FAQ

1. What is Languagelab.com?

Languagelab was founded in 2005 to bring the capabilities of virtual worlds to students interested in improving their language skills. We brought together language teachers, educational experts, software developers and technology experts to build a “real” city in a virtual world. Students come to that city (“English City”) to practice their English with our teachers, who are all native English speakers. Instead of sitting in a traditional classroom, students learn by doing real things, like ordering food at a restaurant, booking a room at a hotel and making presentations at the business center. Students who want to learn with us need only a computer, headset, internet connection and a desire to make real progress in their language skills.

2. What is English City?

English City is a virtual place that you can visit by using your computer and an internet connection. It is our “virtual classroom”. But instead of a typical classroom with chairs around a table, our classroom is the city. In English City you will find all of the kinds of places you would find in a real city - art museums, coffee shops and restaurants, theaters, hotels, airports, and much more. Students visit those places with their teachers, who help them to use their language skills in real situations.

3. What are classes like in Languagelab.com?

Classes are fun and interactive. Students are actively involved in discussions and use their English all the time. For example, a class at the theater might involve students putting on costumes and acting out a scene from a play. Or, a class might go to the airport and practice all of the kinds of interactions that take place while traveling. Classes are 60 or 90 minutes long.

4. Why is practicing English at Languagelab better than in a classroom?

A classroom is a great way to learn the basics of a language, such as grammar and verb tenses. But the best way to really improve your speaking skills is to use the language as much as possible in real situations. Our virtual city, English City, gives you an opportunity to speak English in real situations with native English speakers.

5. Will everyone I speak with at Languagelab.com be a native English speaker?

The English City People (our teachers) are all native speakers. Students and customer service helpers come from many different countries.

6. Your offices are in London, and I am in another country. How can I attend classes?

Our school is online, and you can access it from anywhere in the world. You can access from home, work or university - wherever you have a broadband internet connection and a good computer.

7. Are your teachers real?

All of our teachers are real, qualified and experienced native speakers. They have taught in a wide range of countries and are experienced using virtual worlds to teach. We do not use robots or computer programs to teach. All interactions are in real time with real people.

8. What’s the maximum number of students in a class?

The maximum number is 12, but there are typically 6 students per class. If a class is a special event or a talk, there may be more students there.

9. Is Languagelab.com free to use?

Languagelab is not free to use. We offer study plans which can be for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months or you can buy a course.

10. How do I start studying at Languagelab.com?

First, go to the Study Plans section, under the “How it Works”. button. There, you can see the different study plans we offer and choose the one that best fits your needs. Once you decide, click on the “Buy Now” button, under the “How it Works”. section. This will take you through the payment process and will help you through the registration process.

11. Why do I have to download Languagelab software?

English City exists on the Languagelab platform. This is a virtual world, where your classes will be. You need this so you can see the shops, buildings and other people around you. Learning in this 3-D way is very effective, better than reading a book or using a website. It enables you to look at and listen to the environment around you, just like in real life.

12. How much does Languagelab.com cost, and what do I get for my study plan?

We have four different monthly study plans. The Basic plan is $39.95 per month for 8 classes; Premium is $59.95 per month for 16 classes; Superior is $79.95 per month for 30 classes and Ultimate is $99.95 per month for unlimited classes. All of the plans also include unlimited, free access to English City, where you will find lots of activities and opportunities to get together and practice English with other students and English City People (native English speakers). Also, if you would like to just try it, you can sign up for a Trial class, which costs just $13.95. For more detail, see our Study Plans page. There are also one-to-one classes, which are 5 classes for $150.

13. Is your payment system secure?

Our payment system is secure. We do not retain your credit card information, and your billing information is confidential. Our system is fully encrypted and complies with European Union standards.

14. What are the benefits for ESL schools or universities of working with Languagelab.com?

By partnering with Languagelab, you can provide current students with an opportunity to practice what they learn in class, get back in touch with former students, offer your students a discount to Languagelab, cater to young students who are increasingly digitally minded, gain a reputation as a leader in digital technology and participate in a revenue share plan.

15. What are the system requirements for using Languagelab.com?

To take classes you will need three basic things: a recent computer (purchased within the past five years), a headset (to speak and listen) and a fast internet connection (DSL is preferable). For a complete list of technical requirements, click here.

16. Why do I need a USB headset?

Using a USB headset improves the voice quality in Second Life by reducing interference and noise around you. If you use a built-in microphone, other students and teachers will be able to hear everything going on around you, and your voice quality will be very bad.

17. What is the minimum qualification I need to teach English at Languagelab.com?

You need to be a native speaker of English and have the RSA/CELTA. Candidates with the RSA/DELTA would be preferred.

18. What is the minimum experience I need to teach English at Languagelab.com?

You need to have a minimum of two years practical classroom experience in the area of EFL or ESOL.

19. Do I need good IT skills to teach English at Languagelab.com?

You need to have an understanding of and be able to use Word and Excel. You will also need to be able to send and receive e-mails. Teachers will also be asked to write or read lesson plans on a wiki and check and post blog posts.

20. How can I apply for a teaching position at Languagelab.com?

You can submit your curriculum vitae to teaching@languagelab.com. We are always looking for new talent, and will keep your CV on file.

21. I’m having technical problems. Where can I get help?

If you're having problems using Second Life, you can go to the Registration Center anytime to get help. If there's a problem with the website, you can use the support link at the top of the site, or the "report a bug" link on your dashboard to tell us about it. We'll try and get back to you as quickly as we can.

22. How do I reset my Languagelab.com password?

Visit http://www.languagelab.com/accounts/password_reset/.

23. How do I reset my Second Life password?

Visit www.secondlife.com/password.

24. How do I book a class?

First, make sure you are signed in at the Languagelab.com website. From there, go to the Dashboard “Dashboard page”(look for the smile face). At the center of the page you will see “My Classes”. Click on “Choose a Class”, which appears in orange. That will take you to the list of our upcoming classes. When you click on a class, you will see a short description of the class, the level and the time. If you want to sign up for the class, click “Choose this class”.

25. How can I go to class?

There are two ways to get to class. First, you can enter from the Languagelab.com website. Make sure to sign in at the Languagelab.com website. From there, go to the Dashboard page “Dashboard page”(look for the smile face). At the center of the page, you will see “My Classes”. All of the classes you have booked will be listed there. At the time of the class, you can click “Teleport Now”, and you will be automatically taken to the class. You can also enter from English City. First, go to the Registration Center, where you will find a map of English City. If you know your class is in the business center, find the business center on the map and click on it. You will automatically be teleported there. You can also ask a Languagelab Study Adviser, and they will help you get to class.

26. How many classes do I have left?

First, make sure you are signed in at the Languagelab.com website. From there, go to the “Dashboard page”(look for the smile face). At the left of your screen you will see your class counter, and how many classes you have left. For example, it will say, “You have 7 classes left until April 8th.".

27. How can I buy more classes?

If you need more classes, you can upgrade your study plan. To upgrade, go to your dashboard and on the left hand side there is a blue button that says ‘Upgrade my study plan’. Click this and your study plan will be upgraded within 48 hours. We will charge your credit card the next day. If you have a question about this, email info@languagelab.com.

28. Can I cancel a class I already booked?

You can, but you cannot cancel it just before the class. You need to cancel your class at least one hour before the class. If you don't cancel your class with enough notice, you will lose that class. Go to your “Dashboard”. and then choose the class you want to cancel. Then click "cancel this class".

29. How do I get into English City?

The best way to get into English City is through the Registration Center.

30. How do I move around English City?

You can use your arrow keys to move around English City. The arrow keys will let your avatar move forward, backward, left and right. Use Page up/Page down if you want to fly. To talk to someone near you, make sure you have your headset on and begin talking. To type a note to someone, press enter and type into the open chat box. To sit down, right click on the chair and choose “sit”. To stand up again, choose “stand up”. For more information and video tutorials, visit “Languagelab Help Videos”. If you still need help, go to the Registration Center and meet a Languagelab Study Adviser. The study adviser will help you with moving, talking and making friends, and will explain how to use our website.

31. How can I find my way around English City?

In English City, there are a lot of billboards with pictures of the different locations. If you click on the picture of the place you want to go, you can “teleport” (go) directly there. You can also use the map at the bottom of your screen, or make a landmark so you have a record of where you have been.

32. How do I personalise my avatar?

You can go to Periwinkles in English City and get more clothes, and to the beauty salon for different hair. You can do this by visiting Donatella’s class on shopping. All the items are free for Languagelab students. The Helpers can also show you how to change your avatar and make it more personal.

33. When do I need to pay for a new study plan?

You pay automatically every month for your study plan. If you buy a Basic study plan on the 5th of May, you will pay $39.95 on the 5th of May, and $39.95 on the 5th of June. You will pay on the 5th of every month until you cancel your study plan.

34. How can I change my study plan?

You can change your study plan by going to your dashboard; on the left hand side there is a blue button that says ‘Upgrade my study plan’. Click this and your study plan will be upgraded within 48 hours. We will charge your credit card the next day. If you want to change to a lower number of classes, for example, from Ultimate to Basic, email info@languagelab.com and we will change your study plan.

35. My trial study plan has ended. What can I do now?

If you would like to continue studying with us, you will need to buy a monthly study plan. Go to the study plan section under the “How it Works” button, choose the plan you want, and follow the instructions. You will then get an invitation to join the Languagelab student group in English City.

36. How can I cancel my subscription?

To cancel your subscription, send an email to info@languagelab.com.