The School

What time does Language Link open?
The school opens at 8.30am and closes at 7.00pm on Wednesdays and Fridays, and at 9.00pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.  We are also open on Saturday mornings from 9.30am until 1.00pm.

How many days per week can I study English?
Our courses run from Monday to Friday and on Saturday mornings.  You can also arrange private tuition any day of the week. We are closed on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

What time can I study English at Language Link?
You can study in the morning: from 9-12 or 9-1, in the afternoon: from 12-4 or 1-4, in the late afternoon: from 4-6, in the evening from 7-9 (Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays only) and on Saturday mornings from 10-1.  Private tuition can be arranged at a time to suit you.

How many hours per day can I study English at Language Link?
You can study 3 classes, 4 classes or 6 classes a day (each class is 50 minutes).
Private tuition classes are 60 minutes long and you can study from 1-6 hours per day.

How long is each lesson?
Each lesson is 50 minutes long with a 10 minute break between classes.

Can I study for 1 week only?
Yes, for our daytime classes you can study from 1 week to 1 year.  Evening and Saturday classes have a minimum course period of 4 weeks.

How many students are there per class?
The maximum number of students is 15 in the classes from 9am-1pm, 16 from 1.05-3.55pm and 18 from 4.10-9pm.  On average we have about 14-15 students per class.  Saturday classes are limited to 12 students per group.

What is the average age of Language Link students?
Most of our students are between 20-30 years old, however we also have students who are older and younger than this.  The minimum age is 16.

Does the school close for holidays?
Language Link closes for 2 weeks over Christmas and on all UK Public Holidays.  Please note that there is no reduction in fees if your course includes a Bank Holiday (except 1-1 tuition).  If your course includes the Christmas period you will receive an extra 2 weeks tuition to cover this.

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Your Course

How many levels of General English are there?
We have 7 levels from Beginner (Level 1) to Advanced (Level 7).  We also run a Proficiency class (Level 8) on Saturday mornings.

Do you have classes for complete beginners?
Yes, we start a new beginner class from 1-4pm every 12 weeks in January, March, June and September.  We also have part-time beginner classes in the evenings from 7-9pm (Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays) and on Saturdays from 10am-1pm.  Please ask about start dates when you book.

Can I take the placement test before I arrive at the school?
Yes, you can.  Click here to take the test. 
When you arrive at the school you will be asked to complete a written task and have a speaking test with the Director of Studies, who will decide on your level.

Do I need to have a certain level of English to take any of the courses?
For most examination courses you will need to be a minimum of Level 4 (Intermediate).  Click here for details.

Which coursebook will I use?
You will be told which coursebook to buy at the beginning of your course.  All students studying for longer than 3 weeks must buy the coursebook for their level.   Books cost from £20 and are available to buy at the school Reception.  If you are studying on an intensive programme you will need to buy 2 coursebooks.  If your course is longer than 12 weeks you will need to buy more than one coursebook for each of your classes.

Can I have a trial lesson before I book my course?
Yes, you will need to take the placement test first so you can try the best class for your level.  We charge £5 per hour for trial lessons, redeemable against the cost of your course if you decide to enrol.

Can I change the course level if I find it too easy or too difficult?
You will have to speak to the Director of Studies to do this.  She will talk to your teacher before making a decision.

How quickly can I move to the next level?
Most students can move to the next level after 12 weeks of full-time study.  Some students may be able to progress more quickly than this or may need more time - your teacher and the Director of Studies will be able to advise you about this.

Is there an exam at the end of the course?
If you study in the daytime you will be tested by your teacher every 3 weeks.  In the evenings and on Saturdays you will be tested every 6 weeks.

Will I get a certificate at the end of my course?
Yes, please ask at Reception on the Wednesday before the end of your course.  You will receive your certificate on your last day.  Note that for evening and Saturday courses we only issue certificates for courses of 12 weeks or more.

Can I change my class time?
It may be possible to change your time if we have places available.  Sometimes you may need to wait for a number of weeks.  Note that you will need to pay the difference in price if you are changing from an afternoon to a morning class.

Can I take a holiday from my course?
Students are entitled to 1 week of holidays for every 12 weeks of study booked.  Holidays can only be taken as complete weeks beginning on a Monday.  If you take additional holidays from your course, you will be marked absent in the attendance register.

What happens if I am sick during my course?
There is no reduction in fee or extension of your course if you are sick.  You should telephone the school to let us know that you are unwell.  If you hold a student visa and may wish to extend, you should obtain a Doctor's certificate to submit with your reapplication.

What happens if I need to cancel my course?
If you have any kind of problem which means you cannot start or continue with your course, you must let us know immediately.
Please note the following important points:
* Once you are in the UK or have started your course, tuition fees are not transferable or returnable in part or in full
* Fees are only valid for you
* Fees less the deposit will be refunded if you fail to gain a visa. You must provide original documentary evidence from the immigration officer.
* Requests for refunds must be made in writing to Language Link if you applied directly, otherwise refunds should be requested from your agent. 
* In all cases of refunds of tuition fees, your student card or letter of enrolment must be shown.

We strongly recommend you take out insurance in case you are unable to start your course or complete it for reasons beyond your control such as illness.

I've paid for a full-time course.  Do I need to come to school everyday?
You will improve your English more quickly if you attend classes everyday.  There is no refund for missed classes and you will lose any lessons you do not attend.

Important notes about Attendance for Student Visa Holders:
* In accordance with UK Border Tier 4 regulations, if you cannot come to school, you must telephone the school on 020 7225 1065 to let us know the reason
* If you are absent from class for 3 consecutive days Reception Staff will contact you to find out where you are
* If you are absent for 10 consecutive days we have to report this to the Home Office and your visa may be withdrawn.  You may then have a problem renewing your visa or re-entering the UK
* If you are absent for longer than 3 days due to sickness, you must obtain a letter from your doctor confirming this (Doctor's Note)
 
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Payments

What is included in the course fee?  For example are coursebooks and exam fees included?
Click here for full details of what is included in the price.

Can I pay for the course in instalments or do I have to pay all course fees in advance?  What about if I just want to reserve a place?
A deposit will reserve your place (£150 for courses of 1-12 weeks, £300 for courses of 13 weeks+), however, the balance of fees must be paid when you arrive at the school, before you start your classes.

After I start my course can I extend my period of study or change to another course?
Yes, you need to let us know as soon as possible after your arrival if you wish to do this.
Note that fees paid for group courses cannot be transferred to private tuition.

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School Facilities

Can I use the Internet at the school?
Yes, we have a computer room with Internet access.  Students have 30 minutes free access each day (subject to availability).  For additional time, we charge 50p per 30 minutes.  Students can use their USB sticks and headsets with microphones (note that students need to provide their own headsets).

Can I print from the school computers?
Yes, we charge 20p per page for this facility. 

Can I send a fax from the school?
Yes, you will be charged £1 per sheet.  You can receive faxes for 20p per page.  The school fax number is +44 (0)20 7548 3518.

Can my family send letters / parcels to me at the school?
Yes, we have a board for student letters and we will keep parcels for you in Reception.
 
The school address is:
Language Link
21 Harrington Road
South Kensington
London
SW7 3EU
UK

Where can I buy food and drink during my break times?
There is a drinks machine for your use in the Students' Room and a microwave is also available.  There are several very good cafés and a supermarket within 1 minute's walk of the school.

Can I smoke in the school?
Smoking is not permitted within the school, but we have an area where students can smoke.

Is there an emergency number I can phone while the school is closed?
Yes there is. This will be given to you once you have registered.

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Travel Discount Scheme (Oystercard)

Can I get any discount on London Transport because I am a student?
Yes.  Full-time students (15 hours per week+) are entitled to a 30% discount on all London travel.  You must be aged 18+ and studying for 14 weeks or longer.  Please note that you cannot apply if you do not meet this criteria.  If you are eligible for the scheme, our Office staff will give you the application form when you arrive at the school.  You will need to provide a passport-sized photograph, a 52p stamp and a £5 postal order (available at the Post Office).

Important Notes:
* The Student Discount Scheme finishes on 31st July each year and begins again on 1st September, therefore London Transport does not accept any applications between 31st July and 31st August each year.  This means that if your course starts during this period you will not be able to obtain any discount until September, and then only if you have at least 14 weeks remaining of your studies (from 1st September).

* If you are reapplying for your second Oystercard you must have at least 14 weeks of your course remaining from 1st September in order to qualify - otherwise you will not receive a discount for the rest of your stay in London. 

* If you lose your Oystercard, you will need to reapply and pay £5 again.

For more information on the Travel Discount Scheme, click on the Oystercard opposite.
Click on the Journey Planner logo for help finding your way in London.

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How do I apply for my visa?
You can obtain more information from and apply to the British Consulate or High Commission in your country.  To obtain a student visa you must prove that you will be studying full time (20 hours per week) and that you can support yourself financially while you are studying in the UK.

What will I need to show to get a visa?
This depends on which country you come from, but usually you will need to show the Visa Entry Clearance Officer the following:

1. A sponsor - we are your sponsor, we are registered with the UK government so we can help you to get a visa
2. A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) Number - we will give this to you when you apply - it costs £10.00. If you are applying for a
    Student Visitor Visa (studies of under 24 weeks) you do not need a CAS - we will issue a visa letter.
3. An address in England where you will stay when you arrive
4. Money - You need to show that you have enough money to live and study while you are in the UK.  For London you need to show that you have
    £800 per month of study, for a minimum of 3 months, plus the tuition fees for your course.  This money must have been in your account for
    at least 28 days prior to your visa application
5. Evidence of your current level of ability in English - please note that Beginners are unlikely to be a granted a student visa. We conduct an oral
    interview via Skype to check the student's level of English
6. One of the concerns for the Entry Clearance Officers is that you will not leave England at the end of your language course and so it is helpful if
    you can show a letter from a school/university or an employer showing that you have to return to your country on a certain date
7. You should be able to explain why you want to study English in England rather than in your own country
8. You should be able to give the interviewer some details about your Language Link course

Note that any General Student Visa letter issued before 22nd February 2010 will not be valid after this date - you will need a CAS number (£10)

Additional Visa Application Advice

•  Provide all the documents requested or an explanation of why they cannot be provided - if you do not have the correct documents you probably won't get your visa

•  Your intention to study should be part of a clear plan – e.g. a study programme or a career path - and you should be able to explain how your English language course will further your aims. If you have recently resigned from a job in your country in order to come to England, you need to be able to explain why you did this and how studying English fits in with your long term career plan

•  You must prove that you have enough money to support yourself in England – bank statements must show that you have a consistent amount of money coming into and going out of your account every month and enough money to be able to have £800 per month to live on while you are in London.  If you deposit a large amount of money into your account just before you make your visa application, it is likely that you will be refused because the Entry Clearance Officer will suspect that this money is not yours

•  It is helpful to be able to prove that you have a job/unfinished university course/family/property in your country – this will indicate to the Entry Clearance Officer that you intend to return home after your English language course

If you have been refused a visa and re-apply, you need to pay particular attention to the reasons for your initial refusal and address them.

How much do I need to pay in advance to get a CAS from Language Link?
The minimum payment required is the non-refundable deposit of £300, plus the £10 CAS fee. You are advised to pay for your course in full whenever possible as this helps to show the Entry Clearance Officer that you are serious about your programme of study. If you are applying for a Student Visitor Visa (studies of under 24 weeks) you do not need a CAS - we will issue a visa letter and you will need to make a minimum payment   of £150 (non-refundable deposit).

A CAS is valid for 3 months. I you do not apply for your visa within this time, you will need to apply for another CAS and pay another £10. If you need to make any changes to your course details once your CAS has been issued (e.g. course dates) you will have to apply for another CAS and pay another £10.

Will I get a refund if my visa is refused?
If you do not get your visa we will refund in full any fees paid, less the deposit (£150 or £300). There is no refund on any CAS fee paid (£10).  If you have only paid a deposit, you will not be entitled to any refund.  Please note that we need to see the original refusal letter in order to give you a refund and you must apply for the refund within 6 months of the date of the visa refusal.

If I take a course that includes a Work Placement, do I need to get a working visa?
No.  Because the Work Placement forms part of an academic course it is not the same as a job, so you only need to get a student visa to be able to do it.

What happens if I will arrive in the UK after the start date of my course due to a delay in my visa application?
You must let us know as soon as you find out about the delay and we will then advise you as to how to proceed.

I am currently in the UK and wish to extend my visa - what do I need to do?
To apply to continue your studies in the UK you will need the following:

1. Download and print the application form (56 pages) - please check with Language Link Reception before you print
2. A CAS number from Language Link (this costs £10
3. Application fee (currently £357 by post or £565 if you go in person)
4. Your passport
5. 2 recent passport sized (45mm x 35mm) photographs in colour on a white background, not framed, on normal photographic paper, full face without hat or sunglasses
6. Your most recent bank statements showing that you have enough money to cover 3 months of living expenses in London (£800 x 3 = £2,400)

Note that the UK Border Agency requires that you have attended 85% of your current course in order to consider a visa extension.

When you have submitted your application, you will be sent a letter asking you to telephone to make an appointment to go to the UK Border Agency in Croydon give your biometric details (10 fingers scanned and full face digital photo)

Where can I find more information on UK visas?
Click here for the UK Visas website.

Please note: this is information is correct at the time of writing (February 2010) and is intended as general assistance not legal advice. Language Link does not take responsibility for the accuracy of this information.

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Social Programme

Are there any social activities organised by the school?
Yes.  We organise trips, theatre evenings, Friday pub nights, weekly football in the summer, walks, bowling, school parties, quiz nights and many other events.  Information about the month's programme is displayed in the school.  Click here for more information.

Are there any things to do or places to visit near Language Link?
Yes, the school is situated 5 to 10 minutes' walk from Hyde Park.  There is the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum within a 10 minute walk from the school.  All of them are free.

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Other Questions

Should I get insurance before I travel to the UK? Yes.  We strongly recommend you take out insurance before you travel to the UK, but you can buy it at any time on-line. Endsleigh is a reputable company that has a special policy for international students. For more information or to book your insurance please click on the logo opposite.

Can the school help me to open a Bank Account?
Yes.  Language Link has a special arrangement with HSBC Bank.  To open your account you will need a letter from the school confirming the details of your course.  You should provide us with your address in London (please note we cannot use a host family's address) and your address in your country.  Note that you cannot open a bank account until you have arrived in the UK.

Is there a Post Office near the school?
Yes there is a Post Office just 1 minute away.  You can also find a chemist's very near to the school.

Can Language Link help me to find a job?
The best way to find a job is by talking to other students in the school.  We have a noticeboard in the Students' Room where some employers advertise, but we are unable to offer any other assistance to students looking for work.

Will I get a Student Card?
All students studying on full-time courses will be given a Language Link Student Card.  You can use this to get reduced fairs in museums and some London cinemas.

Do I need to bring anything to the school on my first day?
Yes, we will need three passport-sized photographs.  One for your Student Card and two for our records.  You will need a further photograph if you are eligible for the London Transport Travel Discount Scheme.

If you have any other questions, not answered above or in the website, please email us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

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