Question 1

What is the length of the course?

Accepted Answer

A course is one term of tuition. Each term is 10 weeks in duration. Each term is 10 weeks in duration, 2 hours per week.

Question 2

How are the levels organised

Accepted Answer

We offer 6 levels of progression, which are divided into modules A and B. These are: Beginners (1A & 1B), Elementary (2A & 2B), Lower Intermediate (3A & 3B), Intermediate (4A & 4B), Upper Intermediate (5A & 5B), and Advanced (6A & 6B). Level 6B is an open-ended level that can continue indefinitely – some level 6 classes have been running for over 20 years!

Question 3

Are all levels offered for languages?

Accepted Answer

The levels offered for each language vary from term to term and language to language. We are able to offer most levels for more popular languages, while levels for other languages are usually more limited.

Question 4

Can I study for just one 10 week term?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can. Some students may only want to enrol in one 10 week term.

However, in order to progress to the next level it is usual for students to study for 20 weeks at the one level. Remember that from levels 3-6, you only receive a certificate at the end of 20 weeks.

We recommend completing a full level (20 weeks) for best results.

Question 5

What course books are used?

Accepted Answer

Course books are chosen by language teachers. Check under the Level Guide tab of each language for more information.

Question 6

What materials are supplied by the teachers?

Accepted Answer

Teachers follow the course books but often also provide additional materials for students.

Question 7

Does the course fee include the course book?

Accepted Answer

No. We strongly encourage you to purchase their own course books. Course books can be bought from UNSW bookshop (UNSW main campus, building E15), Abbey’s Bookshop (131 York St, Sydney) or online. Please note that if a language course is cancelled, UNSW Bookshop will only consider a refund for a textbook bought at UNSW Bookshop if the book has not sustained any damage or been written in. View the textbook prices available at UNSW Bookshop. Textbooks should only be purchased after you receive official class confirmation from the school. This usually occurs up to 2 days prior to commencement once we know that enough students have booked the course.

Question 8

Are the teachers native speakers?

Accepted Answer

We prefer to employ teachers who are native speakers. All teachers will either be native speakers or have spent considerable time in a country in which the language is spoken.

Question 9

What experience/qualifications do the teachers have?

Accepted Answer

Our teachers have at least one teaching qualification and teaching experience.

Question 10

What is the average class size?

Accepted Answer

Classes have an average of 10-12 students, with 18 being the maximum number.

Question 11

What is the minimum/maximum age for students?

Accepted Answer

The minimum age for our students is 18. There is no maximum age.

Question 12

Do the course have assessments/exams?

Accepted Answer

Our language courses do not have formal exams or tests, but revision is conducted through a range of other methods depending on the class and the teacher.

Question 13

How do I work out what level I am when enrolling in a course?

Accepted Answer

You should self-assess their language level before enrolling in a course by considering the number of hours they have spent studying the language prior to the course and their experience of the language (check information under the Level Guide tab for further details). For further assistance, please contact Student Enquiries on 9385 0555 or enquiries.shortcourses@unswglobal.unsw.edu.au

Question 14

When/How will I be notified of class confirmation?

Accepted Answer

Once payment has been made, you will receive a payment acknowledgement email and payment receipt. Please refer to the course dates, times and location details shown under the Dates and Fees tab in order to avoid missing the course start date. If we have to cancel a class due to insufficient enrolments you will be sent a class cancellation email 1 to 2 days before the class was due to begin.

Question 15

If my class is cancelled, will I get a refund?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Students who have applied for a course that is cancelled will receive a refund which may take up to 3 weeks to process. We often contact you first to see if you would like to transfer into another level before we officially withdraw your application and process your refund. For further information, please refer to our Conditions of Enrolment. Click here for more information

Question 16

Can I enrol after the class has started?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Online applications close at the end of week 3 of each term. However, it’s always best to apply as early as possible as we cancel classes that do not receive enough applications.

Question 17

Does the course include writing/speaking/listening/grammar/reading?

Accepted Answer

Most of our courses focus on speaking and listening and the essential grammar and vocabulary required to improved verbal and aural fluency. Courses focus less on writing and reading.

Question 18

How are the Summer courses in January different from other terms?

Accepted Answer

The Summer short courses run in January and offer languages at Introduction level (1A and sometimes 1B). 20 hours of tuition are offered over 8 evenings (Mon-Thurs) so that a student can complete a whole level in less than 2 weeks.

Question 19

Do I receive a certificate?

Accepted Answer

Students will receive a Certificate of Attendance at the end of each course, provided they have attended at least 70% of the term.

Question 20

How are levels organised?

Accepted Answer

Levels 1 and 2 (2 x 10 weeks each) must to be taken in sequence. You will receive a certificate at the end of each 10-week course. Level 1 1A: Beginners (10 weeks) 1B: Beginners (10 weeks) Level 2 2A: Elementary A (10 weeks) 2B: Elementary B (10 weeks) Levels 3-6 are considered 20-week courses. You will receive a certificate at the end of each level when you’ve completed both A and B modules. Level 3 (20 weeks) 3A: Lower Intermediate (10 weeks) 3B: Lower Intermediate (10 weeks) Level 4 (20 weeks) 4A: Intermediate (10 weeks) 4B: Intermediate (10 weeks) Level 5 (20 weeks) 5A: Upper Intermediate (10 weeks) 5B: Upper Intermediate (10 weeks) Level 6 (20 weeks) 6A: Advanced (10 weeks) 6B: Advanced (10 weeks)

Modern Languages FAQs

FAQs: Modern Languages