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Blue Noun Language Hub

F.A.Q. for Blue Noun English Language School

English language holidays for professionals bird in sky colour wash

Image from Michael Clark Cosmic Dancer, Dundee V &A. 
Photo Credit: Blue Noun.

Buzzard Crieff Perthshire location of Blue Noun English language School

BOOKING FOR 2022

100% rebooking/refund policy

For your security, Blue Noun is offering a 100% rebooking/refund policy throughout 2022: no questions asked, just change your dates, rebook for next year (any discounts still apply) – or cancel and receive a full refund.

What English levels do you teach?

The Creative Professional – Immersion course is an immersion English holiday course aimed at intermediate to higher intermediate/advanced level of English.

 Typical students are professional people with the language basics who need error correction, conversation practice and listening comprehension practice in a number of professional contexts.

However, we are able to teach all levels in our Coached Professional class – including coaching on specialist English language subjects such as presentations, speech-making, telephone skills and pronunciation.
We do not mix levels or specialist language on our Creative Professional course: if you need Beginner, Advanced or Specialist Coaching, contact us for availability on our Coached Professional course.

 

What are my accommodation options for my immersion English holiday course?

Choose when you book between a Hotel, a private B&B and staying with one of our Homestay Hosts.

Our Homestay Hosts are selected with care and make a very good choice – even for professionals.

Plus, remember that you are welcome in our building from 7 am to 10 pm. You are welcome to relax, eat breakfast lunch and dinner at Blue Noun.

Find out about our  Host Family options here. 

Host accommodation English language school

Should I book the Creative Professional Immersion English Course or the Coached Professional English Course?

Most people will book Creative Professional: we keep class size low so that in every class we have lots of time to work on each person’s specific learning needs General Professional is based on learning professional English skills for all kinds of creative fields and professions, including conversation practice, introductions, professional presentations and listening comprehension.
You should book Coached Professional only if you need to work on a certain specific skill – such as Public Speaking, Presenting a Poster (Science and Industry), telephone English, Chairing a Meeting – or have your own text/publication to work on – anything that needs a lot of one-to-one time with a teacher.
Contact us if you need help to decide.

What about COVID?

Certain social elements of our course will have had to change due to Covid, but the essential courses are the same. 

We work with authorities to have best hygiene practices and safe distances between our English language learners – it’s easy, we have a big space to do this.

 

By the way, Kenny and I have both had our jabs. We test before class and we will ask that our language learning guests take the bi-weekly lateral flow tests we provide. 

In addition, we’ve got a very flexible cancellation policy until this pandemic is under control – and at least until the end of 2022.

Check it out here.

Curry Night at Blue Noun English Language School

What about food?

We offer a simple lunch everyday – homemade soup, bread, cheese and cold meat etc. We have breakfast cereals if you want to eat breakfast in our cafe space – or buy something yourself and bring it in. There are differrent options for diner everyday – you can chose to eat by yourself in a restaurant or take away food to eat in our space. Throughout the day we have drinks and snacks available. We also offer a curry night once a week too. We love the idea that people will share good times eating and drinking together in our space. 

Curry Night at Blue Noun English Language School

I have a food allergy or diet requirement?

We can cater to most food allergies or diets – just let us know when you book. 
We are more than happy to serve vegetarian or vegan food.
Our philosophy is to only buy and serve animal-based produce if we know the animal welfare behind the product has been outstanding. 

Is it fun?

We think so! We’ll do everything we can to make your learning experience relaxing and enjoyable – it is not like getting lessons at a large corporate language school. It’s personal and yes, fun. 

How do I book?

Use the Contact Us form to get in touch. We’ll reply and ask you about your needs and availability – and invite you on a Zoom call to discuss your immersion English holiday course preferences. 

How do I get to Crieff?

Information and advice about travelling to Crieff is covered here. If you need any other information, just ask. 

What does it cost?

Our General Professional English Immersion Course is £1200 per week.
Our Coached Professional English Course is £1500 per week.
They are detailed here.
It is important to note that while this does include tuition, some meals, activities and travel around Strathearn – it does not include your travel to Crieff or accommodation. 

What English language skills are covered in your course?

Our target language is the professional English needed by you to work using English as a second language in your professional creative field. Our immersion English holiday courses are aimed at creative professionals and practice English language skills in a range of simulated professional contexts.

Find out a bit more about what we mean by  English language skills for creative professionals here.

Do we get a certificate?

You get a medal! (Yes, seriously!)

Our first morning together is based on professional introductions – and simultaneously a needs-based evaluation.

We’ll work out what to target over the week and at the end of the week we’ll review progress. Your personalised, artist-made medal will reflect your progress and effort on the course. 

Why take an immersion English holiday course in Scotland?

Why not? Of course, there are many beautiful places to travel to and learn English on an immersion English holiday course. If you are craving city nightlife, this course is not for you. By coming to a quiet part of Scotland you can benefit from beautiful scenery and historic sights without crowds and really get to know the town and its people through genuine cultural exchanges. 

Stirling castle English language school visit

What about the Scottish accent?

Your main teacher Ruth has taught English for 10 years – and it has never been a problem. She speaks clearly. When you are out and about you will meet people with a whole range of accents, it is part of developing your listening comprehension. No one will return home speaking English with a Scottish accent after one or two weeks! 

Learning English in Scotland Crieff Highland Gathering visitors

Can I bring my partner?

Yes. They won’t be included in the course teaching, but if you want to book accommodation for both of you, you will still have opportunities to spend time together over the week – and we’ll be happy to welcome them for lunch and for socialising. 

Why are you not accredited by the British Council/other?

We are a new school, alternative English language school.  We break traditions. 

Most accreditation programmes require a school to be trading for a year and a half before they are eligible for assessment. We know this is a disadvantage – so we have special offers on our prices.

Have a quick peek inside…