Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How do online Portuguese classes work?
Our online Portuguese classes are conducted using Skype, the free online video conferencing
software. This technology allows students and teachers speak and see each
other in real time via their computers. This is a close as you can get to sitting
across the table from your teacher.
2. What kind of hardware and software do I need?
You a standard computer running Windows 2000/XP/Vista, Mac or Linux;
at least 1 GHz processor; a minimum of 256MB RAM Broadband internet
connection; speakers and a microphone; and webcam (Optional). You will also
need Skype software, which can be downloaded for free here.
3. How do I install Skype?
Installing Skype is quick and easy. Just go click here to download. You will be
walked through the installation process.
4. What payment methods do you accept?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover cards as well as
Paypal payments.
5. What are the teachers’ backgrounds?
All our teachers are native Brazilians with a university degree. They have
previous experience teaching Portuguese to English speakers, and some have
experience teaching Portuguese to Spanish speakers. Our teachers have worked
with beginning to advanced Portuguese speakers.
6. What teaching methodology do you use?
Our goal is to increase your conversational fluency. Therefore, we place
emphasis on conversation, infusing a mix of vocabulary, grammar and dialogue
into the classes. Each student is different, however, making it necessary to tailor
each class to the needs and goals of each student. If a student prefers to learn a
certain way or would like to study a certain topic, we will adapt to your needs.
After all, you are the client.
7. What kind of teaching materials do you use?
We have a series of proprietary lessons that we pass out to students. At times
they are created just for a particular student. We also recommend that our
students buy Portuguese Basics by Living Language, an easy to use reference
book that costs less than $15.
8. Do you give a free trial lesson?
Yes. We offer a free trial lesson, where you will meet your teacher, discuss
your goals in learning Portuguese, gage you level of Portuguese so we can
develop a learning plan specific to your needs.
9. Do you have a money back guarantee?
Yes, we have a 100% money back guarantee. Although we do not expect this
to be an issue, we do not believe you should be charged if you feel your class
was not worthwhile. In order to receive a 100% money back guarantee, you
must contact us within 24 hours of your class to be refunded your money.
Refunds will only be made for the class for which you ask for a refund plus any remaining classes for which you may have already prepaid.
10. How do I book a class?
We provide you with an online calendar with the availability of your teacher.
If you see an open time slot, send an email to our scheduling team, and we
will reply with an email confirming your lesson time.
11. Do I pay before or after the class?
Lessons must be paid for 24 hours prior to the class. In order to receive
discounts, 10+ classes must be booked in advance.
12. How do I pay for classes?
Our online Portuguese classes can be paid for by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express and
Discover) or via a Pay Pal account. Once you book a class, we send you an
email with an invoice that can be paid online. Opening a Pay Pal account is not
necessary.
13. How many Portuguese classes do you recommend I take a week?
For serious students, we recommend three 55 minute classes per week. Three
classes a week keeps learning fresh, the student in a rhythm and the pace of
learning quick. We do, however, work with students taking only one class per
week. Their learning pace is just slower than it would be with more lessons.
14. My schedule is not predictable. Are you flexible with scheduling?
We understand that you may have a busy and unpredictable schedule.
Therefore as long as your teacher has availability in his or her schedule, we can
rearrange classes.
15. What happens if I cannot attend a class and have to cancel?
If you must cancel a class, you will not be charged if you give us a notice of 24
hours and the credit will go to your next class. If you do not show up for a
class or cancel a class within less than 24 hours, you will be charged full price
for the lesson.
16. Do you teach on the weekends?
Some teachers do teach on the weekend. Please check with the availability of
your teacher to see if this is an option.
17. What if I don’t like my instructor?
Although this is not normally been a problem, if you do no not feel comfortable
with your teacher, we will place you with another teacher.
18. What if a instructor does not show up for class?
While this should not be a problem, if your instructor does not show up for a class,
you will receive one class free.
19. What if the internet connection is poor or goes down?
If the internet connection is poor or goes down, the class will be rescheduled for
a later date. Because it is difficult to tell from which end stems the problem,
there will be no refund for the class.
20. How much does a lesson cost?
A single lesson costs USD 39.95. You receive a 25% discount when signing up for a package of 10 lessons or more. A 10 class package costs USD 299.50, or USD 29.95 per lesson. Classes are 55 minutes long and may be scheduled back to back.
21. Does the price include sales tax?
The price includes sales tax.
22. Do you recommend I take online Portuguese classes with Portuguese Live
even if I am studying autonomously?
Yes, for maximum learning, we encourage our students to study on their own.
Some of our students take university courses, use self-study software, or just
teach themselves from a text book. Since we emphasize conversation, our
classes are a perfect complement to self-study.
*Should you have a question that is not answered on this list, please send us an email at info@portugueselive.com.
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