What equipment do I need to get started?

All you need is:

• a computer with a Windows, Apple or Linux operating system
• a fast internet connection: cable or broadband (not a slow dial-up connection)
• the free Skype software downloadable from their website
• a headset (combination of a microphone and a headphone)

A webcam is useful but not essential. Your teacher always has one so you can see her/him.

Can't I use a regular telephone?

If you really want, we can teach lessons by telephone. But we strongly disadvise to do so.
Skype has many advantages over a traditional telephone: it is free (you would have to pay a considerable extra price for long international telephone calls with a regular land line), it is handsfree and it allows the usage of internet as a teaching tool.

Where do I get Skype?

You can download it for free on the Skype website where you will also find more information in almost every language. After the download, you can make a ‘test call’ to check the sound quality and your equipment.

Do I really need a headset?

Yes, you do. A headset is not expensive and it guarantees good sound quality. You can buy one at your local computer shop or on the Skype website. Microphones that are built into a webcam offer poor sound quality, and if you listen via speakers your teacher will hear a strong voice-back echo. 

What software do you use?

We prefer Skype because it is reliable and non-intrusive. MSN messenger is a possible alternative.
For data exchange by e-mail, we use documents in MS Word and PDF.
We do not use complicated and cumbersome ‘virtual classroom environments’ that require you to download special, risky software, not even if the teacher wants to show texts, clips, pictures, web pages, etc. on your screen. A simple click on a ‘Unyte’ message in your Skype chat box is sufficient for you to see the teacher’s computer desktop.
What is most important is the interaction between student and teacher, not the software, which is just a tool to bring the teacher and the course material to your desk.

What if there is a problem with the communication?

If at the time of a planned lesson, the communication between you and your teacher is not possible or of insufficient quality, for reasons beyond your control, you will not be charged for that lesson.
Before registering, you can Skype the English Academy to check the overall quality of your communication.

Do I get homework?

That is up to you: many people do not have the time, but it is always better to also study at home if you can.

Do you offer CD-ROMs to your students?

That depends on your needs and expectations. If you want to devote extra time for home study, we can provide you with excellent multi-media material to supplement the course material used. These options are usually agreed in advance or during the trial lessons.

Is V.A.T. included?

Billing is not done in London, but at our Brussels office. This is because, in Belgium, language lessons are not liable for V.A.T. You will therefore not be charged V.A.T in addition to the prices shown, but you will nonetheless receive a tax-deductible invoice. 

Will I get a certificate?

Yes, you will receive the English Academy certificate. We can also help you to prepare for official English exams such as IELTS, FCE, CAE, CPE and TOEFL. These can be taken in a hundred different countries. We will assign a teacher specialized in such courses.

What if I live in Asia?

It does not matter if you are in Japan, China, India, Indonesia, Thailand or any other Asian country. You may be a long way from England, but neither the distance nor time difference is a problem as regards the technology or delay.
The same is true for other parts of the world.

Will I always have the same teacher?

Yes, it is best to have only one teacher who knows yours needs and level. However, if some reason you prefer changing, we will assign another teacher to you.

Which languages do you teach?

The English Academy is renowned as a leader in English language teaching. We have dozens of experienced professional English teachers on our team. But we also have a considerable track record with other languages such as Spanish, German, Italian, Dutch, Russian and Chinese. The same rules and prices apply to these languages. Tuition in other languages can also be arranged. Just e-mail us with your request.

Who decides what we do during the lessons?
You tell us what you want and we will tailor a course for you accordingly. You can decide if you want to focus on speaking skills, writing, listening comprehension, reading comprehension, pronunciation, business English, grammar revision, specific vocabulary, etc.

Do you offer group lessons?

For the moment, we offer only individual lessons via VoIP. This technology and teaching method focus on individual needs, availability and problems areas. We only run group lessons at our Brussels location.