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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is the English Speaking Members Department located?
A: We are at the HK YWCA Headquarters on the 3rd Floor, 1 MacDonnell Road, Central. We are next to Park n Shop (Coda Plaza) on Garden Road.
Q: Are classes for women only?
A: No. Courses are open to both men and women. While the YWCA’s primary focus is on women’s needs and issues, with programmes designed around those issues, many of our courses are neutral and enjoyed by men and women alike.
Q: Are classes for native English speakers only?
A: No. Courses are open to everyone. However, since all courses are taught in English, you require a basic understanding of English.
Q: Do I have to be a member to join classes?
A: No. Our courses are open for everyone to enjoy. However, for a small membership fee, you do receive many benefits including discount on all courses.
Q: What are the benefits of membership?
A: Aside from discounted courses, you can also enjoy a range of facilities and services, including:
- A private air-conditioned gym with modern fitness equipment (6/F) ($40 per session/$300 a month)
- A 12 metre outdoor heated swimming pool open all year round (6/F) ($40 per session/ $300 a month)
- The cheapest car park in central ($10 per hour)
- A lounge café with a view - Garden View Lounge (6/F)
Q: Can I pay by Credit Card or EPS?
A: Only Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard) is accepted and only in person. We cannot accept credit card payment by fax, post or email. Members may also choose to pay through Visa via our online registration option.
Q: What is the best way to get there?
A: The quickest and most affordable way to reach us is by bus. There are two bus options: Catch the Public Light Bus (the little green mini-bus) number 1A in front of the Star Ferry Taxi Rank, it takes about 3 minutes and will drop you directly in fron of the ‘Y’. Alternatively, take public bus number 12A, which departs from the Admiralty Bus Depot (opposite Pacific Place) located on Tamar Street (Lippo Centre side) and takes about 5-10 minutes. Otherwise, a taxi will cost $15-$20 from Central.
Q: When can I apply for classes?
A: Classes are continually scheduled and open for registration all year round. However, due to the need for a minimum number of registered students in order to hold a class, we stongly encourage registration for classes at least 5 days before its commencement so as to avoid the disappointment of a class being cancelled.
Q: What is the period of membership and cost?
A: The Annual Youth membership costs $300 a child for 3 consecutive terms. The Adult Annual Membership costs $600 a year. We have three terms a year – Spring (Jan-Apr), Summer (May-Aug) and Autumn (Sept-Dec)
Q: Does the membership start from the day that I sign-up?
A: No. Membership begins from the term that you applied in. An annual membership includes three terms. For example if you signed up for an annual membership in March, which falls in the middle of the Spring term it will expire at the end of December/Autumn (three terms).
Q: Can I send my domestic helper with my child to his/her class?
A: Yes. However, for interactive classes we do strongly encourage the participation of parents.
Q: Do I have to accompany my child?
A: It is required that all parents / guardians of children less than 11 years remain on the premises while the children are participating in a course, even if the adult is not required to be in the classroom.
Q: Will I be sent a class reminder?
A: No. Upon enrolment you will receive, either by email or in person, a course summary that outlines the course, its start date and time. We cannot take responsibility for missed classes.
Q: Where do we meet for classes held off-site?
A: All classes are held at our premises on MacDonnell Road unless other wise stated. If you are registered for classes held off-site, you’ll receive ‘where to meet’ details by email about 3 days before the start date. If you do not receive an email or do not have an email address, please call for these details.
Q: Can I cancel a course?
A: Yes. However each course cancellation will incur a handling charge of $50.00 a course. Cancellation are allowed up to 14 days before the start of a course. Cancellations less than 14 days or 10 working days before the class start date (or after the class has commenced) are not refundable unless due to exenuating circumstances.
Q: Can I transfer/credit a course?
A: Yes. Upon a course cancellation (either by ESMD or yourself) you can request to transfer fees to another course or credit your account. Transfers and credits can be used to pay for a course/s in full or as part-payment.
Q: What happens if the YWCA cancels a course?
A: If we cancel a course (e.g. due to low numbers), we will send you an email as soon as possible before the intended start date of the class. A cancellation letter will be emailed or posted shortly following detailing your options to transfer fees to another course, credit your account, accept a refund or donate the money to the HK YWCA for its charitable services. If a teacher cancels any course or session, a make-up date will be arranged. If you cannot make that date a refund or credit will be provided.