Frequently Asked Questions – MixTree Languages

Yes, you can join a course after it has started if there is still a place available. 

Yes, you’re welcome to take more than one course at the same time, such as a morning and afternoon Intensive course. Just keep in mind that each course includes homework, so it’s important to make sure you’ll have enough time to keep up. If you have any questions about planning your schedule, we’re happy to help!

Payment is expected before the beginning of the course. This secures your spot in the course. These are the available payment options:

Bank transfer:

Account name: Mixtree Languages Stichting

IBAN: NL78 ABNA 0409 4668 08 

BIC/SWIFT:  ABNANL2A

Payment description: Your full name + course name + start date 

(example: John Smith – A2 Morning – 20 May 2025)

Online payment:

You can request a payment link if you prefer to pay by credit card, PayPal, or Ideal. 

Cash payment:

You can also make an appointment to pay cash at school.

MixTree Languages follows the international standard called the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
This ensures you always know the language level of your course. Your CEFR level will also be shown on your final certificate.

Below is an overview of the skills expected at each level:

A1 Beginner Course
This course is for students who are just starting to learn English or only know a few basic words and phrases. It focuses on building confidence with essential language skills: introducing yourself, asking and answering simple questions, and understanding everyday vocabulary and grammar.

A2 Elementary Course
Designed for students who can understand and use common everyday expressions and very simple sentences. This course helps build confidence in short conversations, improve pronunciation, and strengthen knowledge of essential grammar and vocabulary.

A2+ Pre-intermediate Course
Ideal for students who can talk about themselves and familiar topics but still make frequent mistakes with grammar and vocabulary. The course focuses on improving accuracy, fluency, and confidence in everyday communication.

B1 Intermediate Course
This course is for students who can handle most day-to-day situations in English but want to speak and write with more detail and accuracy. It focuses on developing grammar skills, expanding vocabulary, and improving fluency when discussing a wider range of topics.

B2 Upper-intermediate Course
Perfect for students who have a good level of English and want to refine their skills. The course includes more complex grammar, idiomatic expressions, and vocabulary building, with an emphasis on clear and confident spoken and written communication.

C1 Advanced Course
Designed for students who want to fine-tune their English for personal, academic, or professional use. This course focuses on using nuanced vocabulary, expressing ideas precisely, and mastering complex grammar structures to communicate with ease and sophistication.

We aim for every planned course to run as scheduled. However, each course requires a minimum of 5 students in order to go ahead with the full number of class hours.

If we don’t reach this number, we will contact you as soon as possible to offer an alternative, such as reduced course hours or different schedule options.

Our goal is to never cancel a course. In the unlikely event that we do, you will receive a full refund of any fees you’ve paid.

After completing your online English Level Check, you can enrol from abroad in two ways:

• Via our website
  
• By email at info@mixtreelang.nl
  

Once we’ve processed your registration, you will receive:

1. A confirmation of enrolment
   
2. An invoice by email
   

You can pay using one of the following methods:

• Bank transfer to STICHTING MIXTREE
  
• Credit or debit card
  
• PayPal
  
• Cash (in person) – If you prefer to pay in cash when you arrive in Amsterdam, please make an appointment with us in advance. A receipt will be provided.

Yes, you can join part of a course or attend for just a few weeks, if certain conditions are met (such as availability and level suitability).

You will only pay for the remaining part of the course, plus a €45 administration fee.

Before you enrol, we’ll ask about your goals and current level to help place you in the most suitable course.

You can book a FREE English Level Check, where you’ll have a short online conversation (via Zoom or WhatsApp) with one of our friendly, experienced teachers (CELTA or TEFL certified). We’ll assess your level and discuss your learning needs.

You can also come to the school in person for your Level Check. We are open for in-person level checks Monday to Friday, 9:30am–1:30pm (except Wednesdays).

👉 Book your free English Level Check here

We aim for every planned course to run as scheduled. However, each course requires a minimum of 5 students in order to go ahead with the full number of class hours.

If we don’t reach this number, we will contact you as soon as possible to offer an alternative, such as reduced course hours or different schedule options.

Our goal is to never cancel a course. In the unlikely event that we do, you will receive a full refund of any fees you’ve paid.

We do not offer accommodation directly, but we’ve put together a list of useful resources to help you find housing in Amsterdam.

👉 View accommodation suggestions here

If you have to stop your course for personal reasons (such as finding a job or leaving Amsterdam), we can offer you the option to postpone your course or transfer to another course.

For full details, please see paragraph 3 of our Terms and Conditions:
👉 Read our Terms and Conditions

MixTree Languages is closed on the following dates:
New Year’s Day (1 January), Good Friday, Easter Monday, King’s Day (27 April), Liberation Day (5 May), Ascension Day (Thursday and Friday), Whit Monday and Christmas (25 and 26 December). Lessons continue during school holidays.

If a class falls on a public holiday, the lesson is moved to another day—usually to a day when students don’t normally have class (for example, from Tuesday to Wednesday). Lessons are not cancelled, and all course hours are still delivered.

You will be informed of any date changes in several ways:

• The registration email includes the full list of course dates, already adjusted for public holidays.
  
• You will also receive a reminder from your teacher by email or WhatsApp.
  
• Teachers will remind you in class of any upcoming changes to the schedule.

At MixTree Languages, what sets us apart is our vibrant community and collaborative learning approach. Based on proven educational research, including Vygotsky’s concept of the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD), we believe language is learned most effectively through social interaction and support. This means you’ll not only study grammar and vocabulary but actively use English by sharing ideas and experiences with your classmates both inside and outside the classroom.

Our signature “Activate Your English” method focuses on developing your speaking skills and building your confidence to communicate naturally. All our teachers are highly qualified (minimum CELTA/TESOL and 5+ years of experience) and either native or bilingual speakers, ensuring you get expert guidance in a supportive environment where making mistakes is part of learning.

We encourage learners to step outside their comfort zones with the help of peers and teachers, making progress through collaboration and practical use of English. Whether it’s through lively classes, WhatsApp groups, or our events, you’ll find plenty of ways to practice and connect.

At MixTree Languages, community is not just a feeling—it’s a powerful tool for learning. 

Being a non-profit means that MixTree Languages does not make a profit—all the money you pay for your course is reinvested directly into providing the best possible learning experience. This covers everything essential: teachers’ invoices, classroom rental, teaching materials, promotion, and administration. Because we’re not focused on profit, we can keep our course fees fair and affordable without compromising on quality.

For you as a student, this means you get access to high-quality courses taught by highly qualified and experienced teachers (all hold at least CELTA/TESOL certifications with 5+ years of teaching experience), plus all necessary teaching materials are included—no extra costs for books or registration fees. Our non-profit status allows us to prioritise your learning and offer excellent value.

* Only if you are taking an online course: the coursebook is not included in the course price, as you have the option to buy it online or pick it up at MixTree (we do not offer delivery).

Unfortunately, MixTree Languages does not handle visa applications, work permits, or any other official government documents. You will need to arrange these independently.

At MixTree Languages, our courses follow the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages), which recommends around 200 hours of guided study to move from one level to the next.

Every learner progresses at their own pace. Some students may be ready to move up after one course, while others benefit from two or three courses at the same level to build the knowledge and confidence they need. That’s why we offer three unique programmes at each level, each with different grammar and vocabulary topics. This ensures you’re always learning something new while continuing to build on what you already know.

After each course, your teacher will recommend the next best step based on your progress. If you’re unsure, you can also book a free consultation with one of our teachers to reassess your level and goals.

Yes. All lessons are exclusively taught in English.

Thanks to our detailed intake process, students are usually placed in the right group. However, if a student finds the course too easy or too challenging, and the teacher agrees that a different level may be more suitable, we will do our best to offer a place in another group—depending on availability.

Any changes must be discussed with your teacher and take place before the 3rd lesson. Level changes are based on a combination of the student’s experience, teacher feedback, and space in other groups. We aim to make sure the course is a good fit for both the student and the class as a whole.

MixTree Languages offers 4-week Intensive Courses and 6-week Morning or Online Courses. You can take multiple courses in a row to continue improving step by step.

For private, business, or tailor-made group courses, you can choose the course length that suits your needs.

If you book and pay for 2 or more courses at the same time, you’ll receive a 5% discount on the total price. Contact us for more information.

At MixTree Languages, we use the Activate Your English method, which focuses on speaking and communication in class. However, we also know that all skills—reading, listening, grammar, vocabulary, and writing—are important when learning a language.

Before each class, you’ll receive a pre-assignment by email. This could include reading an article, watching a video, writing a short text, or completing a grammar exercise. By doing this at home, you’ll come to class prepared with knowledge, questions, and ideas, ready to go deeper into the topic and spend more time speaking and interacting in class.

You can expect to do about 1 to 1.5 hours of homework per day (around 5 hours per week). This is an important part of the learning process and helps you make faster progress.

We understand that life can be busy. However, the more time you invest in your study, the more you’ll get out of the course.

Unfortunately, it’s not possible to make up a missed class. If you miss a class, here’s what you can do:

• Check the course programme to see what part of the book was covered.
• Use the English File Online platform for extra revision.
• Check Google Classroom for materials from the session you missed.
• Look at the WhatsApp group for any notes or board photos your teacher shared.
• Prepare questions to ask in your next class.
• Remember: we include regular review sessions, so you’ll have a chance to catch up.

To receive a certificate of successful completion, you must attend at least 80% of the course.

We assess your progress in several ways throughout the course:

• Writing Assessment: On the first day, you’ll complete a short writing task. At the end of the course, you’ll do the same task again. Your teacher will compare both and discuss your progress during a feedback chat.
• Speaking Tasks: If you are at A2+ level or higher, you will give a 5-10 minute presentation on a topic of your choice at the end of the course. For lower levels, you will discuss a topic instead of giving a formal presentation. Your teacher will give you feedback on your speaking skills throughout the course.
• Ongoing Assessment: Your teacher will monitor your progress during lessons, providing instant corrections and offering personalised delayed feedback if you are consistently making the same mistakes.

At the end of the course, you will receive a Certificate of Attendance and Proficiency Level, based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Grammar is a big part of our courses because it’s essential for speaking and using the language correctly. We focus on all language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

Grammar is often assigned as a pre-assignment, which prepares you for the class. In class, your teacher will revise the meaning, form, and pronunciation of the grammar. You’ll do exercises to show your understanding, and then we move on to speaking practice to make sure you can use the language correctly in real conversations.

If you have any difficulties with grammar, there will always be time to discuss and clarify them in class.

MixTree Languages is located at Eerste Weteringplantsoen 2c, 1017 SJ Amsterdam, right in the heart of the city.

We’re just a 5-minute walk from Weteringschans and close to key public transport connections:

• Tram lines 1, 7, 19, and 24 stop at Weteringcircuit or Vijzelgracht, both just around the corner.
• Metro line 52 (Noord/Zuidlijn) stops at Vijzelgracht station, only a 4-minute walk from the school.
• The Heineken Experience and Rijksmuseum are both nearby, and we’re close to Museumplein and Leidseplein.

It’s a central and well-connected area, making it easy to reach us from anywhere in Amsterdam.

At MixTree Languages, we employ highly qualified, trained, and experienced teachers who are dedicated to helping you achieve your language learning goals. All our teachers are native or bilingual English speakers and have a minimum of a CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) or an equivalent certification. They also have 5+ years of teaching experience after qualification.

Why is this important? The CELTA qualification is one of the most respected credentials in English language teaching. It ensures that teachers are well-trained in using effective, modern methods for teaching English and have practical teaching experience. This guarantees that our students receive the best possible instruction in a supportive and engaging learning environment.

We are committed to providing high-quality education, and our teachers’ expertise is key to your success.

If you have attended at least 80% of the classes, you will receive a certificate of successful completion. The certificate will show your proficiency level, using the standardized Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

 You do not need to buy a separate book for your course. The coursebook is included in the course price and will be given to you on the first day of class (except for online courses).

We use the English File 4th Edition series, which includes access to an online platform with additional practice and revision activities. This platform is designed to complement the materials and lessons provided by your teacher.

If you are taking an online course, you have two options for getting the coursebook:

1. Buy and collect it from MixTree Languages (we do not offer delivery), or
2. Purchase it online—we can send you some suggested links to trusted retailers.