|
Your
Frequently Asked Questions
|
There
are many excellent English language schools in
Britain, and it can be difficult to choose the
right one. Here are some questions under the following
catagories which you may want to ask when choosing
your school.
The
school
The Accommodation
Living in England
|
Are
your courses accredited by the government or any other
official authority?
Studio Cambridge is:
- accredited by the British Council
- a founder member of EnglishUK (formerly known as ARELS)
- a member of the British government's "EDUCATION UK"
initiative
Is
Studio privately owned or part of
a "chain"?
Studio Cambridge is privately owned. We are not part of
a multi-centre group or "chain" of schools. 80% of our
students come through the personal recommendation of past
students and Education Counsellors overseas, not from
advertising or marketing campaigns. We are proud of the reputation we have built over the past five decades
How
many students do you have?
On average, Studio Cambridge has some 200 adult students
present at any one time between September and June and
400 in July and August. This is the optimum size. It is big enough to allow us to provide a wide range of academic programmes at all levels and a varied choice of social activities, and small enough that we can give you the personal attention you deserve.
How
will you place me in a class at the right level?
On the first day in school you take a placement test covering:
1. Grammar
2. vocabulary
3. Speaking
4. Listening
5. Writing
You will then be placed in a class at your level, and
your teachers will carefully monitor your progress.
What happens if I am better at one skill than another - for example, I am better at reading than speaking English?
If you have different levels of skills, and depending
on the course you have chosen, you may be placed in different
classes for each of these skills.
I
want to be in the same class as my friend, is this possible?
We can place you and your friend together if you have
the same level of English. If you do not want to be in
the same class as your friend, this can often be arranged
- but it will depend on the availability of places.
What
happens if I don't like my class?
If your class is at the wrong level for you we will make
every effort to change your class after the first few
days.
I
speak very little English, how will you start to teach
me?
You will start using the language not by translating or
interpreting from your own language but by using it. Your
textbooks will be especially designed for beginners and
your teachers will be experienced in teaching English
at the beginner level. Everyone else in your class will
be doing the same. They, and your homestay hosts, will
support and help you every step of the way. Very soon
you will gain confidence and be able to use English far
more effectively.
In the unlikely event that there are no other students at your level, we may offer you private lessons in place of group lessons. There is no extra charge for this, but the number of private lessons will be provided at the ratio of one private lesson = three group lessons.
How
long will it take me to learn English?
The true answer is that learning a language is a life-long
experience, and your progress will depend on your ability,
motivation and study habits. At Studio we have six main
levels of English (each level is subdivided). It typically
takes about 6 weeks to move from one main level to the
next.
So,
if you apply yourself, you can expect to go from an Elementary
level to an Advanced level in about 7 months.
How
will I know if I am making any progress?
You have weekly progress tests. You also meet every week
with your Personal Academic Advisor who will advise you
on your progress, help you with your studies and ensure
that you are advancing at the right speed for you.
If
I have problems will there be someone who speaks my language
who can help me?
We use only English in the classroom. However, we employ
a Japanese student counsellor and our other
staff speak a variety of languages. Our languages include:
Chinese, French, German, Italian, Polish, Portuguese
and Spanish. Remember, we are here to help you at all
times.
The
schools in my country are segregated. Will the classes
in Studio be single-sex?
No. All classes at Studio are mixed, with men and
women studying together.
I
have heard that there are many different accents in England.
What accent do you have in Cambridge?
Local
Cambridge people have a pleasant accent which is easy
to understand. As a university city, Cambridge is also
home to students from throughout the UK, and your teachers
will also be from many different parts of Britain.
Will
I get a certificate from the school after my course and
is the certificate recognised?
You
will receive a Course Certificate and Academic Record
from Studio Cambridge. The school is accredited by the
British Council. If you are taking an external examination
(TOEIC, IELTS or the University of Cambridge) you will
also receive an examination certificate.
Do
I have to buy my own books?
You are not required to buy books, as educational materials
are included in the cost of the course. Books and tapes
are also available for reference and on loan, free of charge in our Learning Centre.
You may however, wish to buy a dictionary or other reference books. There are additional costs for required course
books for students taking the IELTS and the University
of Cambridge examination courses.
Should I bring my own laptop computer?
It is not necessary to bring your own computer, as our Learning Centre has 18 computers which you can use between or after classes.
However, most areas of the school building also have Wi-Fi access and you will be able to use your own laptop if you wish to do so.
What
happens if I don't like the school and want to leave early?
You may choose to leave your course for any reason by
giving us 4 weeks' notice (see our terms and conditions
for details of refunds).
Can
I book a short course, and then extend if I like it?
Yes, there are usually places available. However, if you
are visiting the UK with a Student Visa you should book
the course for the full period before leaving your home
country. The visa will be issued only for the duration
of the course you have booked.
Can
I change to another course if I don't like the one I'm
on?
Yes. A change to another course of the same or higher
intensity (lessons per week) can normally be arranged
within a week. However, a change to a less intensive course
requires four weeks' notice.
I
am a mature adult. Will there be other people of my age
there?
Our students range from 16 to 60+ years of age. The EFL-28
course tends to attract slightly older students, while
the International Academic Year/Semester, IELTS and Cambridge
examination courses are more suitable for students planning
on entering university.
My
country is at war with another country. Will there be
people from that country in the school?
As we have some 80 nationalities at Studio every year,
it is very likely that you will meet someone from that
country. We teach English without regard to sex, nationality,
religion or political persuasion and expect all our students
to be tolerant and understanding of each other.
What
kind of accommodation will I have?
You can choose to live in a homestay at any time of
the year or, if you enrol in July or August you can stay in a residence.
Will
I have a TV?
Most homestay hosts have 'terrestrial' TV and more &
more now have satellite or digital television. If you
book a 4 or 5 Star homestay, you might even have your own
TV. Televisions, however, are not available in the residences.
Is
there somewhere I can plug in my laptop?
You must ask your hosts if you can use their telephone
line and then pay for the cost of connecting to the Internet.
Will
the hosts have Internet access?
Some, but not all hosts have broadband (512kb/s +), although almost
all have telephone lines.
I
like to shower every day? Will this be possible?
Yes, nearly all our hosts have showers.
I
am worried about the food. What will my hosts give me
to eat? Can I bring some of my favourite food with me?
Our hosts are accustomed to hosting students from all
over the world and are often able to cook many different
types of food. We have a selection of hosts who are able
to cater for special diets, such as vegetarian, vegan,
Halal and Kosher menus. Let
us know in advance if you have particular dietary requirements.
You
cannot usually import food into the UK. However, Cambridge
has many good food shops (and restaurants) where you will
probably find the food you prefer to eat.
Hosts do not provide lunch Monday to Friday. However,
Studio has a cafe where hot and cold lunches are available
each day. A good lunch, with a soft drink, costs approximately £4.00 (lunch is
included in the fees of the St Christopher Course).
What
kind of clothing should I bring?
Most of your clothes should be informal or casual. You
will need some warm and waterproof outer clothing (yes,
even in the summer!) and, perhaps, something a little
more formal for evenings out at a restaurant or a social
event. An umbrella or raincoat is also recommended.
Who
will do my laundry (clothes washing)?
Your homestay hosts will wash your clothes (and change
your towels and bed linen) once per week. In the residence,
you wash your clothes yourself. Clothes washers and dryers
are available at a small cost.
Can
I wash my clothes myself?
You may wash your own clothes. If you wish to use your
hosts' washing machine, please ask their permission first.
How
far is my accommodation from the school?
Hosts' houses are typically no more than 25-30 minutes' away
from school, by bus, bicycle or on foot. The residential
accommodation during the summer is 5 minutes' walk from the course centre. On the St Christopher course the residence is either on campus
or 5-10 minutes' walk away.
How
do I get to school from my homestay accommodation?
In many cases, students are able to walk between their
accommodation and the school. Bus passes that allow unlimited
travel are available at approximately £11.00 per week
(these are called 'Megarider'). Many students rent bicycles
and rental costs are from £25 for 2 weeks to £70 for 12
weeks. Alternatively, you can buy a bicycle for as little
as £70 and then sell
it to another student when you leave.
I
usually have dinner at 21:00. What time will I eat in
Cambridge?
Dinner time in England is usually between 18:00 and 19:30
and you will normally be expected to eat with your hosts.
If you do not plan to eat at home, please tell
them in advance.
Do
I have to eat with my hosts every day?
Under normal circumstances, you should have breakfast
and dinner with your hosts. If you are unable to do so
you should let them know so that they can prepare a snack
for you.
What
time do I have to come home at night?
If you are living in a homestay, you will be expected
home for dinner each evening at approximately 18:00 hours.
If you then intend to go out, you must tell your hosts
where you are going and agree with them a time when you
will return. If you are staying at a
residence, you will be able to return as and when you
wish.
Do
I have to help with household chores?
No, although hosts appreciate it if you act as "part of
the family" and keep your bedroom, the bathroom and other
areas clean and tidy.
What
happens if I don't like my hosts?
If you are not happy we will try to resolve whatever problems
you are having and, if necessary, move you to a different
host.
Can
I rent an apartment?
Yes. The minimum age is 18 years. However, it is very
difficult to rent an apartment before you come to Cambridge.
We therefore recommend that you stay in a homestay for
the first month of your course.
My
boy/girlfriend plans to visit me when I'm in Cambridge.
Can he/she stay with me?
It is sometimes possible, depending on the availability
of rooms and the duration of the stay. Please consult
us in advance. Any such arrangements must be made through
the school and then agreed by the hosts.
Will
I need a visa?
Most students do not need a visa to study in Britain.
However, please check with the British consulate or embassy
in your home country. If you do need a visa, we will send
you the correct documentation once we have received your
application and course deposit. If your visa application
is unsuccessful, we will refund the fees you have paid
(please see the Terms and Conditions in our current brochure,
or click on the disclaimer link at the bottom of this
page).
When
should I plan to arrive and depart?
Our courses start on Monday and finish on Fridays. You
should, therefore, plan to arrive in Cambridge on the
Sunday before your course starts and leave on the Saturday
after the end of your course. There are 4 days each year
when because of a public holiday, our courses start on
Tuesdays (you should plan to arrive on the previous Sunday
or Monday).
The
holiday dates in 2008 are as follows:
|
Public
Holidays |
2008 |
|
Good
Friday |
Friday 21 March |
|
Easter
Monday: |
Monday 24 March |
|
May
Bank Holiday: |
Monday 05 May |
|
Spring
Holiday: |
Monday 26 May |
|
Summer
Bank Holiday: |
Monday 25 August |
There
is no reduction in fees for classes missed because of
these holidays. Instead of classes, you will be offered
a full-day excursion at no additional cost.
Is
an airport transfer included in the price?
Airport transfers are not included in the price. We can
arrange individual airport transfers by taxi, mini-bus
or private car from any of the London airports or railway
stations. The costs (in 2007/08) for the main London airports
are as follows:
Transfers are by private car or taxi*
|
Airport
|
Typical
journey time
|
Price
|
|
Stansted
(STN)
|
40
minutes
|
£60.00
|
|
Luton
(LTN)
|
1
hour
|
£80.00
|
|
Heathrow
(LHR)
|
2
hours
|
£110.00
|
|
Gatwick
(LGW)
|
2
hours 30 minutes
|
£150.00
|
*one way for each car. A maximum of 3 passengers travelling
together may share a taxi and the cost.
If
I take a Studio transfer from the airport on arrival,
who will meet me?
You will be met by the driver of the taxi or private car
as soon as you come through Immigration and Customs. The
driver will be holding a Studio Cambridge sign with your
name on it. He or she will take you directly to your accommodation
in Cambridge.
How
do I make my own way from the airport to Cambridge?
There are frequent bus services from all the major London
airports to Cambridge. The price below is the typical
cost of a return ticket by coach from the airport to Cambridge
city centre. You should then take a taxi to your accommodation
(approximately £5.00 one way).
Transfers
by bus*
|
Airport
|
Typical
journey time
|
Price
|
|
Stansted
(STN)
|
1
hour
|
£10.00
|
|
Luton
(LTN)
|
1
hour 30 minutes
|
£15.00
|
|
Heathrow
(LHR)
|
3
hours 30 minutes
|
£29.00
|
|
Gatwick
(LGW)
|
3
hours & 45 minutes
|
£33.00
|
*return tickets are valid for a period of 6 months.
We will be delighted to send you up-to-date information
with confirmation of your course.
Should
I take a taxi from the airport when I arrive?
No! London taxis (black cabs) are extremely expensive,
especially on longer journeys.
Where
is Cambridge?
Cambridge is superbly located, close to London and yet
in the peaceful English countryside. Distances and approximate
times are as follows (the times are by private car, assuming
normal traffic, and can be considerably longer because
of traffic delays).
|
Location
|
Kilometres
|
Time
by car from Cambridge
|
|
Stansted
Airport
|
48
|
35
minutes
|
|
Heathrow
Airport
|
114
|
1
hour 45 minutes
|
|
Gatwick
Airport
|
154
|
2
hours
|
|
Central
London
|
95
|
1
hour 30 minutes
|
|
Oxford
|
135
|
2
hours
|
|
Edinburgh
|
540
|
6
hours 30 minutes
|
|
Amsterdam
|
580
|
8
hours
|
|
Brussels
|
430
|
4
hours 30 minutes
|
|
Paris
|
510
|
6
hours 30 minutes
|
How
big is Cambridge?
The resident population of Cambridge is approximately
100,000 and there are also 20,000 university students.
Approximately 4 million people per year visit the city
(tourists and business people). Links for more information
on Cambridge can be found at: www.gwydir.demon.co.uk/cambridgeuk/
What's
the weather going to be like in Cambridge?
British weather is seldom very hot or very cold (because we have a temperate climate). It rains frequently.
|
Period
|
Temperatures
(C)
|
Sunshine
hours per month
|
Rain
mm per month
|
|
Maximum
|
Minimum
|
|
January
- March
|
8
|
2
|
78
|
40
|
|
April
- June
|
16
|
7
|
172
|
47
|
|
July
- September
|
21
|
11
|
173
|
46
|
|
October
- December
|
15
|
3
|
77
|
52
|
Can
I rent/drive/buy a car in England?
- Car rental: you must have an international driving licence
and be at least 23 years old
- Driving your own car: you must have an international
driving licence and insurance cover for the UK
- Buying a car: you can buy a car and must have a British
or international driving licence and insurance cover
Can I smoke in the school/in England?
- Since July 2007, smoking is not allowed in any public buildings in England. This includes the school itself. Smoking is only allowed outside in open spaces.
- Smoking may be possible in your homestay, depending on the rules of your host. Please let us know if you smoke and
we will then attempt to find a "smoking" homestay host
for you
- You can only buy cigarettes in the UK if you are aged 18 or over.
Should
I bring presents with me? If so, for whom?
It is not necessary. However, a small present, typical
of your country, would be very appreciated by your homestay
hosts.
Can
I attend lectures at the university while I am in Cambridge?
No. Lectures at the university are for university students
only. However, there are many public lectures in Cambridge
and our Student Services Office keeps a schedule of lectures
which you can attend.
Can
I go to Cambridge University after I finish my course
at Studio?
Yes - if your academic grades and English knowledge are
acceptable to the university. However, you will need to
make application to the university at least 9 months prior
to coming to the UK. If your academic grades are acceptable
they may require you to obtain a specific score in the
IELTS examination or to pass a Cambridge University examination.
Other universities in Cambridge and throughout the UK
are pleased to accept international students.
Does
the school organise meetings with English people?
As part of our Activities Programme, we provide a list
of local and university clubs, and we have a Conversation
Club through which you can have informal chats with a teacher.
I
have friends in other parts of England. Will the school
help me to travel to them at weekends?
Yes. We can help plan any trips you wish.
Is Cambridge expensive?
Cambridge is quite expensive in British terms, but it
is a lot less expensive then the bigger cities (especially
London). Here are some sample costs:
Cinema
ticket £6.50
Weekly bus pass £11.00
Taxi from school to city centre £5.00
Return train ticket to London £18.00
Hamburger and chips £4.50
Soft drink £0.70
Pint of beer £2.80
Cigarettes (20) £5.00
Can
I open a bank account in Cambridge? If not, what can I
do with my money? Unfortunately, banks in Britain
have recently decided not to allow temporary visitors
to the UK to open bank accounts. You may be able to make
arrangements with your bank in your home country if it
has a branch or affiliate in Cambridge. If not, we recommend
that you bring money in £ Sterling travellers cheques.
We will be happy to keep your travellers cheques in the
school safe.
Can
I use credit cards in England? Which ones?
All major credit cards are accepted. The most popular
are Visa, Mastercard and American Express.
Can
I pay for things in Euros or dollars in England?
The only currency in general use in the UK is £ Sterling.
However, if you pay by credit card you will, of course,
be billed in your own currency. Most banks and Post Offices
offer currency exchange services.
Do
I have to register with the police?
Most students do not need a visa to enter the UK and do
not need to register with the police. However, if you
enter the country with a Student's Visa and if there is
a stamp in your passport saying that you must register
with the police, you must do this within 7 days of arriving
in Britain. We will help you.
You
will need to have:
Your passport
Two passport-sized photographs
Money for the registration fee (approximately £40)
Your address in Cambridge
Your work permit, if you have one
You
will then be given a registration certificate (called
a 'Green Book') which you should carry with you at all
times.
Do
I need my passport to visit Scotland/France?
You do not need a passport to visit any other part of
the UK (Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland). However,
you will need your passport for a visit to any other country.
Is
it safe in Cambridge?
Cambridge has fewer crimes than many other cities in Britain
and is considered a pleasant and safe
place to live and study.
How
can I contact someone if I have a problem and the school
is closed?
We have a 24-hour emergency telephone number available when
the school is closed. The number will be sent to you with
confirmation of your enrolment.
What happens if I get sick or have dental problems?
Medical insurance is included in the Accommodation and
Student Life fees. This gives you up to £1 million coverage
for medical treatment and requires that you pay the first
£25 costs of any medical treatment. The Certificate of
Insurance gives a 24-hour contact number and information
on what to do in an emergency.
We
will send you a copy of the Insurance Certificate with
the confirmation of your enrolment. Studio Cambridge can
be contacted 24 hours per day, every day. The emergency
contact number will be sent to you with confirmation of
your enrolment.
If
my mother becomes very sick and I have to go home, will
I get my money back?
We normally require 4 weeks' notice to withdraw from a
course. However, each case will be considered separately
and for compassionate reasons this requirement can sometimes
be waived or shortened.
What
can I do in the evenings and at weekends?
Our Student Services department provides a full programme
of social, sports and cultural activities. At least five
such activities each week are provided without additional
cost. Activities include:
·
Lectures and workshops
· Academic 'clubs' (grammar, conversation etc)
· Studio parties
· Sports (tennis, football, gym, swimming, badminton,
cricket, etc)
· Restaurant and music evenings
· Cambridge and local tours (including 'punting' on the
River Cam)
· Excursions throughout the UK (at additional cost)
Samples
of typical weeks' programmes can be found in our Leisure
Time pages.
In
addition, Cambridge has a varied and exciting cultural
life with excellent clubs, pubs, cafés and restaurants
and good sports amenities. And, of course, London is just
45 minutes away by train.
What
information will I receive when I arrive in Cambridge?
On arrival, you will receive our 'Studio Cambridge Student's
Guide'. Here you will find the answers to most questions,
including:
§
Academic information
§ Accommodation
§ Activities
§ Attendance
§ Banks
§ Bicycles
§ Books
§ Buses
§ Car hire
§ Cars
§ Computers
§ Currency exchange
§ Dentists
§ Doctors
§ Emergencies
§ Excursions
§ Extending your stay
§ Hospitals
§ Learning Centre
§ Lesson times
§ Lost property
§ Mail and faxes
§ Maps of Studio buildings
§ Meals
§ Nightlife
§ People to contact
§ Pocket money
§ Police registration
§ Problems
§ School Rules
§ Shopping
§ Sights to visit in Cambridge
§ Student Services
§ Taxis
§ Telephones
§ Timetables
§ Travellers' Cheques
§ Tutorials
§ University advice
§ Valuables
§ Videos / DVDs
§ Welfare
§ Working in Britain
