CREATING YOUR ACCOUNT + PURCHASING CREDITS
How do I create my account and complete my profile?
Boomalang will email you an invitation to your school email address provided to Boomalang from your instructor. Clicking the link in this email prompts you to create a password and begin. (If you need the email resent, alert us at support@boomalang.co.)
Additionally, support is available by clicking the orange chat bubble in the bottom right corner of the website, where someone will respond as quickly as possible.
Once your password is set, you will be prompted to complete your profile, which includes choosing a username, selecting your target language, and answering other questions about your location and interests. Be thoughtful about what you include here--more specific answers can lead to more interesting conversation!
After completing your profile, click SAVE. If you wish, you may also add a profile photo by clicking the PHOTO tab. Now every time you want to log on to Boomalang, you can simply type app.boomalang.co into your web browser. (Visiting Boomalang.co and clicking LOG-IN also works.) If you ever wish to edit your profile or photo, you can click the navigation tool in the top right corner, then click MY PROFILE.
How do I purchase/redeem credits?
If your school has paid for your access, simply clicking COMMUNITY takes you home, where you’ll see Boomalang’s team of millennial native speakers.
Anytime you cannot enter the Boomalang community (i.e. clicking COMMUNITY), you are directed to the PAYMENT tab, where you click to purchase credits via credit card OR if you have already purchased via your school’s student store, you may enter your access code where prompted in the PAYMENT tab to redeem your credits.
If you’re interested in additional (single) credits, you may click the bottom “Pay $8 (= 1 credit) by Credit Card” button anytime. (Or you may purchase extra packages.)
SCHEDULING CONVERSATIONS + CANCELLATION POLICY
How do I schedule conversations?
In the COMMUNITY, you see Boomalang’s team of millennial native speakers. Clicking on their profiles allows you to read about their interests. When you identify someone with whom you’d like to schedule a conversation, you can click “Schedule time with me” and follow the prompts to schedule a 15-min. (1-credit) or 30-min. (2-credit) conversation. You'll notice that the quickest you can schedule a time with a speaker is 12 hours in advance.
Typically your instructor informs you whether you need to have 15-min. or 30-min. conversations.
Once you have completed the conversation form, you will receive a confirmation email. You don’t need to do anything else to reserve the appointment, but if you’d like to add the conversation meeting to your personal calendar, the email will allow you to do so easily.
Worried about time zones? Don’t be… When you choose a time on the speaker’s calendars, all of the times are being presented in the time zone that corresponds to your computer when you reserve the time.
May I cancel or reschedule a conversation?
Rarely, your Boomalang conversation partner will need to reschedule; the same 12-hour rule applies for them. You will receive the cancellation notice via email and will be refunded the credit(s).
Even more rare, a Boomalang conversation partner might not be able to show up due to a loss of electricity in their town or other emergency. Typically in these instances, another Boomalang conversation partner will take over to help out.
PREPARING FOR YOUR CONVERSATION
What are the system requirements for my computer/Internet?
Using Boomalang only requires a computer with Google Chrome or Firefox browser, web camera and microphone.
We recommend only keeping your one Boomalang tab open, shutting down all other applications to increase the chances of having great connection speeds.
Additionally, at least 1Mbps Download and 1Mbps Upload speeds are critical.
Before your first conversation, as we repeat in emails to you, it is very important to make sure you have the latest version of your browser and you must restart your computer. This can prevent issues like not being able to see/hear your partner, and visa versa.
WE DO RECOMMEND A TEST CALL A DAY BEFORE YOUR FIRST CONVERSATION.
If you’d like to check your setup before engaging in a conversation (which we highly recommend), you may request a test call by speaking with our support team--click the orange chat bubble in the bottom right corner and someone will be with you as soon as possible. The best time for quickest replies are weekdays, 9-11am EST.
May I use Boomalang on my smartphone or iPad/tablet?
No.
How can I make the most out of my conversation?
Finally, many have found this student reflection video this student reflection video to be helpful, so we wanted to share.
How/When do I log in and how do I connect with my partner?
If you are more than 10 minutes late, you Boomalang conversation partner does not have to wait for you any longer--you will be marked absent and charged for your credit(s). To end a call, simply close the tab, or click COMMUNITY. Your call is automatically documented at that point, whereby you and your instructor can access, as explained in more detail below.
My connection is bad--I can’t hear or see my partner, or visa versa. What now?
We also highly recommend using headphones during your conversation.
How can I make sure my conversations being recorded? Can I listen to them?
REFUND POLICY
Can I get a refund if I didn’t have a great experience?
FEEDBACK SURVEY
Do I have to complete this survey that I was emailed?
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
We always encourage you to contact Boomalang with any doubts before asking your instructor. We're here to help, and 99% of the time can address your concern quickly, helping you and relieving your educator.