Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. Are your courses only offered online?
Currently yes. (*the only exception to this at the moment is if there are locals residing in Malta) This is mainly due to availability of course materials. In the future, and with special arrangements, courses may be offered in person (ex. *Conversation only for students located in Malta). However, currently online is best suited to the teacher. Be sure to submit a more detailed request (see Contact Us), should personal face-to-face classes be needed/desired for some reason.
Q. What are your prices?
Contact Teacher Bee for specifics. Since all courses are individualized, prices vary according to needs, prep needed, materials, etc. However, you can be assured that my prices are SIGNIFICANTLY lower than the average English language school. In fact, average classes usually are 1/4 of the prices charged by other well-known language schools. A quote will be given prior to classes beginning, after the above prep-time factors have been determined.
Q. How are payments made?
Students will receive an invoice via PayPay. Students who are located in Malta can make direct bank deposits, or pay in cash.
Do I have to pay in advance?
The initial meeting is free. After we determine if we are a good match, we then discuss classes, schedules, costs and payments, etc. Payments for the second meeting and thereafter are made in advance, per session, or pre-arranged payments with discounts are also available. Example: Buy and pay for 10 lessons in advance, receive 10% discount.
Q. What are your “bonus” and/or “club” opportunities?
Opportunities to join my club where you have continual access to a private teacher.
If, after completion of a class, any student wishes to join my club, he/she can have continual access to my private tutoring for a discounted club price. This means that you can contact me, from anywhere in the world, and have assistance and/or any questions asked. Your own personal source, when and where you need it ! Contact Teacher Bee for specific requests. Here’s some examples: 1..you are watching a film and English (or reading a book) and do not understand some of the jargon/slang. Write down the phrase (& context) and then either text me or write to me for an explanation. 2. You are in a business meeting and your English speaking boss uses a business term, proverb, etc, which you do not understand. Write or text me for further explanation., etc. (note: response time will depend on the time zone you are in. Texts sent during the night, for example, will arrive the next day).
Q. What is your “referral incentive” ?
Students who refer other students who sign up with me will receive 2 free classes for every referral ! *Contact Teacher Bee for details.
Q. What are the “Professional Classes” ?
Professional classes are classes which cater to adult professionals. They are specialized business courses. Because I also have a business background, I also specialize in classes such as: Business writing, Resume Writing, and other business needs. Other specific business needs may be discussed and arranged, when appropriate. Contact Teacher Bee for specific requests.
Q. How are your courses “personalized” ?
See also, drop-down menu: Why I am the right teacher for you:
First, I understand first-hand that being a student is a relationship, and in any relationship both parties need to want to be in it in order for it to work.
Second, I cater each class to each student. My classes always start with a full-on interview (via SKYPE) with the student to make sure the student’s needs/desires are met. Our classes are interactive, give-and-take from both the teacher and the student. They are teacher directed, but student centered.
Third, I guarantee* satisfaction. *We evaluate each class as we go along, to make sure all parties are happy. I also respect that not everyone is a perfect match, so mid-way through the class schedule, we exam whether or not the student/teacher wishes to continue, no questions asked. It’s not personal, it’s just satisfaction guaranteed ! 😉
Forth: The proof’s in the pudding ! Student ratings and reviews: You can click here to read my past students’ evaluations. Note: You may note that I have included all reviews, and that most are favorable (consider the total numbers), but honestly my experience is that there is always at least one person who was not a good match with me…that’s just human nature).
Q. Do you offer any culture excursions ?
Yes ! For locals, or students visiting Malta, we will soon also offer cultural excursions around the island as well. These courses need to be pre-arranged as to destinations, times, purpose, etc. All cultural excursions will be conducted in English. Cultural excursions are a fun and relaxed way to put into real-life practice lessons we’ve learned, or just a great way to interact and have further ‘impromptu’ practice.
Please contact Teacher Bee for more details.
Q. Do you also offer courses in French?
Oui ! As a qualified French Instructor, I also offer French classes. Please contact Teacher Bee for requests with details as to the desired level, purpose, course, etc.
Q. Do you only teach adults? Do you teach children or adolescents as well?
Currently I am only working with adults. My experience and expertise is with adults, and teaching children/adolescents sometimes requires different skills, methods and expertise. However, you can always contact me with the age of the child, purpose, etc. I have a rather stricter teaching style with adolescents and children. Given an appropriate maturity level and active desire and cooperation from the child, classes would certainly be possible. Contact Teacher Bee with specific requests.
Q. What times are classes available?
I am in the Mediterranean time zone. Courses are currently being offered, from Monday to Friday, from 10:00 a.m. up to 13:00 (finishing at 13:00). This is because I have to take care of and pick up my small child from school before and after those hours. However, contact Teacher Bee with specific times and dates beyond this schedule for further discussion.
Q. How long do classes last? How often are classes?
Besides the availability timetable noted above (see above “Times of Classes”), all classes are personalized, so there are no set hours or dates. The schedule and classes will be determined through the initial meeting(s). Generally however, I usually recommend between 1-2 hours per class.
Q. What is your guarantee?
You can be assured that your learning experience with me will be a good one. I guarantee* satisfaction. *We evaluate each class as we go along, to make sure all parties are happy. I also respect that not everyone is a perfect match, so mid-way through the predetermined class schedule, we re-exam whether or not the student/teacher wishes to continue. In other words, there’s no long-term commitment, wasted time or money on future classes. It’s not personal, it’s just satisfaction guaranteed !
Please note the following however: Quality classes also take much prep time on the part of the teacher; I cater all classes to each individual, which requires much more preparation on my part (rather than simply using a book). If classes/topics, etc were prearranged, and much preparation work has already been completed on the part of the teacher, a 50% charge will apply to cancel entirely (unless they are rescheduled); also, if the 10% discount was applied due to pre-arrangement, the 10% discount will not be reimbursed. (in other words, you will lose 10%.) This is to cover costs of the preparation of lessons which were made in advance)
Q. What type of “Discounts” do you offer?
These are currently being worked out and worked up. However, currently I offer a 10% discount when 10 lessons are booked and paid for in advance. (Suggestions are also welcome! Contact Teacher Bee). Please see Guarantee (above) regarding reimbursement of the 10% discount fee.
Q. If I want to cancel future lessons, how do I do it?
If for one reason or another the student wishes to cancel future lessons, he/she has the option of discussing it face-to-face or submitting an email via: Bee@Esllanguageinstructionforadults.com. Please note: 48 hour-cancelation is required, otherwise penalties may apply.
Q. I cannot attend a class as scheduled, can I re-schedule?
Given appropriate circumstances and discussion, classes can be rescheduled. 48 hours is required for re-schedules. If reschedules are happening too often, further evaluation and discussion will be made between teacher and student.
Q. I accidently forgot about class. I was a no-show. Can I reschedule or get reimbursed?
Advance notice on reschedules is required. If the student is a no show without advance (48 hour) notice, the class cannot be reimbursed. *Rescheduling may be possible given appropriate and valid excuses. More than one (1) no-show without word from the student is subject to loss of fees paid.
Q. How do I get reimbursed?
After 50% of the classes have taken place, we re-evaluate to see if classes will continue. Should the student not wish to continue, no further payments will be required. (see also “guarantee”, above)
Q. I paid in advance, but want to cancel. Can I get reimbursed?
When the student chooses to pay for courses in advance (in order to receive discounts), most often a 10% penalty fee will apply to the second 50%. However, life circumstances sometimes apply, and reimbursement is open to discussion, and reimbursement will be evaluated on a case by case basis. See also “What is your Guarantee” above regarding teacher prep-work restrictions/fees in this regard.
Q. Do you offer any sort of certificate, certified or otherwise, after the classes?
Currently I can only offer a personal certificate, signed by me as a licensed teacher, as proof of any courses (hours) completed. This certificate is only offered upon request.
Have other specific questions which were not answered here, please contact Teacher Bee.