Your first lesson
Take your first lesson to talk about your goals with your teacher and make a study plan. Your teacher will complete the Course Plan on your profile page. Your teacher can also help you complete other information in your personal profile, if needed.
How do I reserve my first lesson?
- Reserve your first lesson using our lesson reservation system.
- After logging in to your student account, click on the "SCHEDULE" button at the top right of the page to go to the reservation page.
- Next, click on the date you would like to book and select a time and instructor.
- Click the green “BOOK NOW” button to complete your reservation. Your reserved lesson will appear on the right side of the dashboard screen.
- When it’s time for your lesson, click “JOIN LESSON” to enter the classroom. You can also join from the link in the reservation completion e-mail.
It’s my first lesson! What should I expect?
When it is time for your lesson, join the classroom using the links on your email or your calendar. Your teacher will ask you some questions about yourself and your goals in learning English. They will also help you pick a course and design a study plan.
How do I join the lesson?
Log in to your account and look for TEFtalk buttons and links. There is more information on the Help pages about TEFtalk, our teaching platform.
I want to know what courses I can take. What do I do?
Your teacher will help you choose the best course for you. Students usually take about 4–5 lessons to trial courses before choosing a course and English level.
You can look at our full list of courses to see what we offer. If you see a course you would like to take, let your teacher know.
TEFtalk
TEFtalk is our custom-built platform. You can take lessons directly on our site. You do not need to download or install software.
What basic requirements do I need to use TEFtalk?
TEFtalk works on any internet browser, except for Internet Explorer. You can use a computer or cell phone with a camera and microphone. You can read more about basic requirements for TEFtalk on the TEFtalk Help page.
How can I test if TEFtalk works for me?
You can test if your computer has the necessary requirements to use TEFtalk by using this testing tool. If you have any issues when testing TEFtalk, you can send your test results to Tech Support.
TEFtalk doesn't work! What do I do?
If TEFtalk doesn't work, your teacher will have a backup ready. You can also get help from our Tech Support.
How do I report system problems?
If you experience technical issues in your lesson, please use the Contact form to let us know so we can find out what happened.
Taking lessons
Lessons are 25 minutes. You can take lessons with any teacher you choose.
How do I find a teacher who speaks my first language?
Search for teachers by setting the language they speak to your first language on the Teacher search page.
How do lesson points work?
One lesson point gets you one 25-minute lesson. Corporate students will get points from their company. If you are an independent student, please see our packages and prices page to buy points.
Do I need to buy a textbook?
Textbooks are only required for some courses. If your company is paying for your lessons, textbooks are included. We also have original, in-house courses online that do not require textbooks.
Do I have to take lessons with the same teacher?
No, you can choose different teachers to help you meet new people and hear different accents. Your next teacher will have the material and know where to start, so you don't need to worry about changing teachers.
Can I take more than one lesson in a row? What about my break?
Absolutely! You can take two or three or four lessons in a row. Our lessons are 25 minutes long, but you can let your teacher know if you want to take a break in between multiple lessons, or continue after the first lesson. You can also take as many lessons as you like in one day.
How often should I take lessons?
We recommend at least two or three times a week: consistency is key to improvement. Try to work out a set time in your schedule to take lessons consistently.
How do I check my schedule?
You can see your upcoming lessons on your lesson calendar and dashboard.
How do I cancel or change the time of a lesson?
If you need to cancel, you can do so on your lesson calendar. To change your lesson time, you need to cancel and then rebook your lesson. Make sure you cancel your lesson more than 12 hours before to avoid losing your lesson point. We will send you an email reminder 14 hours before your lesson.
I don't like my course. What do I do?
Usually, students take about 5 lessons to trial courses. You can try more than one course before deciding which course (and level) is right for you. Give yourself enough time to choose the best course before starting.
If you decide later that you don’t like the course you chose, discuss it with your teacher. They can help guide you to a solution.
I don't like my teacher. What do I do?
You don't have to take lessons with just one teacher. In fact, we recommend having more than one teacher to experience different accents and teaching styles.
If you decide you don't like a teacher that you've chosen, simply reserve lessons with other teachers instead.
How do I contact my teacher?
You can contact your teacher through your lesson calendar. Click on the mail icon at the top right corner of the calendar page. You can also contact your teacher with the Contact link on their profile.
My teacher didn't show up for our lesson.
- If your teacher doesn't attend your lesson, wait 5 minutes then leave the classroom. Your point(s) will be refunded.
- Points are returned when the lesson record is sent.
- It may take a few days for points to be returned, so please wait before contacting Support.
What happens if my teacher is absent?
The absent teacher will send you an apology and will refund your point. If necessary, one of our lead teachers will also get in touch with you.
I have to take an English proficiency test soon. Can you help?
We have test preparation courses that you can use to succeed in any English proficiency test. Start preparing as soon as possible! The more time you have to prepare, the better your chance to achieve your goals.
I was taking lessons with my company, but I've left. Can I continue taking lessons?
Yes, and we can offer you a discount. You will be able to continue your classes without taking a break, and keep all your information and lesson history. Contact Support for more information.
How long are lesson points I purchased valid for?
Purchased points are valid for 180 days from the date of purchase. (Corporate students must use their points by the end of the company term.)
Can I get a course completion certificate?
Yes. If you need one, contact Support.
Payments
How do I pay for my lessons?
You can pay for your lessons using a credit card on the packages and prices page.
Can I get an invoice?
An invoice is sent automatically when you purchase points. If this does not meet your needs, then please contact us and we can send an updated invoice.
Does The English Farm have any joining or leaving fees?
There are no joining or leaving fees. Corporate students are subsidized according to your company’s program. Independent students only need to pay for lessons and the textbook, if you use one.
Profiles and settings
When you sign up for an account with The English Farm, it is important to fill out your profile. We want to know as much about you as possible! Teachers use this information to help you meet your English goals.
NOTE: The question, “What do you want your teacher to call you?” is asking for the name you would like to be called. For example, someone named Bea Farmer would put “Bea”.
How do I change my profile and settings?
- Click "Profile" in the menu bar at the top right corner of our website.
- Then choose “Edit” to change your email address, password, and any other information.
- Make sure you click "Save" at the bottom of the page when you are done.
How do I change my username?
You cannot change your username yourself. Please contact our Tech Support team if you would like to change your username.
The English Farm
Who are we?
We are teachers who want to help you do better work through better English. Read more about us.
Who are the teachers?
Our teachers are experienced professionals from all over the world. Schedule lessons with different teachers to be exposed to different accents and cultures.
What do we do?
We teach one-on-one English lessons to professionals and businesspeople using a combination of reputable textbooks and our own original content.