Terms & Conditions
Exlinguo Russian courses

Effective from 4 January 2021

By registering for a Russian course on our Website www.exlinguo.com, you signify that you have read, understand and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. Please read them carefully.

1 Registration
2 Payments
3 Visa
4 Changes
5 Cancellation
6 Conduct
7 Course
8 Offical exams
9 Transfers
10 Accommodation
11 Image Permissions
12 Liability
13 Medical Insurance
14 Force Majeure
15 Public Holidays
16 Privacy and cookies
17 Entire Agreement
18 Governing Law
19 Changes to Terms and Conditions
20 Contact information

1 Registration

1.1 Minimum age

The minimum age to study at Exlinguo is 18 years old.
Students from 16 years old are also accepted if they are autonomous and independent, and provide a letter of consent to travel signed by a parent or legal guardian.

1.2 Online quote

You can check a course's price at any time by requesting a quote through our online booking system, without any commitment.

1.3 Registration procedure

The booking procedure is as follows:

• You register through our online booking system.
• We will confirm availability within 1 working day of receiving your registration form.
• If the course is available, we will ask you to pay a €400 deposit (or full payment if you register less than 30 days before the course starts) to confirm your registration.
• We will start the issuing process for your visa invitation immediately after we receive your payment and a scanned copy of your passport. See the visa section for more details.
• The course balance will have to be paid no later than 30 days before the course starts.
  For courses over €3000, the course balance is made in two instalments: 50% of the remaining balance no later than 30 days before the course starts, the final balance no later than 10 days before the course starts.
• We will send an email with the information about your stay no later than 10 days before the course starts.

2 Payments

2.1 Prices

All our prices are expressed in Euros (€). Prices are valid for all bookings received until 31 October 2024.

Prices are specified excluding VAT. VAT is not charged in accordance with item 2 Article 346.11 Chapter 26.2 of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation.

All prices are final, no additional taxes will be charged.

You can check our prices at any time on our 2024 Price List.

2.2 Payment methods

All fees should be paid in Euros. Payment can be made as follows:

• Online via Paypal without any additional transaction fees.
  You may have to create a PayPal account if you don't have one.
• By SWIFT bank transfer directly to the School's account.
  You will receive the School's bank details with the confirmation of your booking. Payment must include all bank transfer charges (including any intermediary bank charges).

2.3 Payment conditions

Total fees under €3000

• Deposit of €400 — At registration
• Balance payment — 30 days before the course starts

Total fees over €3000

• Deposit of €400 — At registration
• Half of the remaining fee — 30 days before the course starts
• Balance payment — 10 days before the course starts

If booking is made less than 30 days prior to arrival, full payment is required at registration.

If you don't pay on time (deposit or balance payment), your booking may be cancelled by Exlinguo in accordance with the cancellation policy detailed below.

3 Visa

3.1 Visa support

You can check here if your country has signed a visa-free agreement with Russia.

If you need a visa to enter Russia, we will provide you with the necessary visa support letter and guide you through the application process.

It is your responsibility to apply for the visa and to ensure that you have a valid visa at all times during your stay in Russia.

3.2 Visa invitation letter and processing

Citizen of a country in the European Union

Stay in Russia up to 90 days – Study visa invitation letter issued in accordance with the EU-Russia agreement on visa facilitation.
We will send the electronic letter by email within 1 working day after receiving your deposit and a scanned copy of your passport.
Application can be done in any country of the European Union.
A minimum of 5 working days is usually required by the consulate to deliver the visa. The visa is not extendable while in Russia.

Citizen of a country not in the European Union

• Stay in Russia up to 30 days – Tourist visa invitation letter.
  We will send the electronic letter by email within 1 working day after receiving your deposit and a scanned copy of your passport.
  Some consulates require a special type of tourist invitation. If so, an additional fee will be charged. Contact us for more information.
  Application can be done in your country of residence or country of origin.
  Normal processing time is 5 working days (1-3 working days with urgent processing)
• Stay in Russia from 30 to 90 days – Study visa invitation letter issued through the Federal Migration Service (UFMS).
  We will send the letter in electronic format about one month after receiving your deposit and a scanned copy of your passport.
  Application can be done in your country of residence or country of origin.
  A minimum of 5 working days is usually required by the consulate to deliver the study visa. The visa is not extendable while in Russia.

3.3 Exlinguo visa protection

If your visa application is rejected, all payments and deposit will be refunded, minus all bank transfer charges and any express mail fees. To obtain a refund, you must provide the letter from the Russian consulate stating that your application was denied, at least 7 days prior to your departure date. If we have not received such a document at least 7 days prior to your departure, our cancellation policy will apply.

3.4 Visa registration

Your visa must be registered within 7 working days of your arrival to Russia.

• If you have booked homestay accommodation with Exlinguo, the School will take care of your registration free of charge during the first days of your course.
• If you have booked accommodation independently, it is the responsibility of the hotel, hostel or the owner of the apartment where you are staying to register your visa. Contact us for more information.

4 Changes

All requests for changes must be made in writing by email at study@exlinguo.com

4.1 Changes before the course starts

• Up to 30 days before the course starts — Free of charge.
• Less than 30 days before the course starts — €30 / change. No fee will be charged if you request a course or accommodation extension.
• Less than 10 days before the course starts — If you postpone your course start date by one week or more, a €100 penalty fee will be charged (€200 if you have booked homestay accommodation)

4.2 Changes after the course starts

If you wish to extend your stay (course and/or accommodation), the School prices will apply.

If you wish to shorten your stay (course and/or accommodation), our cancellation policy will apply.

If changing to a destination, course or accommodation resulting in a lower price, the difference in fees will not be refunded.

If changing to a more expensive destination, course or accommodation, the difference in fees will be charged.

The additional change or extension fee must be paid no later than 3 days before the change occurs or before the start of the extension. You can pay the school directly or via Paypal/bank transfer.

5 Cancellation

All requests for cancellation must be made in writing by email at study@exlinguo.com

Our cancellation policy is as follows:

• Up to 30 days before the course starts — Full refund minus €200
• Less than 30 days before the course starts — Full refund minus €400
• After the course starts — 50% refund for the cancelled weeks (course and accommodation). No refund for the current week

All refunds will be made by SWIFT bank transfer within 45 days of cancellation. All refunds are made to the original fee payer.

6 Conduct

6.1 Stay in Russia

By accepting these Terms and Conditions, you agree to conform to Russian federal laws during your stay in Russia.
Students who do not respect Russian law may be asked to leave. In this case, no refund will be issued.

6.2 Stay at Exlinguo

When you join Exlinguo, you agree to abide by the rules in our code of conduct.
Students who do not respect these rules may be asked to leave. In this case, no refund will be issued.

7 Course

7.1 Level assessment prior to the course start date

We will assess your level twice before the course starts:

• Online prior to your arrival. We recommend that you complete the tests 3-4 weeks before your arrival. These tests are useful for us to better understand your start level and personalise your course. Any results provided are only an approximation of your real level.
• On your first course day before the city orientation tour.

Absolute beginners: if you start the course with no previous knowledge of Russian language, you will be provided with course materials one month before you join so that you can start the learning on your own. On your first course morning, instead of the entry test, you will have a free introduction lesson covering the Cyrillic alphabet and basic Russian phonetics.

7.2 Lesson regulations

One lesson is 45 minutes tuition (equivalent to one academic hour).
Any absence or lateness for which Exlinguo cannot be held responsible will neither be compensated for nor refunded.

7.3 Course materials

All course materials are included in the course price. We don't use a fixed textbook, in line with our teaching method. On your first course day, you will receive a personal portfolio where you will be able to keep all the materials provided during the course. It is your responsibility to keep your portfolio organized. This tool will help you and our teachers to make your course more personalised and more effective.

Additional learning resources (textbooks, dictionaries, reading books, films, audio materials, etc.) are available for your use in the School's libraries. You may also borrow them for the evening, please contact the School's Administrator for more details.

7.4 Mini-group classes

The course includes 20 mini-group classes of 45 minutes per week. The maximum number of students in our group classes is 4.
Group classes are usually scheduled in two blocks of two lessons, with a 15-minute break in between. Exlinguo reserves the right to schedule these lessons differently if required.

Groups are formed by the School's Academic Director in accordance with several criteria. These criteria include your level of Russian, your personal interests and your course objectives. Exlinguo reserves the right to place you, part- or full-time, in a group with other people of different level, interest or objective, if it is more effective for your learning. Groups are constantly monitored throughout the week and you can be switched without prior notice to a more suitable group if required.

If for any reasons, Exlinguo cannot open a group suitable to your level, 75% of your group classes will be converted to private lessons. In this case, no refund will be issued.

7.5 Group tutoring sessions

The course includes 5 group tutoring sessions of 45 minutes per week. One teacher is usually responsible for 6-8 students.
Tutoring sessions are usually scheduled in blocks of two or three lessons. Exlinguo reserves the right to schedule these lessons differently if required.

7.6 Private lessons

The course may include 5 or 10 private lessons of 45 minutes per week. Private lessons are usually scheduled in blocks of two or three lessons. Exlinguo reserves the right to schedule these lessons differently if required.

Private lessons are required if you have a specific learning objective that cannot be achieved during our group classes. These goals include: preparing for a specific exam, preparing for the TRKI official exam, working on written expression, preparing for a presentation or any other specific tasks requiring individual support.

If you have any materials (sample exams or exam questions, learning resources, presentation topics, etc.) helpful for the preparation of lessons, we ask you to provide them as soon as possible, so that the Academic Director and Teachers can design your lessons accordingly.

In the event of a public holiday, no private lessons will be scheduled on that day.

7.7 Activities

The course includes a minimum of 4 activities per week. Activities are usually scheduled on weekdays after classes, but can also be scheduled on weekends.

The programme of activities is communicated to students every Monday. The programme can be changed by the School at any time during the week.

• All activities arranged on the School premises are free of charge.
• When activities are arranged outside the School premises, you will be required to pay any transport fees, entrance tickets if any, and food fees if any.
• Additional activities (in addition to the 4 included activities) can also be arranged by the School with an extra fee. These activities include: weekend trips outside the city, day trips in the countryside, etc. Such activities need to be booked and paid for in advance, no later than 3 days before the planned activity.

If you have any special wishes (like attending a specific workshop, visiting a specific place or museum, etc.), you can inform the School's Administrator and we will try to implement your wishes if possible.

The special programmes (for New Year, Maslenitsa, Easter, etc.) posted on this Website are for informational purposes only. Programmes can be changed at any time depending on weather and other conditions.

The activities are attended voluntarily and are not mandatory for students to go to. No refund will be issued for any missed, delayed or cancelled activities.

7.8 Course extension

All requests for course extension must be addressed directly to the School's Administrator, who will confirm the availability on the following day.

Extension fees must be paid no later than 3 days before the start of the extension, otherwise the School may cancel your booking. You can pay the school directly or via Paypal/bank transfer.

7.9 Complaints

If you have any complaints about the course or if you feel uncomfortable being in the group you were assigned to, you should immediately notify the School's Administrator, the Academic Director or your Teacher, so that we can take action to correct the situation.

8 Official exams

8.1 Requirement

If you want us to arrange an official TEU, TBU or TRKI exam at our premises at the end of your stay, we require you to complete a preliminary mock exam before you take the real exam.

Mock exams are required to identify your weaknesses and personalize your exam preparation.

8.2 Mock exam

Mock exams are identical to the official exams, both in terms of structure and content. Exams are held on the School premises and usually last between 3 and 5 hours.

8.3 Mock exam prices and booking

Mock exams can be booked in advance (see prices below). You may also request a mock exam every Thursday during your stay, no later than 2 weeks before your course ends. Requests need to be addressed to the School's Administrator, who will confirm the availability on the following day. The payment for the exam must be received no later than on the Monday morning following your request.

8.4 Mock exam results

Results will be communicated to you no later than within 24 hours of taking the exam. Based on your results, the School's Academic Director will then confirm if you can take the official exam.

TEU, TBU and TRKI mock exam results have no official value. Passing the mock exam doesn't automatically mean that you will pass the official exam.

8.5 Official exam prices and booking

Exam prices are fixed in Rubles (see prices below) and must be paid in cash at the School reception desk no later than 7 days before the exam.

In addition to the exam, you will be required to book:

• A minimum of 5 private exam preparation lessons if you have booked a course without private lessons. These private lessons will be designed taking into account your mock exam results, and will include information and advice to help you successfully pass the official exam.
• 1 additional accommodation night, if you sign up for the TRKI-2 or TRKI-3 exam, and wish to extend your accommodation until Sunday.

8.6 Exam organization

• TEU, TBU and TRKI-1 exams are held on the School premises, on the last Friday of your stay.
• TRKI-2 and TRKI-3 exams are held on the School premises, on the last Friday and Saturday of your stay.

No compensation or refund will be issued for the mini-group classes and group tutoring sessions missed as a result of the exam.

8.7 Exam results and certificate

Your test results will be known within a week and sent to you by email. The exam certificate is usually ready within a month after passing the exam.

A €40 express mail fee will be charged if you want to receive the original certificate by mail.

8.8 Exam cancellation and responsibility

If you cancel the exam after it has been paid for, no compensation or refund will be issued.

Exlinguo is not responsible for your exam results. No refund will be issued in case of an exam failure.

9 Transfers

If you have booked homestay accommodation, the transfers are included (both ways) with the accommodation.
Please send us your travel details as soon as possible.

• Your arrival details must be communicated at least 5 days prior to your planned arrival, otherwise the arrival transfer will be lost.
• Your return details must be communicated at least 5 days prior to your planned departure, otherwise the return transfer will be lost.

9.1 Saint Petersburg

Transfers are possible from/to Pulkovo international airport (LED) or from/to Finlyandsky or Moskovsky Railway Station.
A School volunteer or taxi driver will meet you at the airport in the arrival area (next to Starbucks cafe) or directly on the train platform, holding a sign with our logo on it.

9.2 Novosibirsk

Transfers are possible from/to Tomalchevo international airport (OVB) or from/to Novosibirsk main Railway Station.
A School taxi driver will meet you at the airport in the arrival area (after the baggage claim) or directly on the train platform, holding a sign with our logo on it.

9.3 Flight or train delay

Please be sure to make a note of our 24 hour emergency assistance number before your departure, so that you can call us or send us a message if a flight or train delay occurs.

10 Accommodation

10.1 Accommodation regulations

Homestay accommodation is available from the Sunday morning prior to the beginning of the course until the Saturday afternoon following the end of the course. If you have booked homestay accommodation with half-board, your accommodation will include breakfast and evening dinner on weekdays, 3 meals on weekend days.

If you have booked homestay accommodation, you agree to abide by the family rules.
Students who do not respect these rules may be asked to leave. In this case, no refund will be issued.

10.2 Accommodation extension

All requests for accommodation extension must be addressed directly to the School's Administrator, who will confirm the availability on the following day. Any direct arrangement with the host family won't be considered as a booking.

Extension fees must be paid no later than 3 days before the start of the extension, otherwise the School may cancel your booking. You can pay the school directly or via Paypal/bank transfer.

10.3 Complaints

If you have any complaints about your accommodation conditions or if you feel uncomfortable staying in the family you were assigned to, you should immediately notify the School's Administrator or Accommodation Manager, so that we can take action to correct the situation.

11 Image Permissions

During the course of your stay, the School may record, photograph or shoot video footage for its promotional purposes only.
If you do not wish to participate, you should express this and indicate at the time of recording.
If you do not wish your image to be used at all during your stay, you will be asked to notify the School in writing on your first course day.

12 Liability

12.1 Damage

All students are liable for any loss or damage to school property or accommodation for which they are responsible.
A damage fee will be charged for any loss or damage incurred.

12.2 Services

The services offered to you can be made directly by Exlinguo or through third parties. Exlinguo can only be held responsible for the services listed in your booking confirmation. Exlinguo and its staff cannot be recognized as responsible for any injury/accident/damage that may occur on your way from/to the airport, during the lessons, activities or during your accommodation. Exlinguo accepts no liability if you damage, break or lose any personal belongings out of carelessness.

13 Medical Insurance

Exlinguo does not provide medical insurance. However, we strongly recommend that you purchase medical insurance or that you ensure that your current policy is valid in Russia. You should do this before departing your country. You are responsible for any medical expenses incurred, so please be sure that you review the terms of your insurance policy, including covered services. If you are a citizen of a country in the European Union, you will be asked to present a medical insurance policy at the time of your visa application.

14 Force Majeure

In the event of force majeure such as fire, extreme cold (below -40°C), flooding, natural disasters, infectious diseases, war, riot, crime, strike, or any other events outside Exlinguo's reasonable control which may cause the closure of the School, Exlinguo will not be liable to you for any loss, delay, damage or other liability incurred resulting therefrom and no refund of fees will be made.

15 Public Holidays

Classes missed as a result of a public holiday falling on a weekday will be rescheduled to the following Saturday.

If you have booked homestay accommodation and a reschedule occurs, your accommodation will be extended free of charge until the following Sunday.

16 Privacy and cookies

You acknowledge that you have read our Privacy Policy located at https://www.exlinguo.com/en/privacy-policy, and hereby consent to the collection, use, disclosure and retention by us of your personal information. By using our Website, you signify that you have read our Cookie Policy located at https://www.exlinguo.com/en/cookie-policy, and hereby consent to the use of cookies on our Website.

17 Entire Agreement

These Terms and Conditions supersede any previous agreements, arrangements, documents or other undertakings either written or oral.

18 Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of Russia and the Parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Russian Courts.

19 Changes to Terms and Conditions

We may amend our Terms and Conditions at any time by updating the text of this page. Every time you wish to register for a course, please ensure you understand the Terms and Conditions prior to booking.

These Terms and Conditions supersede any previous Terms and Conditions distributed in any form. Please look at the top of this page to see when these Terms and Conditions were last updated (“Effective from” date)

20 Contact information

Exlinguo Russian immersion courses are operated by OOO "Exlinguo SPB", private company registered in Russia under INN number 7‍841491222.

Centre Exlinguo St. Petersburg
Nevsky Prospect, 104
Office 316
191025 St. Petersburg, Russia
Tel: +7 812 448 3058

Centre Exlinguo Novosibirsk
Ulitsa Romanova, 39
Office 312
630091 Novosibirsk, Russia
Tel: +7 812 448 3058

If you have any questions about our Terms and Conditions, please feel free to contact us.