About us
Who are we?
We are a fun and engaging language center where people not only learn a new language, but they also get immersed in the culture and values to grow as global citizens. We believe languages go beyond written and oral communication; they depict and portray the culture and history of the places where they are present. We also believe the world could be a better place if we all dedicated a little time to learn and understand the culture, tradition and values of other countries and their people. With these principles at heart, we founded Mappa Mundi Academy to increase global citizenship, one student at a time.
What do we do?
We offer interactive language classes with native instructors in different formats:
Our small group classes give students the opportunity to learn a new language while making new friends. Our main goal is to guide you in this language learning journey and make sure you can navigate the world in your new language. There will be a heavy focus on conversational skills, while we ensure you master reading and writing. This class format will follow a method; materials can be conveniently purchased on our site.
Semi-private instruction and one-on-one sessions offer increased flexibility and the capacity to tailor the content to your specific needs. If you are a beginner, we will have a heavy focus on the same conversation, reading and writing skills as the group class – the main difference is the pace of learning will be completely adapted to you. This format of classes is also optimal for more advanced learners who wish to practice or advance their language skills on particular areas.
Every session, you will also find a number of workshops that will center on specific topics or experiences of the language learning journey. Topics can range from practical aspects like improving your accent or mastering when & how to accentuate words, to expert guidance on traveling do’s and don’ts. Keep an eye on our schedule for upcoming sessions!
Our passion for bringing people and cultures together will also fuel select events where attendees will have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and understanding of particular geographies, cultures, artists and other cultural representations of the places we call home. Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media to stay in the know and register for these special events.
Our language academy offers classes, workshops, masterclasses, and events focused on the French and Spanish language learning experience. Whether for pleasure or business, because you’ll be relocating or traveling, or you want to communicate with new friends or relatives – we have the right class format for you.
We also offer coaching and English language classes for those who recently moved or are planning to move to the United States. Being expats ourselves, we understand the challenges and the journey. Take advantage of our experiences and avoid common mistakes and pain-points. We’ll guide you as you adapt to your new home.
Policies
PAYMENT
Course fees must be paid in full before students attend the first class. A student will not be considered registered for a course until full payment has been made. A $5.00 non-refundable registration fee applies to all registrations.
Forms of payment accepted are: Paypal (*4% service fee applies), Credit cards, Zelle (contact us).
We do not accept checks, personal checks or cash.
COURSE CANCELLATION
Mappa Mundi Academy reserves the right to cancel a class due to insufficient registration. Course fees already paid for a cancelled class will be refunded.
COURSE WITHDRAWALS - REFUND POLICIES
Withdrawal from a course must be made in writing and should include a request for either a refund (if available no later than (2) two weeks before a course start) or a tuition credit.
For all Classes (including Group, Fast Track, Intensive, Private, Workshops): all cancellations must be received in writing in the form of an email. Please state the course name and the reason for the cancellation. Withdrawals or refunds cannot be made by telephone or SMS/Text.
Please note that the absence from class does not constitute notice of withdrawal.
Students must withdraw no later than (2) two weeks before a course session begins to receive a refund of course fees only (The $5.00 registration fee, membership fees, and the cost of any purchased course materials are non-refundable). A $50.00 withdrawal fee will be deducted from the amount of all refunds and tuition credits to cover our administrative costs.
No credit for previously paid course fees will be issued after the second class. Credits are non-transferable.
PRO-RATING – MAKE-UP CLASS
Prorated tuition is typically only offered if a student is going to miss 3 or more classes of a 10-week class and must be arranged at the time of registration. NO retroactive credits or refunds will be allowed for missed classes. Credits are non-transferable. Please contact us for more information and pricing details.
PRIVATE LESSONS
No-shows, non communication to reschedule which include cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead of time minimum, will result in a full charge. The missed scheduled class will be deducted from the student’s package.
Private lessons tuition is non-refundable nor transferable.
ATTENDANCE
All classes are diligently scheduled. We ask for punctuality. In the unforeseen circumstance of tardiness on a given day, please contact the academy and/or your instructor. A no show/no proper notice or communication will account for a normal class and be debited from your session terms.
A three consecutive no show/no communication will be considered a drop out from the class and will forfeit the course balance (non refundable).
For private students, if you arrive early, and when feasible, your session will start upon your arrival and planned accordingly. All sessions are timed to ensure a smooth flow between classes.
TEXTBOOKS
Once purchased, books and medias CDs/DVDs cannot be returned. Sales are final. Class prices do not include method books (sold separately).
Withdrawals from Fast Track and Intensive classes received after the first day of class will be refunded 50% of the tuition paid, minus a $25 processing fee.
Withdrawals received more than 7 days after the start date of the regular courses or workshops: No refund will be issued.
REPETITION OF THE COURSE
In case the student does not have the level to go to following course, Mappa Mundi Academy reserves the right to request that the student repeats the course.