Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our courses, teaching methods, and enrollment process. We're here to help you make an informed decision about your language learning journey.

We offer courses in Spanish, French, German, Italian, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Portuguese, and Arabic. Each programme is designed for learners at all levels, from complete beginners to advanced speakers looking to refine their skills. Our curriculum covers speaking, listening, reading, and writing, with emphasis on practical communication. We also provide business-focused courses for professionals needing specific terminology and cultural insights for their industry.

A standard level typically requires 10 to 12 weeks with two sessions per week, each lasting 90 minutes. This structure allows for steady progress while accommodating work and personal commitments. Intensive courses are available for those who wish to advance more quickly, meeting four times weekly and completing a level in 5 to 6 weeks. Your progress depends on factors including attendance, practice outside class, and previous experience with the language.

All instructors at Nudobu hold university degrees in linguistics, education, or related fields, plus recognised teaching certifications such as CELTA, DELTA, or equivalent qualifications specific to their language. Many are native speakers with extensive experience teaching in London and internationally. Our team includes educators with 5 to 20 years in the field, and all participate in ongoing professional development to stay current with teaching methodologies and cultural trends.

Yes, we place students according to their current abilities. Before enrolling, you'll complete a written assessment and have a brief conversation with one of our instructors to determine the most suitable level. This ensures you're neither overwhelmed nor bored in class. If you've studied the language previously but feel rusty, we can recommend a level that provides the right balance of review and new material to rebuild confidence and skills.

We limit group classes to 8 students to ensure everyone receives attention and ample speaking practice. Smaller groups foster a supportive environment where learners feel comfortable making mistakes and asking questions. This size also allows the teacher to tailor activities to individual needs while maintaining the energy and variety that come from group interaction. For those seeking even more personalised instruction, we offer semi-private courses with 2 to 4 participants or one-to-one tuition.

We provide both options. Our in-person classes take place at our centre on Willow Avenue in London, offering face-to-face interaction and immediate feedback. Online courses use video conferencing platforms with interactive tools, allowing you to learn from anywhere. The curriculum and teaching quality are consistent across both formats. Many students choose online lessons for convenience, while others prefer the classroom setting for the social aspect and direct engagement.

The course fee covers all digital materials, including PDF workbooks, audio files, and access to our online learning platform with exercises and supplementary content. Physical textbooks are available for purchase separately if you prefer printed materials, typically costing between £25 and £40 depending on the language and level. We also provide handouts and worksheets during lessons at no extra charge. Students receive login credentials to practice vocabulary and grammar between sessions.

Yes, you can transition to private lessons if your needs change. We'll calculate the remaining value of your group course and apply it toward one-to-one sessions, adjusting for the difference in pricing. This flexibility is useful if you need to focus on specific skills, such as business presentations or exam preparation, or if your schedule no longer fits the group timetable. Contact our administration team to discuss the options and arrange a smooth transition.

We offer preparation courses for exams including DELE for Spanish, DELF/DALF for French, Goethe-Zertifikat for German, CILS for Italian, HSK for Mandarin, and JLPT for Japanese. These courses focus on exam format, strategies, and practice tests to build confidence and familiarity. Instructors provide feedback on writing and speaking tasks, helping you identify areas for improvement. Exam preparation is available as part of standard courses at intermediate and advanced levels or as dedicated short-term programmes.

If you inform us at least 24 hours before a group lesson, we'll provide the materials covered and suggest exercises to help you catch up. For private lessons, we can reschedule if you give 48 hours' notice; otherwise, the session is considered used. We encourage regular attendance to maintain progress and continuity, but we understand that life brings unexpected situations. Your teacher can offer a brief recap at the start of the next session to bring you up to speed.

Our adult courses are designed for learners aged 16 and above. We also run separate classes for children and teenagers aged 7 to 15, with age-appropriate materials and teaching methods that incorporate games, storytelling, and interactive activities. These younger learner programmes focus on building a strong foundation in listening and speaking while keeping lessons engaging. Family courses are available where parents and children can learn together in a shared environment.

Assessment is ongoing and includes participation in class activities, completion of homework, and periodic tests covering vocabulary, grammar, and communication skills. At the midpoint and end of each level, you'll receive feedback on your strengths and areas to develop. We use a combination of written quizzes, oral presentations, and role-play exercises to evaluate different competencies. This continuous approach helps you understand your progress and set realistic goals for the next stage.

We offer a single trial session for group classes, allowing you to experience our teaching style and meet fellow learners before enrolling. This session is charged at a reduced rate and can be credited toward your course fee if you decide to continue. For private tuition, the first lesson serves as an introduction where we discuss your goals and create a personalised plan. This approach ensures you feel confident about your choice and have a clear understanding of what to expect.

We accept payment by bank transfer, credit card, and debit card. Full payment is due upon enrollment, though we can arrange instalment plans for courses longer than 10 weeks. For corporate clients, we invoice companies directly and offer flexible payment terms. All fees are in GBP and include VAT where applicable. If you need a receipt or invoice for reimbursement or tax purposes, we provide detailed documentation promptly after payment is received.

We organise monthly conversation clubs where students can practice their language skills in a relaxed setting, discussing topics from current events to cuisine and travel. These sessions are free for enrolled students and provide an opportunity to meet learners from different levels. Throughout the year, we also host cultural events such as film screenings, cooking workshops, and guest talks by native speakers. These activities complement formal lessons and help you appreciate the culture behind the language you're studying.

About Nudobu

A dedicated team of linguists and educators committed to making language learning accessible, effective, and engaging for students across London.

Language learning environment at Nudobu

Our Story

Nudobu was established in 2015 by three experienced language teachers who recognized a gap in the education market. They observed that many students struggled with traditional teaching methods that focused heavily on grammar rules without sufficient practical application. The founders pooled their combined 45 years of teaching experience to create a curriculum that prioritizes conversation and real-world usage from the first lesson.

Starting with a single classroom in Hammersmith, we initially offered courses in Spanish, French, and German to 12 students. By the end of our first year, we had expanded to accommodate 150 learners and added Italian and Mandarin to our programme. Today, we operate from our central location on Willow Avenue, teaching 11 languages to over 800 students annually through both in-person and online formats.

Our growth reflects a consistent approach: hire qualified instructors who are native speakers or hold C2 certification, maintain small class sizes of 6-8 students, and continuously update our materials based on student feedback and linguistic research. We have partnered with 23 local businesses to provide workplace language training and collaborate with three universities in London to offer preparatory courses for international students.

Our Core Values

Practical Communication

We structure lessons around situations students will actually encounter, whether ordering food, negotiating contracts, or discussing current events. Grammar is taught as a tool for clearer expression, not as an end in itself.

Qualified Instruction

Every instructor holds either a CELTA, DELTA, or equivalent teaching qualification and participates in 20 hours of professional development annually. We verify language proficiency through standardized testing and observe classroom performance quarterly.

Transparent Progress

Students receive detailed assessments every 10 weeks that identify specific strengths and areas needing attention. We use the Common European Framework of Reference to provide standardized benchmarks that are recognized internationally.

Flexible Learning

Classes are scheduled throughout the week from early morning to evening, with intensive weekend options available. Students can switch between in-person and online formats or combine both approaches depending on their schedule and learning preferences.

Experience and Expertise

Our teaching staff includes 24 instructors representing 15 countries, bringing diverse perspectives to language education. The average instructor tenure at Nudobu is 4.5 years, providing continuity and accumulated knowledge of effective teaching strategies. We employ specialists in business language, academic preparation, and conversational fluency, allowing us to match students with instructors suited to their specific goals.

Since 2015, we have helped 312 students pass official language examinations including DELF, DELE, TestDaF, and HSK at various levels. Our business language courses have trained employees from 18 different industries, from finance to hospitality. We have also prepared 89 students for university admission, with successful placements at institutions including King's College London, Imperial College, and University College London.

We invest in teaching resources, maintaining a library of 400 textbooks, access to digital learning platforms, and audio-visual equipment in every classroom. Our online platform includes recorded lessons, interactive exercises, and video conferencing tools that replicate the classroom experience. Students report an average satisfaction rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on post-course surveys conducted independently.

Professional language instructors at Nudobu