Frequently Asked Questions
If the answer to your question is not listed below please contact us. Alternatively why not submit a question or submit a comment on our Blog.
Q. How do I know that I am eligible?
A. Anybody who wishes to study English in the UK can apply but you must comply with UK visa requirements. See requirements page for further details.
Q. What are the maximum and minimum lengths of time I can study in the UK?
A. A minimum of one week and a maximum of one year, provided that the terms of your visa allow (renewal of your visa in the UK is permitted but please speak with the visa authorities about this before you travel).
Q. I would like to study a specialist business course, such as Marketing. Can I do this through you?
A. Yes. We have access to schools and colleges across the UK and we will search our database to find the course that fits your needs.
Q. If I wish to change accommodation part way through the course is this possible?
A. Yes. You will need to raise this with the school but please tell us if you are still unhappy and we will do everything we can to help.
Q. If I am unhappy with the school can I change?
A. This would be difficult once you have started your course but we only use schools which are accredited by the British Council and vetted by ESB. If you are unhappy with the school you must raise the problem firstly with the school and, if you are still not satisfied, contact us and we will work with the school to find the best solution for all parties.
Q. Will somebody meet me at the airport?
A. If you would like to take advantage of this service please tick the relevant box on the application form.
Q. Why must I pay for everything before I travel?
A. This is a condition that the schools we work with insist upon before they will issue you with a visa letter.
Q. Why is the arrangement fee not refundable?
A. This fee is designed to cover our administration costs, including the costs to the school for arranging your course and booking the accommodation. These costs will be incurred whether you subsequently come to the UK or not.
Q. Can I arrange my own accommodation?
A. No. It is a condition of your application that you take either residential or homestay accommodation as part of the package.
Q. How many hours tuition can I expect?
A. It depends on the course you choose but typically most programmes consist of either 15 or 20 hours tuition per week.
Q. How many students will be in my class?
A. This will vary depending on which school and course you choose. Most courses will have between 6 and fifteen students per class. However, if you would like more personal tuition we can arrange one on one or one to two programmes for you. Please ask.
Q. How far from the school will I be living?
A. Again that depends on the school and the course you choose but in London, for example, you might need to take a short Underground or bus journey to and from school.
Q. My friend would also like to study English in the UK can we stay together with the same host family?
A. Some host families will take more than one student but we cannot guarantee that you will be able to stay with the same family. Please let us know and we will do our best for you.
Q. What else will I need to pay for during my stay?
A. Your tuition, accommodation, airport transfers (where requested) and most of your food (depending on the package you choose) will be included in your fees. Extras you will need to pay for typically will include travel costs, visits to events, and other social activities (unless specifically included in the package).
Q. Will I receive a certificate at the end of the course?
A. It depends which programme you choose but all of the schools we work with are able to deliver courses offering formal qualification such as IELTS or Cambridge certification.
Q. What is the climate like in the UK?
A. It depends on the location and time of year. The further north you are based the cooler it will be. London, for example, is generally slightly warmer than Edinburgh. Summer temperatures can reach 25C but are more typically between 18 and 22. The coldest winter temperatures can fall as low as freezing but are more usually between 5 and 10 degrees. Annual rainfall levels are generally between 70 and 100cm spread evenly throughout the year.
