FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

GENERAL
  1. Who is Nikitas Language Abroad Schools (NIK|LAS)?
  2. Where does NIK|LAS offer courses?
  3. How long does it take to become fluent in a language?
  4. Should I bring my ATM card, travelers' checks or cash?
  5. What is the reservation process?
  6. How early should I reserve?
  7. When will I receive my confirmation of my enrollment?
  8. Should I buy my airline ticket before I receive the confirmation?
  9. What day should I plan on arriving?
  10. What are 'intercambios'?
  11. Where can I send or receive e-mail?
  12. Can I use the host family's telephone for long-distance calls?
  13. How can I keep in touch with people at home?
  14. Are there any special discounts?
  15. Is insurance required?
  16. Should I get vaccinations before I go abroad?
  17. What if I have a medical problem while on the trip?
  18. What if I am regularly taking medication or have other medical needs?
  19. Can classes lost during holidays be made up? Or is the course price reduced?
  20. Do many students travel alone?
  21. Where do travelers come from?

  1. Who is Nikitas Language Abroad Schools (NIK|LAS)? 
    NIK|LAS is an intermediary that connects students to the highest quality of creatively diverse immersions programs in intriguing foreign cultures. Our year round programs facilitate cross-cultural learning in a fun and engaging environment that nourishes cultural exchange and academic growth.
  2. Where does NIK|LAS offer courses? 
    We currently offer programs in England, France, Italy, Portugal, Spain and the United States of America. Our featured cities are: Cadiz, Faro, Florence, Lisbon, London, Madrid, Montpellier, New York, Rome, Salamanca, Seville...
  3. How long does it take to become fluent in a language? 
    This varies per person. It depends, of course, on your previous knowledge and language learning experience, and importantly the amount of time you spend practicing the language in real-life situations. If you have studied one or two foreign languages, learning another one will be a lot easier. We believe that a beginner needs approximately 3-5 months with at least 12 hours weekly oral communication for fluency.
  4. Should I bring my ATM card, travelers' checks or cash?
    You should bring all three. You should always have some local currency on you when you arrive in a foreign country. ATM cards will get you the best exchange rate and travelers' checks are safe because only you can cash them.
  5. What is the reservation process?
    To enroll in one of our programs, we need to receive a completed registration form and the registration deposit followed by full payment.
  6. How early should I reserve?
    We recommend that you register at least 6 weeks in advance. In high peak times such as summer, we ask that you register 10 weeks in advance.
  7. When will I receive my confirmation of my reservation?
    We usually get a confirmation within 72- hours of submission. We will send you your accommodation address approximately two weeks before your arrival.
  8. Should I buy my airline ticket before I receive the confirmation?
    No. Always check with us first regarding availability before purchasing an airline ticket and consult local embassy to the country of travel before purchasing plane ticket.
  9. What day should I plan on arriving?
    You should plan to arrive on the Sunday prior to the start of your program, and to depart on the Saturday afterwards. If you wish to arrive earlier or to extend your stay after finishing classes, please inform us in advance so we can make the proper arrangements.
  10. What are 'intercambios'?
    They are locals who are opened to meet foreign students in order to practice speaking languages.
  11. Where can I send or receive e-mail?
    Internet cafés are located around the cities and are very useful and inexpensive in sending and receiving emails.
  12. Can I use the host family's telephone for long-distance calls?
    We ask that you not use the host family's phone to make long-distance calls. Even if you are using a calling card, sometimes the family will be charged a fee from the phone company. However, in most cases, you can use host family's telephone to receive calls.
  13. How can I keep in touch with people at home?
    You can make international calls from the many public telephones available. It may also possible to buy or rent a mobile phone.
  14. Are there any special discounts?
    We offer the Early Bookings, and Repeat Customer discount, etc. See (Special Offers)
  15. Is insurance required?
    No. However, you should get medical, accident and travel insurance coverage for your protection. It may also be a requirement for your visa process
  16. Should I get vaccinations before I go abroad?
    You should check with your doctor before taking any foreign journey to be certain that you are up to date on your regular vaccinations. You probably will not need any special vaccination or inoculation, but you should check with the Traveler's Clinic at your local hospital for advice. For Americans, Center for Disease Control and Prevention gives helpful information at 1.877.FYI-TRIP (1.877-394-8747); send a fax at 1.888.CDC.FAXX (1.88-232-3299) or check their website at http://www.cdc.gpv
  17. What if I have a medical problem while on the trip?
    Proper medical insurance and a good understanding of your insurance coverage conditions will be key in getting you the help that you may need. Please notify us or the local staff at the school about any medical issues or concerns you may have.
  18. What if I am regularly taking medication or have other medical needs?
    Before your trip, please speak to you doctor about bringing adequate supply of your medication with you, as well as, a copy of the original prescription, along with your doctor's contact information.
  19. Can classes lost during holidays be made up?
    Or is the course price reduced? No, classes are not made up, nor are the price reduced. Check holiday's information in Holidays section
  20. Do many students travel alone?
    Yes! The majority of visitors travel independently, so it's easy to make friends.
  21. Where do travelers come from?
    We receive traveler from the Americas, Africa, Europe, Scandinavia, Asia, Australia...

 

 

 

 

COURSES
  1. Why learn a language abroad?
  2. Do I need to possess a specific level of language proficiency to enter any of the programs?
  3. How are students assigned to correct class level?
  4. How long can I study for?
  5. Do I receive a certificate at the end of the program?
  6. What is the minimum age requirement to attend a program? What is the average age of students?
  7. When can I start a course?
  8. How do I select the course that is right for me?
  9. Can I get college US University credit for my courses with-LAS?
  10. Who will be teaching the language classes?
  11. What is the size of a typical class? Where do students come from?
  12. How much time should I allow for homework?
  13. Am I penalized for not attending classes?
  14. How far away from the school is my place of residence?
  15. Is tutoring offered?
  16. Does the schools have excursions during the week and weekends for its students?

  1. Why learn a language abroad?
    It is the most effective and fastest way to improve one's language skills and understanding of a foreign culture. The immersion into the very dynamics of the culture allows you to learn while at work or at play. This very stimulating, and motivating experience challenges and nurtures your growth potential on many levels. Plus, it's fun.
  2. Do I need to possess a specific level of language proficiency to enter any of the programs?
    We accept all levels from complete beginners to advanced levels in most schools. Please check program description for language level requirement.
  3. How are students assigned to correct class level?
    Unless you are a complete beginner, most programs will give you a placement exam on the first day.
  4. How long can I study for?
    The average minimum is for 2 weeks. Most people tend to study for 1 month. However, the programs are very flexible. You may study 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 36 weeks, etc.
  5. Do I receive a certificate at the end of the program?
    Yes, upon request, most of our programs offer a certificate of proficiency.
  6. What is the minimum age requirement to attend a program?
    What is the average age of students? The minimum age required is 18. However, some schools may accept 16 or 17 year olds with parents approval. There is not upper limit. The average age of participants is between 18 and 35 years old. Thus, there may be older and/or younger students participating in our programs.
  7. When can I start a course?
    Absolute beginners generally start on the first Monday of the month. If you have some knowledge of the language, you may start on any Monday. Some courses may have specific start dates. Please review the Program (link) description for Start Dates.
  8. How do I select the course that is right for me?
    This may depend on your preference, needs and time you have to study, plus your financial budget. Our staffs are willing to help you with this process. Please view our Program section under your language of interest.
  9. Can I get college US University credit for my courses with NIK|LAS?
    Yes! Most US Universities will approve college credits for your study-abroad experience. Please contact your International Office, Study-abroad Office or Foreign Language Office on the matter; they will fill you in on how to go about getting credits for your language experience. Read through our Program section for other options to have your credits accepted.
  10. Who will be teaching the language classes?
    Local instructors with many years of experience in teaching foreign languages and other subjects will teach classes to students of all level.
  11. What is the size of a typical class? Where do students come from?
    A typical class size range from 6-16 students, depending on where you are studying. Students come from various countries in Europe, Africa, Americas and Asia.
  12. How much time should I allow for homework?
    We suggest that you reserve 30-90 minutes for homework per day.
  13. Am I penalized for not attending classes?
    No. However, for US accredited programs or other scholarship programs, such as CSN, Bildungsurlaub, etc, you may have an attendance requirement.
  14. How far away from the school is my place of residence? And how do I get there?
    The school is generally located in the city center with a distance of 15 - 30 from your accommodation. In smaller cities, it can easily be reached on foot. In larger cities, public transportation may be required.
  15. Is tutoring offered?
    You may request Individual classes to personalize attention to your educational needs.
  16. Does the NIK|LAS schools have excursions during the week and weekends for its students?
    Yes, some NIK|LAS schools offer activities to provide additional exposure to the foreign language and culture. They are optional and they are not included in the program price. All activities are optional and you are normally asked at the school to sign up in advance so as to estimate how many participants will be attending.

 

 

 

 

PAYMENT CANCELLATION & CHANGES
  1. What currency are the prices listed in?
  2. Until when can I reserve?
  3. Who do I pay?
  4. What is the payment deadline?
  5. What payment methods are acceptable?
  6. Do I have to pay a deposit in advance to reserve with NIK|LAS?
  7. Is there a payment plan option?
  8. Are there additional charges-penalties if I cancel before I arrive?
  9. What If I decide to withdraw from my reservations before its completion, will I be reimbursed?
  10. What if I need to cancel before the program starts?
  11. What if I need to cancel after the program starts?
  12. If I am feeling that I am placed in the wrong group, can I change?
  13. Once I have started, can I change my course or prolong my classes to stay days or weeks longer ?

  1. What currency are the prices listed in?
    All of our prices are in US dollars. You can request price quotes in your particular currency.
  2. Until when can I reserve?
    We recommend that you enroll at least 6 weeks in advance. We accept short notice enrolments depending on availability.  Though a late fee charge will be applied to reservations accepted within 28 days of start date.
  3. Who do I pay?
    You make all payments to Nikitas Language Abroad Schools.
  4. What is the payment deadline?
    We must receive the full balance of payment 4 weeks prior to your start date.
  5. What payment methods are acceptable?
    Online we accept Credit Card: Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover. Plus, you can mail in payment in the form of as Money Order (US or International), Bank Transfer, Bank check, or Travelers checks payable to an American (USD) or Spanish Bank (Euro).
  6. Do I have to pay a deposit in advance to reserve with NIK|LAS?
    Yes, on receipt of your deposit we will reserve your course and/or accommodation.
  7. Is there a payment plan option?
    Yes, payments can be broken up into parts as desired upon requesting a payment plan with reservation. However, deposit is required at reservation and total amount should be received by the 29th day before starting. For accommodations only, arrangements can be made for a monthly payment plan.
  8. Are there additional charges-penalties if I cancel before I arrive?
    The only penalties that apply are the deposit of your course and/or accommodation should you decide to cancel. If you cancel within less than 29 days prior to your scheduled arrival, you are required to pay the full tuition fees. If you make a second change in your booking there is a changing fee.
  9. What If I decide to withdraw from my reservations before its completion, will I be reimbursed?
    Clients who start and do not complete reservations will not be reimbursed.
  10. What if I need to cancel before the program starts?
    You can cancel up to 4 weeks before your program starts , the total paid minus your deposit will be returned. Cancellation made with less than 4 weeks before start date will not be refunded.
  11. What if I need to cancel after the program starts?
    There are NO refunds after the program has started.
  12. If I am feeling that I am placed in the wrong group, can I change?
    Yes, you should first talk with your teacher and also the school administration to see if you can be placed in a different class.
  13. Once I have started, can I change my course or prolong my classes to stay days or weeks longer ?
    Yes, of course.

 

 

 

 

LODGING

  1. Do I need to sign up for classes if I am only interested in lodging?
  2. How are accommodations arranged?
  3. Will I have a Roommate?
  4. What are the types of accommodations offered?
  5. Are the accommodations situated close to the school?
  6. Can I make and receive calls from my accommodation?
  7. What is NIK|LAS' responsibility if problems occur in accommodations?
  8. What days of the year do-LAS offer accommodation to their guests?
  9. When can I check in/out?
  10. Can I arrive to my accommodation on a Saturday? Can I arrive a few days early or stay a few days longer in my accommodation?
  11. Who do I speak with regarding my arrival time to my accommodation?
  12. Are towels, sheets and blankets included?
  13. Is electricity and water included in my accommodation or do I need to pay separately?
  14. Will there be other students at the homestay?
  15. How do the schools select host families?
  16. Can I change my host family if I am not happy with them?
  17. Can couples or friends traveling together stay within the same lodging?
  18. In non-English homestay, do host parents or children speak English or other languages?

  1. Do I need to sign up for classes if I am only interested in lodging?
    No, you may reserve lodging independent of courses or register for courses independent of lodging, if that option is available for that area. View the NIK|LAS Lodging section.
  2. How are accommodations arranged?
    Processing of accommodations request generally begins at time of reservation, so the earlier you reserve, the better we will be able to meet your needs.
  3. Will I have a Roommate?
    Normally, yes, another guest like yourself or local. If you are in one of our shared Apartments and not a Private Apartment, you will be sharing the apartment with another guest.
  4. What are the types of accommodations offered? The types of accommodations are Private Apartments, Shared Apartments, Student Residence and Homestay. Note: not all accommodation options are located in all location and with all programs.
  5. Are the accommodations situated close to the school or center?
    In the smaller cities, our accommodations are situated within a walking distance from the school - maximum 15-20 mins. While in larger cities, it may be situated about 20 -35 minutes by public transportation
  6. Can I make and receive calls from my accommodation?
    This depends on the type of accommodation you have: Host family: You may be able to receive calls after checking convenient times with the hosts. Shared flat/Private apartment: No telephone is available. However, our Mobile Rental Service (Link) can be a convenient choice in making and receiving phone calls.
  7. What is NIK|LAS' responsibility if problems occur in accommodations?
    In case of problems, doubts or questions, please contact us so we can offer you a solution. NIK|LAS will do everything possible to ensure you a comfortable stay.
  8. What days of the year do NIK|LAS offer accommodation to their guests?
    We offer accommodation all year long.
  9. When can I check in/out?
    All accommodations are booked from Sunday until Saturday. Should you request other options, please notify us in advance.
  10. Can I arrive to my accommodation on a Saturday? Can I arrive a few days early or stay a few days longer in my accommodation?
    Yes, this is usually not a problem, but please inform us in advance so arrangements can be made. Extra day fee will apply.
  11. Who do I speak with regarding my arrival time to my accommodation?
    Please contact directly your host or NIK|LAS Representative a few weeks in advance. (Accommodation details on the confirmation we will send you 2 weeks prior to start).
  12. Are towels, sheets and blankets included?
    The apartments are always fully equipped with sheets, blankets and kitchen utensils. Please bring your own towels and other personal necessities you may need to make your stay comfortable, such as shampoo, toothbrush etc.
  13. Is electricity and water included in my accommodation or do I need to pay separately?
    Yes. Electricity and water are included in your the accommodation price.
  14. Will there be other students at the homestay?
    Usually there is more than 1 student per homestay.
  15. How are host families selected?
    The schools look for families that have a nice and clean house, a well-ventilated room with enough light, and family members that like to make a student feel part of the family. The schools inspect all houses personally and families are interviewed before being chosen as a host family. Families are required to live within a reasonable distance from school, have ample living space. In instances, where Host Families are offered without courses, NIK|LAS review the family and their accommodations.
  16. Can I change my host family if I am not happy with them?
    We do our best to find a family that meets your specifications, but if for some reason, you think that your family is not suitable, we will look for an alternative family. Normally, changing families is no problem. In some cases, we may have to wait a few weeks before the change can be made.
  17. Can couples or friends traveling together stay within the same lodging?
    Yes. When registering, let us know your number of travel partners and we will work to locate appropriate accommodations. Please apply well in advance so needs can be met.
  18. In non-English homestay, do host parents or children speak English or other languages?
    They may not, thus, it encourages you to speak more of the local language.

 

 

 

 

JOBS

  1. Can I work in the country that I am studying with NIK|LAS?
  2. How do I apply for position with NIK|LAS?
  3. Where do job candidates come from?
  4. Should I not meet language level requirement for the internship position with NIK|LAS, can I still qualify if I agree to take lessons to improve language skills?
  5. Is there an age requirement for job candidates?
  6. Is training provided?
  7. What kind of housing is provided to Young Innovators?
  8. What is the work schedule like for Interns and Young Innovators?
  9. How much free time is allotted to Interns and Young Innovators?
  10. Can significant other, friends, and/or family members visit intern or Young Innovators?

  1. Can I work in the country that I am studying with-LAS?
    Some EU students may find a job in our European location. However, things are complicated for non-EU citizens in those regions since they cannot obtain easily a work permit. For the US region, non-Americans may find it difficult finding a job without a work placement. Please check work visa requirements at the Consulate for the country of interest.
  2. How do I apply for position with NIK|LAS?
    Follow process indicated on Jobs@NIK|LAS
  3. Where do job candidates come from?
    We accept applications year round from qualified candidates across the globe.
  4. Should I not meet language level requirement for the internship position with NIK|LAS, can I still qualify if I agree to take lessons to improve language skills?
    Yes, qualified candidates, only lacking language skills, may take language program suggested by us to improve skills.
  5. Is there an age requirement for job candidates?
    Typically, they are undergraduate or graduate level students.
  6. Is training provided?
    Yes! From the moment that you are accepted as part of the NIK|LAS family, you will begin a series of training to prepare you handle the tasks you will undertake. Good training is essential in preparing staff.
  7. What kind of housing is provided to Young Innovators?
    They will be given a Single room in a Shared apartment.
  8. What is the work schedule like for Interns and Young Innovators?
    The work schedule will be very flexible in meeting our day-to-day needs while allowing the Young Innovator to enjoy quality free time.
  9. How much free time is allotted to Interns and Young Innovators?
    With a 20-hour work week, there is quite a bit of free time during the week. However you will be asked to work on some weekends.
  10. Can significant other, friends, and/or family members visit intern or Young Innovators?
    This is discouraged due to the short duration of the job and its intensity. Rather, we suggest that you make arrangements that fall either before you start or after you complete the program.

 

 

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