FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What people ask us most about our courses, classes, enrolment and Cambridge exams. If your question is not here, get in touch.
The school and our courses
Why study English at IH Recoleta?
Because we combine academic quality, personal attention and a communicative approach focused on using English for real. We work with small groups, teachers in continuous training and close follow-up of each student's progress.
We offer courses for kids (from age 6), teens and adults, from the very first steps in English up to C2, Post-Proficiency and Cambridge exam preparation, always aiming for our students to learn, progress and gain the confidence to communicate in English.
Which levels do you offer?
We offer every level, from beginner to proficiency. Which levels open each year depends on demand.
How do I know my level?
Everyone who wants to study with us takes a level test, which is free and with no commitment.
The only exceptions are kids aged 6 and 7, who join the level that matches their age, and anyone who brings official results from a recent international exam (no more than 6 months old).
From what age can you study at the school?
From age 6.
Do you have courses for kids, teens and adults?
Yes. Kids (6 to 11 or 12), teens (12 to 18) and adults from 18, grouped by their level of English.
Advanced levels (Proficiency) may have a mix of older teens and young adults.
Do you offer conversation courses?
Yes, at two levels: intermediate and advanced.
Can I take classes if I do not want to sit an international exam?
Yes, sitting the exams is not compulsory. Each level still has its own internal exams to assess students' progress.
Are there courses for students who have already passed C2 Proficiency?
Yes, our Post-Proficiency course is for people who have passed C2 Proficiency or finished every level and do not want to lose practice: one 90-minute class a week with authentic materials, focused on sophisticated English in demanding, real contexts.
Can I start from scratch?
Yes. Beginner levels run with a waiting list and open once there are enough students.
Can I join a course once the year has started?
Yes. From October, though, depending on your level test result, we will probably recommend starting the following year.
Classes
Are classes in person, online or both?
Classes are in person. Online courses would open if there were demand for them.
Where is the school?
We are in Recoleta, at Austria 2423, first floor.
How many students are there per class?
Groups have a maximum of 10 to 12 students, which encourages active participation and allows more personal follow-up.
How long does each level last?
Each level lasts about as long as the school year: from March to mid-December.
How many times a week are classes?
General English meets twice a week; conversation and Post-Proficiency courses, once a week.
How long is each class?
Kids' classes last 1 hour 15 minutes; teen and adult classes, 1 hour 30 minutes.
What materials do you use?
We use coursebooks, but also online articles, news and videos to keep topics varied and interesting. The idea is to keep students motivated to use the language inside and outside the classroom.
Do you sell the books?
No, books are sold at the KEL and SBS bookshops. The course information tells you which books are used.
Are classes taught entirely in English?
Yes. Our approach is communicative: classes cover every skill (Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking) and are entirely in English, so students get the chance to speak throughout the class.
What happens if I miss a class?
There are no make-up classes, but your teacher can give you the material used in the class you missed.
Is there homework?
Yes. Not every class, but work at home is essential.
How do you follow students' progress?
Progress is assessed throughout the year through continuous assessment, with classwork and homework.
There are also two internal assessments: one in June or July, before the winter holidays, and another at the end of the year.
How do holidays and bank holidays work?
There are two weeks of winter holidays in July, and the summer holidays start in December, when the level ends. We observe every national holiday; they are already built into the programme, so there are no make-up classes.
Do you give certificates at the end of the course?
Every student gets an end-of-year report, and kids get a certificate. Teens and adults can have a certificate if they need one: they just ask the office for it.
Kids and families
What are kids' classes like?
Classes are lively and work on every area of the language together: listening, reading, speaking, writing, grammar and vocabulary.
How will I know my child is progressing?
Through continuous assessment and the mid-year and end-of-year exams.
How do you keep in touch with families?
We have two main channels: email and WhatsApp. For anything urgent, we call.
Do kids get homework?
Yes.
What if my child's level is different from other kids their age?
From age 8 we group students by level, not by age.
Do you prepare kids and teens for international exams?
We only prepare teens and adults for international exams.
What if a student needs extra support?
We look at each case individually. We do not run support classes as such.
Level test and enrolment
How do I enrol?
The first step is a free level test with no commitment. You complete the written part on our website and, once you finish, you can book the oral part, on Zoom or in person. At the end of the oral, the examiner gives you the result and the available class times. Then the office gets in touch to arrange your enrolment.
Does the level test cost anything?
No, it is free and with no commitment.
How long does the level test take?
About 40 minutes in total for adults and about 30 minutes for kids.
What happens after the level test?
At the end of the oral, the examiner gives you the result and the available class times. Then the office gets in touch to arrange your enrolment.
Can I try a class before enrolling?
We do not offer trial classes.
What documents do I need to enrol?
No particular documents, but we need your DNI, CUIL, CUIT or passport number for invoicing.
Fees and payment
How much do the courses cost?
You can see the current enrolment fee and monthly fees on our fees page.
Is there an enrolment fee?
Yes, an annual enrolment fee.
Does the monthly fee include materials?
No.
How can I pay?
By bank transfer, bank deposit or Pago Mis Cuentas (from the second instalment).
Are there discounts for siblings or family members?
Yes: 10% off the monthly fees for 2 close family members and 15% from 3 close family members (each, in both cases).
What if I want to leave the course?
Let the office know in advance, ideally at the end of the month. If you leave once a month that has already been invoiced has started, that month is paid in full, as we do not pro-rate.
Cambridge exams
Do you prepare students for Cambridge exams?
Yes, we prepare students for B2 First, C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency.
What is the difference between B2 First, C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency?
B2 First (FCE) certifies a B2 level of English on the CEFR. It is for students who can communicate with confidence in everyday, academic and work situations.
C1 Advanced (CAE) certifies a C1 level on the CEFR, an advanced command of the language.
C2 Proficiency (CPE) is the highest-level Cambridge English exam: it certifies a C2 level on the CEFR, an exceptional command of the language.
How do I know which Cambridge exam is right for me?
Based on your level and your needs, we tell you which exam you are closest to and roughly when you could sit it.
Do I have to sit an international exam?
No.
Where are the exams held?
At the centre the exam board appoints in Buenos Aires; in our case, the Buenos Aires Open Centre (BAOC).
Is the exam fee included in the monthly fee?
No. It is paid separately to the Buenos Aires Open Centre (BAOC).
How long does it take to prepare for a Cambridge exam?
It depends on the level the student starts at.
Does a Cambridge certificate expire?
No.
What is a Cambridge certificate for?
To prove your level of English, move forward in your studies and widen your job options, among other things.
Did not find what you were looking for? Write to us and we will get back to you.