Top 20 frequently asked questions
A basic introduction to VivaLing. Do not hesitate to drop us a line if your question is not in our TOP 20 or check our support desk.
Basics
How can I register my child?
You can go to our homepage and click on “Get Started”. You can fill in the form and we will arrange a brief virtual meeting with you to discuss your child and their aims and objectives.
At what age can my child start?
We have students from as little as 3 years old. It depends on the child’s level of maturity.
How can I book a session?
You can book your sessions online using your parent account. You can book one session at a time or multiple sessions at the same time. You can modify or cancel your session up to 24 hours before the session starts. You will always receive reminders via emails or sms before the session starts.
How many sessions per week do you recommend?
The weekly schedule is up to you and usually depends on your child’s age, free time and objectives. However, we do recommend at least 2 sessions per week because exposure to the language taught is a key driver of language learning. We can discuss it and advise you of the best schedule for your child. You can increase or reduce the number of weekly sessions any time.
How long does a session last?
We provide 4 durations : 15 minutes, 25 minutes, 40 minutes and 55 minutes.
The session duration depends on your child’s age, free time and objectives. For children below the age of 5 we recommend a 15 minute session. For older children, we adjust the duration to suit the individual needs and objectives.
Do I need to attend the session with my child?
We recommend that the parent attend the first session. Experience has shown that children above the age of 6 are completely autonomous. Children will most often gain more from their sessions if they attend without their parents.
Learning
Who are your teachers?
We prefer to use the term coach rather than teacher because our approach focuses on guiding your child rather than simply standing in front of them and ‘teaching’. Our coaches are all native or near-native speakers with online video and school teaching experience. All our coaches speak English regardless of the language they teach. We provide our coaches with regular training and assessments and enjoy a very low turnover rate.
What languages do you offer ?
We currently offer Mandarin, English, Spanish and French. For other languages please contact us as we are able to add more when there is an increase in demand.
What is your pedagogical framework ?
We use the Principled Communicative Approach (PCA). It is based on Communicative Language Teaching (where communication is both an objective of learning and a means to achieve it), and reinforced by a structured approach. Sessions are always fun to take part in !
How long does it take for my child to learn?
Other than full immersion we believe this is the fastest way your child will learn. Of course, it also depends on the individual child’s motivation. Children have an extraordinary language learning gift; as time passes, the gift goes away. Learning a new language now will be much easier and more effective than tomorrow.
You can watch this 6-year old boy’s session. At the time of this video he had been learning for just over 6 months and had not had any exposure to Mandarin whatsoever outside of VivaLing.
Is there any homework?
Every session is recorded and posted on your parent account. The child can watch it again (and again!) and it becomes like a second or third session. Depending on your objectives and your child’s age and motivation we can suggest some homework. We are also always happy to share some new games, readings and videos to maximize your child’s language exposure.
My child studies a new language at school, can you provide support tuitions?
We adapt our teaching methods to the child’s objectives, so we can provide tuition when needed. With our help children usually make significant progress very fast.
Pricing
How much does it cost?
The price depends primarily on the session duration as well as the package chosen. For example, a session lasting 25 minutes with an English coach will cost between USD 11 and 14 depending on the package you choose.
How do packages work ?
Packages are lump sums paid by the parents and credited to the family account with an extra bonus in dollars. For instance, a USD 250 package costs USD 250 but comes with a 10% bonus worth USD 25 ; all in all USD 275 are credited to the account. Our largest package is USD 1000 and gives right to a 25% bonus worth USD 250.
Packages are the most popular and cost-effective way to purchase sessions. Because of this only a very small number choose to purchase at the retail unit price. Packages are not affected by the coach, the session duration and/or the individual child.
How can I pay?
You can pay with your Paypal account or with your credit card if it is accepted by Paypal. You can choose to pay per session or subscribe to one of our packages. Click here to see our pricing.
Can I change my mind?
We don’t think you will change your mind, it virtually never happens.
However if you do change your mind within 1 month of your original purchase, then we will refund at our discretion any unused credit after deducting a small administrative fee and any free bonuses offered as part of a package. Please check our Terms and Conditions for the full details.
Internet-based
Do I need a high speed connection?
You need a normal connection with a minimum of 0.6 Mbps. You can check out your internet connection quality on speedtest.net.
Do I need to install something on my computer?
We will send you a link to launch our cloud video conference platform. The plugin will be downloaded automatically. It is hassle-free and works on any device.
Does it work on any device?
Yes it does ! You can do the session via desktop, laptop, tablets or even smart phones if nothing else is available.
What if the sound seems not to work during the interview or the first session ?
There is a very simple procedure to follow just once.
Click on Audio at the bottom left corner of your Zoom window ; select the Computer Audio tab ; hit “Join Audio Conference via mic & speaker” and the problem will most likely be resolved.
In the unlikely event that this does not solve the problem, click “Test mic & speaker” in the same tab and follow the instructions.