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Frequently Asked Questions

Embassy Summer FAQ

We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions to answer any queries you may have. If you don't see your question listed in the topics below or would like further information, click here to contact us.

Pre Arrival

Accommodation

  • Will students be able to access their bedrooms immediately?

    This depends on the centre and time of day of their arrival. There is no standardised check-in time at Embassy Summer, but we aim to have all rooms ready by 17:00. Please note that the centre teams are conscious of the fact that students will have had a long journey and will endeavour to show them to their rooms as soon as possible. The team will store any luggage and make the students as comfortable as possible if bedrooms are still being prepared upon their arrival.

  • My students have preferences about who they share flats/bedrooms with. Can this be guaranteed?

    Embassy Summer will organise rooms to meet a number of strict welfare guidelines and local accreditation criteria when allocating students. These include, but are not limited to, gender, age, supervision, access requirements and group considerations. The allocation plan is made on this basis in the first instance and any additional rooming preferences are considered thereafter. Please be advised that depending on the campus, changing rooms after arrival may not be possible and may result in an additional fee.

  • Can students over 18 be housed with students under 18?

    Adult students (those aged 18 and over) will be separated from junior students (those aged 17 and under).

  • Is there a damage deposit?

    Yes. In the UK students are required to pay a deposit of £30 on arrival. In Malta students are required to pay a deposit of €30 on arrival. In our North America centres, students are required to pay $100 on arrival. In Cape Town the deposit is €40 and in Dubai it is $40. 

    The damage deposit is to ensure that any accidental or intentional damage or loss of items is paid for by the students. On departure, all rooms will be checked. If the accommodation has been left in a satisfactory condition, the deposit will be returned. Examples of reasons why Embassy Summer might keep a damage deposit include graffiti, damage to room appliances, loss of travel card (London centres), loss of key or meal card or additional cleaning costs as a result of messiness. The cost of damages in common areas will be charged to relevant groups of students unless an individual accepts responsibility.

  • What meals will my student receive on arrival day?

    The first meal shall be the one which occurs soonest after their expected arrival time. If expected arrival time is within an hour after the catering slot the centre normally reserves a packed meal. For particularly late arrivals, (after 11:00 pm) the centre team shall endeavour to provide a packed meal, or alternative food, before bedtime, but this cannot be guaranteed. 

Catering

Activities

Induction and English Lessons

  • How many hours tuition will the students receive on their English course?

    On a normal weekly enrolment, students will receive 15 hours tuition. In their first week, this time includes the testing and induction lesson (usually lasting 3 hours). If students arrive outside of the usual arrival day for their specific centre the lesson plan may be disrupted leading to fewer hours of tuition.

  • How does the Academic Manager or Director of Studies create the classes?

    The students' test results are used to ensure that they are classed with peers of a similar level. They are also careful to maximise nationality mix, within reasonable level parameters, and ensure that the age ranges are appropriate.

  • How will my student know which class they are in after testing?

    Class lists are posted on the student notice board.

  • Will my student always be in English classes in the morning?

    No. In a two-week course with Embassy Summer, students should expect to attend classes in the morning for one week, and the afternoon for the next.

  • Are there any full days of teaching during the course?

    Some of our centres operate programmes that offer full days of teaching to maximise students’ time on excursions, where half day trips would not allow enough time for visits.

  • Will my student be in the same class throughout his/her course?

    With every week there are new students arriving. Therefore, class lists may change from one week to the next. New classes shall be created to ensure the student's learning continues uninterrupted.

  • Will my student receive any certification?

    All students receive an end of course Certificate of Attendance provided they attend all lessons and maintain a record of good behaviour.

  • Can a Group Leader observe an English lesson?

    Yes, although this is at the discretion of the academic management team. Group Leaders must not disrupt or interfere with classroom management or the student learning experience.

  • What are the objectives of an Embassy Summer language course?

    The objective is for students to improve their confidence for communicating in English. Our lessons are interactive, enjoyable and challenging, to ensure students leave with an improved proficiency and love of learning the English language.

  • What do students study?

    At Embassy Summer our academic teams are focused on developing our students' confidence in communicating so that they leave our centre with a love for learning the English language. Classes are divided into different levels to suit students' English proficiency. Classes cover a range of topics and are relevant to the country of study. They are interactive and enjoyable.

    Learn more about our English Language programme

  • Is there a mix of nationalities in the classes?

    All students who arrive their dedicated day can expect to be in multi-national classes. Students arriving mid-week may need to be in "closed groups" (of the same nationality) as pre-existing classes will have already been created. Nationality mix, student level and age ranges are all considered to create appropriate class lists. Please note that during off-peak weeks (early June and August) there may be less of a nationality mix, as the number of students at the centre is lower.

  • Are all teachers qualified / native speakers of English?

    Our teachers come from a wide range of backgrounds and countries with an even wider range of qualifications and experience.  As per our publicity, all of our teachers are trained, and we provide additional training on using the Embassy Summer teaching materials. 

    Embassy Summer is a fully inclusive employer and does not employ anyone on the basis of their nationality, but their ability to carry out a role.  Many of our most experienced teachers are non native speakers who provide our students with great learning experiences and we are proud to have them in our team.

Welfare,Health and Safety

  • What is an individual student?

    An individual student is one who travels independently, without a leader. Many of our students are individuals. We assign a designated member of staff, known as a guardian to them who will meet them regularly and ensure they are happy, informed and well cared for.

  • Are there any school rules and where can they be found?

    Yes, Embassy Summer publishes centre rules that are enforced by all centres. These are covered in our student inductions and are also listed on the student notebooks. 

    Our general disciplinary procedure is a verbal warning, followed by a written warning, and if the behaviour persists it may result in explusion. 

    Please note that for extremely poor or illegal behaviour, the student may be expelled without warnings.

    Our student code of conduct can be seen on our individual centre guides which is available on our partner website.

  • Are all staff members at the centre first aid qualified?

    Our centre teams have access to a sufficient number of qualified first aiders.  

  • My student has a disability, will they be allowed on the course?

    If you have a student with a disability, please contact our admissions team who can advise on factors such as facility access and programme adjustments to suits the needs of your student.

  • Is there Wi-Fi available?

    Wi-Fi is provided to students at all of our centres, however please note that this network is via the host institution and coverage is better in some locations than others.

  • How much spending money should my student bring?

    This very much depends on the age, school and interests of the student. Full-board and the lessons are provided, so they don’t necessarily need to bring any funds other than the damage deposit. However, it is recommended that the students bring some funds for optional excursions, souvenirs and/or refreshments.

  • Where can my student store their valuables?

    Many of our residences have secure, lockable bedrooms where it is normal practice to leave belongings, we advise that students do not bring valuables.

    Embassy Summer is not held liable for any loss or theft of valuables. Parents and students should be aware that there are cash limits on our office safes, so we cannot use these to store students' valuables.

  • Can I visit my child/student at the centre?

    Parents, guardians, relatives and friends are welcome to visit the school. However, we require prior knowledge of any visits. All visitors must report to the Centre Office where they will be asked for proof of ID and be issued with a visitor pass for identification.

  • Can my student be taken from an Embassy Summer centre by a parent, guardian, relative or friend?

    Yes, this is possible. However, Embassy Summer requires prior notice, written parental consent and details of the person/s taking the student off-site. Centres will not allow students to go off-site without the completion of the above and the presentation of ID.

  • Are laundry services available and will my student be assisted?

    Yes, all of our centres provide access to laundry facilities.

  • How often are rooms cleaned?

    The exact cleaning schedule varies between centres. 

  • What kind of security is there at Embassy Summer schools?

    Embassy Summer provides supervision on all sites. Embassy staff are always on hand. During the night, we employ Night Supervisors to assist students and respond to possible incidents. Additional security measures provided by the host institution are often in place and vary from site to site. All sites are stringently risk assessed prior to occupancy to ensure they are safe learning environments, additionally, students are provided with a 24-hour emergency phone number.

  • Is a multi-faith chapel available for my student?

    Many of our centres provide multi-faith chapels for student use. Details of local places of worship can be found on student and/or Group Leader noticeboards in each centre.

  • Do students have use of the kitchens in their accommodation to cook?

    No. However, some of our centres have kitchens that are accessible on each floor/block/apartment of their accommodation, which students are allowed to use as general social spaces.

  • Does the school provide my student with a towel?

    In most centres no. We recommend that all students bring a towel with them.

  • Can my student enrol on the course without accommodation?

    We offer day programmes at some of our locations. Please speak to your Sales Manager or Admissions contact for further details and requests.

Departure

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