Sprachcaffe Q and A

We provide a wide range of inspiring language travel experiences:

• Supervised language holidays for juniors and young adults (12-21 years)
• Language courses for adults from 16 years
• Special group trips (minimum 10 students)
• Gap Year, High School, and Au Pair programmes (from 3 months)
• Educational leave options (Bildungsurlaub)
• Online language courses with real teachers (live sessions)
• Exam preparation for internationally recognised certificates

Our adult programmes welcome students aged 18 and above. In certain destinations, 16-year-olds may join adult classes. For teenagers aged 12 to 17, we offer fully supervised U20 programmes designed to match their needs. For families, we also offer special packages to learn together - minimum age for juniors: 12.

There are no fixed registration deadlines, but we recommend booking at least three months in advance to secure your preferred course and accommodation. Please note that places are limited and early booking increases your chances of getting your ideal destination and course. Courses typically begin on Sundays, with departures on Saturdays.

After booking, a deposit of 20% is required. The final payment must be completed four weeks before your arrival.

• Within 3 working days, you'll receive your booking confirmation and invoice.
• Your travel documents will arrive 3-4 weeks before departure. These include useful travel tips and, for juniors, forms for parents to fill out in the customer portal.
• Once your full payment and documents are received, you'll get your voucher, including the school and accommodation address, plus flight details if booked through us.

Vouchers are sent two weeks before departure. In some cases, a few days before, depending on final confirmations.

All documents are sent by email.

You can either organise your own travel or book your flights and transfers through us. If you prefer independent travel, simply select "Own travel" during booking. Transfers are available to/from the airport - flight details must be submitted in advance. Please note that transfers can only be booked in combination with accommodation arranged through Sprachcaffe.

We strongly recommend travel insurance. You'll receive a financial protection certificate with your invoice.

We offer packages that include:

• Health insurance
• Cancellation insurance
• Luggage insurance
• Emergency assistance

Details of cover and prices are available on request.

If you've booked your flight with us, one checked bag is always included. Weight limits vary depending on the airline, generally 20-23 kg. You may also bring hand luggage. Always check your airline's guidelines. Please pack smart - only bring as much as you can carry without needing a personal assistant 😊!

We believe learning works best in real-life settings. Our method combines interactive lessons, role-playing, and group discussions - with minimal tech use - all designed to spark meaningful conversations and build real human connections. We intentionally reduce screen time in favour of authentic, in-person interaction to support deeper, lasting language learning. Our approach focuses on using technology thoughtfully to strengthen human connections and develop a deep understanding of the language. Discover more about how our teaching methods can transform your learning experience on our dedicated page about language learning methodology.

It depends on your learning goals. Choose from:

• Standard Courses (20 lessons/week)
• Intensive Courses (30 lessons/week)
• Private lessons or small groups
• Exam preparation (IELTS, Cambridge, etc.)
• Study Club: 2 free extra sessions/week to review your progress and get homework help.

Find out more on our course overview page, including helpful information on choosing the right level and the ideal duration of your language course.

Absolutely! At Sprachcaffe, complete beginners are warmly welcomed. You'll be placed in a group with learners just like you, and thanks to our supportive environment and proven methods, you'll be surprised at how quickly you can start communicating in everyday situations-often after just two weeks. You're in good hands with us.

Yes, before the course begins, you'll complete a short online test. This helps us create balanced learning groups by considering your language level, experience, and learning goals. Regular progress checks are also included in long-term programmes to ensure continued development.

Group classes range from 8-15 students. Mini groups average 6 participants. Class sizes may be larger in summer. Private lessons (1-2 students) are available.

Classes are held entirely in the target language to support immersion and active learning. Our international student groups communicate from day one in the language being studied. Teachers are highly qualified language professionals, and many are native speakers or teach at native level.

Yes. Each week includes at least 4 free activities for junior participants. Add our Intensive Leisure Fun Pack for 4 extra activities. All junior courses include a full leisure programme. Adults are welcome to book local activities on-site according to their interests, but these are not included in the course package.

Yes! Combine your language course with:

• Business English
• Public Speaking & Presentation
• Job Applications & Interview Skills
• Drama workshops

Workshops add 10 lessons per week and are available at select destinations.

Absolutely! Our schedule is designed to give you a great balance between learning and free time. Lessons typically end by 3 p.m., leaving your afternoons open for exploring, relaxing, or joining activities. In summer, if classes are held in the afternoon, your mornings are free instead. Either way, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy your destination at your own pace.

We offer:

• Residences & club villages (some on campus)
• Apartments & studios
• Hotels
• Host families

Accommodation is near the school in most locations. Standards vary depending on the destination.

Yes, you can book your course without accommodation. However, please note that transfers can only be booked when accommodation is arranged through Sprachcaffe. Booking accommodation with us also gives you the advantage of being part of the Sprachcaffe community from the very beginning, making it easier to connect with fellow students and take part in shared experiences.

You'll usually be with your host during breakfast and dinner. During the day, you'll be with classmates and teamers.

Yes, if there's a serious issue or ongoing misunderstanding, we'll work closely with you to find a better fit. Your wellbeing is our priority, and we're always here to help resolve any concerns that may arise. In most cases, a change is possible from the following day.

Most of our accommodations are conveniently located within walking distance of the school. If not, you'll easily reach the school by public transport, and your host or one of our friendly teamers will be happy to show you the way. We'll make sure you feel confident getting to class each day. Commuting, even if just a short ride, can be an enriching part of your experience, giving you the chance to get to know the local surroundings and feel like a part of everyday life in your destination.

In manchen Unterkünften steht den Schülern ein Safe zur Verfügung. Diese und weitere nützliche Informationen findest du 4 Wochen vor der Reise in deinen Reiseunterlagen.

Laundry facilities are usually available in residences, and host families are happy to let you do your laundry from time to time. If needed, our friendly team will gladly help you find the nearest laundrette. Whatever the setup, keeping your clothes fresh while travelling is simple and stress-free!

You'll enjoy breakfast, dinner, and lunch each day - either as a hot meal or a packed lunch, depending on the programme. Meals are freshly prepared and reflect the local cuisine, giving you a taste of the culture as part of your daily experience. To keep things simple and sustainable, drinks during meals are typically limited to water - but you're always welcome to explore local favourites during your free time!

Please let us know during booking if you have any allergies or specific dietary requirements, such as vegetarian meals. We'll make every effort to accommodate your needs and ensure you feel well cared for throughout your stay. In some exceptional cases, a small surcharge may apply for special diets, but your comfort and wellbeing always come first.

You can book:

• Online via our website
• By giving us a call - you'll find our contact details on the website

We're happy to send you a non-binding offer by email.

• Bank transfer
• PayPal
• SOFORT
• Credit card
• Invoice
• Cash (available at selected Sprachcaffe schools)

Please note that available payment options may vary depending on your country of residence. Full details will be provided during the booking process.

Host families vary. Some have children, others are couples or individuals. You may indicate a preference for a host with children, and we'll do our best.

All U20 participants are strictly prohibited from purchasing or consuming alcohol, regardless of their age. The possession or use of drugs is forbidden and will result in immediate dismissal from the programme at the participant's expense. Smoking is not permitted for anyone under the age of 18. For all others, smoking is not allowed in accommodation, classrooms, or during supervised activities as part of the junior programme.

We recommend around EUR 150-200 per week. While we provide everything your child needs for a safe and enjoyable stay, having some extra pocket money allows for a bit of personal freedom - whether it's for a souvenir, a snack, or a spontaneous treat with new friends. In some locations, we may also ask for a small key deposit, which will be returned at the end of the stay. If this applies to your programme, we'll inform you in advance in your travel documents, so you can plan accordingly with complete peace of mind.

Participation is usually required as the shared activities form an essential part of the overall language travel experience. They help students build friendships, gain confidence, and become part of the group from the very beginning, which is especially important for creating a strong sense of community.

However, if a group of participants spontaneously expresses interest in other types of activities, our flexible teamers are usually able to adapt the leisure programme accordingly. This means not everyone has to take part in the same activities at all times, allowing for more personalised experiences while maintaining a well-supervised and inclusive environment.

These activities also allow us to guarantee full supervision, as students are integrated into a structured and well-coordinated programme. Some optional extras are available depending on the destination, allowing students to personalise their experience even further.