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Program

Are you planning to spend a short or long-term stay in London?

We offer accommodation either with local families, hostels or in student residences. Our partner in London is a housing provider that specializes in offering private rooms in homestays, as well as private rooms in residence halls or dormitories in hostels. It is recognized by the British Council for the quality of its services.

You will be hosted in a safe, happy and comfortable home-away-from-home in all areas of London (zones 1 to 5). It meets the standards for registration with the British Council as a provider of homestay, residential and self-catering accommodation for adults (over 16 years). All accommodation is conveniently located close to public transport and offers a high standard of service.

Programs can last anywhere between 1 and 24 weeks.

Destination

As the capital of the United Kingdom, London is one of the world’s leading business, financial and cultural centres. It is the most populous city in the European Union, with a population of over 7.5 million, and its influence in politics, education, entertainment, media, fashion and the arts all contribute to its status as a major global city. Its diverse population reflects the UK’s colonial past, with large ethnic communities from around the globe.

London is the undisputed cultural centre of the English-speaking world, boasting some of the most comprehensive history and art museums, all of which have free admission, and concerts almost daily, ranging from the latest pop rock to Baroque classics. Its historic attractions, including Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square and the Tower of London, attract millions of tourists every year.

London also offers plenty of opportunities to pass free time, with world-class shopping facilities such as Harrods or famous markets such as Covent Garden or Picadilly Circus. The city’s great cultural diversity translates to an incredibly diverse and rich gastronomical landscape, with restaurants on every corner offering good meals for comparatively reasonable prices.

The Families

Staying in a homestay provides a unique opportunity to be part of a real London home.

Our hosts are chosen for their friendliness as well as the quality and location of their homes; they must meet British Council standards. All hosts receive a personal visit from one of our "Accommodation Assessors" who are trained to inspect according to these standards. Rooms will be cleaned and bed linen and towels changed at least once a week.

The participant will be provided with his/her own house key and the host is there to offer help and advice as well as to take an interest in the participant’s well-being.

Warning: This type of accommodation has a 2 weeks minimum between June 1st and September 1st 2012.

We offer different types of accommodation:

• Budget [Zones 4 and 5]
  These zones often offer more spacious accommodation in a less crowded area. Zone area include Walthamstow, Edgware, Catford, Norbury, Wembley, Harrow, Wanstead, Leytonstone, Finchley, Lewisham and Greenwich.
  
  
• Standard [Zones 3 and 4]
  Comfortable accommodation of a high standard mainly located in zone 3 and 4, within easy access of the city centre. Zone areas include Kilburn, Clapham, Maida Vale, Queens Park, Chiswick, Finchley, Southfields, Ealing, Acton, Islington, Golders Green, West Hampstead and many more.
  
  
• Superior [Zones 2 and 3]
  More sophisticated accommodation with a high standard of decor, located in prime areas of zone 2 and 3 (occasionally zone 1), the accommodation is within easy access of the city centre. Areas include Fulham, Kensington, Marylebone, Shepherds Bush, West Hampstead, Hampstead, and Golders Green.
  
  
• Executive [Zones 1 and 2]
  Located in zones 1 and 2, the accommodation is centrally located or close to the city centre. More luxurious, it is fully equipped with your own TV and most of the time private bathroom. Areas include Pimlico, Baker Street, Chelsea, Fulham, Kensington, Battersea, Maida Vale, Wandsworth Common, Putney, Clapham, Hammersmith, Hampstead and Islington.
  
  

Accommodation types

Several types are available:

• Standard single, with breakfast
  Private furnished bedroom in a home of a family or individual, where the guest shares all facilities with the occupant(s). A self-served morning meal (coffee, tea or milk; bread or toast; jam, cream cheese, butter) is made available daily for the guest.
  
  
• Double room, with breakfast
  Two guests sharing a bedroom. Doubles are only available to two guests who know each other and are travelling together. The price listed is per person and only applies during the dates that two guests occupy the bedroom. If one guest leaves, then single rates will apply to the remaining guest.
  
  
• Half-board
  If you would prefer, it is possible to arrange breakfast and dinner to be taken at home. Dinner times will be decided to suit both you and the family.
  
  You will also be allotted a space in the refrigerator and will be allowed to do light meal preparation in the kitchen such as making a salad or a sandwich. All other use of the kitchen must be discussed and arranged with the host.
  
  

Guarantees

All families have been visited by our local partner and fulfil strict welcoming criteria. They provide a warm comfortable environment for the students and tourists they house.

They are always in a safe area of the city, situated close to public transport and local amenities.

Emergency assistance is available 24/7.

The Residences

Living in a hall of residence is the perfect solution for people who want to live near the city centre and who are looking for a more independent lifestyle (zone 1).

2 possibilities are available:

• Residence - Programs of 4 weeks or more (2 weeks in summer)

These are situated in zones 1 and 2. If you want to stay in the centre of London and be within walking distance of shopping areas, nightlife, the theatre district, Trafalgar Square, Soho, China Town and other main attractions – the residence could be perfect for you.

The flats offer single, double and twin rooms all with TV plasma screen. Double rooms are only available to participants travelling together.

All flats have their own fully equipped kitchen with washing, microwave, oven, hob, refrigerator, electric kettle, toaster, cooking utensils, crockery, cutlery and glasses.

All bed linen is provided and changed weekly. Communal areas are cleaned daily and bedrooms weekly. A wireless Broadband Internet connection is available.

Halls have a residents’ lounge for relaxing and watching TV and some have gardens and outside recreation areas. There is also very good security.

• Youth Hostel (minimum 18 years)

Hostels offer lively accommodation in the centre of London and are a flexible option for short stays.

They typically offer bedrooms accommodating from one to 3 people.

Showers and WCs located on all floors. TV room, bar, restaurant and Internet access. Rooms are cleaned regularly and bed linens changed weekly.

Prices & Dates

Dates 2012

Accommodation is booked per week, on a 7 night basis (generally from Sunday to Saturday).

Demand is generally quite high during peak season (June - September); we advise book your program at least 4 weeks in advance.

Warning: Accommodation in a host family has a two weeks minimum between June 1st and September 1st 2012.

Warning: if you wish to arrange accommodation in a residence for a period which includes the months of November and December, please note that no departure is possible during these months.

All bookings including the months November and December must be made before the 7th of January 2012.

Prices for this program are detailed in the table above.

They include:

• All taxes and enrolment fees
• Accommodation with host family or residence
• Board as requested: half, or breakfast (no meals included in the residence)
  
  

They do not include:

• Transport
• Optional transfers
• Possible insurance
• Possible visa fees

Practical Info

Transport

• Arrival airport: London (all airports and stations)
• Transfer possible upon request (see price table)
  
  

If you wish, we can book your travel to London for you. Please make this clear when you enrol.

If you intend to book your own flights, please wait until we have confirmed availabilities and dates before you do so.

VISA Information

An ID card or valid passport is enough for EU residents to enter the UK.

For non-EU residents, you can apply for a Student Visitor Visa to enter the UK. It is valid for 6 months, even if you intend to stay for less time. It does not entitle you to work.

We do not include any VISA application fees in our prices.

For more information, either inquire at your local British Embassy or consult the following website:http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk