Notes and Manuals for Students (or their Parents!)

There is no limit on the amount of money you bring into the country. Make sure that you bring enough money with you to cover your immediate costs during your stay (we recommend £50 per week). Find today's exchange rates on http://uk.finance.yahoo.com/currency-converter

Most students will need a valid passport to enter the country. EU nationals may use an identity card.

You may also need a visa or entry certificate. Check with your agent, Embassy or British Consulate to find out what you will need. To learn more about the UK visa process, please visit:

http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk

http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk

We strongly recommend you get travel insurance. Country Cousins is not liable for any claims for losses outside of our control.

If you prefer, we can provide you with details of comprehensive insurance service, which insures your possessions against theft, loss or damage and health insurance. Please note that dental treatment is not included.

The North Devon climate is the warmest in the country, but can also be very changeable. We advise that you bring a warm jumper, waterproof coat and suitable shoes. You can check North Devon's weather reports on http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/sw/ilfracombe_forecast_weather.html

British coins come in the following denominations: 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1, £2.
Banknotes come in denominations of £5, £10, £20, £50. You can change currency and travellers' cheques at Bureaux de Change, or at a bank. Debit and Credit cards are widely accepted.

You should take care of all valuables during your stay. Never leave possessions unattended and try not to carry around large sums of cash. You should avoid carrying your passport around with you but keep your Country Cousins ID card with you at all times.

Stamps are available at Post Offices and many shops such as newsagents. All overseas letters must carry an airmail label.

Public payphones can be used to make international calls, using coins, credit cards or phone cards. Phone cards can be bought from newsagents and Post Offices. Calls are cheaper after 6pm and at weekends. To call abroad, you can also reverse the charges by calling the international operator on 155.

We have a set of times, which apply every night and are the same for all students. All students have a copy, as do the English families. So there is no excuse if a student is late. Students need to understand that the host family is waiting for them and would rather be in bed!

Times are as follows:

Barnstaple School of English:

• All students, all ages: 10 pm

Channel School of English:

• Up to 10 years old: evening activities only
• 11 & 12 years old: 9 pm at home
• 13 & 14 years old: 9:30 pm
• 15 & 16 years old: 10:00 pm
• 17 years old: 10.30 pm

If you'd like to visit English pubs during your stay, remember that under 18s need to be with a supervising adult to enter a pub , and no one under 18 will be served alcohol. Many pubs serve snacks, meals and coffees. You will usually need to order your food and drink at the bar, as very few pubs have a table service. A service charge is not usually added.

In restaurants and some cafes, a service charge of between 10-12% may be added. If it isn't, it is customary to add 10% when paying the bill.

Treatment on the NHS in the UK is free:

• If you enrol on a course for more than 6 months
• If you are a national of an EU country
• If your country has a full reciprocal health agreement with Britain

If these conditions don't apply to you, you will have to pay if you are admitted into hospital, or if you need a consultation with a doctor.

If you have made your own arrangements for insurance, or come from a non-exempt country, Country Cousins is able to provide you with details of a comprehensive cover at a reasonable rate.

If you need dental treatment while you are in the UK, you will probably have to pay the entire costs privately.

You will also need to pay for medicines that are prescribed to you by a doctor. Currently, prescribed medicines cost around £7 per item.

Information on the NHS and health issues:

http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/

http://www.ukcosa.org.uk/images/health.pdf

Please call the office number 01271 862834 in an emergency - this number is available 24 hours a day. If you need an ambulance, police or fire assistance, you should call 999. These calls are free from most payphones and mobile phones.

For anything else, please check our Frequently Asked Pages (FAQ).

You must be 18 years old: The Law in England is very strict on buying tobacco products and alcohol. Drinking and smoking under the age of 18 is banned. Drinking in non-licensed public areas is banned no matter what age you are. If you are found either drinking alcohol or buying tobacco products, Country Cousins will send you home at your parents' expense.