Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about studying with Speak English Institute.
Courses
Our group courses follow the CEFR and run from A2 (Elementary) to C1 (Advanced). All new students take a placement test so we put you in the right class from day one, and you can take our free online level test before you even enquire.
We cap group classes at 15 students, and in practice most groups have 7–8 learners, meaning more speaking time and more individual attention.
Our IELTS course is a fixed 3-week programme covering all four skills (speaking, listening, reading, writing), with mock exams and personalised feedback. Evening classes run Mon/Wed/Fri 7–9 PM plus Saturday practice tests.
Important: Once you start, no changes, postponements, or refunds are permitted. You may postpone your start date once if you notify us at least 3 days in advance. See Terms & Conditions for full IELTS refund terms.
Important: Once you start, no changes, postponements, or refunds are permitted. You may postpone your start date once if you notify us at least 3 days in advance. See Terms & Conditions for full IELTS refund terms.
Yes, depending on availability and your progress. To move up, you must pass an internal exam. To switch from a group course to private lessons, a 10% deduction is applied to any remaining credit. Changes cannot happen mid-week. See Terms & Conditions for details.
Yes, one-to-one and semi-private (2-student) lessons are available at both campuses and online. Private lessons are flexible in timing and focus. All private classes must be completed within 12 months of the first lesson. See the pricing page for rates.
Every teacher holds the Cambridge CELTA as a minimum. Many also hold the Delta, an MA in TESOL, or specialist IELTS certifications.
Enrolment
Click Apply Now at the top of any page, complete the short form, and our team will contact you within one business day to arrange your placement test and confirm your start date.
Yes. All new students complete a free placement test before starting so we can place you in the right group from the beginning. You can also take our free online level test online in about 15 minutes and get your CEFR level straight away.
Fees & Refunds
On top of tuition, the following fees apply:
- Registration (one-time): AED 150
- Study materials: AED 150
- Course change / reschedule fee: AED 100
Refunds apply to tuition only. Registration, placement, and materials fees are never refundable.
Group & Private, cancellation before start:
IELTS, cancellation before start:
After the course has started (Group & Private): within 3 months of the start date, up to 50% of remaining tuition may be considered at our discretion. After 3 months, no refund. A course is considered started on its first scheduled class date, whether or not you attend.
All refund requests must be in writing. See Terms & Conditions for the complete policy.
Group & Private, cancellation before start:
- 14+ days before start: up to 50% of tuition may be refunded
- 7–14 days before start: up to 20% of tuition may be refunded
- Less than 7 days: no refund
IELTS, cancellation before start:
- 7+ days before start: 90% of tuition refunded
- Less than 7 days: 50% of tuition refunded
- Once commenced: no refund
After the course has started (Group & Private): within 3 months of the start date, up to 50% of remaining tuition may be considered at our discretion. After 3 months, no refund. A course is considered started on its first scheduled class date, whether or not you attend.
All refund requests must be in writing. See Terms & Conditions for the complete policy.
Yes, students in rolling group courses may request a temporary break. This does not apply to IELTS or other fixed-duration programmes.
See Terms & Conditions for full break policy details.
- Notice required by 5:00 PM Friday the week before the affected study week
- A course change fee of AED 100 applies
- Approved credit must be used within 6 months
- Your seat is not guaranteed during the break, you may join a waiting list on return (usually 1–2 weeks)
- If a week is cancelled after 5PM Friday: 50% of that week's value is charged to reschedule
- Inform us at least 1 week before you plan to return
See Terms & Conditions for full break policy details.
Campuses
Dubai: Shop B01, Green Lakes S3, Cluster S, Jumeirah Lakes Towers. Ras Al Khaimah: Unit 205, Amenity Building, Al Hamra Village. We also offer fully live online classes.
Dubai: Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 10am–4pm, closed Sunday. RAK: Mon–Thu 9am–7pm, Fri 9am–5pm, Sat 9am–3pm, closed Sunday.
Yes. We partner with ESAW for student accommodation, with shared rooms from AED 2,650 per month and private rooms from AED 3,700 per month, including free bus transport to and from the school. See our accommodation page for what is included.
Yes. Our Dubai campus runs 2–3 social events a month — cultural outings, sightseeing, movie nights and dinners. Taking part is entirely voluntary and open to all students. See what is coming up on our social activities page.
Visa & Admin
Yes. We are KHDA-licensed and can sponsor a UAE student visa for eligible students. See our student visa page for costs, required documents, and processing times.
Students on a UAE student visa must maintain a minimum of 70% attendance per month. Failure to meet this may result in us reporting your attendance to UAE immigration authorities, and your visa may be cancelled. See Terms & Conditions for full attendance and expulsion terms.
Corporate
Yes. Our corporate training programme is tailored to your company's needs and can be delivered at your premises, at our campus, or online. contact us for a quote.
Still have a question?
Our team is happy to help. Get in touch and we will reply within one business day.