1. How do I book?

Book Course: Follow this link to book securely online

Payment: full payment is due when you sign up for your course. We do not take deposits for language courses in the USA.

Confirmation: We will send you a confirmation email upon receipt of your payment to confirm your spot in the course. Once registered, you will receive a second email closer to your start date with all the course details.

Online Level Test: If you like we can send you an online level test to complete, so that we can determine your exact language level before you start the course.

Pre-course Pack: Prior to your course you will be sent a pre-course information email, containing all school and course information.

Course: Time to learn!

Reviews: Towards the end of your course we will send you a short online questionnaire to fill out about your course. We take our students feedback very seriously and hope you will take the time to let us know how we’re doing and how we can improve to best serve our students.

Course Materials: You will receive your coursebook during your first lesson at the school

2. What is the profile of the students on Cactus courses?

Our evening courses are for adults of all ages and nationalities (min 16 years old) for all levels from beginners upwards (where offered). For most courses, the average age range will be mid 20s to mid 40s. However many younger and older students also take these courses.

3. Can I book at the last minute?

Yes, you can book your course online up to 24 hours before the course start date. However, if you are booking at the last minute please be prepared to be flexible about course days and time as your first choice of course may already be full.

4. How soon do I have to enroll?

The earlier the better to ensure we have the proper enrollment needed to run the course. If we do not meet the minimum enrollment a week before the course is supposed to start it will be cancelled and taken off the website.

5. Can I book on the day the course starts?

This is possible but not advisable. As it gets closer to the course start date and time, courses can get full and will close. If you would like to pay for and book a course on the day it starts then please give us a call to see if this is possible.

6. Can I join a class in the second week?

Yes, if there is space in the classes we can take bookings for students to join the class in the second week, although no discount will be applied to the price of the course. If you are interested in joining the course during the second week please call us to check availability. After the second week, no new students can be enrolled as it is disruptive to the learning program.

7. How do I know there is space on a course?

If the course is no longer available it will not be listed on our website. All courses with dates listed on the website are still available for registration.

8. Minimum class size

The minimum class size refers to the number of students required to run a group course. This number varies depending on the course and location. The vast majority of our courses meet this requirement, but on occasion some course variations don’t. In these instances it is up to Cactus’ discretion whether the course will run. We always aim to run all courses as advertised, but cannot guarantee that this will be possible where the minimum class size is not met.

What happens if the minimum class size is not met?

Should your course be affected, we will contact you directly to discuss your options, which may include:

• Moving onto an equivalent course in a different location.
• Reconfiguring your original course to an intensive course, taught in a smaller group. The course duration in this instance is likely to be reduced, due to the significantly intensified learning experience and progress achieved in such small groups, which will mean that you will cover the course material in a much shorter amount of time.
• Deferring a term and starting your course at a later date of your choice, for which you will be given priority.
• Converting your course fee to a Cactus credit, which can be used as full or part payment for any of our products worldwide.
• A refund of your course fee in line with our general refund policy.

9. Can you issue a letter of invitation in order for me to get / extend a Visa to study with Cactus?

No, we cannot offer such letters as all our courses are part time and are not eligible for this process.

If you have further questions regarding Booking & Availability please email us.

1. Why learn a language?

People learn languages for a number of reasons: some for work or business, some for education or to put on their CVs, and some merely for the pleasure of being able to communicate with different people and cultures. Any trip abroad is greatly enhanced if you can say a few words, let alone if you can actually have a conversation with the locals!

2. What can I achieve during my course?

It all depends on the following factors: the level you are when you start, how proficient you are at languages in general, how much you participate in the class (and do the homework!), and also how difficult the language is (Spanish is the easiest language to learn for most people).

3. Do teachers speak English during the lessons?

Teachers very rarely speak English in class, because the most effective way to learn or improve your language skills is through complete immersion in the language. However, the occasional explanation or vocabulary term may be explained in English, and teachers are very used to teaching - and making themselves understood by - students who may have little or no prior knowledge of the language.

4. How do you choose your teachers?

All our teachers are native speakers or have native-speaker fluency in the language they teach. They have specialist qualifications and experience in Teaching a Foreign Language to Adults.

5. Do I receive a qualification or certificate?

Yes, you will receive an end of course certificate confirming the course you have taken and the level you have achieved if you complete our online end of course questionnaire. This will be sent to you by email.

6. How much homework is typically involved?

Your teacher will give you approximately one hour's worth of formal homework per week but we would recommend you do an additional minimum of ten minutes per day of self study in order to assimilate and retain the information you are learning.

7. When will I receive my coursebook?

Your teacher will give you your coursebook during your second week at the school. We choose the book based on the level of the class and the proficiency of the students.

8. What should I do if my class is too easy / difficult for me?

If you have just completed your first lesson and are feeling a little overwhelmed, then don’t worry. Cactus language courses are taught in the target language, as full immersion is widely recognized as the most effective way to learn a language. Some students find this a little daunting at first, especially if they have previously been used to bilingual instruction. Read "Help, I don’t understand my teacher!" a first-hand account of full immersion.

However, if you really are struggling to keep up or are finding the course content too easy, you can switch classes within the first two weeks of your course. Please speak to your teacher and contact us. We will assess the situation and do our best to move you to a class more suited to your ability (subject to availability). If this is not possible, there are other options, including deferring a term. Otherwise our general refund policy will apply.

9. Will I get a copy of the CD / listening materials that are used in the class?

No, our course book CDs are designed to be used in class and with a teacher, they are not designed for self study. However, if you would like to buy a copy of the listening material that goes with your course book, you can order online at www.amazon.com

10. What do I do if I am going to miss a lesson during the course?

We recommend that you tell your teacher as soon as you know that you are going to miss a class. Your teacher can then email you with an outline of what was covered in the class you missed, along with any homework set and what part of the textbook was used. In the interests of course continuity, please note you will not be able to take an alternative lesson with another class at another centre.

1. How do I know what level I am?

If you are not sure which class to choose, read the Cactus Levels descriptions or take the online level test.

The Cactus Levels – We have improved our evening & part-time course levels structure. Check out what has changed, why and what it means for you here. If you are a continuing Cactus student, you will also find a handy level conversion table here to help you work out what your next level is.

2. Why have the levels changed?

The Cactus Levels - We have improved our evening & part-time course levels structure in order to ensure consistency across our courses. Check out exactly what has changed, why and what it means for you here.

If you are not sure which class to choose, read the Cactus Levels descriptions or take the online level test.

If you are a continuing Cactus student, you will find a handy level conversion table here to help you work out what your next level is.

3. Where can I study the language I want to learn?

Visit our location page to see the language you want to learn operates in your area.

1. Language Courses North America Refund Policy

• More than 7 days before course start date: Cactus can offer you a full refund of your course up to one week before the advertised start date.
• Less than 7 days before course start date: You can transfer your booking to the next course at no extra charge OR we can issue you a refund of the course fee minus a $50 administration fee.
• After the first lesson: You can transfer your booking to the next course at no extra charge OR we can issue you a refund of the course fee minus a $50 administration fee.
• After the second lesson: We can issue you a refund of the course fee minus a $100 administration fee.
• After the 3rd lesson: You will not be entitled to any refund and you will NOT be able to transfer your booking to the next course.
• Claiming a refund: You must contact Cactus at the time of cancellation following the stages indicated above, in order to claim any refund. We cannot offer any refunds once the third lesson has passed. Those who do not attend the rest of their course after the second lesson cannot request a refund at any later stage.

Note: Cactus cannot offer any lessons on a trial basis.

2. Am I allowed a discount if I book two courses?

No we do not offer a discount for bookings for two people / courses but you will both be eligible to 10% off when you book your next group foreign language course with Cactus if you book more than 15 days in advance of the course start date.

3. Can I pay by cash?

If you cannot pay by card on the telephone or online there is the possibility of going to the school and paying by cash. Please email us for further details.

4. Can I pay a deposit and then pay the rest later?

No, you must pay the entire amount at the time of booking.

1. Can I talk to a real person about the course I am taking?

We do try and include all relevant information on the website. However, if you cannot find the information you are looking for please call (+1) 212-601-9343 or email info@cactuslanguagecourses.com for a response within 24 hours.

2. How can I find out the exact address of the school?

When you book your course online you will receive all of the course details by email, including the school address.