FAQS

Everything you need to know

DO YOU TEACH CONVERSATIONAL LANGUAGE?

Yes! Be Bilingual has successfully taught language skills to students of all ages and cultural backgrounds for more than 30 years.

WHAT LANGUAGES DO YOU TEACH?

You may choose from Spanish, English, German, Italian, and Portuguese classes.

WHAT MAKES BE BILINGUAL UNIQUE?

Be Bilingual is only one of many organizations in Houston that offers language classes. Most of them promise private lessons that are designed to meet your needs and flexible schedules.

Two things set us apart. First, with Be Bilingual’s conversational method, the majority of the conversation during class takes place in the target language, beginning on the very first day. We use a conversational approach based on listening and speaking. We emphasize practical vocabulary and grammar in the context of real-life situations, and we supplement study with relevant reading and writing exercises.

Second, our instructors are not only degreed professionals with many years of teaching experience, but they are the most passionate, dedicated, creative and engaged teachers you’ll find anywhere. Just read our testimonials! We’re confident that once you learn more about our classes and meet our staff, you’ll decide to study with Be Bilingual.

DO YOU CUSTOMIZE LESSONS?

Yes! Because we specialize in private instruction, our instructors are experienced in tailoring our conversational method to meet the individual needs of each client. We customize practical vocabulary and grammar in the context of real-life situations, your specific occupation and specific goals (traveling, volunteering, medical, sales, etc.).

DO YOU OFFER IMMERSION COURSES?

Yes! We offer an rigorous program for students who are looking for a more intensive course in English, Portuguese or Spanish. Please see our Immersion Courses page for additional information, or call Be Bilingual at 713-789-6338 and we’ll be happy to further explain how our immersion courses work.

DO YOU USE TEXTBOOKS AND STUDY MATERIALS?

Yes. Students in our Spanish classes work with materials developed by Liz Thrush, who founded Be Bilingual in 1989. A digital download of the workbook and audio files are included in the cost of the course. This resource allows you to practice the new words, verb tenses and grammar rules you’ve learned in class and helps you retain your new language skills long after your course has ended. Read more out our method here.

Materials for all other language classes are determined by the instructor and depend on the student’s level of proficiency, as well as their goals for the program. Instructors generally recommend CD’s, textbooks, and workbooks based on the needs of the individual students. They may also supplement with additional books, articles, movies, and other resources to help students immerse themselves in their new language.

WILL I LEARN TO READ AND WRITE AS WELL AS SPEAK THE NEW LANGUAGE?

Yes! While classes focus on interactive conversation, reading, writing, and grammar skills are also part of the course.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR ME TO BECOME CONVERSATIONAL?

Your progress depends on your commitment to learning a new language. The more frequently you attend classes, the more quickly you will learn. Because our teachers use a conversational method, you will be learning new words and phrases practicing your language skills during the first lesson.

CAN YOU PROVIDE AN ENGLISH OR SPANISH CLASS FOR MY EMPLOYEES?

Yes! We offer onsite classes to corporations for groups of employees who wish to learn a new language. Read more about corporate classes here.

I SPEAK AND UNDERSTAND ENGLISH BUT WOULD LIKE TO WORK MY ACCENT. CAN YOU HELP?

Yes! Our Accent Reduction classes help students for whom English is a second language speak more clearly. During the first session, the instructor will record you reading a passage that highlights specific accent issues. At the end of each set of ten sessions, the same passage will be read and re-recorded to emphasize improvement and pinpoint areas that need additional instruction.

I'M STUDYING FOR THE TOEFL TEST. CAN YOU HELP PREPARE ME?

Yes! Our instructors are experienced in teaching reading, writing, and speaking English and can work with you to prepare for each of these challenging sections of the TOEFL test. Brushing up on your grammar and practicing proper pronunciation will not only give you confidence but will improve your skills and result in a better test score.

DO ALL OF YOUR INSTRUCTORS HAVE COLLEGE DEGREES?

Yes! Each of our instructors has a college degree and extensive experience teaching language skills to adult students. They are all native speakers of the language they teach.

IS THERE AN ENROLLMENT OR REGISTRATION FEE?

No.

WHAT IS YOUR CLASS SCHEDULE?

You may schedule private language lessons any time between 7:30 AM and 7:30 PM Monday through Friday or between 8:00 AM and 3 PM on Saturdays. A schedule for Group Spanish Classes is posted here.

WHERE ARE CLASSES HELD?

Classes may be held either at online (Zoom or Skype) or at your home or place of business. An additional trip fee applies to classes held outside our office and is calculated based on the distance traveled and the time of day.

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?

Cancellations must be received before 5:00 PM the previous day.

WHAT IS THE COST PER SESSION?

The cost per session depends on the number of sessions you purchase. Please call us at 713-789-6338, and we will be happy to help you find the lesson package that best suits your needs.

WHAT IS YOUR REFUND POLICY?

We require a letter requesting a refund.

DO YOU OFFER AN INTRODUCTORY LESSON OR EVALUATION THAT WILL ALLOW ME TO MEET AN INSTRUCTOR BEFORE I DECIDE TO REGISTER FOR CLASSES?

Yes! Please give us a call, and we will be happy to schedule an oral evaluation with one of our instructors, review our materials and ask any questions you may have about our language programs.

WHAT IS THE DURATION OF EACH SESSION?

In person lessons are 90 minutes long, while online lessons can be minimum 60 minutes long.

CAN I READ SOME REVIEWS WRITTEN BY YOUR STUDENTS?

Yes! You can review our list of corporate clients and our testimonial page for information on companies we have worked with and comments from our many satisfied clients.

I'M INTERESTED IN LEARNING WITH A FRIEND. CAN WE TAKE CLASSES TOGETHER?

Yes, we can arrange semi-private classes for you and a friend, family member or colleague.

I LIVE OUTSIDE OF THE HOUSTON AREA. CAN I STILL STUDY A LANGUAGE THROUGH BE BILINGUAL?

Yes! We offer remote private language instruction. Read more about these classes here.

ARE LESSONS TRANSFERABLE?

Yes.

DO YOU ACCEPT MAJOR CREDIT CARDS?

Yes, we accept VISA, MasterCard and American Express.