You and your education are our priority

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs. Austauschjahr in England, Auslandsjahr, Austauschschueler, Schueleraustausch

Q. How much pocket money will I need?

A. It really depends on your personal spending habits. Your accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in the programme so you only need money for your snacks, toiletries, leisure interests – cinema, fitness clubs, and cafes for example and local transport. £20-£25 per week should be enough for most people.back to top

Q. Does it always rain in England?

A. Contrary to the old prejudice, it does not rain all the time in England. In fact England often has long periods without rainfall particularly in Summer and Autumn and the Shrewsbury area is one of the driest places in the country!back to top

Q. What if I get ill/need the dentist?

A. If you need to visit the doctor/dentist we will make an appointment for you and accompany you also. If you are a European National you will not have to pay for your treatment.back to top

Q. Will I have access to the internet?

A. British schools have excellent facilities and you will have access to the internet for school work at most times of the day. In addition nearly all host families have internet connection and will allow you to use their computer, just like the rest of the family, to keep in touch with friends and family.back to top

Q. What if I don’t like the food?

A. English food is influenced by many cultures and you will sample dishes from Europe, China, India and elsewhere. Host families will do their best to accommodate your preferences and you should also feel free to help them prepare your favourite national dish!back to top

Q. What if my family would like to visit?

A. Your family and friends are very welcome to visit us. Please discuss requirements with us and we will also advise on the best places to stay and will suggest attractions for them to enjoy.back to top

Q. Will I be able to continue playing my sport?

A. We strongly encourage you to continue to practise your favourite sport while you are with us. This will assist your smooth integration into British culture and will help you to get to know British people of your own age. Please inform us of your requirements before you arrive or upon arrival and we will ensure you receive the necessary guidance.back to top

Q. Will I be able to continue my music lessons?

A. You can either continue your music lessons at school through the Shropshire Music Service or you can take lessons from a private teacher outside school. You will have to pay for these extra lessons and we will research the most suitable and cost effective solution for you.back to top

Q. Should I buy an English SIM card?

A. It is advisable to obtain an English SIM card, not only because you will certainly make British friends during your stay but also because of the costs for both parties if a call is made through another country. SIM cards cost about £8 or less.back to top

Q. How do I get money from my bank account?

A. We will help you to open an English bank account into which your parents can deposit money for your personal use. You will usually be issued with a bank card for withdrawals from Cash Point machines. For school-related expenses and emergencies your deposit account may be accessed via request to Alan Fox.back to top

Q. What if I lose my camera?

A. For such events we strongly advise that you take out an insurance policy in your own country, prior to travel, from which you can make a claim for accidents, breakages and lost/stolen property.back to top

Q. Will I be able to learn to drive during my stay?

A. Students aged 17+ are allowed to take their driving test in England. Usually a British driving licence may be exchanged for a driving licence in your own country. We help you to make the arrangements for your driving lessons, which cost approximately £18 per hour. There is no minimum or maximum amount of lessons required and your driving instructor will advise when you are ready to take your driving test.

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Q. When I have sent my application form what happens next?

A. On receipt we will process your application and request a place for you at the appropriate School/College. Once this has been granted we will notify you and send you a confirmation pack which will include a letter of confirmation of place, financial and payment details, a letter explaining the host family selection process, a list of term/holiday dates for your stay and some helpful information regarding flights. We will require the deposit of £350 to be paid within 2 weeks of the offer to accept and secure your place. We will contact you with further information from time to time prior to your arrival. You can contact us also at any time if you have further questions.

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Q. What time does school start/finish?

A. Lessons begin at 9.05 and end at 15.25. There is a 15 minute break during the morning lessons and a 50 minute break for lunch. After normal lessons there are sporting and musical activities for all students who wish to participate.

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Q. Will I have to wear a uniform?

A. There is no school uniform for students in the 6th Form.back to top

Q. Will I have to buy school books?

A. Text books for each subject are provided by the relevant teachers for the duration of your stay. Loss or damage of these books is covered by a deposit made on issue. You only have to provide your own paper for notes. Certain subjects, where specialist equipment is needed, do ask the students to make a contribution e.g. Art, Textiles.back to top

Q. How do I get to school?

A. Transport to school is by bus or minibus for students who live outside walking distance of the school. This will incur a charge typically between £90-£120 for each term (3 terms per year).back to top

Q. How much homework will I have?

A. You will have regular homework for each subject and you should do at least 2 hours per evening.back to top

Q. Should I bring my laptop/notebook?

A. It will certainly be useful to bring your own laptop. This will be at your own risk and again an insurance policy will provide you with suitable cover. You will be able to work from the designated power points in the library or pick up Wi-Fi at home (if available).back to top

Q. Will I need my passport?

A. For European Union Nationals, your identity card is all that is required for your entry/departure to/from the United Kingdom. Other nationalities will require a passport and possibly a student visa. Please contact us for clarification.

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Q. Can I join any after school groups?

A. After school groups include choir, orchestra and big band plus sports clubs such as football, basketball, tennis etc. A list of after-school activities is published at the start of each academic year.back to top

Q. Is it possible to change host family?

A. If there is a problem you must discuss it with Alan Fox immediately. Most are misunderstandings but any difficulties for either the host family or yourself can usually be resolved quickly. If the matter cannot be resolved then a change of host family will be made as soon as convenient for everyone. Your allocated host family is carefully chosen to match both parties circumstances and personalities and therefore in most occasions work very well. However, it should be kept in mind that a settling in period to adjust is likely and moving family in the first few weeks is not recommended.back to top