Frequently asked questions
Are there any courses for absolute beginners?
Yes, absolutely. Register with our school and after one month, you will already be able to make yourself understood in certain everyday situations.
How many students are assigned to each group language course?
For quality reasons the maximum number of students admitted per course is 5 for online learning and 6 is the maximum for in-class learning..
What is the minimum number of students?
The minimum class size is 3 students.
What if there are only 2 of us?
For 2 people only there is a course called ‘Twins’. See our course options.
What if I do not feel like studying alone nor in a group?
Golden middle way is to study in two (look for ‘Twins’ course) and spend a great time with your friend or a colleague.
When do the courses start?
Our courses start all year round.
Are the teachers native speakers?
We hire native speaking teachers only to enhance the quality of our language courses.
Is the school in the centre?
Yes, our school is located in the very heart of Bratislava city center.
Is English spoken at these courses?
An occasional explanation or vocabulary term may be explained in English. However, the most effective way to learn or improve your language skills is through complete immersion in the language. Our teachers are used to teaching – and making themselves understood by – students who may have little or no prior knowledge of the language. Our teachers speak other languages such as English, Spanish or Italian.
Do I need a course book?
Yes, all students need a course book to accompany their course. Course books are not included in the course fees. Students are asked to purchase one before the course starts either via our school, if there are any books available, or via any other reseller. We will advise which course book is suitable. The school does not lend any course books. Please note that a course book often covers more than one level. So if you progress to the next course, you may not necessarily need to buy a new book. We will advise you once a new course book is needed again.
What do I do if I am going to miss a lesson during the course?
If you are unable to attend a lesson, please send a message to your teacher or write an email to the school so we are informed about it. After the lesson ask your teacher regarding the missed lesson and any homework set. In the interests of course continuity, please note you will not be able to take an alternative lesson with another class.
Online class is recorded for you.
How do I know what level I am?
There are two ways to find out. Give us a call or set a meeting with one of our teachers. It will only take a couple of minutes to know.
What is the registration and payment system?
Once the school and a student agree upon an appropriate course, the student will be asked to email us
their personal data and pay the deposit of 50% in order to formally register and have their place in the
course granted before the course starts. The student will receive an invoice from the school after the
registration.
The deposit must be paid latest 7 days (or earlier) before the start of the course in order to secure the
placement in the course. The balance of the course fee must be paid after the first lesson.
What if I get sick during my course?
If you cannot attend classes because of illness, we cannot compensate you in any way or form. However, you can contact the school to get information on what you have missed in class and keep up by studying at home. If you cannot continue in the class when you are well again, then we will try to find a placement for you with another class.
What sort of social events are organized for students?
Once you have chosen Slovakia for work, for love or for life, we would like to help you integrate better and help you to know it the way we do. We organize a variety of events such as weekend getaways around Slovakia with cultural and language programmes, lunches, wine/cheese tastings, drinks, cooking lessons, etc.
If I learn faster can I move on to the next level?
Yes, talk to your teacher who will help you decide.
Can I try a lesson before I decide to enroll?
We are confident that you are going to enjoy our classes. No trial lessons are needed.
However, we offer trial class. See: https://slovakfriends.com/free-lesson/
If objectively things go wrong during the class and you are not happy about it, please, contact the registration office by email
or phone.
Does the school provide official certificates of Slovak Language?
Slovak Friends provides no official certificates or Slovak Language Certificate Exams.
Our confirmation of attendance may be made for any student upon request if the student’s attendance is more than 80%.
Do you prepare students for Slovak Language Certificate Exams?
Our teachers can get students ready for the official state exam but they will need to register and submit an application with the Unit of language and preparatory studies at Comenius University Bratislava.