Q: When are you open?
A: We are theoretically open 24hours a day, 7 days a week since private students and teachers can arrange to schedule lessons when they would like. Our staff is available via telephone Monday – Thursday 10:00am - 7:00pm, Friday 10:00am – 4:00pm and on Saturdays 10:00am – 3:00pm.

Q: It says on your website that your classes are ongoing. What does this mean?
A: Think of our class enrollments like a magazine subscription. Once your current enrollment has expired, you can re-enroll and continue to advance until you reach your desired level of fluency. Classes will automatically advance to the next level so there is no need to change classes. When new students who have previous knowledge of a language contact us, we try to place them in a current class that is appropriate for their level.

Q: How do I know what my level is?
A: Every school uses a different system to classify levels of fluency. We base our levels on a single characteristic of each language that should not vary from school to school. For example, we use a student’s command of verb tenses to help us decide what level a student has achieved in western European languages. If you’d like to know, just ask us what level your class is currently designated. If you are looking for a class to join, please contact us for an evaluation and recommendation.

Q: I enrolled for a new beginner class that hasn't started yet.   Can I cancel my enrollment?
A: Yes, but in order to receive a full refund, you must do so at least seven days before the class start date.

Q: I am currently enrolled in a class, but I can no longer continue.   What should I do?
A: If you are in a class and cannot continue, please call and notify us of your situation as soon as possible as we cannot credit you for classes you have already missed.

Q: Do I get a certificate or diploma after I finish my enrollment?
A: You may request a certificate of completion if you need it for reimbursement or other purposes. Please contact us for more details.

Q: Can I get college credit for your classes?
A: Because we are private language school, we are not authorized by the state to directly award credit for our classes. However, since we use college-level materials, there are several standardized exams that do award college credit as well as institutional exams given by most colleges and universities. Ask your school which exams they accept for credit purposes.

Q: What is the $50 registration fee? Do I have to pay it every time I re-enroll?
A: The $50 registration fee is a one-time fee for new students. You only have to pay this once despite the number of classes and languages you take. The registration fee helps us cover the cost of materials.

Q: I signed up for the minimum enrollment, but I’m really enjoying my classes. Can I extend my enrollment?
A: Yes. All new students have a one-time option of extending their original enrollment by paying the difference.   Students have until the second week of class to exercise this option.   We will send you a reminder via e-mail after your first class.   Just respond to the e-mail or call us, and we'll make the arrangements.   If you are beyond your second week of class, you will need to re-enroll for a new 4, 6, 8 or 12 week enrollment to continue.

Q: Why do some languages have an 8-week minimum opposed to a 4-week minimum?
A: Only Spanish and Italian have a 4-week minimum. All other languages have an 8-week minimum. Minimums only apply to Total Beginner classes and do not affect students joining classes that are already in session. The minimums were chosen due to the nature of the language and the initial learning curve involved. Spanish and Italian have the easiest pronunciation for English speakers, so it typically takes less time for students to become comfortable speaking. The rest of the languages have a more difficult phonetic systems, a more complex grammatical structure, or use a non-latin alphabet or character-based writing system that makes the initial learning curve steeper than Spanish or Italian.

Q: I signed up for a 12-week enrollment and I’d like to continue. Do I have to sign up for another 12-week enrollment?
A: No. You can re-enroll for 4, 6, 8, or 12 weeks. Students can mix and match their enrollments to fit around their plans. Just remember that only the 12-week enrollment entitles you to a make-up class if you miss one of the lessons.

Q: I signed up for a 12-week enrollment and I’ve missed a class. How do I schedule my make-up?
A: The make-up session is scheduled the 13th consecutive week. You do not need to reserve your make-up class since we automatically add it to your enrollment. Just attend the 13th week as usual. If you choose to re-enroll, the following class will be the first lesson of your new enrollment. If you are unable to attend the 13th consecutive class, you forfeit your make-up lesson.

Q: I didn’t sign up for a 12-week enrollment. Do I get a make-up?
A: No. Enrollments are for consecutive weeks not for a certain number of classes. Only the 12-week enrollment comes with a make-up. You can always schedule a private make-up session at the regular hourly rates.

Q: I have to miss class. What should I do?
A: We understand that things come up at the last minute, so there is no need to notify us if you will be missing class. If you would like to know what your class covered during your absence, please call or e-mail us and we will send you your assignment. If you know you will be missing a class in the future, you can always ask your instructor what you should study before you return.

Q: I like my group, but I think I’d do better in private lessons. Can I switch?
A: Yes. We can apply your account balance towards a private lesson package. Please call us as soon as you decide to do this as any classes you miss before notifying us will be deducted from your enrollment. We will work with you on arranging lessons that will fit your schedule.

Q: I feel like I’m getting behind, what can I do?
A: If you have been studying on your own, but are still feeling a little lost, we can always arrange a private lesson with your instructor to help you catch up. You may also join another group at a lower level or join a new group to repeat material you’ve covered and become more familiar and comfortable with the topics taught. Please call or e-mail us to make arrangements.

Q: I have some concerns regarding my class/teacher/enrollment/payment. What should I do?
A: We want to hear any concerns you have. Feedback helps us improve our courses and ensure we maintain the highest quality of language instructions in all the classes we offer. Most issues are easily solved. Please notify us as soon as possible since it is much easier for us to address an issue sooner rather than later. You my send an e-mail to info@abclang.com or call our main number 212-563-7580 and speak with anyone in our office. You are welcome to request that your feedback remain anonymous.

Q: How do you schedule classes around holidays?
A: Classes that are scheduled on the following holidays are canceled unless the teacher and students make special arrangements: New Year’s Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Eve and Day. For classes scheduled around holidays (like the week of Thanksgiving, the week between Christmas and New Year’s), the class can vote whether or not to have class. If the teacher and at least 2 students want to have class, the class will be scheduled. Class length will be determined by the number of students who sign-up to attend (2 students 1 hour, 3 students 1.5 hours, 4+ students 2 hours). Students who do not sign-up will not be charged for the class. Those who sign up but do not attend will still be charged.

Q: A severe weather warning has been issued. Will classes be canceled?
A: We will contact you if a class is canceled. We will post an announcement on our website and send out an e-mail and/or call students to notify of any cancellations. If you do not hear from us, this means classes will run normally. Typically classes run unless Manhattan public schools are closed, or the MTA has initiated its Winter Bus Routes.

If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us!