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 UK.

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 18 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. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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. When do the next courses start?

Please visit our dates and times page.

2. 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!

3. How much will I learn during my course?

The Cactus Academic team has created the Language Learning Pathway to give you a clear idea of what you will be able to do with your new language after you have completed a course.

Other factors will also affect your rate of progress. These will include 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.

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 teachers speak English during the lessons?

Very rarely, 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.

6. 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.

7. 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 ten minutes per day of self study in order to assimilate and retain the information you are learning.

8. 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.

9. 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 recognised 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.

10. 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 or at the shop in London www.lclib.com. You will get a 10% discount on books and 15% on dictionaries if you mention that you are a Cactus student!

11. 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.

12. What do I do if I am going to miss the first lesson?

Please do let us know so that we can pass a message on to your teacher.

13. What if my teacher is ill during the course?

If your teacher is ill during the term we will organise a cover teacher to take your lesson. If no cover teacher is available we will either reschedule the lesson to take place on a different day or give you a refund for the class (depending on the circumstances).

14. How big are the classes?

Our average class size is 8 students. On occasion classes can be bigger. To ensure optimal course quality and enjoyment, we never accept more than 15 students per class, and these classes are only run in larger centres with suitably sized class rooms.

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

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.

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. Check out 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 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 UK 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 £50 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 £50 administration fee.

After the second lesson: You may have a refund of the course fee minus £50 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.

In the case of weekend courses, or courses running from the Covent Garden location, no refunds are available once the course has started or where cancellations are made on the start date.

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 get an NUS discount?

No we do not offer any NUS discount.

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. I am already doing an evening course with Cactus, can I get a discount for my next course?

As an existing Cactus students you get a £10 loyalty discount* when you book another language course with us. To claim your discount simply book online using the same email address as before.

*Applies to evening & part-time group courses in the UK only, excludes weekend courses. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount or offer.

2. I like my teacher and classmates, can I continue with them next term?

Please do tell your teacher if you would like to continue with them in the next term and we’ll do our best to assign them to your next level. We can’t guarantee that your teacher will be available though, as it does depend on their availability

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 +44 (0)1273 725200 or email info@languagecoursesuk.co.uk 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.