Easy Languages

Here you'll find information about our company and the practical aspects about linguistic exchanges and studying abroad. If you don't find the answers to your questions, don't hesitate to contact us.

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Why Easy Languages?

For more than 20 years, Easy Languages has organised linguistic exchanges and academic programmes abroad. Whatever your age, your goals, your personality or your budget, with us you'll find a quality programme at a reasonable price. Our international team uses their experience to help you make the right choice, all while respecting your budget.

History

In 1985, after 2 years spent at the International School of Interpreters in Mons, one year as a French language assistant in Vienna (Austria), and a summer as a tourist guide in Brussels for groups of American students, Alain Bertholet, the founder of the company, completed his studies in Applied Economic Sciences at FUCAM (Facultés universitaires catholiques de Mons, a programme equivalent to Paris's HEC).

His interest in linguistic exchanges developed partly during his travels, but mainly because of his numerous meetings with language teachers, who found themselves interested in the particularly atypical path which Alain was following. The enthusiasm, motivation, and innovation exhibited by Alain when developing the first trips abroad the following year made sure that these trips would be immediately popular among young people feeling the need to master a second language.

This project didn't stop growing until it became the leader of the Belgian market. Easy Languages was officially founded in 1992. 2011 marks the year of a considerably more expanded internationalisation, with notable developments in certain extra-European markets.

Our philosophy:

Whatever your destination or duration, all the formulas that we offer have something in common: all of our partners are well known and trustworthy, with guarantees for everything from housing, courses, to the organisation of the programmes in general. Moreover we believe that a trip abroad should be financially affordable and so we systematically research formulas and partners offering the best quality/price ratio. And our prices hide no nasty surprises in the small print: no administrative fees or extra supplements. We guarantee the best price: at Easy Languages, "what you see is what you pay".

Our strong points:

• More than 20 years of experience in arranging linguistic exchanges abroad
• The best prices regardless of destination. No hidden supplements such as additional enrolment fees.
• A multi-talented, multilingual team who are always available
• Trustworthy and experienced partners all over the world
• A customisable service adapted to any budget
• Holiday programmes offering supervision tailored to younger participants
• Gap Years - academic years abroad - in a wide range of languages and humanitarian or academic destinations

Our programmes

Our short-term or holiday programmes generally combine language learning and opportunities to explore the local culture, take part in sport activities, and relax. The courses are serious and focused primarily on oral practice, and the schools generally offer excursions and extra-curricular activities for interested students. And younger students benefit from supervision adapted to their age.

Our academic programmes offer officially recognised full-time course formulas, which gives the participant the status of a student and allows the parents to conserve any financial aid. The classes themselves leave plenty of free time for the students to make the most of cultural and leisure activities organised by the school, and to explore the local area by themselves.

Our schools

All of our partners are serious, committed institutions with whom we've been working for years. Their staff supervise the students and, if need be, take care of any issue which may arise.

We only work with schools possessing these characteristics:

• Internationally official recognition (British Council, Cervantes Institute)
• A limited number of pupils per class so that teachers may dedicate individual attention
• Modern facilities allowing efficient learning (library, internet access, etc.)
• Serious courses focusing on the practical, so as to fully benefit from immersion
• The possibility of preparing for international language exams (TOEFL, IELTS, DELE, etc.)
• Native speakers as teachers, specifically trained in teaching foreign languages
• Extra-curricular activities offered to allow students to explore local culture
• A sincere collaboration with host families with reliable and effective support
• A large availability for students
• A pleasant and relaxed atmosphere

Our families

Our host families are carefully selected by our partner institutions. In the majority of cases, the families are used to welcoming overseas students and do all they can to ensure their stay is perfect.

They are not necessarily traditional families of two parents with children, but are always open-minded and available people ready to welcome students from abroad, whatever the exact family situation. And in case of any problems, the local school - and Easy Languages - will be there to help you solve them.

Our rates: best prices guaranteed

Aware of the sometimes staggering differences in prices existing in the market for otherwise very similar services, we have systematically researched agreements with organisations offering the best price-quality ratio possible for every single programme, and wherever possible avoiding third-party involvement so as to deal with you directly. We are therefore well placed to offer you not only exceptionally organised exchanges, but also the best rates possible.

In this vein we systematically guarantee the lowest prices. We promise to reimburse you the difference if you manage to find the exact same linguistic programme with another agency for a better price. (For more details, consult the "Prices" section of our general conditions.)

Language Exams

TOEFL

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) evaluates the potential success of an individual to use and understand Standard American English at a college level. It is required for non-native applicants at many English-speaking colleges and universities. Additionally, institutions such as government agencies, businesses, or scholarship programmes may require this test. A TOEFL score is valid for two years.

The TOEFL is generally administered through a web-based interface, and is designed to test all four language competencies:

1. Reading : The reading section consists of 3–5 long passages and questions about the passages. Students answer questions about main ideas, details, inferences, sentence restatements, sentence insertion, vocabulary, function and overall ideas.
   
   
2. Listening : This section consists of six long passages and questions about the passages. The questions ask the students to determine main ideas, details, function, stance, inferences, and overall organisation.
   
   
3. Speaking : This section involves two types of tasks. In the first, students must answer opinion questions about some aspect of academic life. In the second, listening, and speaking tasks, students must read a passage, listen to a passage, and speak about how the ideas in the two passages are related. Test takers are expected to convey information, explain ideas, and defend opinions clearly, coherently, and accurately.
   
   
4. Writing : The writing section consists of two tasks. In the first, students must read an academic passage, listen to an academic passage, and write about how the ideas in the two passages are related. In the second, students must write a personal essay.
   
   

Our partner institutions in the United States and Canada, as well as Australia offer courses designed to prepare students for this test.

More information is available at :

http://www.ets.org/portal/site/ets/

TOEIC

Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) measures the ability of non-native English-speaking examinees to use English in everyday work activities.

The TOEIC test is a two-hour multiple-choice test that consists of 200 questions divided into 100 questions each in listening comprehension and reading comprehension. Each candidate receives independent marks for written and oral comprehension on a scale from 5 to 495 points. The total score adds up to a scale from 10 and 990 points. The TOEIC certificate exists in five colours, corresponding to achieved results: orange (10-215), brown (220-465), green (470-725), blue (730-855) and gold (860-990).

Our partner institutions in the United States and Canada, as well as Ireland and England offer courses designed to prepare students for this test.

For more information, see :

http://www.ets.org/toeic/

Cambridge Exams and IELTS

The University of Cambridge ESOL examinations are examinations in English language ability for non-native speakers of English. Cambridge ESOL is part of Cambridge Assessment, formerly known as the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES). Cambridge Assessment will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2008.

Cambridge ESOL examinations are taken by over 2 million learners in more than 130 countries each year. The exams cover general English, business English, academic English and English for young learners.

The most common exams are:

• First Certificate in English (FCE) : intermediate speakers
  
• Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) : more advanced speakers
  
• Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) : very advanced speakers
  
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) : to enter the British university system
  
  

For more information, see:

http://www.cambridgeesol.org/exams/

CNaVT

The CNaVT exam is the official international exam for Dutch as a foreign language.

It certifies that the candidate can speak, understand, read, and write Dutch in specific situations. The exam comprises 3 parts aimed at assessing listening comprehension, reading and writing skills, and oral ability.

The CNaVT has established 6 different exam profiles:

• Profile Tourist and Informal Language Proficiency (PTIT)
• Profile Language Proficiency Practical Professions (PTPB)
• Profile Societal Language Proficiency (PMT)
• Profile Professional Language Proficiency (PPT)
• Profile Language Proficiency Higher Education (PTHO)
• Profile Academic Language Proficiency (PAT)

Our partner schools in Breda and Antwerp can prepare students wishing to take these exams.

For more information, consult their website: www.cnavt.org

DELF and DALF

The Diploma in French Language Studies (known in French as the Diplôme d’études en langue française, or DELF) is a certification of French-language abilities for non-native speakers of French, administered by France’s International Centre for Pedagogical Studies (Centre international d’études pédagogiques, or CIEP) for the country’s Ministry of Education. It is composed of four independent diplomas corresponding to the first four levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, A1, A2, B1 and B2.

The Diploma of Advanced French Language Studies (known in French as the Diplôme approfondi de langue française, or DALF) is a certification of French-language abilities for non-native speakers of French administered by France’s International Centre of Pedagogical Studies (Centre international d’études pédagogiques, or CIEP) for the country’s Ministry of Education. It is composed of two independent diplomas corresponding to the top two levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, C1 and C2.

For more information, see :

http://www.ciep.fr/en/delfdalf/

DELE

The Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera (DELE), are official diplomas issued by the Spanish Instituto Cervantes and the Spanish Ministry of Education to participants who pass a standardized test.

The DELE exists in three levels:

• Diploma de Español (Nivel Inicial)
• Diploma de Español (Nivel Intermedio)
• Diploma de Español (Nivel Superior)

Each level corresponds to a certain level described by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

All of our partner institutions in Spain offer courses designed to prepare students for the DELE

For more information, see :

http://diplomas.cervantes.es

TestDaf and DSH

Our partner schools in Germany can prepare students for the DSH and TestDaf exams, which allows entry into higher education. They are also test centres for the TestDaf exam itself.

The TestDaf is now the most recognised and asked for language exam both in Germany and worldwide. It features four parts: reading comprehension, listening compression, written expression, and spoken expression.

It's arranged six times per year on fixed dates, and tests linguistic abilities from levels B2 to C1.

The DSH (German acronym for Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang) is a language proficiency test required to study at German higher education institutions. It consists of a written and an oral examination, and passing the written part is prerequisite for the oral portion of the test. Students are allowed to use a German–German dictionary during the written examinations, and repeat any portion of the test once.

For more information, see :

http://www.goethe.de/enindex.htm

TRKI

The TRKIs are the official certifications of the Minister of Education of the Russian Federation. Our partner institutions prepare students for the following exams:

• TBOU:
  Certification of Elementary Russian : good grammatical competences in the language as well as the ability to communicate in simple social and cultural environments.
• TRKI – 1:
  Certificate of Intermediate Russian : This certificate is a prerequisite for entry into Russian universities.
• TRKI – 2:
  Certificate of Advanced Intermediate Russian : This certificate is necessary to obtain a university degree in Russian Universities.

Our partner school in Russia (Moscow and St. Petersburg) offer preparation for theses exams.

Terms and Conditions

Easy Languages is a Belgian language travel agency with its head office in Brussels. Easy Languages follows Belgian legislation concerning travel agencies. In accordance with law, Easy Languages is authorized to organise trips and to offer trips as an intermediary. We adhere to la Commission de Litiges Voyages asbl. All our programmes are covered by insolvency insurance (a European company) which protects customers in the case of bankruptcy or insolvency of the organisation. The clauses written below represent the specific conditions of our organisation. Enrolling in one of our programmes implies the understanding and acceptance of the terms and conditions laid out in full here.

Terms of enrolment and payment

1.1 General terms of payment

Enrolments and payment deadlines

1. By enrolled, you accept the general conditions of Easy Languages. Enrolment can be sent by mail, fax or e-mail via our enrolment form which is downloadable via our site or available in our brochure. For stays in a host family for 12 weeks or longer, please include (or send via email) a letter of introduction in the target language including three photos with descriptive captions as well as two passport photos.
2. After receiving your form, we will send you a confirmation of receipt and an invoice. Confirmation of your enrolment on the course will not be fully confirmed until we have received a deposit of €250 (stays of 1 to 3 weeks) or of €1000 (stays of 4 weeks or longer) + travel costs if requested. The enrolment will be valid and confirmed, and the conditions of the stay will be considered understood and accepted by the participant from the reception of the confirmation and the payment of the initial deposit.
3. For a stay of 1 to 11 weeks, the balance and all related fees should be paid no later than 6 weeks before departure (please see the terms of point 1.b if your stay is 12 weeks or longer). If a participant enrols less than 6 weeks before the date of departure, the balance should be paid in the week after the receipt of the invoice, or immediately, if the departure is within a fortnight.
4. We undertake the enrolment with the school, the reservation of travel (if selected), the organisation of transfers (optional, upon request) et accommodation, as well as all other related services (for example assistance in obtaining a visa) without additional administrative fees. In the fortnight before departure, and only after the payment of the complete balance of the stay, you will receive the details of your host family or information concerning your residence , practical information about the town, important contacts, what to bring, etc, and if applicable, the details of reserved transportation.

Type of payment

We accept payments by cash, bank transfer or credit card (Mastercard or Visa). Payments are received by the head office in Brussels. In the case of credit card payments a 3% card processing and handling fee is added. It is possible to pay only the deposit by credit card, and the rest of the balance by bank transfer.

Late Enrolments

Late enrolments (between 03/06 and 05/09 - less than 4 weeks before departure; rest of the year - less than 2 weeks before departure) are accepted depending on availability. In cases where the desired programme is no longer available, we will highlight other equivalent options. In the case of late enrolments, the full amount should be paid immediately. A late fee of €70 will be added if a visa is necessary in order to cover the express mail courier fees. The accommodation address and other useful information will be given to you before departure by telephone, fax or e-mail.

1.2 Terms of payment for stays of longer than 12 weeks

Balance:

Except by contrary indication on your confirmation or by individual arrangement, the balance of the programme is settled through 3 installments as follows: for departures between June and October: the 15th of January, 15th of March and 15th of May before departure. For departures between November and May: the 15th of June, 15th of September and 15th of December before departure. The balance can be settled in one single payment in the case of sums lower than €3000.
The final balance of each stay is due at the very latest 8 weeks before departure. In the case of a late enrolment (less than 8 weeks before departure), the balance is due immediately. The documents and details of the stay are sent after the full balance has been paid.

On-site Accommodation fees:

For the enrolment in classes, the travel and the insurance, the payment is made in advance, as well as for the entire or partial booking of accommodation. For certain programmes, accommodation fees can be paid directly during the stay, to the host family or the local accommodation officer, by arrangement with the hosts. The participant is therefore free to discontinue their accommodation by forfeiting their deposit or by giving advanced notice (generally 2 to 4 weeks). These terms will be further defined upon enrolment.

English Interview before full confirmation

For stays which require an interview in English (High School, academic stays, etc), a sum of €70 is payable at the very latest on the day of the interview if no deposit has already been paid. This fee is not reimbursable and is deducted from the balance in once the student is fully enrolled upon the programme.

2. Prices of stays: best price guarantee and prices in other currencies

For all stays of 4 weeks or longer, if during the 15 days after your enrolment you find exactly the same programme including exactly the same features for the same dates (same school, same town, same course, same accommodation and same duration) offered by a different language travel agent, from the agency’s official catalogue in the same currency (this excludes all promotional offers, internet promotions or individualized offers) at a lower price than at Easy Languages, we will reimburse the difference. This guarantee is also valid for all Individual Home Stay (private teacher) programmes, and includes stays of a one-to-three week duration.

Prices for stays outside the European Union (USA – Canada – Australia – New Zealand)

Easy Languages offers you complete transparency when it comes to prices, by avoiding including the fees connected to exchange rates and working with original currencies where possible (except Junior programmes whose rates are fixed in euros). Our prices for these destinations are therefore closed, defined and are expressed in dollars (American, Australian, Canadian or New Zealand, depending on your destination) which becomes the currency of reference for the cost of your stay.

You have the choice between:

• Paying in dollars the sum that is featured in our price tables (by bank transfer or credit card to our specific account noted in the confirmation and invoice we send you, with the symbol $). This sum does not fluctuate before departure.
• Paying the sum at an equivalent figure using the day’s currency in Euros. This sum will be fixed if the total amount is paid in one installment within 10 days following the dispatch of our confirmation and invoice (email or fax). Beyond this time it could vary (rising or falling). In this case, we will send you another calculation from the receipt of the balance.

Payments that are made in another currency other than the reference currency will be increase by 4%. If the prices of the stay to be paid in several installments, these installments must be made in the same currency.

Validity

The prices are valid for the year in which the participant began their enrolment. If a participant enrols for a departure in the following year, the price are guaranteed if the prices are paid in full before the 15th of November of the current year.

Discounts

1. Family and loyalty discount for the 2nd inscription (and any more thereafter) per family in the same residence
2. Minigroup discount when 3 or more participants enrol together for the same programme. This reduction is cumulative with the previous discount.

The rate for these two discounts vary according to the duration of your stay:

• €15 (stays of 2 to 4 weeks)
• €25 (stays of 5 to 11 weeks)
• €75 (stays of 12 weeks or more)
  
  

3. Travel and Programme Organisation

Travel Documents

All participants are assumed to have arranged travel documents. For nationals of European Union members, identity card is sufficient for stays within Europe. A passport and a visa are necessary in principal for stays outside Europe. You will receive the necessary documents for obtaining a visa once the deposit has been paid. Please take care to make sure that give yourself enough time to complete the visa and passport processes – these can take several weeks. No reimbursement of the programme is possible in cases where the visa is refused or the visa process was not completed on time, except for those who have taken out a cancellation guarantee with us (see point 4 for the conditions of reimbursement).

Transport

Our ‘travel agency’ department (licence A5034) is in charge of the organisation of transport and tickets if you have asked us to arrange it, or if this service is a part of the programme reserved. We are not responsible for cases of services running late, accidents, strikes, loss, or other travel service related incidents (including bus, ferry, railway or airline services). We will however intervene in order to limit the consequences that these events can cause. The additional fees arising from these unforeseen events remain completely the responsibility of the participants.

Arrangements of the school of the college

The participant will make sure they understand and respect the rules of the place of study that they are attending, particularly regarding attendance (compulsory) of all lessons and punctuality. Participants are not allowed to miss lessons, except by the permission of the centre’s director for medical or other extreme circumstances.

Dates of programme, timetable and duration of lessons

By default and unless otherwise mentioned, stays run from Sunday to Saturday. In the case of arrival before or after these dates, fees for additional nights will be added. If the reserved programme includes a transfer only on fixed dates, transfer fees could also be increased. Lessons can take place in the morning or the afternoon depending on the language level of the participants and the specific course type. The duration of lessons is specified in minutes in every programme description. Each class is generally somewhere between 40 and 60 minutes of teaching (the most common duration is 45 minutes). Attendance of all classes is compulsory.

Vacations and public holidays

Classes do not take place during official holidays in the host country (list available upon request). Except from individual lessons and Individual Home Stay (private teacher) programmes, these lessons will be neither rescheduled nor reimbursed.

Host family accommodation

Host families are not necessarily ‘traditional’ families: all type of families (traditional families, remarried families, retired couples, single parents, etc) can host our students. The description of the family and/or the accommodation given before departure is for information only, and is not contractual.

Age of participants

The ages mentioned in the brochure are for information only. A younger or older participant could be allowed to participate in a programme depending on their motivation and/or places available.

Problems and disputes arising during the stay

In the case of any problems during the stay, the participant should without hesitation inform our office in Brussels and the local coordinator, so that we are able to investigate and intervene immediately. If a problem arises which cannot be resolved on-site, all information regarding the complaint should be sent to us by post in the 15 days following the discovery of a point which could be contentious. In the case of serious disputes, only the courts of Brussels or Namur are capable of addressing the issues.

Student Status

For all stays, if the occasion arises, the participant retains student status and is enrolled full time in a fully established teaching institution. Easy Languages can send participants, by request, a certificate that may allow them to receive family allowance, for Belgian residents in particular.

On-site changes to the programme

If after arrival, the academic or linguistic level of a participant is confirmed to be wrongly allocated, the academic management and/or Easy Languages reserve the right to direct the enrolment to a more appropriate programme, without compensation or reimbursement. The possible difference in prices between an old and new programme, including supplementary language lessons if necessary, will then be the responsibility of the participant.

4. Changing programme and Cancellation

4.1 Changing a reservation

Before departure:

For each change of the reservation before departure, we will factor in a minimum fee of €70 (except for an extension of the duration of the course or of the number of hours of lessons). A change of school before the departure is considered like a cancellation.

During the stay:

A change of school during the stay is considered the same as a cancellation. Once the stay has commenced, no reimbursement will be accorded for an early return home, either voluntarily decided upon, or as a result of expulsion. In the case of an early end to the programme due to exceptional circumstances, and only after written agreement with the local and Belgian management, the only reimbursement or credit notes that will be dispensed will be for the remaining complete months, and could be subject to administrative fees. For all other changes in courses and the programme (type of accommodation, intensity of lessons, etc), please contact our head office in Brussels.

Extension of a programme:

All requests for an extension of the programme will be accepted according to availability and without alteration fees, but will be confirmed at the normal rates, rather than at the derived ‘supplementary week’ rate. Any arising alternation fees for travel remain the responsibility of the participant.

Changing transportation:

For all travel reserved by Easy Languages, in the case of a change in reservation after the confirmation of tickets, alteration or cancellation fees for plane or train tickets will be calculated.

4.2 Cancellation by the participant

All cancellations by the participant should be notified by mail or by email, and will lead to cancellation fees. The date from which the fees due will be calculated will be from the next working day following the date that the letter or email is received.
If the cancellation also concerns a travel reservation, the amount charged will not be reimbursable in any case, and will not be covered by the optional cancellation guarantee. The sum for insurances and guarantees contracted with Easy Languages will remain owed to the company.

Cancellation of the whole language programme:

• More than 45 days before departure: 100% of the deposit
• Between 45 and 20 days before departure: 30% of the total sum of the programme (or the sum of the deposit if this is more)
• Between 19 and 8 days before departure: 60% of the total sum of the programme
• Between 7 and 5 days before departure: 80% of the total sum of the programme
• Less than 5 days before departure : 100% of the total sum of the programme

Cancellation of academic programmes

The following conditions for cancellation are applicable to all programmes which include academic classes for all or part of the programme (High School, UK College, American College or University, etc). Once the deposit has been paid, and after the checks for language / academic level have been passed, Easy Languages will send a more comprehensive enrolment file which will need to be completed and sent back before an arranged deadline. If this file is not sent back before the deadline, the enrolment is cancelled. A conventional cancellation fee equal to the deposit will be owed to Easy Languages to cover the administrative and document fees.

In the case of cancellation by the participant after the Easy Languages has received the enrolment file, the contract is considered rightfully terminated. A conventional and unalterable cancellation fee will be owed to Easy Languages by the participant.

• More than 180 days before the departure : 20% of the total sum of the programme
• Between 180 and 46 days before departure : 50% of the total sum of the programme
• Between 45 and 15 days before departure : 80% of the total sum of the programme
• Less than 15 days before departure : 100% of the total sum of the programme

Cancellation due to a second exam sitting

At the exception of a sum of €50 to cover administrative fees, the entirety of the programme fees (except for transport) will be reimbursed, as long as an official confirmation of results is provided to us within 2 days following the posting of results. This clause is valid for programmes in Europe from the 14th of July until the 31st of August.

Cancellation Guarantee

You are able to purchase a cancellation guarantee which will cover a participant who has to cancel their programme before departure due to serious illness who has been ordered to stay in bed by a doctor, or has had an accident, or has failed at school (see our page Insurance and Guarantees for full information).

4.3 Cancellation by Easy Languages

In the event of cancellation of a programme on our part, the entirety of the amount charged will be reimbursed and a credit note of €100 valid for all other programmes will be awarded, with the exclusion of all other compensation.

5. Responsibilities of the participant and Easy Languages

5.1 Responsibility of the participant

• All participants are expected to have arranged travel documents. See our point about Travel Documents.
• All participants are expected to have arranged adequate insurance (medical feels, civil responsibility…)
• All participants are responsible for their travel documents and are obliged to arrive on time at the arranged meeting. For all stays, Easy Languages takes no responsibility for lost or stolen luggage including accidents taking place during the stay. Participants are expected to thoroughly respect the laws and rules of caution which are implied in such a stay – particularly when going out at night and travelling.
• All participants should follow the rules of the programme or the language stay. All serious or repeated poor behavior which goes against the spirit of the programme, including prejudice against the school, the host family, or the organisation, or necessitating the intervention of the local police, will result in the immediate expulsion and return of the participant to their home country, at the expense of the participant, and without any compensation for the remaining uncompleted part of their stay.

5.2 Responsibility of Easy Languages

• Easy Languages reserves the right to refuse an enrolment or to expel a participant if their behavior has a detrimental effect on the functioning of a programme, if they go against the rules of the institution or if they infringe upon the laws of the host country. All related fees (return travel, fines, etc) are the responsibility of the participant or of their parents if the occasion arises. The participant and their parents are also held responsible for all damages or losses incurred during their stay.
• Easy Languages reserves the right to refuse an enrolment or to immediately expel all participants who present a medical or mental condition not already notified in writing at enrolment and which requires specific treatment and routine follow-up.
• Easy Languages cannot be held responsible for being unable to ensure the continued provision of the service initially arranged in the case of failure of its service providers, serious conflicts or troubles outside its control. Easy Languages cannot be held responsible for losses, damages suffered to the person or goods of the person regardless of the cause. Only the responsibility of the service provider (school, airline company…) can be addressed.
• Easy Languages reserves the right to change pre-notification the contents of its catalogue and its chosen service providers.
• Easy Languages reserves the right to keep and/or use promotionally the testimonials and photographs that are taken from within its partner schools or during a language stay. Personal information contained in the application file will remain completely confidential, as in accordance with law.

6. Special Conditions for underage participants and accompanied programmes

Lateness or Loss of Documents

In the case of lateness on the participant’s side which prevents them from taking part in an activity or an organised trip, no reimbursement or compensation will be given. In the case of lateness or loss of tickets or other events which prevent the a underage participant from completing their return trip on the date organised, the responsibility of Easy Languages beyond the duration of the reserved programme is limited to informing the parents or, in the case of absence, the emergency contacts indicated on the enrolment form. These will have the choice of either intervening personally or asking the organisation to intervene. In this second case, the organisation will fully assist the participant, for example in arranging a new return ticket, after which the supplementary fees for accommodation/meals/travel/communication and other possible fees will be charged to the guardians of the underage participant and will be paid in full.

The responsibilities of the participants, the group leaders, the host families and the organisation

During supervised stays in Bournemouth, the role of the group leaders consists of supervising the trip, organising the activities and promptly aiding participants in the event of problems. The participants are generally placed in host families – neither the group leaders nor the organisation have a measure of control over the comings and goings of individual participants or are able to monitor their journeys or what they do when they go out, outside the organised activities. We require that participants, particularly underage participants, who enrol in our programmes to show sufficient maturity and self-discipline especially regarding curfews as well as politeness and courtesy towards the host family.

Underage participants

For evenings out, we anticipate the following times of arrival back at the host family: Under 15 years old : no individual evenings out allowed; 15 – 16 years old : return home 22.30 at the latest; 17 years and over : return at 23.30 at the latest.

We insist that participants stay with their host family or residence in the evening. If you would like a different arrangement we ask that you communicate your request in writing before departure : the internal rules of the host family/residence will always be prioritized in the case of late nights out authorized by biological parents. We repeat these agreements to participants during the group travel at Easter and in the summer and relate to the parents all indications of violations of this agreement which we will also pass onto the school or the host family, so that they can intervene directly with the participant concerned.

For Junior programmes: unaccompanied nights out are not allowed, and all evenings are spent with the host family or at the school. Outside Europe, unaccompanied nights out for underage participants are not allowed, except when participating in an organised activity within a supervised group.

7. Insurance and guarantees

To complement your existing insurance, we offer the following additional coverages:

Cancellation Guarantee

For all our stays, you can purchase an optional cancellation guarantee with Easy Languages. The cancellation guarantee amounts to 3% of the total sum of the programme for stays of 12 weeks or more, and 4% of the total sum of the programme for stays of less than 12 weeks. If you wish to purchase this guarantee, you should sign up for it at the time of enrolment. This guarantee applies to the total fees of the programme, with only the exclusion of travel. It covers the insured person who has to cancel their programme before departure due to serious illness (with medical authority advising bed rest), accident, exam resits, and visa refusal. In the case of an event causing cancellation, the participant must inform the organiser in writing within 3 days, and submit the required supporting evidence. In the case of cancellation supported by a medical certificate, the company reserves the right to request a medical exam of the insured participant.

If the cancellation guarantee becomes applicable, the sum of the stay is reimbursed. The reimbursement will be made exclusively by bank transfer into an indicated account, minus the deductible (€90 for stays of less than 12 weeks and €1000 for stays 12 weeks or longer) and minus initial fee paid to purchase the guarantee. For programmes outside Europe, for cancellations due to visa refusal, and for the stays more than 4 weeks long, the deductible shall be the amount of the deposit. For other programmes the non-reimbursable deductible will amount to €90.

For stays which require a student visa, the guarantee covers the non-deliverance of the visa. In case of visa refusal, the letter of the school (original) and evidence of refusal should be sent to us by registered post, mentioning your full details for the reimbursement. The reimbursement will be made by bank transfer to the account given, minus the deductible of €400 and the sum paid to purchase the guarantee.

Additional medical insurance (Europ Assistance)

All participants are held responsible for ensuring they have sufficient travel insurance which covers medical fees, repatriation costs and accident coverage. If you do not currently have such insurance, Easy Language can offer you a complete insurance covering illness, accidents, hospitalization, repatriation, etc.

In Europe, citizens of the EU are covered by social security and the school staff are at your disposal if you need to consult a doctor or a dentist. Your insurance company or your social security organisation will send you the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

For programmes outside the EU, participants should take out medical and accident insurance and repatriation insurance. For programmes within the EU, this complementary coverage is optional. Our Europ-Assistance policy covers residents of Belgium, France (metropolitan areas), the Schengen area and Switzerland under the following conditions:

• Participants who are residents of Belgium: Stay in Europe*: €2 per day; stay outside Europe: €4 per day, capped at €180. If the cap is reached, coverage is available for 12 months for each stay at a maximum of 6 consecutive months. Extra month: €75.
• Participants who are residents of France (metropole), Switzerland and the Schengen area (except Belgium): Stay in Europe*: €2 per day; stay outside Europe: €4 per day, capped at €280. If the cap is reached, coverage is available for 12 months for each stay at a maximum of 6 consecutive months. Extra month: €75.
  
  *Europe: Andorra, Austria, the Balearic Islands, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyrus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Spain (except the Canary Islands), Estonia, Finland, France (except overseas), Germany, Gibraltar, Greece (and its islands), Hungary, Ireland, Italy (and its islands), Latvia, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Macedonia, Malta, Monaco, Norway, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal (except Azores and Madeira), Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, Vatican City.

Medical Insurance for Australia

Students who are participating in programmes in Ausralia with a student visa should purchase a special medical insurance for foreign students. The amount of this “Overseas Student Health Cover” varies according to the length of the stay.

Language Levels

So, you would like to start a language programme but aren't really sure what your current level is? Refer to the list below to get a better idea of what your level might be. The CEFR levels are in parentheses. More about CEFR levels can be found here.

Level 1: Beginner (A1.1) = You can speak and understand the language in a very limited way or you have not attended any course yet.

Level 2: Elementary (A1.2) = You can understand the language used in everyday situations if the speaker speaks slowly and clearly. You understand and use straightforward sentences. Improve by developing your listening and vocabulary.

Level 3: Pre-intermediate (A2) = You can communicate in a range of everyday social and travel contexts. Improve by developing your speaking, grammar and vocabulary.

Level 4: Intermediate (B1) = You can speak the language in an understandable and consistent way with some confidence. Improve by developing your fluency, your understanding of grammar and by widening your vocabulary.

Level 5: Upper-intermediate (B2) = You can use the language effectively and express yourself precisely. Improve by learning to discuss, argue and express option in a culturally acceptable way. Refine your use of grammar and vocabulary.

Level 6: Advanced (C1) = You can use the language in a range of culturally appropriate ways. You can understand various and spontaneous topics. Improve by extending your vocabulary and refining your use of style and register.

Level 7: Proficient (C2) = You can use the language with ease and fluency by arguing tricky topics. Improve by increasing your understanding of the nuances of the language and engaging in independent reading to develop your vocabulary further.

School Holidays

School Holidays (Belgium) 2011-2013

• School Year 2011 - 2012
  • French Community Holiday : 27/9
  • All Saint's : 31/10 - 4/11
  • Armistice day 11/11
  • Christmas : 26/12 - 6/1
  • Carnaval : 20/2 - 24/2
  • Easter : 2/4 - 13/4
  • Labour Day : 1/5
  • Ascension : 17/5
  • Pentecost : 28/5
• School Year 2012 - 2013
  • French Community Holiday : 27/9
    
  • All Saint's : 29/10 - 2/11
  • Armistice day du 11/11
  • Christmas : 24/12 - 4/1
  • Carnaval : 11/2 - 15/2
  • Easter : 1/4 - 12/4
  • Labour Day : 1/5
  • Ascension : 9/5
  • Pentecost : 20/5
    
    

School Holidays (France)

Zone A : Caen, Clermont-Ferrand, Grenoble, Lyon, Montpellier, Nancy-Metz, Nantes, Rennes, Toulouse

Zone B : Aix-Marseille, Amiens, Besançon, Dijon, Lille, Limoges, Nice, Orléans-Tours, Poitiers, Reims, Rouen, Strasbourg

Zone C : Bordeaux, Créteil, Paris, Versailles

• All Saint's
  • Zone A : Saturday 22/10/2011 - Thursday 03/11/2011
  • Zone B : Saturday 22/10/2011 - Thursday 03/11/2011
  • Zone C : Saturday 22/10/2011 - Thursday 03/11/2011
• Christmas
  • Zone A : Saturday 17/12/2011 - Monday 03/01/2012
  • Zone B : Saturday 17/12/2011 - Monday 03/01/2012
  • Zone C : Saturday 17/12/2011 - Monday 03/01/2012
• Winter
  • Zone A : Saturday 11/02/2012 - Monday 27/02/2012
  • Zone B : Saturday 25/02/2012 - Monday 12/03/2012
  • Zone C : Saturday 18/02/2012 - Monday 05/03/2012
• Spring
  • Zone A : Saturday 07/04/2012 - Monday 23/04/2012
  • Zone B : Saturday 21/04/2012 - Monday 07/05/2012
  • Zone C : Saturday 14/04/2012 - Tuesday 30/04/2012
• Summer
  • Zone A : Thursday 05/07/2012 - Tuesday 04/09/2012
  • Zone B : Thursday 05/07/2012 - Tuesday 04/09/2012
  • Zone C : Thursday 05/07/2012 - Tuesday 04/09/2012
    
    

South Australian Public holidays 2011 - 2013

• Holiday 2011, 2012, 2013
  • New Year’s Day
    • 2011 : Mon 3 Jan
    • 2012 : Mon 2 Jan
    • 2013 : Tue 1 Jan
  • Australia Day
    • 2011 : Wed 26 Jan
    • 2012 : Thu 26 Jan
    • 2013 : Mon 28 Jan
  • Adelaide Cup
    • 2011 : Mon 14 Mar
    • 2012 : Mon 12 Mar **
    • 2013 : Mon 11 Mar **
  • Good Friday
    • 2011 : Fri 22 Apr
    • 2012 : Fri 6 Apr
    • 2013 : Fri 29 Mar
  • The day after Good Friday
    • 2011 : Sat 23 Apr
    • 2012 :Sat 7 Apr
    • 2013 : Sat 30 Mar
  • Easter Monday
    • 2011 : Mon 25 Apr
    • 2012 : Mon 9 Apr
    • 2013 : Mon 1 Apr
  • Anzac Day
    • 2011 : Mon 25 Apr
    • 2012 : Wed 25 Apr
    • 2013 : Thu 25 Apr
  • Queen’s Birthday - Volunteer’s Day
    • 2011 : Mon 13 Jun
    • 2012 : Mon 11 Jun
    • 2013 : Mon 10 Jun
  • Labour Day
    • 2011 : Mon 3 Oct
    • 2012 : Mon 1 Oct
    • 2013 : Mon 7 Oct
  • Christmas Day
    • 2011 : Mon 26 Dec
    • 2012 : Tue 25 Dec
    • 2013 : Wed 25 Dec
  • Proclamation Day
    • 2011 : Tue 27 Dec
    • 2012 : Wed 26 Dec
    • 2013 : Thu 26 Dec

  ** Subject to formal proclamation (Section 5, Holidays Act 1915)