Professional Language Solutions

Welcome to the Professional Language Solutions language-training site for KPMG.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which languages can I study?
We offer tuition in all major world languages such as English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Mandarin, Japanese, Russian and Arabic. Other languages are also available.

Where can I study?
Face-to face classes will take place at your offices in KPMG. Please note you need to make the room booking arrangements at KPMG. Phone lessons can take place at any location in the UK on a date and at a time arranged directly with your tutor.

Can I really learn a language through phone lessons?
Yes, phone lessons are a tried and tested way of learning a language and are popular throughout Europe for busy professionals. Phone lessons are, however, not suitable for complete beginners. For information on levels, please refer to our self assessment guide which accompanies the enrolment form.

How do the phone lessons work?
The phone lessons are for 45 minutes each as they require a high level of concentration. You can replace some of your face-to-face lessons with phone lessons or you can book all your lessons on the phone except the first one. This lesson will be face to face to ensure you establish a personal contact with your tutor.   Prior to each phone lesson you will be sent or given exercises to complete and go through during the session.

When can I have lessons?
Most students chose to take 1½ hours once per week. Lessons take place from Monday to Friday starting at or after 8am and finishing by 8pm. Lesson times are based on your scheduling requirements and are agreed with your tutor.

Can I reschedule my classes?
Yes, you can reschedule but you must give us at least 24 hours’ notice (within office hours) to either cancel or reschedule lessons without charge. In exceptional circumstances (e.g. illness of a tutor) it may be necessary for your tutor to rearrange the lesson time.

Can I have lessons at other times?
It may be possible to arrange lessons to start before 8am in the morning and after 8pm in the evening Monday to Friday or at any time on a Saturday. However, these lessons will incur a 25% supplement.

When can I start?
With one-to-one training you can start the classes at any time that suits you. PLS can set up your course within one to two weeks of your initial enquiry.

How do you assess my current level?
Initially, you will complete a self-assessment on the enrolment form using a level chart as a guide. Then you will have an assessment with one of our assessors.

Can I really study any topics I want? What will I study in the lessons?
Yes, you can. The real advantage of one-to-one training is that you can ask your tutor to cover any topics or skills that you need or are of professional or personal interest to you. Language vocabulary and structures can in fact be taught with reference to any particular topics or subject matter. Generally speaking, your lessons will focus on the skills you can best learn in face to face lessons, ensuring you are able to use the language.

Who are the tutors?
All of our tutors are committed, enthusiastic professionals with relevant teaching qualifications and many years’ experience teaching adults.

Will I be given any home study assignments?
You can expect to receive 30-60 minutes home study per week. This should be completed before the next lesson in order to consolidate your learning.

How quickly will I progress?
Regular class attendance, motivation and consolidation of learning through home study assignments and self-study will maximise progress. Regular contact with the target language outside the lessons will also significantly increase progress.

Can I take a formal examination?
Studying for a formal language qualification (e.g. OCR exams) often provides additional motivation. Please discuss with your tutor or PLS which exams are available.

When will I be asked for feedback?
Informal feedback can be provided at any time and we ask you to fill in a feedback form upon completion of a block of hours.

I’m interested – what do I need to do?
In the first instance, simply read through the Home Page, Course Options and the Terms & Conditions of Enrolment (to be found under Enrolment) and then complete the Enrolment Form.

What happens after that?
We will contact you to arrange a phone or face-to-face level assessment and to discuss your training needs and the course scheduling.

When and how do I pay for my course?
PLS will send you a course confirmation and a link to our website where you can verify your course details. You will then be asked to make the full payment online via Cardstream. Upon payment classes can commence.

Payment security
Cardstream is a secure encrypted site for credit and debit cards that does not hold any personal information.

How do I extend my course?
Towards the end of the course, we will contact you to find out if you wish to continue and to discuss payment & booking options.

Do I need to buy a course book?
Yes, you need to purchase your own course book (typical cost = £15 to £20). Your tutor will recommend a book based on your assessment and requirements and PLS will provide you with details of where it can be purchased. Alternatively, PLS can order the book for you but you will then be charged for postage & packaging and VAT.

What happens if I need to stop my course?
The Terms & Conditions of your booking are specified on your course confirmation. PLS will consider requests for a refund if you leave the employ of KPMG during your course, or for any other exceptional circumstances.