Information: FAQ
About Flamingo Languages
What experience does Flamingo Languages have in study abroad?
Flamingo Languages’ was founded in 2009 and is the first language study program especially for the LGBT community. Our parent company, ESL Education, has offered study abroad programs since 1996 and has been voted number one in Europe by industry peers.Are Flamingo Languages staff gay?
Within Flamingo Languages, as with the whole ESL Education group, our staff are mixed. We do not discriminate on grounds of gender or sexuality. Having said this, our gay and lesbian team members have been very active in developing these programs and counselling our Flamingo clients. We know the destinations we offer through personal experience.Does Flamingo Languages charge a fee?
No. Our service is provided free of charge to students and all courses are offered at their original price. You would pay the same booking directly with the language school.Flamingo students
How do I know my language level?
On your first morning at the school, you will complete a level assessment test and placed in the appropriate class. If, for any reason, you end up in the wrong class it is possible to change groups once the course is underway. We can also provide a free level test before you go, which will be necessary for some courses (eg. exam prep courses).Who are Flamingo Languages programs for?
Our programs are designed especially for LGBT learners who wish to combine language study with a stay in an exciting destination with a strong LGBT scene.How old is a typical student?
You can meet people aged 18 to 80 (and over), although the average age of our students is 23. You are never too young or old to learn a language.Will all of the students on my course be gay?
The courses and schools are mixed and your classmates will be determined according to language level. This brings a diverse range of backgrounds, ages and nationalities together. During Key Event programs (coinciding with events in the local LGBT community), there is likely to be a higher percentage of gay and lesbian learners.Does Flamingo Languages offer courses for non-gay people?
Our courses are available to anyone.Where do the students come from?
You will meet people from all over the world. Language schools attract learners from a huge range of different backgrounds and countries.Locations
How does Flamingo Languages choose destinations?
We offer destinations that are renowned for having an established gay scene. Often this means large cities, but we also feature some smaller destinations that we have found, from personal experience, to be perfect for gay visitors. Flamingo Languages actively supports tourism to gay-friendly countries and local gay-owned businesses.How will I find out about the local scene?
Before you set off, we will send you a pre-trip pack with information about your school, course, accommodation and destination. This will include information about the local scene including popular bars, clubs and venues. There’s plenty more info on the destination pages of this website.The pre-trip pack will also include details of a contact person within the school who is either gay or has strong contact with the local LGBT community. They will be a point of contact throughout your stay.
Your first days in a new place are naturally very active and exciting… you will meet lots of people and explore the town as you wish.
If you are staying with a host, this is also an excellent way to discover the scene.
Schools
How does Flamingo choose partner language schools?
We have a long and detailed list of criteria for partner schools. For example:We only work with schools that are internationally acknowledged for an excellent standard of language teaching.
Schools must have an appropriate range of accommodation options, a strong social calendar and close ties to their town.
We require schools to be proactive in welcoming gay and lesbian students.
We have longstanding relationships with partner schools and regularly visit them to ensure that the teaching, accommodation, social programs and school facilities are of the right standard.
Are the language schools specifically gay?
The schools are not specifically gay, but all actively welcome diversity. Our team are in regular contact with the schools and have strong personal bonds with the school staff.Are the teachers gay?
You would have to ask them! They will at least certainly be gay-friendly… language schools are defined by their diversity and everyone contributes to that.Programs
Do gay people really need a special language program?
We believe that gay people have special requirements that are not consistently accommodated by other institutions. These requirements relate to social programs and accommodation more than academic content.As well as being explicitly gay-friendly and located in great places, our schools have excellent academic standards and are internationally recognised for their high standard of language teaching. Whether you are gay, straight or anywhere in the rainbow between, in the classroom it is the quality of teaching that will ensure your language skills develop.
Outside of the classroom, the more fun you have while immersed in the language, the faster your skills will improve. Studying in the right destination is crucial and our experienced, trained staff will make sure this happens for you.
What are the differences between the programs offered?
We offer two types of programs: 1) Language programs available throughout the year with flexible start dates. These programs are a superb way to visit exciting destinations and learn a language, while enjoying thriving local gay scenes. 2) Fixed start-date programs timed to coincide with key events in the local LGBT calendar. The place to be… the time to be there! These courses usually have a higher percentage of gay students.Does course content cover LGBT topics?
In all courses, we encourage schools to highlight the importance of the local LGBT community in course content, but the courses aren’t explicitly “gay”. A huge range of topics will be covered during your course, all of which will be linked to a rounded academic syllabus. The goal of our courses is rapid and thorough language development in a supportive environment.Do I get a certificate at the end of the course?
You will receive a certificate of completion. Some courses, for example exam prep courses, lead to official certification. Find out more here (http://www.flamingolanguages.com/en/gay-friendly-language-courses/official-exams.htm)Accommodation
What accommodation options are available?
1) Host (sometimes called “homestay” or “host family”) accommodation means you stay in a gay or gay-friendly local’s home. This is the most popular option and what we would usually recommend. You can specify when booking whether you would like to stay with a gay or lesbian host. 2) In each destination, we have a list of explicitly gay-friendly hotels and B&B’s, which are perfect if you want more independence. 3) You can also choose to stay in shared student accommodation with the other students from the school, who will probably not all be gay. You have a private bedroom and share communal areas. 4) You can book without accommodation if you have arranged something yourself.What can I expect from a host?
If you request it, we can place you with a local gay or lesbian host. Our hosts are generally located either in the city centre or in a gay district. One big benefit of choosing to stay with a host is that you will quickly discover the local scene. Hosts can be single, couples or families.What facilities will be available with a host?
You will have your own bedroom, share a communal area with the host and any other students staying there and have access to a kitchen. Some have en-suite bathrooms but more often you will share with the host. It is usually possible to have half-board, bed and breakfast or self-catering provided upon request.Will my host speak my language?
Probably not, but it depends on the individual. If your host doesn’t speak your language you will learn the language faster, so take advantage!I want to travel with a friend, can we stay together?
Normally that should be fine, as long as the friend will also study at the language school. Just let us know when you make the booking.Can I specify non-smoking, vegetarian, pets etc?
Yes. Your needs and wishes will be considered when choosing a host. Find out more about accommodation here (http://www.flamingolanguages.com/en/gay-friendly-language-courses/accommodation.htm)Support
What support will I receive before I leave?
Flamingo Languages staff have experience of all the destinations and schools we offer. Let us know what you want from a program and we will help you choose the right one for you, based on your wishes and needs. Once you have chosen a program, we will provide everything from language level assessment to enrolment and, when necessary, visa assistance.When you have confirmed that you wish to go ahead with the program, you will receive a pre-trip pack with useful information about your trip (see “How will I find out about the local scene?”).
We also have “drop-in” offices in a number of towns and can help with any aspect of your trip.
What support will I receive when I arrive?
Once you have arrived (you are “on site”), you will have a dedicated contact person at the school. If any issues arise that cannot be managed locally, we have a support team who can help.In cities where there is a Flamingo Languages drop-in office, feel free to come and say hello any time!
