1. How do I book?

Book Course: Follow this link to book securely online

Payment: full payment is required at the time of confirming your course. We do not take deposits for language courses in the USA.

Confirmation: we will send you a confirmation email to confirm payment and later with the course details by email.

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!

Feedback: towards the end of your course you will be sent a short online questionnaire which we will hope you will take the trouble to fill out.

Course Materials: you will receive your coursebook during your second lesson at the school

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

Our evening courses are for adults of all ages (min 16 years old) and nationalities and, where offered, for all levels from beginners upwards. 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, we take bookings up to 24 hours before the course start date, please book online as usual. Be prepared to be flexible about the centre you attend and enter a second choice in the comments box when you book.

4. How soon do I have to enroll?

The earlier the better to ensure that we have the numbers correctly. If we don’t receive enough bookings for courses, we will cancel them and the course you wanted may disappear off the site.

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

This is possible but not advisable. As it gets close 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 days 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 there will be no discount to the price. You will need to call us to check availability. After the second week we do not allow any students to join the course as this is too disruptive to the learning program.

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

A date will show next to the course or the course will not show at all on the language/ location page. All courses with dates have space on the course.

8. Will my course run?

Please note that we want to and are able to run all of the courses we advertise. We are however, reliant upon course bookings. If we do not have enough students to run a course we may offer you the same or a similar level class at the location you originally chose or another nearby. If you choose not to take up this place you will be offered a full course refund.

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. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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 bi-lingual tuition. 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 look 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.

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

No, our coursebook 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 coursebook, you can either order online at www.amazon.com

9. Who do I contact if I am not going to be able to go to a lesson?

Cactus regrets that we are unable to pass on any messages regarding absenteeism, homework etc. to teachers. Your teacher may be willing to give you their contact details in the first lesson. We recommend that the classmates swap contact details for this purpose.

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 all new 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 all new 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 you may have a refund of the course fee minus a $100 administration fee.

After the first lesson: You can transfer your booking to the next course at no extra charge OR you may have a refund of the course fee minus a $100 administration fee.

After the second lesson: You may have a refund of the course fee minus $100 administration fee.

After the third 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 at all once the third lesson has passed. Those who do not attend the rest of their course after the second lesson cannot claim for a refund at any later stage if they have not advised us of their cancellation at the time.

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.

3. Can I pay by cash?

If you cannot pay by card on the telephone or online you may be able to go to the school to enroll and pay 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 by card at 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.