, and are only held by instructors who have decided to make a career of language teaching.

Make sure you ask about your potential instructor’s qualifications and teaching experience. If you aren’t sure about the qualifications that the instructor has, ask for details before committing to anything.

5. What happens when you contact the school?

The initial response that you get from a school when you first contact them is a good indicator of a school’s commitment to you as a student and not as a customer. Do you receive a standard response which doesn’t answer all of your questions, or is the answer personal, professional, and helpful? How long does it take the school to respond, and how do you feel about the information that you receive?

6. Can I start classes immediately?

Finally, it’s important to ascertain how flexible the language school can be in accommodating you as a new student. Some schools have weekly intake, allowing for students to jump between classes or start with higher frequency. This is advantageous if you wish to switch classes or start learning on short notice, but can be disruptive if you are in a class with a continuous influx of students.

On the other end of the spectrum, some schools will only have a major intake once a month. This allows for more stability and continuity in the class, but makes it more difficult for the school to induct new students. Try to find a balance that suits your needs as a learner.