General

Is obtaining the study visa restricted by age?
The minimum age is 16 years. There is no maximum age.

How long will the entire process take?
If you will be applying at the embassy, count on 4 - 8 weeks. If you will be applying at the border, then everything could be prepared within 3 - 5 weeks.

What about insurance?
Insurance is not included in the price of the school fee. Essential health care for almost citizens is provided in virtue of agreement between both countries, but this does not cover treatment expenses, dental treatment, eye exams, etc. For particular information we recommend that you contact your insurance company.

How long has your agency existed?
Our agency is young and has worked on the market since the beginning of the year 2002. Nevertheless, within this short time we have arranged dozens of work-study stays, and have agenicies and schools around the world.

What guarantees do you have?
We guarantee to refund the school fee provided that:
- You present us a written document with your intention to cancel the agreement least 30 days before
the beginning of the course.
- You are refused entry Great Britain. In this case it is necessary to provide an original document expressing the refusal of the visa.

In both cases there is non-refundable registration fee to the school of 175 GBP.

What is useful to bring from home?
- Unblocked dual-band cellular phone.
- Bedclothes
- Passport photos

What about telephoning, Internet etc.?
The prices for these services are more affordable compared with most countries, and readily available.

What is the NINO (Insurance Number) good for?
For your possible employer to consider you as a trustworthy person able to work in Britain properly paying health insurance and income tax. It is analogous to birth numbers or ID numbers.

What about opening an account in a bank?
It is helpful to have an official confirmation from your bank about the change of your postal address to the address stated in a certificate from school. (we will provide you with a sample) for opening an account

What will my weekly expenses be?
Accommodation: 40 - 50 GBP
Transportation: 0 - 20 GBP
Food: 10 - 35 GBP

School

Is school attendance mandatory?
The attendance is not mandatory but the student loses the chance for prolongation of the study visas in Britain through the Home Office if attendance is less than 80%.

Is it possible to change the level and class times of the course?
Yes, it is. Changing to a higher level is free; moving to a lower level is possible for a fee of c. 60 GBP. Changing class times is also possible for 60 GBP.

How do I pay for the course?
By bank transfer to the account of our agency, or visit us in person

Is it possible to take a recognized exam after the completion of my studies?
Yes, of course. There are IELTS and Cambridge exams available for a fee of c. 150 GBP.

Transport

How much does traveling around London cost?
Week bus ticket (zone 1-4): 5.90 GBP
Week underground + bus ticket (zone 1-3): 15.90 GBP
Week underground + bus + train ticket (zone 1-3): 22.80 GBP

Accommodation

What are typical accommodations?
Typical accommodation is a 3-4-room house shared between 6-8 students.

Are accommodations near to school?
The trip to school takes on average about 30 minutes. That is quite close in London.

Who lives in the houses?
Students from all over the world live in the houses as well as clients of our agency.

Work

How much can I earn?
Average earnings are around 4,2 GBP net per hour. In the case of craft professions it is about 5,05 GBP net per hour.

Do you guarantee finding a job?
We do not guarantee finding a job because we are neither a personnel agency nor a direct work agent. Our activity is based just on working with information and direct contacts that we have in Great Britain.

Which jobs are the best available?
Usually hotel positions such as waiter, waitress, chambermaid, cook, kitchen auxiliary are common. Other common jobs are: construction labourers, car washers, laundry worker, carpenter, joiner, driver, shop assistant and motor mechanic.

Is unfamiliarity with English a big handicap?
English is ALWAYS an advantage, but labour professions and auxiliary work do not demand knowledge of English.

Will I need working clothes?
Yes, you will. Either buy them in London or bring them from home.
Working clothes in restaurants include:
- black trousers / black skirt
- white shirt / blouses
- black leather shoes
- black vest
- bow tie

Working clothes for construction:
- special boots for construction (steel toe)

What advantages do I have by having paid for the course?
Obtaining a working permit and thereby receiving acceptance from employers, easier time looking for an occupation, higher earnings than illegal work, and the chance to get a National Insurance Number.

Is it possible to combine school with work?
Yes, it is. But it is necessary to realize it can be hard to combine school and work, and receive a good salary. It is necessary to choose one of the two things.

How do I go about looking for work?
You can find work by these means:
- through our contacts with work agencies
- individually with recommendations and help of our guide

Visa

Where can I get the visa?
- at the British embassy in your country
- from immigration clerk at the border (BE CAREFUL, only for citizens of countries. Please contact the UK embassy)

Documents necessary for getting a visa we will prepare for you in advance.

What other documents are necessary to have?
Besides confirmation of study in the UK, the embassy or immigration clerk could demand the following:
- confirmation of reservation and payment of accommodation
- documents proving sufficient funds during the stay.

The embassy could possibly demand the following:
- confirmation of payment of school fee
- statements of account (or guarantee of another person)
- confirmation of study of English in the past (even just in primary school)
- confirmation from employer that study of English is necessary for your professional advancement
- confirmation of interruption and return to school in case of interruption of study

Is it better to process the visa at the embassy or leave everything at the border crossing?
Both have their pros and cons, but if you have enough time and if you are able to prove statements of your account, we recommend that you apply for the visa at the embassy.

What is necessary to prove at the border?
- certificate from school
- documents proving sufficient funds (at least one short statement of account)
- cash
- confirmation of accommodation

How many people are refused entry, and what are the main reasons?
On average 3-5 % of applicants are refused at the border. Main reasons are:
- Non-sufficient funds
- suspicion that you travel just to work
- without reason (an immigration clerk has the right to refuse you without giving reason)

How much money do I need for to ensure a smooth process?
In case that you are applying at the embassy, we recommend an equivalent of 7 GBP for each day of planned stay. At the border we recommend at least 450 - 600 GBP in cash.