TERMS AND CONDITIONS

TALK&BOOM: SPANISH STARTS NOW!

www.talkandboom.com

These terms and conditions govern access to and use of the website of “Talk&Boom: Spanish starts now!” (hereinafter “Talk&Boom”). Acceptance of these terms is mandatory for anyone using the website and communication channels of Talk&Boom. Talk&Boom reserves the right to update or modify the terms and conditions at any time without prior notice, so we recommend reviewing these terms and conditions when accessing the site www.talkandboom.com

Access to the Talk&Boom website and the use of its contents and services implies full acceptance without reservation of the terms and conditions published at that time on the website. However, the use of said page shall not in itself constitute any type of contractual relationship between Talk&Boom and the User and/or Student. If the User does not accept the terms and conditions, please do not access Talk&Boom’s services.

1. ABOUT US

Our philosophy revolves around respect for cultural and linguistic diversity. We believe it is essential to create an environment where every individual feels valued and respected. As a learner, you will embark on a journey where cultural exploration is as vital as language development. Throughout your learning experience, you will discover and embrace the richness of the Spanish language and culture, while also gaining a deeper understanding of your own cultural heritage.

We are committed to the success of our Students and/or Users, the pursuit of academic excellence, and the fostering of constant motivation for both learning and teaching. Therefore, your enthusiasm and active participation in our activities are invaluable to us at the school.

2. OUR VALUES

At Talk&Boom, we are committed to academic excellence and motivation in both our teachers and our students during their teaching and learning processes. We consider play and communicative practice to be fundamental pillars for the success of our educational project.

Moreover, we firmly believe that mutual understanding is strengthened not only by learning a foreign language but also by valuing our own culture and that of others. For this reason, we actively promote the linguistic and cultural richness of Colombia, as well as that of other Spanish-speaking countries. Fostering respect for the individuality and cultural diversity of our students is also an integral part of our philosophy, which we celebrate and embrace at all times.

Based on these principles, we have defined five key values that guide our practices:

• Motivation: We promote the motivation in the teaching of Spanish as a foreign language by creating dynamic, meaningful, and culturally relevant learning experiences. We aim to spark students’ interest and curiosity, encouraging them to take an active role in their learning. By recognising their progress and supporting their goals, we help sustain their enthusiasm and commitment throughout their language journey.

• Excellence: We foster high standards of quality in language teaching and learning, providing resources and support for students to reach their full linguistic potential. We modify the curriculum as necessary, addressing the needs of our students and the world today.

• Respect for diversity: We value and celebrate cultural diversity as a fundamental pillar of our educational community. We recognise and respect the various cultural identities and perspectives among our students, teachers, and administrative staff. This aspect considered, we categorically reject any form of discrimination based on skin colour, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic that may marginalise or exclude any member of our community.

• Teamwork: We encourage collaboration and teamwork among students and teachers to improve the services and educational quality we offer. We promote the exchange of ideas, cooperation, and mutual support to achieve common goals.

3. WHY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE US?

At our school, we recognise that selecting the right language institution is a crucial decision. Here are some reasons why we believe choosing us is the best choice for your Spanish language learning journey:

•  We are experienced in online Spanish teaching.
• Our language instruction methods include gamification and the communicative approach.
• Our teachers are highly qualified.
• We proudly represent Colombian culture and the diverse heritage of other Spanish-speaking countries.
• We empower learners to become independent users of the language.

4. WHY SHOULD YOU LEARN SPANISH?

• Spanish is a widely spoken language: According to official data, 500 million people are native users of the language, and more than 23 million people learn Spanish as a foreign language. Learning Spanish enables you to travel, connect, and build relationships in 21 Spanish-speaking countries and Hispanic communities worldwide.

• Spanish offers a diverse range of cultures to be explored: From the rich historical heritage of Spain to the vibrant traditions of Hispanic America, Spanish-speaking countries boast unique customs, festivals, and cuisines. By learning Spanish, you gain access to a wealth of literature, music, and art, allowing you to fully appreciate the cultural diversity and depth of the Hispanic world.

• Spanish is a great asset to your career: As businesses expand globally, the demand for bilingual employees continues to rise. Proficiency in Spanish can enhance your job prospects and open opportunities in various fields such as international business, healthcare, education, and tourism.

• Learning Spanish also brings interesting cognitive benefits: Studies show that bilingualism can enhance brain function, improve memory, and delay the onset of dementia. Moreover, engaging with a new language boosts problem-solving skills, increases mental flexibility, and multitasking abilities.

• Learning Spanish can boost your self-confidence: Mastering a new language is a significant achievement that can provide a sense of accomplishment and pride. As you progress in your Spanish studies, you become more capable of navigating diverse social and professional settings.

• By learning Spanish, it will be easier to learn other languages: Spanish, being a Romance language, has many similarities with other languages in the same family, such as French, Italian, Portuguese, and Romanian. Understanding Spanish grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure provides a solid foundation for learning these languages more quickly and efficiently.

• In the UK, Spanish is by far one of the most popular languages to learn: At present, over two million people in the UK learn Spanish as a foreign language. Beyond the deep historical bonds shared between Spanish-speaking nations and the UK, people are driven to learn Spanish for its practical benefits. It empowers them to forge stronger connections with family members, navigate travel experiences seamlessly, and even relocate to cherished destinations with ease.

5. INFORMATION ON SERVICES, PARTNERSHIPS AND RESOURCES

Talk&Boom offers group Spanish courses from level A1 to level B2, delivered remotely and synchronously. Additionally, we offer personalised Spanish programs designed specifically to meet the individual needs of each student.

In order to enrich the curricular content, at the end of each level, Students are suggested to complement their learning with a short asynchronous course. As an incentive, Students enrolled in our courses will receive a discount on these additional courses.

Please note that the descriptions of the services, alliances, resources, prices, and conditions presented on the Talk&Boom website are subject to change. When this occurs, Talk&Boom will update the information in accordance with the current Colombian legal framework. Therefore, prospective Students are advised to review these details before purchasing any course and, if in doubt, consult our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and/or contact Talk&Boom at the email address info@talkandboom.com

6. ENROLLMENT IN PROGRAMS OR COURSES

Talk&Boom organises its courses according to the levels established by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. In order to participate in our courses, you must:

• Provide details of your identification document.

• Complete the placement test prior to the commencement of the course, in case you have previous knowledge with the language.

• Pay the course fees at least one day in advance through the channels established on our website.

• Acquire the corresponding material for the assigned level.

• Be able to read and write.

• Have previous knowledge of using communication platforms and internet-based technologies.

• Be at least 18 years of age.

7. SPANISH TEACHING METHODOLOGY

Our courses are grounded in a methodology that prioritises contextualised and meaningful workshops, fostering a balance between guided instruction and autonomous learning. As a student, we expect you to demonstrate a high level of commitment to acquiring autonomous learning strategies, which will empower you to become an independent learner and proficient language user.

To meet the desired objectives, you will receive additional assignments beyond the regular class schedule, which will be assigned at the discretion of the teaching staff. It is also crucial that you dedicate extra hours to self-directed study.

During classes, oral interaction, group work, and various game and activities will be employed to explore our lesson content. While each teacher may initially use some English as a means of communication, its usage will gradually diminish as you progress.

Furthermore, complementary materials for each lesson will be provided to you. You may choose to print them or have them readily available on your device before each session. These resources are designed to streamline procedures in class and will be provided before each lesson.

Within the virtual classroom, the Students will engage with adapted and authentic materials, as well as the designated manuals for your level. Guided discovery activities, games, and various teaching strategies will be utilised to enhance your grammar, fluency, and vocabulary skills.

• Certificates: All active students who have attended at least 80% of the lessons at the school are eligible to request a digital certificate of attendance upon successful completion of their course. To request the certificate, they should email info@talkandboom.com, and the school will promptly process the request.

It is important to note that while these certificates serve as evidence of course completion, they may not carry the same weight in CVs and visa applications as internationally recognised examinations such as SIELE or DELE.

The deadline for sending the certificate by email will be from eight (8) to ten (10) business days, except for special cases that may require more time.

8. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

At our school, we uphold the highest standards of academic integrity. We expect all students to demonstrate honesty, fairness, and respect for intellectual property in their academic work. This includes but is not limited to:

• Avoiding plagiarism by properly citing sources and giving credit to the original authors of ideas, words, and materials used in assignments.

• Refraining from cheating on any tasks set by teachers, copying from others, or engaging in any form of academic dishonesty.

• Submitting original work that reflects their own ideas, research, and understanding of course material.

• Collaborating with peers and instructors in ways that are consistent with the expectations outlined in each course syllabus.

Violations of academic integrity will not be tolerated and may result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to expulsion from the school.

9. ATTENDANCE POLICY

All students are required to attend classes punctually and regularly. Refunds will not be issued for late arrivals or unauthorised absences. Here, Talk&Boom lists some important information regarding attendance:

• Bank holidays: Talk&Boom operates in accordance with Colombian regulations, and therefore, we do not hold classes on public holidays in Colombia. However, recognising that our students are primarily British citizens, we also abstain from holding classes on public holidays observed in the UK. The dates of non-lesson days are provided on our website prior to the start of each course in addition to a schedule of our courses.

• Special considerations for 1-to-1 lessons: 1-to-1 learners are required to email the school at info@talkandboom.com to report any issues preventing attendance at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled lesson. This allows us the opportunity to reschedule.

Failure to adhere to this requirement will lead to the automatic cancellation of the lesson, with no option for a refund.

Please note, the maximum waiting time in the virtual classroom is half of the scheduled lesson duration. For instance, in a 1-hour lesson, teachers will wait in the room for 30 minutes.

• Special considerations for group lessons: Learners enrolled in a group course are required to email their teachers to report any issues preventing attendance at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled lesson. This allows the teacher to better plan their lessons according to the number of students attending. Please note that individual absences do not lead to course failure or refunds being issued.

Lastly, the maximum waiting time in the virtual classroom is half of the scheduled lesson duration. For instance, in a 1.5-hour lesson, teachers will wait in the room for 45 minutes.

10. EXCLUSION OF A PROGRAMME OR COURSE

In cases where a student’s behaviour is deemed disruptive or violates our school policies, we reserve the right to exclude them from the program. This decision will be made in accordance with our disciplinary procedures and may result in the termination of enrolment without refund. We are committed to maintaining a positive and conducive learning environment for all students, and such actions are taken to uphold these standards.

Additionally, in instances where behaviour is deemed potentially illegal, we reserve the right to report such incidents to the appropriate authorities in Colombia and the UK, or the country where the student resides. This ensures the safety and well-being of our community and upholds the integrity of our educational institution.

11. CANCELLATION OF SERVICES BY TALK&BOOM

Students enrolled in any type of course with us should also be aware that Talk&Boom  reserves the right to terminate services under the following circumstances:

1. Persistent violation of attendance policies – you attend less than 60% of the lessons.

1. Lack of communication from your end for two consecutive weeks. This implies your absence from lessons and failure to communicate with the school regarding your continuation in the course.

In such instances, we will consider your enrolment cancelled and no refund will be provided.

12. STUDENT REQUESTS FOR COURSE OR PROGRAM CHANGES, POSTPONEMENTS OR CANCELLATIONS

1. Course or program changes: If a student needs to change courses due to an inadequate level, they must notify their instructor during the first week of the course. Requests made after this deadline will not be accepted, and no refunds will be issued.

1. Course or program postponements. Requests for course postponements must be submitted at least 7 days prior to the course start date. Any requests made within 7 days of the course start date or after the course has commenced will not be accepted.

Additionally, please note that it is not possible to postpone a course more than once, and once a course has been postponed, it cannot be cancelled at a later date for a refund.

If you have successfully postponed a course from one year to the next, with the approval of our Director of Operations, you will maintain the original rate advertised on our website until you complete the level you initially enrolled in. Upon advancing to the next level, the updated yearly fees will then apply.

Finally, course postponements are only accepted for a course start date within 6 months of the originally booked course start date.

1. Course cancellations. Students may request the cancellation of a course, and our refund policy regarding this matter takes the following factors into consideration:

1. If the cancellation request is made 14 or more days before the course start date, a full refund will be issued.
2. If the cancellation request is made between 13 and 7 days before the course start date, a full refund will be issued minus £80, which is our cancellation fee.
3. If the cancellation request is made within 7 days before the course start date or after the course has already commenced, no refund will be issued.

In the event that Talk&Boom is unable to deliver the program in its entirety, a full refund will be issued without any refund handling fees applied.

Furthermore, in the event that Talk&Boom is unable to continue delivering a program due to unforeseen circumstances, refunds will be issued for the equivalent value of missed lessons.

1. Formal written communication regarding any decisions to postpone or cancel a course must be directed to info@talkandboom.com

13. PAYMENTS AND REFUNDS

Talk&Boom operates in accordance with Colombian commercial regulations, and the preferred payment method for our courses is through info@talkandboom.com. If you encounter any payment difficulties, students can contact us at  info@talkandboom.com for assistance with the payment process.

Regarding refunds, as outlined in these terms and conditions, Talk&Boom maintains a strict refund policy. In addition to the previously mentioned terms, it is important to note that once the course has commenced, refunds are only granted under the following circumstances:

1. Serious illness: If you are unable to attend sessions due to a serious illness, a medical certificate must be provided as evidence. Refunds will then be processed for the missed lessons.

1. Compassionate reasons: In the event of the unfortunate loss of a family member or other compassionate circumstances, an official certificate must be provided as evidence. Refunds will be applicable for the affected sessions.

1. School’s inability to continue: In the rare instance where your teacher experiences a serious illness and no alternative staff can take over the course, we will notify you, and refunds will be issued for the equivalent value of missed lessons.

In all cases, refunds will only cover the fees for the missed sessions. Please note:

1. No refunds are provided for missed sessions due to reasons other than those mentioned above.

2. All refund requests must be promptly submitted at [contact information] and will be processed accordingly. Refunds will be issued within 30 calendar days following the agreed refund date and are paid using a bank transfer.
3. ERROR CORRECTION AND INACCURACIES

The information on the Talk&Boom website may contain typographical errors or inaccuracies and may not be complete or up-to-date. We reserve the right to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions and to change and update the information at any time without prior notice. It should be noted that such errors, inaccuracies, or omissions may be related to product description, prices, and availability.

15. AVAILABILITY

The Talk&Boom website is available 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, although the above is not a guarantee as it depends on third parties and the general operation and availability of the network.

16. GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS AND ADVICE

The Talk&Boom website offers services, but this offer does not imply any responsibility or connection between Talk&Boom and the users of the page. Likewise, the Talk&Boom website may occasionally offer general and abstract advice on various subjects, which in no way constitutes individualised advice or specific contractual links. Talk&Boom only recounts its own experiences and those of its collaborators but in no case intends for users to follow such recommendations automatically and unconsciously.

Similarly, on the Talk&Boom website, general and abstract advice on various subjects may occasionally be offered, which in no way constitutes personalised advice or specific contractual links. Talk&Boom only recounts its own experiences and those of its collaborators but in no case intends for users to follow such recommendations automatically and unconsciously.

17. PRIVACY POLICY

In accordance with Law 1581 of 2012 on Data Protection, by accepting the terms and conditions, the Student and/or User acknowledges and indicates that they know and authorise Talk&Boom in advance, expressly, and informedly to store and use their personal data in order to achieve efficient communication and authorise, under the same terms, that such information may be processed in accordance with the Data Processing Policy of Talk&Boom, which can be consulted at the following link (provide hyperlink to the Data Processing Policy).

18. COOKIES

Talk&Boom uses cookies on its website. Cookies are pieces of information sent by the website and stored in your browser, with the purpose of giving users a better browsing experience on the Talk&Boom website and improving our services.

19. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

All multimedia content on the Talk&Boom website, such as illustrations, graphics, audio clips, video clips, text, among others, are subject to industrial property rights and/or copyright and/or other intellectual property rights of Talk&Boom.

20. CAPACITY TO ACT

Access to, navigation of, and use of the Talk&Boom website is open to individuals of all ages. However, parents, guardians, or legal representatives are responsible for supervising and controlling the access and use of the website by minors. By accepting these terms and conditions, parents, guardians, or legal representatives assume responsibility for supervising and controlling the use of the website by minors under their care.

21. LIMITATION OF WARRANTIES AND LIABILITIES

The Student and/or User agrees that the use of the Talk&Boom website will be at their own risk. Talk&Boom will not be responsible for any content created, published, and/or made available by users. Talk&Boom reserves the right to interrupt the website for technical repairs or maintenance.

22. REQUESTS, COMPLAINTS AND/OR CLAIMS (PQR)

At Talk&Boom, we value feedback from our students and strive to continuously improve our services. Therefore, we encourage students to provide both complaints and compliments regarding their experiences with us.

If you have any concerns or issues regarding our courses, instructors, or any aspect of our service, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We take all complaints seriously and will make every effort to address them promptly and effectively. Similarly, if you have had a positive experience or wish to acknowledge exceptional service or teaching, we welcome compliments and testimonials. Your feedback helps us recognize and celebrate our successes and motivates us to maintain high standards.

The Student and/or User may at any time present requests, complaints, or claims regarding the contents presented by Talk&Boom on its website, by contacting the email _________@___________ or the following (link). [RAML8] 

23. SCHOOL REVIEWS AND MARKETING

At Talk&Boom, we highly value the feedback and opinions of our students. Your reviews help us understand what we are doing well and where we can improve, which is why we’ll use your reviews for marketing purposes to showcase the quality of our courses and services to potential students.

By enrolling in our courses, you agree to potentially have your reviews, testimonials, or feedback used in our marketing materials, including our website, social media channels, advertisements, and promotional materials.

Your contributions to our reviews and testimonials are greatly appreciated and play a crucial role in helping us maintain and enhance the reputation of Talk&Boom. Thank you for your support and participation. If you prefer not to have your reviews or feedback used for marketing purposes, please inform us, and we will respect your wishes.

24. APPLICABLE LAW

These terms and conditions will be governed entirely by Colombian law, as will the relationship between Talk&Boom and the Student and/or User. Differences between Talk&Boom and the Student regarding the interpretation, compliance, and validity of the terms and conditions will be governed by the current and applicable rules of Colombian law.

25. EFFECTIVENESS

These terms and conditions are effective as of their publication.

26. UPDATES

Version 1: 19^th May 2025