It is our intention that all of our teachers and students stay safe while continuing to enjoy the activities they love! Therefore we are keeping up to date with the Virginia Department of Health Guidance as well as implementing best practices as seen by other similar businesses. Please read the information below and be aware that it is subject to change as the situation evolves:
- Requiring staff and students to stay home if unwell - Encouraging all staff and students to get vaccinated - Optional wearing of masks in class - Regular hand washing and sanitizing of all staff and students - Cleaning and disinfecting chairs, door handles, and surfaces between classes - Increased ventilation to improve airflow
If a teacher or student is found to have contracted Covid-19 before attending class, we ask that member to not attend for the required isolation period. The student is welcome to schedule online makeup sessions to cover the content missed. Most classes will also have recordings from online lessons that can be watched in case of absence to prevent the student from falling behind in the course.
If a teacher or student is found to have contracted Covid-19 and suspects they attended class while having the virus, the entire class will be requested to provide negative test results prior to attending class in person. If a teacher contracts Covid-19, and a suitable substitute cannot be found to teach the physical lesson, the entire class will be requested to learn via Zoom during the teacher’s isolation period.
No refunds, deferrals or credits will be granted for any cases related to Covid-19. Online learning opportunities will be made available in the scenarios specified above.
We appreciate you taking the time to read this in its entirety and for your support in allowing us to operate safely.
Why are in-person classes more expensive than zoom classes?
Our in-person class price helps us cover the elevated salary of instructors who teach in-person and the high cost of rent required to secure classroom space.
DO YOU EVER CANCEL COURSES or individual class sessions?
We try very hard not to cancel any offered courses but cannot offer full courses if there are fewer than four students enrolled in a 20-hour group course. A full refund or transfer options will be provided if a course is cancelled.
HOW CAN I ASSESS MY LEVEL?
Use the level descriptions and placement test on our Level Placement Test page to determine your starting level. If you start a class and realize that you are in the wrong level, we will happily transfer you to a course in a different level at no charge. Please note that course transfers can only be made for classes taught within the same semester.
WHAT METHODOLOGY DO YOU USE?
We believe in teaching to both sides of the brain and making learning fun and accessible to visual, auditory and tactile learners alike. Our classes minimize the use of translation and increase the use of images, videos, music, short stories, podcasts, hand gestures, conversation and games to create a dynamic learning environment for learners of all types. Read what our students think about our classes on our Testimonials page.
HOW MUCH HOMEWORK SHOULD I EXPECT?
The amount of homework you receive will vary a bit based on the class you are enrolled into, but you can expect to receive approximately 1 - 2 hours of homework per week on average.
HOW MANY STUDENTS ARE IN EACH CLASS?
We cap all classes at 10 students and due to our high demand, many classes fill up quickly. The average class size is 6 students, but lower levels do tend to have a higher number of students. Sign up soon if you are interested in a class so you can reserve your seat!
WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO CLASS?
Shortly after you enroll into a class you will receive an email welcoming you into the course and a link to your class materials. All handouts will be shared on the screen but will not be visible while in small breakout groups please downloaded your materials onto a portable device or print them prior to the start of the course. Work-Life Spanish does not provide textbooks, so please purchase your required book prior to the first day of class.
WHEN WILL CLASSES BEGIN?
Classes at Work-Life Spanish total 20 hours and run for a period of 10 weeks during these four semesters:
WINTER SEMESTER - January - March
SPRING SEMESTER - April - June
SUMMER SEMESTER - July - September
FALL SEMESTER - October - December
If you are interested in a particular class, please let us know by filling out a Needs Assessment.
HOW CAN I PRACTICE OUTSIDE OF CLASS?
We offer a variety of fun conversational clubs to help you keep up with your Spanish outside of the classroom. Visit our Conversational Clubs page for more information!
DO YOU OFFER DISCOUNTS?
Absolutely! We love to reward our students with discounts and free classes! All current students receive an early bird code for 10% off any upcoming class! Students who spread recommend their friends and family to Work-Life Spanish will also receive a FREE 30-minute private tutoring session every time their name is mentioned by a new enrollee. Spread the word and save!
WHERE DO YOU OFFER OFF-SITE LESSONS?
During non-Covid periods we travel to most metro accessible locations within Northern Virginia and Washington, DC. Not all instructors travel to every off-site location, so please let us know where you would like to book your lesson before signing up so we can match you with an instructor who can travel to you. Due to the current pandemic, we are not currently offerings off-site locations outside of Rosslyn.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I HAVE TO MISS A CLASS?
We understand that it's difficult to always attend every class, but no worries. Once you enroll you will have access to all of our class handouts and the class syllabus, so you'll always be able to follow along with the course, even from afar.
We also offer optional one-on-one makeup classes for only $45, a $10 discount off our private tutoring rate! You can book your makeup session at your convenience on our private tutoring page to ensure you never miss a beat!
Most online group courses are also recorded, so you'll be able to watch every class even though you can't join the group and stay up-to-date on your learning even if away!
WHAT IS YOUR REFUND POLICY?
We understand that plans change which is why you have until seven days prior to the start date of your group class to cancel your enrollment, no questions asked. Please note that credit card fees will not be refunded.
Between seven days to one day prior to the start of a course, only transfers or credits will be permitted. A 24-hour notice is required for cancellation of any private tutoring lesson. Failure to provide notice will result in a charge for the lesson.
Private tutoring packages and corporate hours are valid for a period of 365 days and are 100% transferable but are non-refundable.
What is required to successfully pass a course?
Students must attend at least 8 out of 10 sessions of a group course in order to pass it. Students are able to purchase make up sessions to complete missed lessons one-on-one with their instructor.
How do I earn digital badges to show my spanish competency?
1. Take our Level Placement Test to determine your current level. 2. Successfully complete all 20-hour group courses within the level. 3. Take and pass our Level Exit Exam. 4. Earn your Digital Badge and advance to the next level.