| Accommodation
Do I sign a tenancy contract?
Generally you will need to sign a 6 month contract which will set out the terms of your rental agreement and what are the rights and obligations of both the tenant and landlord.
How long is the tenancy contract?
Tenancy agreements tend to be for a minimum of 6 months although they can be longer. The length of the contract can be quite beneficial for both landlord and tenant since it means that you are not committed to stay in a particular place for a long time
What different types of accommodation are there?
Types of accommodation will vary according to how much you can afford to pay. At the cheaper end of the scale you will be in shared accommodation such as a hostel or sharing a room in a furnished flat with other people. You will share washing and cooking facilities and have joint responsibilities for keeping the premises clean and tidy. If you can afford more then you may be able to rent a self contained flat. Often this proves to be too expensive for many people just coming to the UK but if you come in a group then you may be able to rent a flat collectively.
Can I specify non smoking/ smoking?
Yes, please specify in your registration details whether you have a preference for smoking/non-smoking and we will make sure that you are only offered places that comply with your particular request.
Do I need to leave a deposit?
Following registration and receipt of your details we will e-mail you with details of suitable vacancies. When you decide that you would like to proceed then we ask that you make a deposit of £50 (via Paypal) with the balance payable when you arrive in the UK
What happens if I break something?
Dependent on the terms of your contract, you may find that you are liable for the cost of replacement. When it comes to small items such as cups and plates it is probably easier (and cheaper) for you to simply go to the nearest supermarket and buy a replacement rather than be billed by the landlord. For larger items such as televisions, video recorders etc the same may apply or you may come to an arrangement with the landlord to cover the costs of second hand replacement.
Do I have to pay council tax?
Yes although this will usually already be included in the rent paid. Where this is not the case then we will inform you at the outset.
Are my bills included in my weekly/ monthly payments?
Yes although this will usually already be included in the rent paid. Where this is not the case then we will inform you at the outset.
How can I be sure that I will like the accommodation that you arrange for me?
We will do our utmost to ensure that the accommodation offered complies with your registration details. If at some point you feel that you would like to move elsewhere then we will again look through our database to try to find suitable accommodation that matches your requirements. We will then endeavour to arrange an amicable transfer to the new accommodation with the consent of the landlord(s) involved
Jobs
What is the process of getting a job?
Once you have submitted your completed registration form, we will match your requirements against vacancies within our database. We will e-mail you with an outline of the jobs on offer. Should you then decide to go ahead then we will contact the employer directly to negotiate on your behalf to arrange a start date and to clarify any issues for you . Once you arrive in the UK you should already know here and when you will be working. You may have decided to start working straight away or take a few days to settle in. It’s entirely up to you. Tell us what you want in advance and we will do our best to comply.
Do I need a work permit?
No, as long as you are a member of a European Union country (excluding Romania & Bulgaria) then you do not need a work permit.
Will I need to speak English all the time?
Well, we cant force you to speak English ALL the time but while you are working, interacting with people in this country it’s probably better that you do speak English as much as possible. Not only will this help you to make rapid improvements in your language skills but it will also make your stay in the UK much more comfortable.
How will I be paid?
This will be dependent on both the employer and your circumstances. Larger organizations will tend to pay directly into your bank account on a monthly basis. Some smaller business may want to pay every one or two weeks. Some may even want to pay you in cash. Whatever the arrangement we will make sure you know the details before you make your decision.
Education
How do I know what course to apply for?
We offer courses in English over a wide range of abilities. We will forward details of your previous experience and what language skills you posses to the relevant language tutors. He or she will be able to make and educated assessment as to your current ability and place you in the correct class. Should you wish to apply for a non-English language course then let us know and we will provide you with more information.
How can I estimate my level of English?
English language can be divided into oral, comprehension and writing. There are a variety of online test that you can access to estimate your own level. However, this is purely estimation. You can provide us with background information in your registration form. We can use this along with guidance from our language tutors to ensure that you are placed in the right group.
Can I enter for the Cambridge examinations?
If you wish to enter for the Cambridge examinations then we will certainly place you in a class where you can be automatically entered at the end of the year. There would be no need for you to enter separately.
Can I join a course at any time of the year?
Yes, dependent on the choice of course. There are start dates throughout the academic year. We will of course inform you of those dates and give you advice where necessary on alternative sites.
How do I register?
Registration can be divided into two areas; if you’re looking for employment or accommodation or education courses then you simply need to click on the registration link on the homepage. You will be asked to provide basic information such as name, address, telephone number as well as details of your requirements. Once theses details are sent to us we will respond to confirm receipt by e-mail. If you wish to fill vacancies for employment, accommodation or education courses then click on the relevant link(s) to be found at the bottom of the home page.
How can I access your services?
You need to first register after which we will contact you with details of what is available
How do I pay?
If you are looking for employment/education/accommodation then you must choose from one of THREE package options (A,B or C). Following registration we will contact you via e-mail with a list of suitable vacancies. Only after you confirm your interest in particular package do we request an initial deposit of £50 which is collected via Paypal. You can be confident that Paypal is a respected financial institution and that your payment details are secure
How much do I pay?
The costs are:
Package A - either accommodation or education - £135
Package B - (1. accommodation + employment
2. accommodation + education
3. education + employment) - £170
Package C - accommodation + employment+ education - £235
Please note that when you select from packages B or C you will automatically receive the benefits of our PREMIUM PLACEMENT PACKAGE with added information and assistance to help you make a smoother transition for your stay in London.
We can offer you 2 payment options:
1. Payment of *50 deposit fo your country of origin and the rest when you arrive to London.
2. Payment of the full amount from your country of origin.
Can I get a refund?
Your payments are made via Paypal. Once you make your selection(s) from our database then we ask you to make a deposit of £50. The remaining balance is payable once you arrive in the UK.
How do I know that my payments are secure?
Payments are made via Paypal (www.paypal.com ) Paypal uses the latest encryption software to ensure that your details remain secure. We do handle your credit card details directly as they are processed by the pay pal site. For further clarification please go to the Paypal site.
Are there any age restrictions?
Our general services are restricted to those aged 18 years and over. Should you be aged between sixteen and eighteen then please contact use for further clarification of your precise needs and how we might still be able to help you
Can I choose to defer my start date from a date previously agreed?
Following registration, we will contact you with details of availability. You then need to select from these and confirm the date of your arrival in the UK. You also need to let us know when you intend to take up the offer of accommodation / employment /education. With regards to accommodation and employment we will need to confirm with the service providers your “start date”. Should you be unable to keep to your start date then you MUST inform us as soon as possible and we will contact both you and the service provided with a view to deferring the start date to a mutually agreeable time. Should this not be possible then we will arrange for refund for that part /all parts of the offer that you are unable to take up
What happens once I arrive in the UK?
The majority of clients will arrive through one four London airports: Gatwick, Stanstead, Heathrow and Luton. However others will arrive via Eurostar and /or coach services. Regardless of how you enter the country we will forward an itinerary which you can use to make your way to London. Before you complete the journey you should contact our business number to confirm your estimated time of arrival. Where possible we will try to meet you at your destination later that evening
What are council taxes?
Local taxes are collected by councils (link). They are based on the value of the property in which you live. The majority of rents quoted will be INCLUSIVE of council tax. If this is NOT the case then we will inform you BEFORE you decide to accept the offer.
Where Can I find a doctor?
General medical services are provided by the National Health Service as an EU resident you are entitled to medical services across the Euro zone . You will need to choose a local GP (general medical practitioner) surgery and simple ask if you can register. Staff at the surgery will handle the paperwork and you should be able to see a doctor thereafter. THERE IS NO NEED TO PAY TO CONSULT THE DOCTOR. However you may be issued with a prescription (link) to obtain medicine(s). You need to take the prescription form to a local pharmacy (link) where the pharmacist will dispense your medication
Where can I find a dentist?
Dental services are provided by local dentists. HOWEVER there is something of a crisis in local dental services as it can be very difficult to find a dentist to treat you under the NHS . In many cases you will need to pay a proportion of the dental fees. It is usually a good idea to register with a local dentist BEFORE you actually need one since if you don’t you may be rushing from dental surgery to dental surgery while you are in state of some discomfort.
Where can I find an optician?
It is generally very easy to find local opticians. They will tend to charge you £10-20 for a general eye examination. Following the examination they are legally obliged to provide you with a prescription (should you request one) so that you can “shop around” to find the best deal when it comes to buying prescription glasses or contact lenses. The prices for glasses /contact lenses tend to vary enormously so you are well advised to investigate prices before you buy. It is also common for newspapers and individual opticians to have limited promotions where you can get FREE EYE EXAMINATIONS. Sometimes this is dependent on you actually buying your glasses from the same optician, sometimes not so read the small print.
Where can I find a pharmacy?
Pharmacies can be easily found in most areas of London and around the UK. In general they are open for business between the hours of 9am to 7pm Monday through to Friday and from 9am to 6pm on Saturdays.
A minority are open on Sundays (often within central London).
Pharmacists can provide a wide range of medicines many of them with no need for a prescription. Should you need a particular medicine but are unsure whether you can obtain it with/without a prescription then let us know by e-mail and we will try to find out for you before you arrive in the UK.
Alternatively try to bring a sample of the medication with you so that the pharmacy can help you find the UK equivalent product
What is an oyster card?
The oyster card is a relatively new travel card which you can use to get around London. You can use it all over London (on most of the transport network but NOT everywhere). You can add credit to the card at all underground stations and at many local corner stores and online.
For further information please click on the link below; http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/fares-tickets/2005/oyster/general.asp
How can I claim tax back when I return to Spain/Poland?
You need to find out from your own revenue service whether you are entitled to receive an income tax refund when you eventually return to your own country.
SPANISH NATIONALS:
Click on the link below to access the form you will need to claim back tax paid in the UK when you return to your home state http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/cnr/spain-individual.pdf#search=How%20can%20I%20claim%20tax%20back%20when%20I%20return%20to%20Spain
How can I open a bank account?
If you need to open a UK bank account then you will need to provide the ban with proof of identity (e.g. Passport or ID card), proof of address. Many UK banks now offer the facility for on line (internet based) banking. For examples please access web sites for some of the common UK banks.
EXAMPLES;
NAT WEST BANK:
http://www.natwest.com/personal/services/onlineservices/index.asp?navid=PERSONAL/ACCOUNTS_SERVICES/ONLINE_SERVICES/ONLINE_BANKING
ALLIANCE & LEICESTER BANK:
http://www.alliance-leicester.co.uk/internetbanking/index.asp?page=home&ct=IBregister
LLOYDS TSB:
https://online.lloydstsb.co.uk/customer.ibc
How can I get a credit card?
For the majority of working people in the UK getting a credit card should not be a problem. Indeed once you open a bank account you may find that you can apply for one fairly easily after six months or so. Terms and interest charges can vary greatly so make sure you do your research properly before you apply for one. Provided you use the card sensibly (and pay for any credit used before interest charges apply, you should be able to obtain around 45 days interest free credit BEFORE you need to pay the bill. Many companies also offer interest free terms for new card members for the first 6 to 9 months.
How can I join a local library?
You can apply at any local library as long as you provide two proofs of identity, an example of your signature (e.g. passport) and a recent (less than three months old) bill. Once you have registered you can access books, videos and DVD’s for more information click on the link below for an example of how to access a local library and what they can provide http://www.ealing.gov.uk/services/libraries/joining+a+library.asp
How can I join local video/DVD store?
Just go to your local video store (e.g. Blockbusters, Apollo etc) with proof of ID + credit card and you can become a member of a video store. Most recent video rentals are between £2-50 and £3-50 per night’s rental. The local video store is generally open for longer hours but local libraries also provide DVD’s, (plus videos and audio cassettes) and are usually quite cheap (£2-00 per night) |
