**NOTE** The location could be difficult to find, it is upstairs and I think you need to buzz-in…read more Go there early on your first day to find the school; check in with the counselors, and find your classroom on the first day, and you will be fine! Great school, nice teachers and counselors. Free coffee and tea were very very helpful. I only took a week-long German course for $125 euros or something like that (pricing may be more or less expensive, I signed up through Cactus Language). The course was 3 hours/day, for 4 days a week (the 5th day is optional Cultural Day to tour around the city, I believe) It was a lovely experience and I will do it again if I had the time.

This is, hands down, one of the best language courses I've ever experienced. My teacher is Kristin…read moreand she has been, from start to finish, incredibly patient and motivating. The classes are well structured and it is evident that a lot of thought (and experience) has gone into designing the course as a whole so that the best progress is made. In every lesson we have a variety of activities, with a time for vocabulary/grammar presentation, controlled, and freer practice, with comprehensive feedback given. The groups are generally quite small, I was one of 4 for example, and you really have the opportunity to ask questions or to iron out doubts. You feel that you're being taught as an individual and that the lessons are not simply being rolled out with no thought as to the students present. I'm an English teacher, so I've some experience of good academies and bad academies and I can honestly say this is one of the best I've ever seen. The teachers, as I've said, are experienced and knowledgable in both teaching methods and German language. The office staff and helpful and, in my experience, flexible to your needs. And the other students are also great! The price is a little above the average in Köln (100% worth it for the quality) and I think this attracts a certain kind of student who's really interested in improving and working hard on their progress. Finally and, I think, importantly, the atmosphere of the school is just lovely. There's a cute little sitting room area with comfy sofas, tea, and coffee where students and staff can go during the break and you have the opportunity to meet students studying at different levels. Whatsmore, the area, Ehrenfeld, is delightful with lots of quirky little shops and cafes - we've even been able to go on excursions to practise our "market" and "coffee shop" language! If you hadn't guessed before, I really am a fan of Insula. I wouldn't hesitate for a minute to recommend it!

Yes it may not be the most hip and happening place on the block, especially when you compare it to…read morethe other options you have around Zülpicher and Barbarossa stations. But lets not forget why the clubs here. If you want a party and a massive night on the turps your probably in the wrong place. Moreover if you are looking for an expat crowd , well go to Jamisons. But if you want a cosy bar, where the staff are always friendly and you are interested in a safe, casual and laid back place to practise your language skills then the Overseas club is you bar. Take one of their language courses and you'll find it a more laid back structure than the hyper-commercialised language schools around cologne (come one, a kölsch or two during your lessoni know im not complaining!)

This place is great fun! I walked in for a drink and within minutes was engaged in conversation…read morewith friendly xpats-turned-locals. The bartenders / owners are lovely ladies who were quicker with jokes than drinks and the prices are more than fair. Students leaving language classes came out laughing with drinks in hand. I don't know about the other languages but the English speaking contingent here is funny, friendly and easy to chat up.