Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need a webcam?
No, a webcam is optional. I will only use my webcam if you request it. Many years ago I taught English on the telephone without webcams, so it’s something I am very accustomed to.
2. Are you really Cambridge CELTA qualified?
Yes. During our first class I will switch on my webcam and show you my certificate if you want to see it.
3. What ages and levels do you teach?
Sorry, I don’t teach children. I only teach adults aged 16 years and over, all levels.
4. Can I cancel?
Yes. In order to receive a full refund you must cancel at least 24 hours before the class start time. If you cancel less that 24 hours before the class start time, no refund will be issued nor will you be able to reschedule. To cancel, please use the contact form.
5. Can I reschedule?
Yes. You must notify me at least 24 hours before the class start time that you want to reschedule. If you notify me less than 24 hours before the class start time I will not be able to reschedule your class or recieve a refund.
6. Do you teach American English?
I am a native British English speaker. I have some knowledge of American English, but I teach British English. If you want to learn American English I’m not the best teacher for you, I’d suggest finding an American English teacher.
7. What if there are technical issues?
If I experience technical issues my side at any point during the class, I will refund you and your next class will be free.
It is YOUR responsibility to ensure your internet connection and equipment are working correctly. If you experience technical issues I will wait in the meeting room for the full 30 minutes to give you the opportunity to fix it. Once the 30 minutes have passed, I will leave the meeting room. No extra time will be given to compensate for technical issues. For example, if it takes you 20 minutes to fix the problem, you will only have 10 minutes left for the class. I do not offer any full or partial refunds for technical issues on your side.
8. What if I’m late for a class?
I will wait in the meeting room for the full 30 minutes before leaving. If you arrive late, no extra time will be given to compensate. For example, if you are 10 minutes late, you will only have 20 minutes left for the class. I do not offer any full or partial refunds for late arrivals.
9. I have a work/family emergency and can’t attend the class, can I have a refund?
I’m afraid the refund policy in the terms and conditions still applies. I will only refund if you notify me at least 24 hours before the class start time that you can’t attend the class. There are no exceptions to this.
10. Can I bring my friend/partner/cousin to the class?
It is better to attend alone because you will learn more and improve quicker. However, if your friend/partner/cousin attends with you, they must observe only and not take part in the lesson. If they want to learn English with me, they must book their own class.
11. What payment cards do you accept and what currencies do you accept?
Payment is through PayPal, so all major cards are accepted. You do not need a PayPal account, you can check out as a guest using your card. Classes are priced in British pounds sterling, but payments can be made in pounds, euros or US dollars.
12. What if I’m not satisfied with the class?
As my student, I want you to be completely satisfied and return time and time again for more English lessons with me. However, in the very unlikely event that you are not satisfied, you must email me within 24 hours of your class ending telling me why you were not satisfied, and I will refund 50% of your fee.
13. Do I need a pen, paper, dictionary or an online translator?
No, not essential, but it might be useful.
14. I can’t use Zoom, is there another way to have classes?
Yes, Teams, Skype or WhatsApp. During the booking process you will be asked to choose Zoom, Teams, Skype or WhatsApp. If you chose Zoom, a link will be sent in the confirmation email. If you choose Skype or WhatsApp, you will be asked to give your Skype username or mobile phone number and I will call you at the time of the class. If you choose Teams, I will send you the link to join before the class.
15. What time zone do you use to teach the classes?
The booking calendar automatically detects your time zone, so please book the time you want the class in your local time.
16. What days and times are you available to teach?
I teach 7 days a week from 7am to 10pm UK time. When you click ‘book now,‘ the calendar will show you all the available days/times you can book your class.
17. Do you offer discounts for booking multiple classes?
Not at present, maybe in the future. I prefer to keep my prices low so people can book classes one at a time without committing to multiple classes they may not be able to attend.
18. Do you offer an English writing service by email?
Not at present, but I hope to offer this in the future. If you have a piece of writing you’d like me to check, please email it to me before your General English or Business English class (or share your screen during the class), and I’ll check it with you during the class. I’m afraid I can’t do any writing checks during Cafe Classes as these are conversation only.
19. I’m very nervous about having English classes online.
I understand this. It’s not easy to ‘meet’ a new person and speak in English. I’ve had many students over the years who were very nervous at the beginning, so this is something I’m very accustomed to. I am very experienced at teaching online, and I will use my experience to make you feel relaxed very quickly. By the end of the class, we will be like old friends!
20. For our first general or business English class, how will you know what level I am and what level activities to use?
I am a very experienced teacher and within the first one or two minutes of talking to you I will have a very good idea of what level you are. Our first class will usually be a ‘getting to know each other’ class for the first part, and I will be able to select the correct level activity for the second part.
21. Do you speak other languages?
Yes, Spanglish, Frenchlish and Irishlish 
Seriously, I studied Spanish, French and Irish many years ago but have forgotten all three. I only have a very basic understanding of all three. I will only speak English during the class so you will have the English complete immersion experience.
22. Are the classes recorded?
No. For privacy reasons, I will not consent to being recorded. Face-to-face lessons are not recorded, it should be no different for online lessons. If you hit your record button at any point during the class, I will end the class immediately and you will not be refunded.
23. Do I have to pay for a subscription or is there a minimum number of classes I have to book?
Good news!. No subscriptions, no block booking of classes. You book your English classes one at a time, meaning you have complete flexibility and no financial commitment.
If you have a question not answered above, please contact me by using the contact me page. I aim to answer questions within one business day.