The course consists of 2 hours of class per week, providing regular contact with English and allowing students to make steady progress throughout the academic year.

We work with small groups of no more than 6 students, encouraging active participation and giving each student genuine opportunities to use English in class.

Our recommended format is face-to-face, particularly because of the opportunities it provides for interaction and communication. The course can also be offered online, depending on demand and group formation. Online groups generally require a minimum of 3–4 confirmed students.

Learning also continues outside the classroom. Homework and reinforcement activities will be set regularly to consolidate what has been covered in class, provide additional practice and maintain contact with English between lessons.

Our approach is practical and communicative. At this level, the aim is to broaden students’ resources so they can use English more naturally in real-life situations, moving from very simple exchanges towards more complete conversations about everyday topics.

The 2-hour weekly format gives us time to work on the main language skills — speaking, listening, reading and writing — in a balanced way, alongside the vocabulary and language structures students need to continue progressing.

We place particular emphasis on speaking and interaction in class, encouraging students to start conversations, ask questions, respond to what others say and maintain simple exchanges without constantly relying on support from the teacher.

As the course progresses, students are encouraged to combine the language they already know more flexibly, deal with less predictable situations and become more comfortable and confident using English.

Course content is organised around situations and topics relevant to everyday life, broadening both the range of contexts in which students use English and their ability to talk about them in greater detail.

Throughout the course, students work with areas such as relationships and social life, work and studies, personal experiences, leisure and interests, shopping and services, health and wellbeing, travel, transport, accommodation and future plans. They also develop the language needed to explain what has happened, talk about experiences, describe situations, make comparisons, express simple preferences and opinions, organise plans and deal with common needs when using English outside the classroom.

Students gradually learn to maintain simple conversations for longer, understand the main points of everyday messages and conversations, obtain and communicate information and express themselves more clearly on familiar topics.

Vocabulary, pronunciation and language structures are integrated into these contexts, with the aim of broadening students’ communication skills and helping them use English with increasing independence.

What level is required to start the course?

Break The Ice is designed for adults who already have a solid foundation in English and can communicate simply about everyday topics, but still need to broaden their skills and become more comfortable maintaining longer exchanges.

No official qualification or certificate is required. If it is not clear whether this is the right course, our level test can be taken online or in person at Eureka. We recommend the in-person option whenever possible, as it allows us to assess the student’s level more accurately and advise on the most suitable group.

Students already studying at Eureka do not need to take another level test, as we will take into account their progress and the level reached during the previous course.

What if English was studied years ago but most of it has been forgotten?

This is very common. A student’s current level does not always correspond to the last course or qualification completed, particularly when English has not been used for some time.

If there is any doubt, we recommend taking a level test or contacting us before enrolling. This allows us to assess which group is best suited to the student’s current knowledge and communication skills.

How many students are there in each group?

We work with small groups of no more than 6 students, allowing for active participation, close support and many more opportunities to use English during class.

Are the teachers native speakers?

Our team consists of native English-speaking teachers or teachers with a native-equivalent level of English, with experience teaching adults and working with groups at different levels.

Can the course be taken online?

Yes. Although we recommend face-to-face classes, the course can also be offered online depending on demand and group formation.

Online groups will open with a minimum of 3–4 confirmed students.

Will there be homework?

Yes. To make steady progress, it is important to maintain contact with English outside the classroom. Homework and reinforcement activities will be set regularly to consolidate what has been covered in class and provide continued practice between lessons.

The amount and type of work will be adapted to the level and progress of the group.

Are all four language skills covered?

Yes. Throughout the course, speaking, listening, reading and writing are developed in an integrated way, alongside the vocabulary, pronunciation and language structures needed for communication.

We place particular emphasis on speaking and interaction, giving students opportunities to use English actively, maintain more complete conversations and develop greater confidence and independence.

Are the classes entirely in English?

English will be the main language of communication in the classroom, with its use always adapted to the level of the group.

As the course progresses, we aim for students to follow the classes and communicate increasingly in English, gradually relying less on other languages. These may occasionally be used when necessary to clarify instructions or concepts.

Is it necessary to buy a textbook or any additional materials?

No. All materials required for the course are included and will be provided throughout the course according to the content covered and the needs of the group.

Will students reach A2 by the end of the course?

Our aim is for students to have reached an approximate A2 level by the end of the course. Progress will also depend on each student’s starting point, attendance, participation and the work completed both inside and outside the classroom.

Is it possible to join after the course has started?

Yes, provided that places are available and the level of the group is suitable. If the course is already well underway, we will first assess whether joining at that stage is advisable and whether the student will be able to follow the classes comfortably.

Is it possible to change groups during the course?

Yes. We understand that students’ circumstances and availability can change during the course. It may also become apparent once classes have started that another group is better suited to a student’s level.

Provided that places are available and the level of the new group is appropriate, we will try to accommodate the change.

Can termly payments be split?

In some cases, yes. When the termly fee is relatively high, we may offer the option of splitting the termly fee into two payments of 50%, normally during the first two months of the term.

This is simply a payment facility and does not alter the termly rate or any applicable discounts.

What happens if a student misses a class?

If a student is unable to attend a class, we will provide the information and/or materials needed to catch up, whenever possible. As these are group classes, sessions missed due to a student’s absence cannot be made up individually and are not deducted from the course fee.

Fees are calculated on an average of 35 teaching weeks per academic year. The exact number of sessions may vary slightly depending on the day of the week and the calendar, and some groups may have an additional session. These minor variations are already reflected in the course price.

What happens if Eureka has to cancel a class?

If Eureka has to cancel a class and we are unable to provide a substitute teacher, we will offer a replacement session. If it is not possible to reschedule the class, the corresponding amount will be deducted from the next payment, whether monthly or termly.

Are discounts available?

Yes. We offer Friends & Family discounts and discounts for unemployed students, university students and students aged 65+. Full percentages and applicable conditions can be found in the Discounts section of this page.

Friends & Family

10% discount for each new student, plus an additional 5% for each additional student, applicable for one term.

Unemployed students

15% discount on course fees throughout the academic year. Supporting documentation will be required.

University students

15% discount on course fees throughout the academic year. Proof of university student status will be required.

Students aged 65+

15% discount on course fees throughout the academic year.

Discount conditions

Discounts cannot be combined. Where more than one discount could apply, the most favourable discount will be applied.

For particularly small groups of 2 or 3 students, discounts will be subject to the viability of the group and Eureka reserves the right not to apply them.

Discounts apply to course fees only and do not apply to registration fees or other additional charges, unless expressly stated otherwise.