Question 1

What is the required English level?

Accepted Answer

Our groups are designed for high - intermediate to advanced adult learners. Because these are conversation-based sessions, you should have enough English to participate in a discussion.  You don't have to be perfect, it's ok to make mistakes. Your practice and steady improvement is the most important goal -- not perfection.

Question 2

How long is each session?

Accepted Answer

• Each session lasts 2 hours. 
 • This gives us plenty of time to dive deep into topics, practice new vocabulary, and ensure everyone has a chance to speak.

Question 3

When can I join?

Accepted Answer

• New groups launch every six weeks.

• You can register early to save your seat for an upcoming 5- week session.

• Please check our website for exact dates and times.

Question 4

How many people are in a group?

Accepted Answer

We keep our groups intimate to ensure quality. There are never more than 6 people per group. This ensures you get maximum speaking time and personalized attention from the facilitator.

Question 5

Who will be leading the group?

Accepted Answer

You are in expert hands. All our facilitators are TESOL Certified with extensive experience as College English teachers. We aren't just "chatting"—we are guiding your progress professionally.

Question 6

What if I feel nervous about meeting new people?

Accepted Answer

It's completely normal to feel nervous about meeting new people. Our group is designed to be a stress-free and supportive environment where everyone is learning together. We focus on making the sessions fun and engaging, so you can build confidence while enjoying the process.

Question 7

I’m nervous about my accent. Should I still come?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The cafe is a "judgment-free zone." Our goal is communication and confidence, not perfection. Everyone in the group is on the same journey as you.

Question 8

How does the 5-week program work?

Accepted Answer

• To see real progress, consistency is key! When you sign up, you are registering for a 5-week series. 
 • You will meet with your group once a week for 2 hours (10 hours of guided practice in total).
 • While a single series is a great start, most of our Global Professionals stay for several sessions. By signing up for multiple series, you create the consistency needed to turn new speaking habits into permanent fluency—moving from 'thinking in English' to simply 'living in English.

Question 9

Can I form a private group with my own friends?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We love this idea. If you have a group of friends, family, or colleagues who want to learn together, we can set up a private session. Please contact our coordinator to discuss availability and pricing.

Question 10

What do we actually talk about?

Accepted Answer

We discuss real-world topics: current events, culture, professional life, and personal experiences. We provide "Conversation Starters" so you never have to worry about running out of things to say.

Question 11

Can I bring a friend?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can bring a friend. We encourage you to bring someone along to share the learning experience. You friend must register for the 5 week session and need to be an intermedicate to advance speaker.

Question 12

Is there homework?

Accepted Answer

No! This is not a traditional class. The "work" happens in real-time through conversation at the cafe. We want you to enjoy the process of speaking without the stress of assignments.

Question 13

Can I attend more than one group?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Many students find that doubling up on sessions speeds up their fluency. Please note that because space is limited, you must register and pay for each group separately.

Question 14

I’m busy—how much preparation is required?

Accepted Answer

Think of the Essential English Book Club as a relaxed conversation at a cafe with friends. Real-life conversation is spontaneous and unpredictable—and that is exactly what we practice.

• No Homework: You will never have "assignments" to turn in.
 • The Weekly Preview: Before each lesson, you’ll  receive a one-page topic preview. This is not a study guide, but a  way to introduce you to the topic and to give you time to think about it.
 • You Decide: Some students spend 5 minutes glancing at the preview; others like to think deeper and may decide to read and even research the topic. The choice is  yours.

The Goal: The preview helps you enter the room with confidence, but the magic happens in the spontaneous, authentic dialogue that follows.

Question 15

Is this program right for my current English level?

Accepted Answer

Because our focus is on authentic communication rather than rigid grammar drills, we welcome a range of levels.   If you can hold a basic conversation, you’re ready. Our Circles aren't about perfecting grammar; they are about professional fluency.

• Intermediate to Advanced: If you can hold a basic      conversation but want to sound more natural, professional, and confident, this is for you.
 • Focus on Fluency: We don't just teach you English;  we help you use the English you already have more effectively in      professional, academic and social settings.
 • The natural and authentic discussions allow you to live in English.

Question 16

What is the weekly time commitment?

Accepted Answer

We designed this program to fit into the lives of high-achieving professionals and students.
 • Live Sessions at local café: 2      hour per week.
 • Optional Topic Preview: 5–10 minutes to read your weekly      topic overview.

Question 17

Where and When the Essential English Book Club and ?

Accepted Answer

Where and When do we meet?

• Where is the  location? We meet at the Wegmans Cafe in Chapel Hill. Wegman's Cafe is  a bright, comfortable, and relaxed space—perfect for real-world conversation over a cup of coffee or your favorit drink.

• What are the session times? We offer two convenient options to fit your schedule:
    • Friday Mornings 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
    • Saturday Mornings 10:00 - 12:00 pm

• How long is  each session? Each session lasts 2 hours. This gives us plenty of time to dive deep into topics, practice new vocabulary, and ensure  everyone has a chance to speak.

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/57b05f_6a115f0a2e9645df9e740a56f2ffb288~mv2.webp
Address:
1810 Fordham Blvd, Chapel Hill, NC 27514

Question 18

What is Your Refund Policy?

Accepted Answer

Our Reservation Policy
Because we strictly limit our groups to 6 participants to ensure a premium, high-engagement experience, every seat is vital to the group dynamic.

Please note that all registrations are final and non-refundable. When you reserve a spot, we commit that space specifically to you, often turning away others on our waitlist. By maintaining a firm no-refund policy, we are able to guarantee the consistency, quality, and small-group intimacy that makes Smart Brain English  so effective.

We appreciate your commitment to the group and your understanding in helping us keep our conversations small and impactful.

Question 19

My Plans Have Changed. Can I Transfer or Give My Seat to a Friend?

Accepted Answer

Yes!

Transfer & Flexibility Policy
We understand that plans can change. While we cannot offer refunds due to our intimate group size, we do offer two ways to ensure your investment doesn't go to waste:

1. Gift Your Seat to a Friend
If you cannot attend, you are welcome to transfer your spot to a friend or colleague. To ensure the conversation remains high-level for everyone, your substitute must be an high-Intermediate to Advanced English speaker. * Please notify us at least 48 hours before the session starts with your friend’s name and email address.

2. One-Time Session Transfer
If you cannot attend your scheduled 5-week block, you may request a one-time transfer to the next, most immediate upcoming session. * The Rule: This transfer must be requested before your current session begins and applies only to the very next available month. We cannot "bank" credits for indefinite future use or skip sessions.

Why we have these rules:
Our "Strictly 6" guarantee is what makes these sessions work. These policies allow us to keep the table full and the conversation flowing while giving you a safety net if your schedule changes.

Note: By transferring your seat, you confirm that your guest meets the high - Intermediate/Advanced proficiency level. This ensures the experience remains rewarding for the other 5 participants at the table.

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