Regulations
Learn about the main operating rules, enrolments, payments, rights and duties of students at Academia de Línguas da Madeira.
Academia de Línguas da Madeira is a non-profit association founded in 1977, based on the language section of the Academia de Música e Belas Artes da Madeira.
It provides students with a complete language teaching programme: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese as a non-native language or other languages according to demand, as well as tailor-made courses for individuals and companies.
Mission
To provide a quality public service while respecting the socioeconomic, cultural, religious and ethnic diversity of the educational community.
To promote linguistic plurality, interculturality and personal development opportunities, encouraging the integration of different communities based on mutual understanding, tolerance and respect for identities.
General objectives
To teach foreign languages and Portuguese as a foreign language; promote Portuguese and foreign languages and cultures; provide differentiated, flexible and high-quality teaching; organise exams for internationally recognised certifications; provide community services in translation and interpreting; and ensure conditions for the training and professional development of staff.
ALM accepts children and adults.
The minimum admission age is 6 years.
Where applicable, candidates take a placement test to be integrated into the appropriate level.
The training offer includes regular school years, intensive courses, semi-intensive or modular courses, tailor-made courses for companies or institutions, and individual or small-group lessons.
Classes are taught by qualified teachers using current language teaching methods, developing conversation, reading and writing, audiovisual and computer materials, and valuing teacher-student contact.
Each class is limited to 12 students at more advanced levels and 16 students at beginner levels, except in special circumstances.
Enrolments for new students in regular school-year courses begin on 1 June. Renewal of enrolment should preferably take place from 1 to 30 June.
Enrolments may be completed in person or online. Candidates with previous knowledge of the language may be asked to take a placement test.
Intensive, semi-intensive, modular and individual or small-group courses may take place throughout the school year, depending on demand.
Due to limited capacity, it may not be possible to admit all students during the enrolment period. ALM also reserves the right to cancel or not open classes with fewer than 5 students.
Schedules are available from Monday to Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. If demand justifies it, Saturday morning classes may be held.
Schedules are set in the last week of September and, whenever possible, take students’ school or work schedules into account.
During the first weeks of classes, schedules may be subject to change. Changing class is only possible for reasons of force majeure, if there is a vacancy, and upon decision by ALM’s Board.
At enrolment, the student pays the registration fee and school insurance. The total course fee may be paid in monthly instalments, as well as quarterly or annually.
Tuition fees are due from October for students enrolled during the normal enrolment period. Students starting in September or after the beginning of the school year pay according to their starting month.
Fees must be paid regularly by the 8th day of the relevant month. Failure to meet deadlines may result in penalties.
Payments may be made in cash, cheque, bank transfer or card. Prolonged non-attendance does not exempt payment of tuition fees, except in cases of force majeure assessed by the Board.
Cancellation of enrolment is considered upon completion of the appropriate form, delivered before the 8th day of the month concerned.
In case of withdrawal, there is no refund of amounts already paid to ALM, including registration and other fees.
Any exception, for reasons considered force majeure, will be analysed case by case by the Board.
Students must be assiduous, punctual and committed; maintain appropriate behaviour; participate actively and constructively; respect teachers, non-teaching staff and colleagues; preserve facilities, materials and equipment; contribute to harmonious school life; keep technological devices switched off during classes; and know and comply with these regulations.
Students have the right to quality teaching, equal opportunities, an environment suited to their development, recognition of merit and effort, respectful treatment, safety, confidentiality of their data, the opportunity to present constructive criticism and suggestions, and knowledge of the operating regulations and relevant course information.
The number of unjustified absences allowed annually corresponds to three times the weekly teaching periods.
Assessment may include diagnostic assessment to determine the student’s level; formative assessment to monitor performance against learning objectives; summative assessment to measure learning achievement; and reaction assessment to verify student satisfaction and introduce improvements to teaching.
ALM has an internal procedure for handling complaints and suggestions, with a specific form available at the school office.
Complaints and suggestions must be addressed to the Board within 5 days of the occurrence. Complaints will be analysed by the Board, with a maximum response period of 10 working days after submission.
Information on level progression and achievement is available from ALM’s office from 15 July.
At the end of the school year, students receive a certificate indicating the level reached, valid for one year for enrolment renewal. After this period, a new placement test may be required.
Teachers are available to clarify questions from parents or guardians on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The student card must be presented when paying fees and whenever requested.
The Board of Academia de Línguas da Madeira welcomes and appreciates comments about the courses or the institution. Valid and useful criticism and suggestions contribute to greater effectiveness in the institution’s work and benefit students.
