ILS and MYTUTOR General Terms and Conditions (GTC)

  1. scope of application

These general terms and conditions apply to all offers made by ILS and MYTUTOR, as well as on their premises.

  1. Registration

By signing or agreeing to our terms and conditions (online or on site), you are making a binding registration for the respective course. You accept these terms and conditions (ILS and MYTUTOR) as part of the contract for the respective course.

  1. Absences from private lessons or company courses

3.1 The agreed lesson times are binding. If you are unable to attend as agreed, you must notify the office or the teacher at least 24 hours before the lesson. The office or teacher will then try to arrange an alternative date.

3.2 Absences reported less than 24 hours before the course date cannot be taken into account and will be charged in full.

3.3 In exceptional cases, such as the death of a first-degree relative, ILS will issue a voucher valid for one year. The lessons can then be used for a new course. In the event of illness, relocation, or other impediments, no exceptions can be made and the course fees will be charged in full.

  1. Absences from group lessons

4.1 If a student is unable to attend a group lesson, the office must be notified as soon as possible. The full cost of the lesson will be charged.

4.2 In exceptional cases, such as the death of a first-degree relative, ILS will issue a voucher valid for one year. The lessons can then be used for a new course. In the event of illness, relocation, or other impediments, no exceptions can be made and the course fees will be charged in full.

4.3 Deductions from the invoice due to vacations or other absences of the participant in a group course can only be taken into account at the time of registration. No exceptions can be made for subsequent requests for absences on the part of participants, and the course fees will be charged in full.

  1. Deployment of teachers in group courses

5.1 In the event of a teacher's absence (e.g., due to illness), we reserve the right to organize a substitute. If this is not possible for organizational reasons, we will attempt to reschedule the class. If it is not possible to reschedule the class, you will receive a credit for the missed class time. You can use this credit to make up for the missed time in another course offered by us at ILS or MYTUTOR (at the same location).

5.2 The assignment of teachers is the responsibility of ILS and MYTUTOR. We reserve the right to change teachers or arrange team teaching if necessary.

  1. course continuation

Course registration is not automatically renewed, but expires after the course duration you have booked. Therefore, please register early for the next course if you would like to continue.

  1. Billing for lessons attended

If you attend further lessons at ILS or MYTUTOR after your booked course has ended, we reserve the right to charge you for the lessons you have attended even without registration.

  1. Cancellation of group courses before the course begins

8.1 Participants may cancel a booked course up to 7 days before the start of the course (the date of the course start on the registration confirmation is valid) at no extra cost. The cancellation must be submitted in writing by email. Cancellations made after this deadline will not be accepted and will be charged in full.

8.2 In exceptional cases, such as the death of a first-degree relative, ILS will issue a voucher valid for one year. The lessons can then be used for a new course. In the event of illness, relocation, or other impediments, no exceptions can be made and the course fees will be charged in full.

8.3 Course participants from abroad must pay the course fees no later than 30 days before the start of the course. If the course fees are not paid, the course registration will be deemed invalid and the participant will not be able to attend the course.

Exception: If your visa application is rejected, we will accept course cancellations up to 7 days before the start of the course (the date on the registration confirmation is valid) and will only charge a compensation fee of CHF 250. If you are unable to attend the course due to a visa refusal, please contact us immediately and provide us with the negative visa decision from the responsible consulate or authority.

Refunds and cash payments for payments already made are excluded in all cases.

  1. course discontinuation

9.1 In exceptional cases, such as the death of a first-degree relative, ILS will issue a voucher valid for one year. The lessons can then be used for a new course. In the event of illness, relocation, or other impediments, no exceptions can be made and the course fees will be charged in full.

  1. Special rules for group courses with only one participant

If the number of actively participating persons in a group course permanently drops to one person, ILS reserves the right to continue the remaining lessons as private lessons. In this case, these will be charged at the most favorable current rate for private courses. The person concerned will be informed in advance of the change.

  1. trial lesson

11.1 You have the option of attending a trial lesson consisting of two lessons (90 minutes) in both group and private lessons. The trial lesson is non-binding and does not oblige you to register. If you do not continue with the course, the trial lesson is free of charge. If you book a private course, the trial lesson will be charged.

11.2 We offer a maximum of two trial lessons per person. If you decide not to book after the second trial lesson, you will not be able to attend any further trial lessons.

  1. delays

Delays on the part of participants will not be taken into account. If the teacher is late, the lesson time will be made up individually by arrangement.

  1. Expiration date of vouchers and remaining lessons

Vouchers are valid for a maximum of one year. Purchased and unused private lessons expire three years after the date of purchase. After this period, vouchers and unused lessons can no longer be redeemed.

  1. level completion

Regular completion of a course at the end of the booked course period does not guarantee successful completion of a level. Please note our guidelines on the duration of a level completion according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). How quickly you complete a level depends on your individual performance and commitment. We accept no responsibility for this or for failing exams.

  1. ILS Online

15.1 The same provisions apply to all online courses as to face-to-face teaching (see sections 3-11, in particular points 3, 4, and 8.3).

15.2 Teaching materials for courses that take place permanently online are purchased independently by the customers. No costs for teaching materials will be charged for this.

15.3 All ILS-Online courses are conducted online via the Zoom video communication portal.

15.4 Teachers are recruited from abroad and mostly come from countries where the respective language is spoken.

  1. telc exams

16.1 If you cancel your registration before the registration and cancellation deadline, the exam fee will be waived or refunded, subject to a processing fee of CHF 30. Cancellation can only be made by email. If you cancel your registration after this deadline, the exam fees will be charged in full.

16.2 You can register up to 15 days before the exam. Registrations after the registration and deregistration deadline will incur a late registration fee of CHF 30.

16.3 Participants who have to withdraw from an exam after the withdrawal deadline for serious reasons such as illness, accident, or death in the family may submit a written request to do so, accompanied by a medical certificate. In such cases, we reserve the right to decide at our own discretion on the acceptance of the request and any refunds.

16.4 In rare cases, the postal service may misplace items. We are not liable for exams that are lost in the mail.

16.5 By making your booking, you also confirm that you have read and agree to both our terms and conditions (ILS and MYTUTOR) and the terms and conditions of telc gGmbH. The general terms and conditions of telc gGmbH are enclosed with every form.

16.6 ILS accepts no responsibility for missed or failed exams. The exam fees are payable in all cases.

16.7 Anyone who arrives late for the exam on the day of the exam will be excluded from the exam and will not be able to take it. The exam fees must be paid in full.

16.8 The outstanding invoice must be paid in full by the exam date at the latest. Participants who are unable to present proof of payment on the exam date or who do not pay the exam fees on time will be excluded from the exam and are therefore not entitled to take it. The examination fees must be paid in full. Certificates will only be handed over or sent after full payment of the examination fees due has been received. Until the outstanding invoice has been paid in full, the certificates will remain in the archives of ILS Zurich.

16.9 Once the examination has been completed, it is not possible to discuss the telc examination with the telc experts.

  1. fide test

17.1 For exam cancellations up to 20 days before the exam date, only a processing fee of CHF 30 will be charged. For cancellations less than 20 days before the start of the exam, the exam fees must be paid in full.

17.2 The fide test is a progressively structured language test. ILS accepts no liability for results that do not correspond to the target level.

17.3 In the event of non-appearance or late arrival on the day of the examination, the examination fees must be paid in full. Late arrivals may be excluded from the examination.

17.4 Participants who have to withdraw from an exam after the withdrawal deadline for serious reasons such as illness, accident, or death in the family may do so in writing upon presentation of a medical certificate. In such cases, we reserve the right to decide at our own discretion on recognition and any refunds.

17.5 In rare cases, the postal service may misplace items. We are not liable for exams that are lost in the mail.

17.6 By making a booking, you confirm that you agree to both our terms and conditions (ILS and MYTUTOR) and the rules for taking the fide test (fide).

  1. SVEB certificate courses

18.1 Participants may cancel a booked course up to 12 days before the start of the course (the date of the course start on the registration confirmation is valid) at no extra cost. Cancellations made after this deadline will not be accepted and will be charged in full.

18.2 In exceptional cases such as illness and accident (upon presentation of a medical certificate) or death of a relative, ILS is happy to issue you with a credit note. You can use this to make up for the missed time in another course offered by us at ILS.

18.3 In all modules, attendance of at least 80% is required for contact learning time. In the event of illness (medical certificate) or other justified absences for which the candidate is not responsible, it may be possible to make up for individual days in another course group. If attendance falls below 2/3, the entire module must be repeated.

18.4 Partial absences include, for example, delays of 45 minutes or more, or if a participant has to leave the course early. These are noted by the course instructor on the attendance list and deducted from the total attendance time. If the partial absences exceed the permitted number of absences of 20%, the conditions for passing the course are considered not to have been met.

18.5 If participants fail the practical demonstration, they have the option of repeating it once in another SVEB course. The repeat is subject to a fee and can only be done once. A repeat of the entire course is possible at any time and is subject to a fee.

Cost of repeating the practical demonstration: CHF 180.

In the event of failure, a written appeal may also be lodged with the ILS training management within 30 days, stating the reasons. The training management will then make a final decision on:

Approval of the objection (proof of competence "passed" after all)

repetition

Rejection of the objection

A written appeal against the decision of the ILS training management can be submitted to the SVEB Quality Assurance Commission within 30 days, stating the reasons. The Commission will review the correctness of the procedure. This process is free of charge.

  1. ILS Junior

19.1 The same provisions apply to all ILS Junior courses as to face-to-face teaching (see sections 3-11 in particular).

19.2 The same provisions apply to telc Junior and telc School as to telc examinations for adults (see section 15).

19.3 Parents are liable for their minor children in all cases.

  1. reservations

20.1 We reserve the right to dispose of course places that have not been paid for by the start of the course. For organizational reasons, ILS and MYTUTOR reserve the right to reschedule, reassign, and combine classes.

20.2 Group courses that do not have at least two participants per group by the Thursday before the course starts may be canceled at short notice by ILS and MYTUTOR. Registration for the course in question will be postponed or refunded in the form of a credit note for the amount already paid. Upon request, the amount can be refunded.

20.3 ILS and MYTUTOR reserve the right to take photos and videos of participants on the premises of ILS and MYTUTOR, as well as on excursions and trips. These may be used for advertising purposes on our website. If you do not wish this to happen, please contact our office or management immediately. Your data will not be passed on to third parties.

20.4 We take complaints of any kind very seriously. We always strive to find a solution that is satisfactory for both parties. However, in the event of dissatisfaction with the teacher or the lessons, there is no entitlement to compensation, refunds, or discounts. Restructuring of courses at the request of individual customers (e.g., change of teacher) will only be carried out in particularly serious cases.

20.5 Participation in language courses is reserved exclusively for registered course participants. Children are not permitted to remain in the classroom during course hours.

  1. Measures to contain the coronavirus pandemic

21.1 All ILS and MYTUTOR courses will continue online during school closures ordered by the authorities. We will use the Zoom video communication portal for this purpose.

21.2 In the event that participants do not wish to take part in online lessons, we will issue a credit note for the remaining course time, which can be redeemed once face-to-face lessons resume on site.

21.3 Cash payments or refunds for courses not attended during officially ordered school closures are excluded in all cases.

21.4 Cancellations and refunds due to protective measures ordered by the authorities are excluded. ILS and MYTUTOR continuously adapt their protection concept to the applicable legal requirements. This may result in adjustments to the protection concepts at short notice. By making your booking, you agree to this at all times.

21.5 Cancellations or refunds due to the officially mandated certificate requirement or due to missing COVID certificates will not be accepted. The invoice amount remains payable in full.

  1. poaching

22.1 Customers of ILS and MYTUTOR undertake not to enter into any employment relationship with teachers of ILS and MYTUTOR during ongoing courses with us and for one year after completion of their last course. In the event of a breach of this provision, we reserve the right to charge the customer a transfer fee of CHF 2000 per teacher.

22.2 Teachers at ILS and MYTUTOR undertake not to enter into any employment relationship with (former) customers of ILS and MYTUTOR during their employment with us or for a period of one year after termination of their employment with ILS and MYTUTOR. In the event of a breach of this provision, we reserve the right to claim compensation in the amount of CHF 2,000 per client.

  1. payment terms

23.1 Upon request, you may pay the course fee in installments. The payment date stated on the invoice is binding. In the event of late payment, we reserve the right to charge a compensation fee of CHF 20 for the second and third payment reminders.

23.2 After the fourth and final reminder, we will assign the claim to the debt collection agency Creditreform. By accepting our General Terms and Conditions, you agree to this and undertake to pay the amount charged by Creditreform for additional expenses and late payment.

23.3 Fees for bank or payment transactions from foreign accounts shall be borne by the customer. The fees can be paid by bank transfer or on site.

23.4 Refunds: A refund is only possible if the designated form has been completed in full and submitted within three months. After this period, there is no entitlement to a refund.

  1. Teaching aids and course materials

The costs for teaching materials and other course materials are not included in the course price, but will be charged separately.

  1. placement test

If you have previous knowledge, we ask you to take a free, non-binding placement test on our website. The final course placement will be made after the placement test or after a consultation. ILS and MYTUTOR accept no responsibility for bookings made on the basis of incorrect level assessments.

  1. Telephone and email communication

By making a booking, you give us your consent to communicate with you via email and (mobile) phone number. Our teachers may contact you by email regarding course organization matters.

  1. Newsletters and marketing information

By registering for our language courses, customers agree to receive information about our offers, courses, and news by email (newsletter/marketing information). This consent can be revoked at any time with future effect by contacting us and informing us of this.

  1. data protection

We take the protection of your personal data seriously and comply with the provisions of the Data Protection Act. Please read our privacy policy on our homepage. By agreeing to our terms and conditions, you accept that we may process and store all data provided by you during registration within the scope of our business processes.

  1. Disclaimer

We accept no liability for any damage incurred during any courses, exams, or events organized by us. You are therefore responsible for ensuring that you have adequate insurance cover. We accept no liability for theft or loss of property on the premises of ILS and MYTUTOR. Parents are liable for their children.

  1. jurisdiction

For all other matters, the provisions of Swiss law shall apply. The place of jurisdiction is Zurich. Status: January 2025