FAQs

We Answer Your Questions.

FAQS

WE ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS.

Which languages do you teach?

We teach all the languages listed on our website. Because our company is growing, we add new languages all the time. Please keep checking our website for updates.

Are the teachers native speakers?

Yes. All our teachers, in addition to being 100% native speakers, have the qualifications and/or the experience to teach languages to adults and some also to children. This means that the teacher has worked or is currently working in schools, universities or other private settings. The Languages Corner carefully selects top talent through a rigorous interview process.

How do I contact The Languages Corner?

You can use the form on our website or e-mail us (valeria@thelanguagescorner.com) to request more information about our courses.

How do I schedule a free discovery call?

We offer free 10-15 minute discovery calls for those interested in one-to-one lessons. During this informal chat, you’ll meet the instructor, receive a brief oral evaluation (based on CEFR), learn about the program and how to reach your language goals.

Booking is simple—just contact us, and we’ll arrange a convenient time for your consultation, based on your schedule and the teacher’s availability. The instructor will confirm the details and send a virtual meeting link. There’s no obligation to purchase lessons after the call.

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If I want to book some lessons after my consultation with the teacher, how do I proceed?

After your consultation, a member of our staff will contact you to follow up on your meeting with the instructor and ask you if you are interested in booking some lessons. More details will be provided in the e-mail.

How does The Languages Corner accommodate the learner’s schedule?

We strive to accommodate your busy schedule. However, due to our teachers’ multiple classes, your preferred day and time may not always be available. During your consultation, you and the instructor can discuss alternative options to find the best solution for your needs.

Is there a placement test to evaluate the learner’s level?

During the complimentary consultation, the teacher will assess your level through questions and an informal conversation. To gain a clearer understanding of your proficiency, we also provide a written placement test via email. When taking the test, simply stop when you reach the limits of your language knowledge.

What are the language levels and how do I understand when I reach one?

We use The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which divides language learning in 6 levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2, where A is the beginner level, B the intermediate and C the advanced one. To better understand what each level is about, please click this link. Once the teacher evaluates your level, she will let you know how many lessons or hours you roughly need to reach the end of the level. The amount of hours varies according to the level and the language, as well as your effort for learning and completing your assignments. Here’s a rough estimate of the hours needed to complete each of the above levels:

A1 Breakthrough or beginner

From absolute beginners to A1

Approx. 45-80 hours

A2 Waystage or elementary

From A1 to A2

Approx. 80-120 hours

B1 Threshold or intermediate

From A2 to B1

Approx. 160-200 hours

B2 Vantage or upper intermediate

From B1 to B2

Approx. 240-280 hours

C1 Effective Operational Proficiency or advanced

 

 

Approx. 400 – 500 hours

C2 Mastery or Proficiency

 

When you reach the end of a level, our teacher will inform you and give you a test to do at home, based on what you have learned with her. This is not only a way to check your understanding of the topics that you have studied in the course, but also a way to see if there are any language-related gaps that need to be filled.

What are the costs of your lessons?

Private lessons are available at $39 per session, with no minimum or maximum commitment—buy as many as you like. Discounts are available when you purchase a set of 5 lessons or more, or if you’re in the military.

We also offer private courses for families or friends, allowing you to learn together for $22 per person. As with individual lessons, discounts apply for purchasing 5 or more sessions.

For those who prefer flexibility, our asynchronous Italian lessons let you learn at your own pace for $28 per session, with discounts for 5 or more lessons. Each option provides personalized attention, immediate feedback, and tailored materials to meet your language goals.

If you’re looking to save, consider our group courses offered a few times per year. Sign up for our newsletter at the end of our homepage to stay updated on the latest offerings.

What type of payment options are there?

We primarily accept payments in USD and Euros, though other currencies are also welcome. You can pay via our website using a credit card, PayPal, or Wise. For US military personnel, we also offer wire transfers through Navy Federal.

Which type of online courses do you offer?

You can choose from the following options, regardless of the language you wish to learn:

One-on-One Lessons: In this format, it’s just you and the teacher. Private lessons typically last one hour, though extended sessions can be arranged upon request. Before the lesson, your teacher will send you materials via email, which she will review with you during the session, along with any assigned homework. Lessons are tailored to your specific language needs and can cover all or some of the four language skills—reading, writing, speaking, and listening—depending on your goals. These goals are discussed in a complimentary preliminary chat before starting your lessons. You choose the frequency of these lessons in agreement with your teacher, whether once, twice, or multiple times per week (see our cost-related FAQ for more details).

Private Group Lessons: Learn with friends, family members, or coworkers at the same language level. During the complimentary discovery call, your levels will be assessed to ensure compatibility. Please note that private group lessons cannot mix children with adults, as their learning styles differ. Like one-on-one lessons, group sessions involve speaking practice, reading, writing, listening, grammar, and reviewing materials sent via email, as well as homework and a customized program. You decide the frequency and duration of these lessons in consultation with your teacher (see our cost-related FAQ for details).

Public Group Courses: Learn alongside other international students in a small group setting, capped at 8 participants to enhance the learning experience. We organize these groups (minimum 2 participants) and offer courses during specific times of the year, usually in September/October, January/February, and May/June, as well as some shorter workshops. These courses consist of 10-20 lessons, each lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes.

 

Are there any intermediate or advanced online lessons?

While we primarily cater to beginners and upper beginners, we also offer personalized 1:1 lessons for intermediate and advanced learners. Our professional teachers, who are native speakers, possess the expertise and experience to guide you through more advanced language skills, ensuring you continue to grow and achieve your language goals.

I need the language for a specific purpose. Are there any lessons for me?

Yes, we offer lessons tailored to specific purposes. During your complimentary discovery call, you and the teacher will discuss your goals and create a customized plan to achieve your desired outcomes. Whether you need language training for academic purposes, such as proficiency test preparation, or any other specific needs, our lessons are designed to help you succeed.

Do you offer any children’s lessons?

Yes, we do offer lessons for children and teenagers, though availability varies by language. Please inquire with us before purchasing to confirm availability. Our experienced teachers know how to make lessons engaging and fun, ensuring active participation from young learners. We offer lessons for children aged 6 to 12, with sessions lasting either 30 or 60 minutes, depending on your preference. The frequency of lessons is agreed upon between the parent(s) and the teacher in advance.

For teenagers, we provide tailored lessons that cater to their specific needs and learning styles. To help you make the right choice, we also offer the option to try a single lesson before committing. Additionally, we provide a complimentary consultation involving you, your child or teenager, and the teacher. This is an excellent opportunity to get to know one another and for the teacher to begin building rapport.

Which languages are used during the lesson?

The target language is primarily used during our lessons to immerse you in the language learning experience. However, for beginners or when complex grammar points arise, English may be used for clarity. If you ever need an explanation in another language, don’t hesitate to ask—our teachers are multilingual and happy to help ensure you fully understand the material.

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What kind of teaching method do teachers use during lessons?

We are a firm believer that in order to master the language you need to speak it. Therefore, in our lessons, unless you request differently due to your needs, we use the communicative approach. This means: dialogues, interactions, role plays, conversations, etc. It doesn’t mean that the lesson is a purely conversational one. It means for example that if you learn a grammar topic, the teacher will have you practice it as it was a real situation. The same applies for reading and listening: questions on those topics will be asked to allow you to practice. You will then practice writing through assigned homework and specific grammar exercises.

Are there any refunds?

Unfortunately, we do not offer refunds unless a course or private lesson is canceled by us or the teacher. In such cases, we provide either a full refund, a prorated refund based on the lessons you’ve already taken and processing fees, or the option to reschedule at no additional cost. We prioritize flexibility, allowing you to purchase as many lessons as you like—even just one to try before committing.

How are absences dealt with?

We understand that life happens. You can reschedule a lesson up to 24 hours before its start time, based on your teacher’s availability. Please note that the same lesson cannot be rescheduled more than once. If you’ve purchased a set of lessons, one rescheduling is allowed at no extra cost, provided it’s done 24 hours in advance. For lessons canceled less than 24 hours before the start time or for missed classes, rescheduling isn’t possible. However, you will still receive the lesson materials and homework, and you’re welcome to email the teacher with any questions.

What if I don’t like my teacher?

It is possible to request to change teacher by e-mailing us anytime during your lessons. We will evaluate the situation, see if there is another available teacher at your preferred day/time and work with you to accommodate your needs.

TESTIMONIALS

What Our Clients Are Saying About Us...

TESTIMONIALS

WHAT OUR CLIENTS ARE SAYING ABOUT US...

I have taken Italian classes from the owner, Valeria Sims, for about a year and I can not say enough positive things. The instructor is so professional and caring. Her lessons are always well planned with a variety of different activities to reinforce the topics. She makes it very comfortable to practice and ask questions. She listens to the feedback of her students and tailors instruction to their needs. I have learned a lot and have had fun!

Krystle,

American student learning Italian.

Valeria es una excelente profesional y una persona muy agradable. Sus clases son muy entretenidas, variadas e interesantes. Os recomiendo que probéis.

Raquel,

Spanish student learning English.

The Languages Corner’s teaching style and lesson content are very good. I improved a lot since I enrolled. Now I can easily communicate with my international friends.

Luciana,

Italian student learning English.

I love English lessons! I am improving my English in dynamic and funny classes with people of different nationalities which makes it even more interesting.

Rosa,

Spanish student learning English.

Valeria’s language classes made me feel welcome, comfortable and at ease! Classes are kept small to ensure that everyone has a chance to practice speaking and practice the new skill. The homework is manageable and relevant. Valeria’s lessons are well-planned and cohesive, but most importantly, since taking Valeria’s classes I felt more comfortable speaking in Italian, in person and over the phone! Being able to communicate in Italian had made my experience in Italy much more meaningful!

Rachel Anne,

American student learning Italian.

I did Italian lessons with Val for two years with Val whilst I was living in Lago Patria. Val is an exceptional linguist and great teacher. I arrived in Italy with nothing more than ‘ciao’ and left able to have conversations in Italian and confident in my ability to understand and be understood. Lessons with Val genuinely changed my life in Italy for the better! I have recommended Val’s lessons to several friends, and would encourage everyone to take the opportunity to learn with Val!

Angela,

British student learning Italian.

Erwin,

American student learning Italian.

The Languages Corner offers a wide range of lessons that cater to the needs of individual preferences, anywhere around the world! I signed up for online Italian lessons with my goal to ease the communication with my Italian partner and his family. Valeria is very helpful in answering all my questions prior to the start of my lessons. Melanie (la mia insegnante) is a very patient teacher that helps to tailor the syllabus according to my level. I truly enjoy her lessons a lot as I get more opportunities to listen and speak Italian with the natives. I highly recommend it! Infine, sono molto contenta quando imparo la lingua Italiana con Melanie. Ci vediamo un giorno. Ciao.

Leen,

Malaysian student learning Italian.

I had some fantastic lessons with Valeria, she is very warm and welcoming and I looked forward to my lesson every week. Valeria is a brilliant teacher and I would recommend them to anyone who is wanting to learn the language whilst here in Italy.

Chloe,

British student learning Italian.

Val is an amazing teacher and I have learned so much from her. She is very patient with us. I am gaining more confidence speaking Italian outside of class and I owe it all to her! Our class is one of my favorite things each week and it was really a bright spot during the pandemic.

Julie,

British student learning Italian.

Valeria a été un professeur d italien extrêmement sérieux disponible et sympathique. Son sens de la pédagogie et de la méthode , son souci de l’organisation et sa patience sont autant de qualités précieuses qui m’ont permis, en moins de 9 mois à raison d une heure et demi par semaine, d’acquérir de solides fondamentaux relatifs à la langue de Dante . Je la recommande vivement sans restriction aucune .

Thierno,

French student learning Italian.