Comparing Chinese Enrichment (Primary/Preschool)

[nonKiasu]

chamonix:

I have just informed the staff at Berries my intention of withdrawing my kids in end August. Despite the 2.5 mths notice, they still require a written note on my withdrawal (with explanation) before prorating the fees for the remaining 2.5 mths. Is this the standard practice? Can anybody share their experience in withdrawing from Berries?


TIA.

Hi, chamonix. I don't understand. The 2nd term ends on 28 Jun. At this moment, we suppose to pay for 3rd term that starts on 29 Jun. You mean you had recently paid for a full 3rd term and in next moment you decided to withdraw in Aug?
I am planning to tell them this weekend that I want to stop for 3rd term and continue in 4th term. Not sure what is their reaction yet. Will let you know tho different request. My reason for the stop is that I need a finanical break. I feel that they are actually quite good except too ex. What is your reason of stopping?

[metz]

Thanks Picolo, that's what I was told too. It's Berries' policy to collect the entire term's fee. So, if my kids were to complete Term 3, then it would be as in your case.


Hi nonKiasu,

We are going away for a short period, hence our kids wouldn't be around to continue with Berries. Hmm, I have yet to pay for Term 3 fees. Even then, it's not easy. Just emailed them on a request to prorate the fees for Term 3.

For your case, as long as your kids complete the entire Term 2 and payment for Term 4 is made, there shouldn't be any issue.

Oh yes, Berries is great at stirring kids' interests in Chinese but the fees are a tad too expensive. This is one reason why we are thinking of withdrawing from Berries. Tough decision to make as my kids have grown attached to the teachers there. :romance:

[jedamum]

chamonix:

Oh yes, Berries is great at stirring kids' interests in Chinese but the fees are a tad too expensive. This is one reason why we are thinking of withdrawing from Berries. Tough decision to make as my kids have grown attached to the teachers there. :romance:

I agree.
Am hoping that by the time ds2 is in K1, the P3 ds1 will be 'weaned' of berries and be more independent in learning chinese...cos 2 kids attending Berries can really burn a hole in a single income pocket.

[nonKiasu]

chamonix:

We are going away for a short period, hence our kids wouldn't be around to continue with Berries. Hmm, I have yet to pay for Term 3 fees. Even then, it's not easy. Just emailed them on a request to prorate the fees for Term 3.


For your case, as long as your kids complete the entire Term 2 and payment for Term 4 is made, there shouldn't be any issue.

Hi, charmonix. Now you mention abt holiday....Once I was near the reg counter waiting for my children and ....saw that a parent was been issued some vouchers. So curious, I ask the counter. She said that a girl was sick, could not attend the rest of the lessons and her fee is translated into Berries Voucher to pay for his younger brother's fee. She said that if we go for holiday, she can issue us the refund in vouchers to be paid for next term, if we show them our passport. So troublesome! It also means cash can only go into their pocket but definitely not out of theirs!

[jedamum]

nonKiasu:

She said that if we go for holiday, she can issue us the refund in vouchers to be paid for next term, if we show them our passport. So troublesome! It also means cash can only go into their pocket but definitely not out of theirs!

But for other types of enrichment, usually they don't entertain any make up lessons or even refund, right?

[metz]

jedamum:

I agree.
Am hoping that by the time ds2 is in K1, the P3 ds1 will be 'weaned' of berries and be more independent in learning chinese...cos 2 kids attending Berries can really burn a hole in a single income pocket.

Exactly! I am 'weaning' my son starting next year. Wish me luck
[quote]But for other types of enrichment, usually they don't entertain any make up lessons or even refund, right? [/quote]Not true leh. Just found out that Eduplus allows students to have make up lessons too. And so do some Art schools. As for refunds, it's in vouchers. (this is really a plus point)

nonkiasu:

It also means cash can only go into their pocket but definitely not out of theirs!

What an apt description! Despite me notifying them of my intention early, their policy insists that I should pay the entire Term 3 fee. They would then refund me the unconsumed lessons via vouchers (to be utilised upon my return). I really see no reason why I should be bound in such a way. Upon my refusal to do so, they requested a written email/note and if possible, a photocopy of my air tickets too. I was like :? If I had known it's so troublesome, I wouldn't even bother to continue into Term 3. But I must say the counter staff are very understanding and helpful, which makes the situation a whole lot less unpleasant for me.

[nonKiasu]

chamonix:

As for refunds, it's in vouchers. (this is really a plus point)

?? why plus point ?? We have to go back to them to utlisised! Not ntuc voucher leh!

chamonix:

What an apt description! Despite me notifying them of my intention early, their policy insists that I should pay the entire Term 3 fee. They would then refund me the unconsumed lessons via vouchers (to be utilised upon my return). I really see no reason why I should be bound in such a way. Upon my refusal to do so, they requested a written email/note and if possible, a photocopy of my air tickets too. I was like :? If I had known it's so troublesome, I wouldn't even bother to continue into Term 3.

Yap, then why don't threaten them that you will stop Term 3 then. Of course, you must be prep to ready stop the term in case they still don't give way.

[jedamum]

nonKiasu:

chamonix:

As for refunds, it's in vouchers. (this is really a plus point)

?? why plus point ?? We have to go back to them to utlisised! Not ntuc voucher leh!

can sell to other parents to use anot??

[metz]

nonKiasu:

?? why plus point ?? We have to go back to them to utlisised! Not ntuc voucher leh!

If the kid is still with the course the following term, then at least it can still be utitlised. Unlike my kids' violin lessons, missing lessons is as good as throwing money away . So, even if they are not feeling too well, die die must still attend.

[quote]Yap, then why don't threaten them that you will stop Term 3 then. Of course, you must be prep to ready stop the term in case they still don't give way.[/quote]You bet I am all ready to call quits. Anyway, they will get back to me only next week.

Let me know how yours went this weekend. Should be pretty straightforward.

jedamum:

can sell to other parents to use anot??

Unfortunately, no. The vouchers are only transferrable to siblings.

[nonKiasu]

chamonix:

Let me know how yours went this weekend. Should be pretty straightforward.

Yap, you are right, it's straightforward. But I asked if I can buy Term 3 book. And they say NO, (expected!!) can only buy books of those terms that are over and not future. I asked why not? Their reply, it's for student who didn't attend and have to catch up to current term. So I 'shun' them saying isn't this an edu centre that wants people to learn? Why can't I purchase book? I worry my children can't catch up with Term 4 when they return. Guess their reply? Ha, they said if I revise with my children using Term 1 and 2 books, they should have no problem catching up!
I laugh my way home, I thot that is a stupid way to run biz. It jsut prove that I am I right! It's ok to skip 1 term to save some money. My sons first attend K1 without knowing almost any chinese character. After Term 1, it's leap and bounds. Then I notice the increamental knowledge they gained in Term 2 from Term 1 is marginal. So, my gut feel is that attemding Term 3 will gain another small steps and can do without it. I am right!!!