Guardianship has many parts, all of which add up to the safekeeping and wellbeing of your child while (s)he is away from home.
When OPDS assumes responsibility for your child under this scheme, your child is treated as if (s)he were a child of ours. Key elements of our service are:
1. Getting to know your child as best as possible so that a strong bond of friendship can be developed. This generates a mutually respectful attitude in both parties. 2. Adopting a 'firm but fair' approach towards the child at all times, taking into consideration information supplied by other parties such as the school/college, other colleagues, home stay families etc. 3. Encouraging the student at all times to try to overcome periods of difficulty, as much moral confidence and satisfaction is derived from meeting and facing such adversities. 4. Advising the student on any aspect of their study so that improved performance can be obtained or increased satisfaction be derived from their education here in the UK. 5. Assisting the student to explore the UK during their holidays, so that a better cultural understanding can be gained from their time here. 6. Being available to talk to students and their parents, so that issues can be discussed and diffused before they become of major concern. OPDS has telephone, (standard office, mobile and emergency numbers), fax and e-mail by means of which contact can be made. 7. Assuming responsibility for travel and accommodation arrangements as and when necessary. 8. Acting as a third party between the School/College and the student and their parents. This is especially important during any time of emergency, as we are able to speak to the family in their own language.
Throughout this process, attention is focused on the moral and educational safety of your child (both short term and long term), attempting to ensure that they gain and retain a healthy respect for UK education and lifestyle.
OPDS has many years' experience and includes personnel from both the UK and China. We are in a privileged position to understand a variety of challenges faced by Chinese students when they arrive in the UK. These include the differences between the two cultures, homesickness, personal issues, financial management and how to manage time effectively so that they can enjoy their time in the UK whilst focusing on their educational objectives.
Through our ongoing liaison with the institutions where your child studies we maintain an excellent understanding of all aspects of the English education system. This enables us to provide the best career advice for the students and their parents at all stages of their studies here in the UK.