During the course
ACCOMODATION IN A RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL
We always recommend that the first outing is no longer than 4 weeks. The main reason is that courses far from home always involve an adaptation process, so we would recommned starting with a shorter 2 to 3 weeks stay.
Residential accommodation offers greater supervision and assistance from tutors and teachers. So, it is a very advisable possibility for younger students or those who are going abroad for the first time.
The rooms can be individual or shared (maximum of 8 beds). When the student is under 18 years old, full board is included, but the residences for adults offer, depending on the option selected, only breakfast, half board, full board or simply access to a kitchen.
In some cases, residences may request a deposit in case of damage.
ACCOMODATION WITH A HOST FAMILY
We only work with schoolls who carefully evaluate the families that will host our students. They are very hospitable families and willing to host international students. Students should adapt to the customs of the family and collaborate as if they were one of their children. The enriching thing about the experience is adapting to the family's lifestyle while enjoying a stay abroad.
Family stays for junior students also include full board every day of the week (breakfast and dinner at home and packed lunch that will be prepared by the host family).
We recommend that the student gets in touch with the family by email and / or by phone before the trip.
When students stay with a family, it is highly recommended to bring a gift, such as ceramics, embroidery, photo books, etc. We must not bring alcoholic beverages.
CLASSES AND TUTORS
Each English school abroad has its own teaching methods, but all of them require punctual attendance and correct behavior. On the first day, a level test is conducted to distribute the students. When the course comes to an end, students are given a certificate of attendance and a report on their activity.
RULES OF COEXISTENCE AND LAWS
At the beginning, we should treat our teachers, monitors and / or host family with Mr. OR Mrs. (Mr. or Mrs.) and then the last name. They will usually tell us to call them by their first name, but we shouldn't do so if there is no direct invitation.
Please and Thank you are two vitally important words in any language, especially in English. We must get used to using them every time we have to ask for or receive something, no matter how small. Other expressions such as Excuse me or I'm sorry are also frequently used.
The students must respect all the rules of the houses, schools, restaurants and cafeterias. In almost all public establishments, smoking is prohibited. Minors who want to smoke (as long as the law of the country allows it), will need an authorization signed by their parents or guardians.
Minors are prohibited from consuming alcoholic beverages. Of course, drug use is an extremely serious offense and entails immediate expulsion from the country, in addition to the possible legal responsibilities that would have to be faced.
Theft in stores or warehouses, as well as the theft of money or objects from other students or the family, is a crime that occurs frequently. Such behavior is unacceptable and entails the expulsion of the student and his repatriation.
OTHER ASPECTS OF THE COURSES ABROAD
FOOD
Students must be aware that they are travelling to a foreign country, where customs, schedules and diets are different from ours.
In the United Kingdom and Ireland, breakfast is usually from 7.30 to 8.15 am and is abundant. Lunch is light and is usually between 12:00 and 13:30. Dinner (dinner or supper) takes place between 6.30 pm and 7.30 pm.
The meals are different from ours, both in quantity and in the way of cooking them. We must try to get used to them.
RELIGION
It should not be forgotten that, in the different countries where the courses are held, different religions are practiced, in addition to the Catholic one. You have to respect other people's beliefs, in the same way that they should respect ours.
ROOM CARE
With family accommodation and in residences, the student must make their own bed and tidy their room so that cleaning can be done. The student must respect the facilities at all times. In the event of any damage, it must be paid.
LAUNDRY
Families generally take care of the laundry. Even so, it is advisable to agree in advance. Students staying in residential schools have this service included, although each school has its own system. It is not included in all residences, but there are usually washing machines at your disposal. In some cases they work with coins.
PHONE
Sometimes is complicated locate the students when they are doing a course abroad. Especially when they are living in a residential school because they can be in class, doing an activity or in a trip when the parents called.
It also happens with the students that live with a family, but is easy to locate them during the morning or the evening, when they are usually at home.
The international prefixes to call abroad are: United Kingdom (00 44 + number); Ireland (00 353 + number); United States and Canada (00 1 + number).
24 HOUR SERVICES
We have a 24-hour assistance telephone (24-hour telephone 687 986 591) to attend to any emergency that the student has.
MORE INFORMATION
Here we provide the web pages where you will find very useful information about the destination you choose for your trip:
UK: www.visitbritain.org
IRL: www.discoverireland.ie
USA: www.usa.gov
CAN: www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/index.asp
Emergency 24 hours phone: 687 986 591