For parents: preparing for your trip to the UK

Preparing for a study trip to the UK

Hello! We are delighted that you have chosen Travel Class to organize your study trip to the UK. In this article, we will try to answer the basic questions that arise before leaving for the UK and in the first days of study.

Time difference: London is Greenwich time.

The documents

For departure, the child must have: a passport with a visa if required, and notarized parental consent to leave.

Just in case, check that:

- the visa is open from the date of departure or earlier;

- the passport number in the visa is correctly spelled out (name, surname can be spelled differently - this is normal);

- notarized consent issued for all travel dates or more broadly, country of departure: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland;

- if an accompanying person is registered, then this is the person who is flying with the child.

Accompanying documents: invitation, air ticket, insurance (the teacher accompanying the group will have).

The UK airport visa officer can ask you questions upon arrival. Prepare to confidently answer them in English:

1. What is the purpose of your visit to the UK?
2. Where are you going to study?
3. Where will you stay?
4. When are you going to leave the UK?
5. Who pays for your stay in the UK?

Meeting at the airport

Upon arrival, after passport control and baggage claim, the group is met by a transfer representative. The group immediately goes by bus to the place of training. At the college, children will be registered, accommodated, offered meals if arriving before 8 pm and given a tour of the campus. If the arrival is late or very early, prepare the child's rations for the journey, as the meals are modest on flights, and the school canteen is usually open from 9 to 20. The next day, children will be introduced to the internal rules, regime and the entire school territory.

Schedule

All of our schools and campuses, as well as the UK in general, are safe for children. However, children are not allowed to leave the territory without permission. Students will be told about this upon arrival. If the children want to take a walk, then you need to unite in a company of 4 people and agree in advance that they should be accompanied by a senior - a teacher or a school employee.

Education

Training usually starts the day after arrival. Children will be offered to take an entrance test, according to the results of which they will be assigned to a group of the appropriate level. You can't be late for classes. You can only speak English in class. We must be prepared that in the first days it will be difficult for children - they will need to constantly speak in a foreign language. It is always stressful for children, especially for those who travel to such schools for the first time.

Money

We recommend giving children over £ 150 a week. If in cash - then only in pounds, on the card - can be in any currency. By agreement, you can transfer part of the money for safekeeping to the accompanying person. In addition, we recommend that you keep your money on bank cards such as Visa, Mastercard during your trip. World maps do not work in the UK. From the age of 14, the card can be opened in the name of the student, if younger - the parents can give their own, specially opened and, for example, with a set limit. In the UK, cards are accepted everywhere. It does not matter in what currency you have funds on your card - the conversion into pounds sterling is done automatically at a more favorable rate than, say, when buying pounds from a bank for dollars or euros. Most campuses have ATM machines. In Russia, pounds sterling can be bought at the main branches of Sberbank (tel. (495) 500 5550) and Raiffeisenbank (tel. (495) 721 9100). On the indicated phone numbers you can find out the nearest branch where there are pounds sterling in stock.

Excursions

Usually, the cost of summer programs includes a full day trip on Saturdays and a half day trip (1-2 per week). But the kids will also have the opportunity to go on another fun ride on Sunday, which we always recommend. At the beginning of the week, a program is posted on the information stands, where you can go, and the children can declare their desire to the accompanying person. These trips cost between £ 25 and £ 100. Please allocate funds for this.

Health

The UK has a humid climate. In the early days, the acclimatization process can take place. Be sure to take all the medications that your child normally uses and that you usually take. In pharmacies in England, you can buy only aspirin, paracetamol and nurofen, everything else - only on doctor's prescriptions, which are most often limited to aspirin as well. All children have medical insurance. If someone falls ill, the companion or counselor will make an appointment with the doctor. Please note that the health care system is different: you cannot call a therapist at home even at high temperatures, only an ambulance. Even at a temperature of 40, the doctor will not prescribe anything more potent than paracetamol. We also recommend that the children take the medicines to the accompanying person upon arrival.

Technique

The UK has its own type of socket with three plugs. To turn on any device with a Euro plug, you need an adapter. The adapter can be purchased at any store in the UK. Children in the first two days must be taken there or the attendant will take care of it. The adapter costs 3-5 pounds. There will be several adapters in the residence, but usually we buy ours in the first days. In Russia, they are extremely rare, it is better not to waste time searching.

Stuff

Don't forget your umbrella! ☺ It's warm in England in summer, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. We do not recommend taking a lot of things. Be sure to bring one warm item, such as a sweater, windbreaker. Bed linen is provided and changed regularly. It is necessary to bring a towel and a bathing suit - children can go to the pool or water park. You will definitely need a city backpack or bag (go to classes, pack lunch on a trip). Remember, baggage cannot be heavier than 20 kg (23 - for British Airways), otherwise you will need to pay approximately 3-5 pounds for each kilogram of excess. From office supplies, take only a notebook and a pen, a small dictionary. There will be a laundry on campus, one load costs 2-3 pounds.

In autumn the temperature is 15-20, in winter 0-15, in spring 15-25.

Network

Almost all of our campuses have free wifi. Upon arrival at the airport, there will be internet for 30 minutes - you can immediately call your parents. You can also buy a local Lebara or Lyca Mobile SIM card - with cheap international calls and mobile internet. You can buy a SIM card without a passport in almost every store in the UK.

Have a wonderful trip!