Frequently asked Questions

UK programs

Do I need a visa to study in Britain?

Entry requirements into Britain depend on where you are coming from. To find out what you need, please visit http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk

What do my program fees cover?

Your program fees will cover placement in a carefully selected host family, placement in school, welcome and farewell orientations, the services of a student coordinator and excursions to places of interest. They do not cover the cost of flights or insurance.

How much money do I need to bring?

We recommend that you bring a minimum of £250 per month spending money. You will need to buy personal items like bus or train tickets, snacks, toiletries or credit for your mobile phone. You will probably want to go shopping or the cinema, visit some tourist attractions and buy souvenirs, which means you need enough money to pay for things like transport, entrance fees and gifts.

Can I drink alcohol?

It is against the law to buy alcohol in Britain if you are less than 18 years old.

Can I drive a car?

You must be over 17 years old and have a licence and insurance. Britain is one of few countries in the world where people drive on the left hand side of the road, so you will probably be unused to our highway code, and we prefer it if you do not drive a car or motorbike.

Can I travel in the UK?

We will allow you to travel to places of cultural or educational interest if you provide us with your itinerary and written permission from your parents.

Living with host families (Read more)

Will I have my own room?

Most students have their own bedroom, but if joining a larger family, you will be told in advance if you have to share.

What meals will my host family provide?

At the very least, your host family will provide you with food for you to make your own breakfast and packed lunch to take to school, and they will prepare an evening meal for you.

Where will I wash my clothes?

In most cases, you will have to do your own washing and ironing. However, every host family will have a washing machine, iron and ironing board and airing cupboard, and many will have a tumble dryer. They will let you know how and when to use these facilities.

Does my host family have a computer with access to the Internet?

Most host families do have a computer with Internet access, but a large number do not. Using their internet can run up expensive bills, so we prefer you to use the computers at school or the local library. From here, you can email and search the Internet. Often, computers in school are more powerful and have higher speed connections to the Internet than personal computers at home.

Do I need to do household chores?

Not really, but the occasional gesture - such as helping prepare an evening meal or tidy up the plates afterwards - is always appreciated by the family, and helps you to settle in quickly.

Do my host family have to entertain me?

No, the job of a host family is to provide comfortable accommodation and meals. It is not their responsibility to take you on excursions or social outings. You will join them for dinner and most likely participate in family activities, but whether they take you on outings or invite you to social occasions is entirely up to them. Of course, many host families do a lot to entertain their students, but it is up to you to seek out things you are interested in, for example, meeting with new friends from school, shopping, cinema or watching a football match. Our organisation will organise regular excursions and occasional meetings, activities and get-togethers for you to do in your free time.

What curfews will be imposed?

Whether you are allowed to stay out in the evening, and how late, will depend on your age and where you want to go. You must carry a mobile phone with you, and leave it switched on, when not at school or with your host family, so you can contact us if necessary.

What if I don't like my host family?

We try our best to place you in a host family where we believe you will be happy. You can contact your student coordinator about any problems you have with your host family. If they cannot help you to solve these problems, we can move you to live with another family.

Studying at schools (Read More)

How far will I live from school?

We will place you with a host family that live as near to your school as we can find. Our students often live within short walking distance from school. However, it is important to place you with a suitable host family, and sometimes the right family for you might live a little further away. If so, you may have to travel to school by bus. At the furthest, your school will be no more than 45 minutes away by bus.

Can I choose what subjects I study?

Yes, you are free to study whatever subjects are on offer in your school. All schools offer a wide range of subjects to study. Rather than study a bit of everything, you will choose four or five of your favourite subjects. Many students prefer this because they can concentrate on what they like doing the most.

What facilities will my school have?

Facilities in English schools are very good and continually improving. At a minimum, your school will have excellent computer facilities, including high speed Internet access, a well-stocked library, indoor sports hall, sports equipment, a restaurant and common room, and quiet study areas. Many schools have extra facilities for subjects they specialise in teaching.

Will I have to do homework?

Yes, you will have to do homework, but the workload is not too much. You will complete homework as part of your education and, if necessary, to improve your English language skills. However, this will not occupy all your free time, and you will have time to relax, socialise and travel.

Will I have to take examinations?

If you perform well at school, you may be entered for examinations. Whether or not you choose to sit an exam will be your decision. However, if you are good enough, we will urge you to go for it! You will have the chance of gaining one or more prestigious academic qualifications -internationally respected around the world for their quality!