Students are usually requested to arrive at the college on specific days as institutions may only have accommodation from certain dates and times.
Additionally, many institutions will arrange to meet those students who arrive at airports on specific days (only). Outside these times, OPDS will liase with students and their families to ensure they are met at the airport and transported safely to their new college by a representative of the company.
OPDS will assist students who intend to arrive before the allocated date to book temporary accommodation (at their own expense) until the college is ready to accept them. We will then arrange suitable transport to the college by a company representative. However, 14 days notice is required for this service.
Students may elect to study English during their breaks away from the institution in order to improve their confidence. This is highly recommended by OPDS, especially during the first year of their study in the UK. Otherwise students may forget much of the English they have been taught during their first period at the institution.
OPDS has agreements with a variety of specialist EFL schools that offer residential or home stay accommodation for students during their time on the course.
In order to provide a student with the type of accommodation required (single, shared, with or without private bathroom, with or without evening meal, desired location etc), OPDS must be given at least 14 days notice in order to make the appropriate arrangements.
OPDS recommends students to mix with English families wherever possible in order to practice their language and improve their confidence.
All home stay rooms and families have been approved by the specialist EFL school where they will study during their break from the School / College.