Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our courses, English learning path, fees, payment, and cancellation.
How long does it take for me to complete all regular group courses?
All regular courses from Beginner 1 to Advanced 3 can take around 1 year and 9 months if taken without a gap. For intensive courses, it can take around 9 months without a gap.
How long does it take to be prepared for IELTS or TOEFL?
It depends on your English level and the type of classes you take. As a reference, if your English level is pre-intermediate, and you take customized private classes and work hard, it may take a minimum of around 5 months to prepare for IELTS or TOEFL. However, shorter or longer timeframes are also possible.
What do we work on in General English / ESL courses?
In General English / ESL courses, you practice and improve all four language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. You work with everyday conversations and real-life topics, and you also improve your grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and fluency.
What courses do I need to take if I just want to improve my English for work or everyday life?
The best courses to begin with are General English / ESL courses. These courses help you build real-life English for communication at work and in daily life. If you need a higher level of English for school or university, you can continue with English for Academic Purposes after completing pre-intermediate or intermediate courses.
If I want to take IELTS or TOEFL, can I take these courses right away?
To begin an IELTS or TOEFL course, you usually need to complete Intermediate level courses first and then PRE-TEST courses such as PRE-IELTS or PRE-TOEFL. If your assessment results place you at the PRE-TEST level, you may be able to start right away.
Are private classes really more expensive?
Private classes may cost more at first, but because many of them are customized, they can often be completed in a much shorter time. As a result, the total amount of time and money spent may actually be less than with regular group classes.
What if I need an English course and I do not find it in your list of courses?
Please contact us. We can help you choose the best course for your needs, or we can customize a course specifically for you.
Should I take private or regular group courses? Which one is better?
In many cases, private customized classes can save you a great deal of time and money overall. They also offer a much higher level of focus and personalization than group classes.
How can I pay for my courses?
You can pay online on our Register & Pay page or use PayPal to pay for your courses. If you live in Canada, you can also send payment by e-transfer to our email or pay in cash when your class starts. We usually process it within 24 hours. If you have any difficulty paying in these ways, please contact us and we will help you find the easiest option.
Can I cancel my registration?
Please review our Cancellation Policy page for full details.
When I receive an email from PEN with a payment link to register for my course, the amount is not right. What should I do?
Please do not pay. Contact us with your personal information, and if there is an error, we will correct it and send you a new payment link with the correct amount.