Question

What is the difference between a course and a conversation workshop?

A course follows a structured progression and works on several skills: listening, speaking, vocabulary, grammar and communication.

A conversation workshop is a complementary session focused on oral practice. It helps you build spontaneity and confidence through guided situations and exchanges.

What languages do you teach?

Polyglobe offers French, English and Spanish courses in groups, as a duo or individually. Courses in other languages can also be arranged on request, primarily in individual or private format.

What course formats do you offer?

You can choose from several formats: group courses, private lessons, duo or small private group courses. We also offer conversation workshops, Coffee Language Circles, creative workshops and community events to practise languages in a different setting.

We help you find the format best suited to your level, your goals and your availability.

How many participants are in a group course?

Our group courses welcome a maximum of six participants. This small-group format gives everyone regular opportunities to speak, receive personalised support and progress in a friendly atmosphere.

What are the course schedules?

Depending on the language and format, courses may be offered in the morning, at lunchtime, in the afternoon, in the evening or on Saturdays.

Final schedules depend on open groups, levels and participants’ availability. When you submit your registration request, you can indicate all the time slots that suit you.

When can I start a course?

Private, duo and small private group lessons can generally start at any point during the year, depending on availability.

For group courses, joining depends on open groups and your level. If no suitable group is available, we can add you to a waiting list and contact you as soon as a group can be formed.

How many participants are needed to open a group?

A group course can open as soon as three participants of a compatible level have registered for the same time slot. Group size is capped at six people.

How do you determine my level?

Before you register, we assess your level using a questionnaire, a test and, if needed, a short oral exchange. This assessment allows us to place you in the most suitable course or group.

If you are a complete beginner in the language, no test is needed.

Can I register if I don’t know my level?

Yes. Simply select “I don’t know my level” in the form. We will then arrange an assessment to determine the most suitable option for you.

What teaching method do you use?

Our approach is action-based and communicative, centred on the real use of language. You learn to communicate in real situations from everyday, social and professional life.

At Polyglobe, learning goes beyond the classroom: you can also practise through workshops and build connections at our community events and meetups.

How do you track my progress?

Throughout your programme, your teacher regularly monitors your progress and adapts activities to your needs. You also receive feedback on what you have learned, your priorities and the next steps in your learning journey.

Can I prepare for an official exam at Polyglobe?

Yes. We offer personalised preparation for various official exams, including fide, DELF, DALF, DELE and IELTS, depending on the language, level and exam you are aiming for.

We are not an examination centre, but we support you in understanding the format of the tests, developing the required skills and preparing your exam strategy.

Can I take the fide exam at Polyglobe?

No. Polyglobe prepares candidates for the fide exam but is not an examination centre. We can, however, help you identify a session at an approved centre and prepare you for all parts of the assessment.

Do you offer an initial assessment before fide preparation?

Yes. An initial assessment is included in our fide preparation programmes. It can also be carried out separately at a rate of CHF 80.–.

If you subsequently enrol in the programme we recommend, this amount is deducted from the cost of your training.

How do I register?

You can start by filling in our online registration request form. This initial request is non-binding and allows us to understand your level, your goals and your availability.

We will then contact you to confirm the programme, schedule and rate. Your registration is finalised once the contract is signed and the agreed payment is made.

Does the registration form commit me definitively?

No. The online form is a non-binding registration request. It allows us to suggest a course suited to your profile.

Your place is confirmed only after the terms have been agreed, the registration contract has been signed and payment has been made in accordance with the agreed terms.

Do I have to commit for three months?

You have two options:

a four-week cycle, which offers greater flexibility;
a three-month learning programme, designed to ensure more consistent progress and including more continuous support.

At the end of the three months, you are free to end your programme or start a new one. Applicable terms and rates are communicated to you before you register.

Can I change format or schedule during my programme?

We review each request based on your situation and available places. A change of group, schedule or format is not automatic, but we always look for the most suitable solution when possible.

Do you offer a trial session before registering?

A trial session may be offered for certain group courses, subject to availability. Its terms depend on the course in question.

To help you choose, we can also arrange an information meeting and a level assessment before you register.

What happens if I miss a group session?

Missed group sessions are neither refunded nor deducted. You will, however, be able to consult any information or materials shared so that you can continue your learning.

If another group is working on compatible content, a catch-up may exceptionally be offered, subject to availability. This cannot, however, be guaranteed.

How do I cancel or reschedule a private lesson?

A private, duo or small private group lesson must be cancelled or rescheduled at least 48 hours in advance.

Beyond this deadline, the session is considered due, except in exceptional circumstances accepted by Polyglobe.

What happens if Polyglobe cancels a session?

If a session is cancelled by Polyglobe, it is rescheduled or credited. You therefore never lose a session due to a cancellation on our part.

What are the registration fees?

The one-off registration fee is CHF 75.–. It covers the general level assessment, the opening of your file and the setting up of your programme.

It does not apply to one-off activities or to a fide assessment carried out separately. It is charged only once, unless there is a prolonged interruption or specific conditions stated at the time of registration.

What payment methods do you accept?

Payments can be made by bank transfer, bank card, TWINT or cash. The applicable terms and due dates are stated on your invoice or registration contract.

Can I pay for my programme in instalments?

Instalment options depend on the duration and amount of the programme chosen. If a payment plan is available, the due dates are agreed and stated in the contract before the programme begins.

What is a Coffee Language Circle?

The Coffee Language Circle is a friendly 1h30 get-together dedicated to practising French, English or Spanish orally.

Each language has its own group and its own time slot. Conversation flows around varied topics in an informal atmosphere, and one drink is included.

Are the activities reserved for Polyglobe students?

Some activities are open to everyone, while others are reserved for enrolled students or offered at preferential rates.

The required level, language, rate and registration conditions are specified for each workshop or event.

Can I take part in a workshop without being enrolled in a regular course?

Yes, most of our workshops and events can be attended independently of a regular course, provided the indicated level requirement is met and places are available.