Questions and Answers
I’m confused, as well. Are these perhaps considered 6 hours of semi-private tutoring?
Hi Danielle:
Thanks for your question, and I’m happy to help. I know it may seem a bit less clear than other deals (but intriguing, we hope!), so we created a page on our website to help guide folks a bit: link text.
One option is to register for a program we created just for Groupon: an introductory Spanish class that will be taught Jan. 12/14 (Tuesday/Thursday) from 6-9pm and will include Spanish communication basics to help you navigate your neighborhood or next Latin American vacation (I’m actually on vacation in Mexico as I type). Click here for more: link text. And if there’s demand, we can offer additional dates and languages.
Another option is to attend Day 1 of our two-day Spanish Bilingual Boot Camp (link text).
As far as our 9-week courses, what would make the most sense is to register for a class and start from the beginning (our upcoming schedule starts the week of January 18th). If, after six hours of class (and the 30-minute private session, whenever you’d like to schedule it), you want to continue, you can enroll for the remainder of the course. If not, you walk away with some great language and cultural understanding that you didn’t have before.
For our kids’ classes, since they’re non-sequential (you can learn colors without having learned animals), there’s more flexibility when it comes attendance, but regardless, we’re very flexible about how this deal can be applied.
We’ll be checking the discussion board throughout the day tomorrow, and someone will be in the office tomorrow to answer the phone if you want to talk through your particular interests relative to the deal. Please also feel free to visit our website for more information (link text) on our programs and who we are.
I hope this is helpful, and I’ll hope to see you around Multilingual Chicago!
All the best,
Jill Bishop
Founder & President
Hi JJ:
Our standard group classes are limited to 8 students, and this deal applies to any of our classes (adults/kids, beginner/intermediate, heritage speakers, etc.). As I mentioned in my response to Danielle, we also created a special event, a Groupon-specific Spanish class, that is 6 hours in length (see our website for more details link text). For special event classes like this, we allow up to 20 students per session.
In addition to 6 hours of group language classes, you are also entitled to a 30-minute private tutoring session. Some people may want to start with this to overcome fears that began in 10th grade, while others may want it mid-way through or at the end. We’re flexible, as we very much want this deal to work for you.
Please keep the questions coming, but I hope this helps!
Thanks,
Jill
And apologies – I know realize how to use the “link text” formatting tip! Please visit the Groupon page on our website for more information on this deal!
Someone just contacted us asking if we’d be willing to do a 6-hour Groupon Special Class for languages other than Spanish, and the answer is yes! If enough people want Mandarin, French or Italian (or other languages, for that matter), we’d be happy to put together what we’d call a “mini-Boot Camp” (10am-4pm on a Sunday, for example) or hold it over two weekday evenings.
When you’re a new-ish small business, flexibility is key, so let us know what you want – and even better, help us recruit some others! – and we’ll do our best to make it happen!
Thanks,
Jill
The age-old question . . . how much time outside of class is recommended? I understand the “use it or lose it” end of it, but if you are a linquistic idiot, how much time would said “idiot” need to put into any given series of classes outside of the class? I currently work fulltime and go to school, so time is limited. However, I have ALWAYS believed that Spanish is a necessity and I need to learn a bit more than isolated words. Please advise. Thanks.
PERFECT timing! I went to the special “Groupon page” on their site and it’s very clear what this Groupon entails. I’m going to El Salvador next month and was researching Chi language schools yesterday.
Hi Cathy:
I wish I had an easy answer for you about how much time you need to spend outside – whether you’re a linguistic idiot or not. The best answer is as much time as you can; however, there’s a little something called “real life” that tends to get in the way.
What I would recommend for you at this point is our Groupon Special Spanish class, which is designed to give you the basics in six hours over two evenings (Tues/Thurs Jan 12/14 from 6-9) without too much focus on grammar. The deal also includes a 30-minute private session, so you can work on reinforcing certain topics or learn some vocab that would be particularly beneficial.
As for the 6-hour program, if there’s enough demand for it as a result of this deal, we’ll happily create more (some weekend, some weekday, different languages).
And John T – I’m so glad the timing worked for you! See you at MC soon!
-Jill
Will you have more days available in the future for a boot camp? And if you want to attend both days of the boot camp, do you receive a credit of $133 towards the $275 cost?
Can I buy more then one and use them consecutively?
Hi Courtney – we will absolutely have more Boot Camps in the future, and yes – you get a credit toward the cost if you want to stay for the second day!
Facebook User – you can only use one per person, but you can buy more than one for gifts!
How do I know which class I should sign up for? I’m assuming I’m intermediate Spanish, but not completely sure.
I am looking for a class in Mandarin for a 13 yr old, who now takes Chinese in school, but is not very fluent at all, can I register her for an adult beginner evening class?
I saw that you only offer Spanish, French and Mandarin for kids. I have a four year old. Is there a chance that Italian will be added later in the year?
Also interested in Italian for kids. Lucia se parlate italiano unitevi a noi! www.meetup.com/chicago-italian-playgroup
I am a relatively advanced French speaker (can read lemonde.fr and get the gist of RFI broadcasts) is there a program for me?
Hi Elizabeth – we’re currently working on getting up an assessment page (on our website), but until it goes up go ahead and email us at info@multilingualchicago.com and we’ll send you a written assessment.
In your email, please also include a telephone number where we can reach you. Because our classes are very conversation-based we’d also like to make sure we get a sense of your verbal skills. Based on the two assessments we can help you find a class that’s just right!
I’m sorry if this has already been answered (been skimming the discussions) but I would love to take a full French course..and am wondering a. how much that is b. since this is worth $133 if it could be used for $133 off of that cost. thanks, Kelli
I just bought one of these Groupons. I noticed you need at least four to add a language, so I want to put in my bid for either a Korean (first preference) or a Vietnamese (second preference) conversational class and tutoring, in case there are others who would buy a Groupon if either of these was offered. My default, if neither is offered during the year, would be Mandarin Chinese. Thanks.
Hi Facebook User – for the time being we only have lower level French classes scheduled, but as we mentioned, we’re very flexible and would love to get an advanced French class going!
Visit our homepage at www.multilingualchicago.com, and when you click on our Groupon options, please click on the link to suggest a class. All it takes is 4 people to get a class going, so if we get 4 people – or if you have 3 friends – who would like a similar class we’ll work with your schedule and your goals to make a class that fits for you.
Hi Rosa – very good question! We wouldn’t recommend enrolling your 13 yr old in our adult classes. Those classes are designed with adult learners in mind, who learn and process new information differently.
What we would recommend is to give us a call or email us at info@multilingualchicago.com and we would be happy to help you find some other options.
Hi Lucia – we’ve had some interest in the neighborhood for Italian kids classes. For the time being they’re not on the schedule, but if you fill out our suggest-a-class contact information on our website (www.multilingualchicago.com), we’ll be in touch to work out some options with you and your 4 year old. Remember, all we need is 4 students to get a full class going, so spread the word!
Hi everyone:
We’re getting a wonderful (and insane!) number of web contacts, so we’re doing our best to keep up and respond as quickly as possible. Thank you so much for making this deal happen. We’re excited to welcome you into our language studio over the coming months!
Any thoughts about adding American Sign Language?
Kelly C. "I"’m sorry if this has already been answered (been skimming the discussions) but I would love to take a full French course..and am wondering a. how much that is b. since this is worth $133 if it could be used for $133 off of that cost."
Hi Kelly – our French courses are $324, and a full schedule can be seen on our website, http://www.multilingualchicago.com/classes/schedule.php, and yes, most definitely you can use your groupon for a class discount! For more information how, visit our website’s Groupon page at http://www.multilingualchicago.com/groupon-deal.php
A couple of questions:
Is your January 9th and 10th class full for Spanish?
What is the cost of the 2-day workshop with the groupon? (275-45 or 275-66%?)
Thanks!
One of my goals for 2010 was to learn Spanish! I think this is a pretty powerful sign! Don’t you!
Chris (Second-Grade Teacher)
I agree with Leah P. – I would love to take American Sign Language if you are able to add this.
,
I am interested in the Spanish Conversation class—but I do not see it listed in the classes for January. How does that work? When are those classes offered and how long are they (meaning how far would the 6 hours take me?) Thanks!
Jill – I am still a little unclear. I would be interested in trying the “Heritage Speakers” class. If I bought a groupon, would I be able to attend the first three classes (2 hours each) using the groupon and, if still interested register and pay the balance for the rest of the class.
Or, would the groupon just provide a discount towards the full amount of the class.
The answers to previous questions left me a little confused. Thanks!
Hi everyone:
Some answers to your questions:
Sylvia: yes, you could use the Groupon for the first 6 hours of Heritage Speakers, and then just pay for the remaining 12 hours @ the standard rate of $18/hour.
Facebook user: we don’t have a Spanish conversation class scheduled for January, but if there is enough interest, we will add it – either for our Winter or Spring session at the very latest.
TeacherChrisB: there’s still room in Boot Camp, and since it’s 6 hours a day for 2 days, you’d just pay half the price (regular price: $275, Groupon price: $137.50)
A logistics question, is there free parking available at the school?
Hi Andrea – we’re actually discussing schedules for an ASL workshop later this year, and your Groupon discount will apply.
We created a Groupon-specific page with what we hope is useful information, so click here to see some ways that the deal can be used.
Also, many people have asked about doing another 6-hour Groupon Special (either on a weekend or over two weekday evenings), and we’re totally open to doing more over the coming months, both in Spanish and in the other languages we’re currently offering!
Hi Joe – yup! We have a really nice big parking lot in the back of our building and, yes, it’s FREE!. We also have lots of street parking available, are easily accessible by the Milwaukee bus and the blue line.
Man, I wish I wanted to learn another language! Jill you sound like an amazing business woman and this is one of the best groupons yet! I’d love to get your email address. I’m helping a friend with a book she is creating to feature amazing Chicago woman entrepreneurs. If this is your business, I’d love to invite you to be included.
Hope B: Thanks so much for your comment! I’m thrilled that this Groupon is being so well-received; we’re actually blown away! I’d love to talk to you and your friend about my accidental entrepreneurship. You can contact me at jill @ workforcelang . com. Thanks!
Is the french class basic, beginning french? Is the instructor native french speaking? I have been taking french and need more practice in hearing and speaking french. I have had some grammar and can read some french. What would be the best class for me? Are you scheduling such a class? How much would it be and for how many hours? What nights? Thanks
Corinne – for the time being we’re only have beginning French on the schedule, but I recommend suggesting a class on our website, www.multilingualchicago.com (click on our Groupon banner, suggest a class and write in what you’re looking for.) If we have 4 people interested we’ll create the class just for you!
Our French instructors are both native speakers and Americans who have lived, worked and studied in French-speaking countries, but independent of where our instructors are originally from, they’re professional, extremely capable and comfortable, fun people we know you’ll love because we love learning from them, too!
Since this deal is being so well-received I expect the classes to fill quickly.
What is the schedule for the rest of the year? Will the next batch of classes start in April? Do you follow quarter system?
And do you have a mailing list so I’ll know when the next schedule comes out?
Thanks.
When will you be adding Arabic classes for adult beginners? Thanks!
I want to make sure I’m clear on the fine print. If I purchase two groupons, can I use both myself for different classes?
Hello everyone!
Here are some quick answers to some of your questions:
Zack: We are on a 9 week schedule. The winter term will end the week of March 15th. From there, we will take a short break, and then start classes up again in April. At this moment in time, we don’t know what the schedule is going to look like but when we do (which will probably be in late February or early March) we’ll be sure to notify you. We do have a mailing list also. Just go to our website and fill out a contact form and you’ll be on our mailing list automatically.
Tiffany: We would love to have Arabic soon! Perhaps in the spring or summer….we’ll keep you posted. Go to our website and fill out a contact form, and we’ll keep you posted on Arabic developments.
Shawn: If you purchase two groupons you can use it for yourself on two different classes no problem.
Hi again – just a note to please go to our website and fill out a contact form. We only get names and codes from Groupon – no email addresses – so we have no way of getting in touch with you all to update you on new class schedules. Thanks!
Just wondering… Will you be offering Brazilian Portuguese anytime soon? Thanks!
Living on the Northwest side I am amazed no one has asked about Polish yet. Any chance?
I have a question can this be used for Adult Italian Class and if so how many classes and where can I find the schedule of days/times and start dates? Thank you for your response!
To answer the recent questions…
Karina: you’re only the second person who has inquired about Brazilian Portuguese (ever), so while we can provide private tutoring, the chance of group classes is limited.
Rene: we got a LOT of inquiries about Polish, so expect to see that soon. Please fill out a contact form on our website so we can keep you posted!
Leisa: yes, you can use it toward adult classes. Your Groupon counts toward 6 hours, so you’d just pay for the remaining 12 hours ($216). Please see our schedule for details.
Thanks everyone – and let’s see if we can get to 500 (or beyond!)!
Hi -
My daughter is 13 and has taken Spanish classes through school since she’s been in 3rd grade. She’s interested in taking French – would she be old enough to join in the adult class?
Thank you. :)
Dawn – we’ve had some questions about kids around the same age in adult classes, and the combination of more adult discussion topics and different learning styles makes us feel that it would be better not to have her enroll. If we have enough teenagers interested, though, we can offer a more appropriate class for them!
can I buy one for myself (adult, intermediate spanish) and one for my daughter (3 yo, spanish speaker)?
Hi Erin – yes, you can buy multiple, but redemption is one per person. Hope to see you both soon!
If I sign up for a class would I be able to cancel it if my schedule changes before classes start.
Hi Fannie – you can cancel up to a week before and get a credit for use within 6 months. Thanks!
Do you cap class size at a particular number of students? I would want to take the full 9 week course for beginning spanish starting in Jan. and my concern is that with this being a groupon, the class sizes might grow to be too large and I won’t get the proper amount of individualized attention.
Hi Jeanine: We cap our standard classes at 8 students (our Bilingual Boot Camp and special events may be larger), so you’ll get lots of attention. We had a tremendous response to this offer, but people are welcome to redeem throughout the year – so I don’t expect that everyone will be enrolling for the same session. That being said, we’ll add classes as needed to accommodate the demand.
Again, for those who bought the offer, please go to our website and submit a contact. When we’re back in the office next week, we’ll start contacting people to get them registered.
Thanks so much everyone, and a happy, healthy New Year to you all!
-Jill Bishop
Founder & President
I didn’t have access to email when this Groupon was offered but I would love to take a course at your school. Any chance that you will be offering another Groupon special in the near future?
Hi Facebook User:
Sorry you missed the deal! We’d of course love to do another Groupon, but timing will be up to them. In the meantime, I’m happy to extend our 10% off discount that officially ended on the 5th, and you’re also welcome to schedule a free half-hour consultation/private class. Just mention “Jill said it was OK” on the phone or when you send us an email.
Thanks!
Jill Bishop
How will this work? if we get 6 hours of classes – according to their website, classes run consecutively for 9 weeks, so will we just be dropping in on a regular/weekly class in the middle of the 9 week schedule? or will we start with the 9 week class and have to drop in the middle once our 6 hours is up. Based on how their classes are set up on their website, im not sure how this will work? groupon (or anyone else), can you give more clarity? Thanks