INDEX Welcome page How to get to International House Aberdeen IH Aberdeen Airport transfer General information about the school Includes

Transcription

1 S T U D E N T H A N D B O O K 1

2 INDEX Page/s Welcome page 2 How to get to International House Aberdeen 3 IH Aberdeen Airport transfer 4 General information about the school 4-6 (Includes: School hours, first day, class time/changes, teachers, extending your course, leaving early, completing your course, our course syllabuses, course books, homework, self-study, exams, internet/ , Wi-Fi, food and drink, social programme, complaints, problems and advice, International student card, smoking and fire) Administration 7-8 (Includes: Visas, Registering with the police, Opening a bank account, Getting a bus card, Personal and medical Insurance, Doctor, Dentist) School rules 9 Abusive behaviour policy 10 Homestay accommodation Living in Aberdeen useful information (Includes: Renting a flat/house, queuing, noise, safety, crossing the road, valuables, working, some laws that may be different in your country) What to do in Aberdeen Useful and Emergency Numbers 18 Procedure for students who are unwell but are not registered with a GP Additional information for students aged Frequently asked questions Complaints procedure 24 Appendices: Appendix A Students Complaints English UK Appendix B Policy on Lateness, Mobile Phones and Homework Appendix C Terms and conditions Appendix D More things to do in Aberdeen Appendix E Laminated littering notice 2

3 Welcome to International House Aberdeen. We hope that you have a great time with us. The Student Handbook should answer all your questions about your studies, homestay accommodation and the city of Aberdeen. If you need any more information, please ask a teacher or the office staff. We are always here to help! 3

4 How to get to International House Aberdeen Our address is: International House Aberdeen 130 Union Street Aberdeen AB10 1JJ Telephone Number: We are located on the corner of Union Street and Belmont Street across the road from Primark and above The Money Shop. The nearest airports are Aberdeen Airport (30 minutes to Aberdeen City Centre by bus) and Edinburgh Airport (2.5 hours to Aberdeen City Centre by train). The train and bus stations are on Guild Street, a 5-minute walk from International House Aberdeen. The nearest bus stops to the school are on Union Street at the front door of the school. All bus services go through the city centre and all buses stop near IH Aberdeen. 4

5 IH Aberdeen Airport transfer IH Aberdeen can arrange a transfer service from the airport. The taxi driver will meet you at Aberdeen airport. He will be holding a sign with your name on it and will wait near the main airport exit. You do not need to pay the driver either you will have paid in advance or you can pay at the school. We will send you further instructions nearer the time of your arrival. General information about the school School hours The school is open from until Monday to Friday. Lessons start at so please don t be late as this can disturb other students in your class. First day On your first day please arrive at If you haven t already done an assessment test, you will take one to find out which is the best class for you. You will get information about the course and a member of staff will show you around the building. Please bring your passport or ID card. Class times / changes Please don t be late for your class. If you are more than 15 minutes late please wait until the break and then join the class. If you think you need to change your class (if you find it too easy or hard) please speak to your teacher first. Don t do this on the first day - make sure you give yourself time to settle in first. Teachers All our teachers are professionally trained to find out more about them please see the website and the notice board outside reception. Extending your course All courses run for a minimum of 2 weeks. If you would like to stay longer please speak to the office staff. Leaving early If you intend to stop your course early please tell the office staff as soon as possible. You will not receive a refund of your course fees if you leave early. Completing your course When you finish your course you will receive an International House Aberdeen certificate. You will also get a questionnaire to fill in about your course and the school. 5

6 Our course syllabuses If you want more information about our courses then please see your teacher or our Assistant Director of Studies. Course books You will be given your course book on your first day at IH Aberdeen. Homework This is an important part of your course which helps you improve your English. If you are unable to complete it, please get the answers from another student in your own time instead of doing it during the class. Self-study We have great online resources for you to practise your English such as exam practice, grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation exercises in our computer suite. You can also use self-study books and borrow graded readers from our library. The computer suite is next to the reception in Room 8. Exams If you want to take an exam please speak to your class teacher or the Assistant Director of Studies for advice and information. Internet/ The computer suite is free for you to use when you re not in class. If there are others waiting please limit your session to 15 minutes to give others a chance to use the computers. Wi-Fi: student Password: language Food and drink There are lots of cafés, restaurants and supermarkets to buy lunch near the school. We can show you where you can buy food and essentials during the walking tour on your first day. Social programme The activities for the week are advertised around the school and on our Instagram/Facebook page. Please join in it really helps your English! If you want to take part in an activity, just write your name on the list at Reception. If you would like to recommend an activity, please tell our Social Activities Coordinator. 6

7 Complaints about your course, teachers or administration If you want to make a complaint please speak to your teacher or the Assistant Director of Studies (more details at end of handbook). Problems and advice If you would like advice about living in Aberdeen or are having personal difficulties and need someone to talk to, then please see our welfare officer, Anna, at break time on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Room 8. International Student card (ISIC) If you are studying for a minimum of 15 hours per week and are at International House Aberdeen for at least 12 weeks, you can buy an NUS ISIC Extra card. This international student s card costs only and can give you discounts such as on entertainment and travel (but not on local buses). Please ask the reception for a student card letter then buy your card from STA Travel, 30 Upperkirkgate, Aberdeen. Smoking The school is a non-smoking building. If you do smoke you can use the street in front of the school. Please be aware that dropping cigarette butts on the street is a criminal offense and you might have to pay a 50 fine. Fire If you see or think there is fire then press the alarm. There is one on each landing. When you hear the alarm you must leave the building immediately by the front entrance. Do not stop to collect coats, bags or books. Students should meet at the assembly point on the corner of Union Street and Belmont Street. Fire drills are carried out regularly. 7

8 Administration Visas If you need to extend or change your visa, please see the Office Manager in Reception. Make sure you apply for a visa extension in plenty of time. Applications can take up to 8 weeks. Registering with the police Some nationalities will need to register with the police when they arrive in the UK. You only have to register if the sticker in your passport says this. You must register within 7 days of arriving in the UK. You should phone the Police Station on to make an appointment. You will need to bring your passport, 1 passport photo, 34 in cash and a letter of confirmation. Please ask at reception for this letter. The staff at the Police Station will help you complete the forms and give you a registration certificate. You must keep this safe. If any of your details change you must tell the police within 7 days. You must register at the Nationality Department, Police Headquarters, Queen Street, Aberdeen, AB10 1ZA. Opening a bank account You will need to be studying for several months to be able to open a bank account in this country. Ask at reception for a special letter for the bank. This will tell them about your course, how long you are studying at International House Aberdeen, your address here in Aberdeen and your home address. You will also need your passport. You will probably not get a credit card. Please note that if you are staying with a homestay host, you should ask their permission if you wish to register a bank account using their address. Getting a bus card You can buy weekly bus cards from the bus driver. They cost 18 per week. There are also monthly tickets. You can get these at First Travel Centre, 47 Union Street, Aberdeen, downloading their App or online at Personal and medical insurance You should have personal and medical insurance. If you do not have medical insurance please ask at reception for details of a company who specialises in student insurance. If you do not have the necessary personal and medical insurance, medical treatment can be very expensive in the UK. This will also cover you for any cancellation costs. Doctor Treatment should be free for students from the European Economic Area (EEA) who have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). You can get this from your local health authority before leaving your country. Non EEA students will have to pay for the 8

9 treatment. If you have medical insurance you will be able to claim back the cost through your insurance company. Please look at this website for more information about healthcare in Britain and how to register with a local doctor: If you feel ill when the doctor s surgery is closed and you cannot wait until the next day, phone NHS24 on If you think someone s life is in danger then you should call 999. Dentist Most dental practices in Aberdeen will take only private patients. If you need a dentist you can phone GDens on or You will need to pay for treatment at the time. If you have medical insurance you will be able to claim back the cost through your insurance company. 9

10 School rules 1. No smoking in the school. 2. Please hang up your coats on the coats hooks in the classrooms. Do not put them on chairs this can be dangerous if the students need to leave quickly in an emergency. 3. Classes start at 9.15am. If you are more than 15 minutes late, please wait until the break before joining the class. 4. If you cannot come to school for any reason (for example, you are ill) you must contact the school to let us know. It is school policy to record your attendance at every class (please see important note below*). 5. Please take part in all classroom activities and remember to do your homework. 6. Please do not eat in the classrooms. You may drink from a bottle. Please do not bring cups without lids into class. 7. Please do not chew gum in school. 8. Please turn off your mobile during class time. 9. Please respect your fellow students. Always speak English in public situations. *Important* Please note that the school must inform the UK authorities if you do not meet the conditions of your entry clearance. This includes: students whose attendance is less than 80% of classes students who do not arrive for the start of their course students who leave before the end of their course (unless there is an agreement that you will attend a course with another accredited provider) 10

11 Abusive behaviour policy The following will not be tolerated at International House Aberdeen (in class, on school premises, with a host family and on an IHA organized social events): bullying of any kind (physical or verbal) racism (of other nationalities, cultures or religions) excessive and/or loud swearing sexual harassment of any kind aggressive behaviour towards staff, students or visitors (for example, shouting at other students inappropriately, kicking furniture) theft (stealing other people s property or stealing from International House Aberdeen) vandalism (for example, deliberately breaking school furniture or computers) any illegal activity Important: It is the school s decision if your behaviour is unacceptable or not. If your behaviour is unacceptable, the school will give you a written warning. If unacceptable behaviour happens again, the school will ask you to leave the school immediately with no refunds of fees. Please note that if your behaviour is very serious in the school s opinion you will be asked to leave the school immediately with no refund of fees or written warning. We will record all incidents in writing. (For more details, please see policy at end of handbook). 11

12 Homestay accommodation Staying with a homestay family should be a great experience and an excellent opportunity for you to learn about Scottish and British culture. In Scotland, families may live differently from what you are used to and so there may be misunderstandings. Please let your homestay family know if you are not happy or you don t understand something they have asked you to do or not to do. Here are some hints on how to get on well with your host family. Keys Your host family will probably give you a set of keys. Be careful with them. Do not carry them with the house address in case you lose them. Meals Please let the host family know if there is any food that you don t like or are allergic to. Do try the food that the host family prepare for you, even if you think you will not like it. If you don t like it you can apologise afterwards! You might be surprised at what you enjoy. Please let the family know if you are going to be late or not coming home for a meal. Laundry Please check what the family s arrangements for laundry are can you use their washing machine or will they do it for you? Telephone Check that you can use the phone before you use it and also find out when is the cheapest time. Remember that calls can be expensive in the UK, especially international calls. Heating If you are too hot or too cold, ask politely if you can adjust the heating or have more covers for your bed. Please don t leave gas or electric fires on overnight or when you are not at home this is dangerous. Smoking If you smoke, check if your family allows smoking in the house. Please respect your host and smoke outside if they ask you to. Friends Ask if you want to invite friends to your host family s home. Some families will allow it but some won t. If they do, remember to introduce your friends to your host. 12

13 Bathroom Make sure you know how to use the shower/bath and check when the best time to use it is. Many homes have only 1 bathroom so there other people will need to use it in the mornings and at night so please don t take too long. You will need to bring your own toiletries, for example, toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo etc. Damages If you break or damage anything, tell your family as soon as possible and offer to pay for it to be mended or replaced. Problems We try out best to place students with a suitable family, but if you are really unhappy with your host family, come to the reception to make an appointment with the accommodation officer. Please be patient: it is not always possible to move you immediately as we have a limited number of host families. You must tell the school 1 week before you leave your host family. 13

14 Living in Aberdeen - useful information Many foreign students visit Aberdeen every year and they usually receive a warm welcome from the people of Aberdeen. However, it is important to understand that in the UK, there are some cultural differences. It s important to remember British people may behave differently from people in your country. Renting a flat or a house in the UK If you choose to rent a flat or house you will need to provide a deposit to the landlord or agency of usually 1 month s rent, and pay 1 month s rent in advance. It is unlikely that you will be able to rent a flat for less than 6 months at a time. You will need to pay council tax and all your bills. If you have problems with your private accommodation or landlord, please see the welfare officer on Tues (days and times are on the notice board in reception). Queuing In Britain it s normal to queue at bus stops, cinemas and in shops. It s rude to push in at the front or the middle of the queue. Noise Many local people go to bed quite early compared to people in other countries. Please do not make a lot of noise at night especially when with a group of friends. Safety Aberdeen is a safe, friendly city, but you should take a few simple precautions to make sure you keep safe. When you go out at night, always tell a friend where you re going, who you re going with and what time you expect to be back Try not to go out alone at night - walk with a group who are going the same way Stay on well-lit main roads and don t use small streets or short cuts Make sure you know when the last bus home is or if there is a night service check out If you take a taxi, remember they have a white roof sign with TAXI written on it - don t get into a car that doesn t have this sign. Private taxis have a yellow identification plate at the front and back of the car. They cannot pick you up on the street - you must use taxi ranks. The nearest rank to the school is on Back Wynd, next to the St Nicholas Kirk Graveyard. You can also find some taxi numbers on the useful and emergency number page. Crossing the road Be careful! In Britain the cars drive on the left so always look RIGHT first. Cross at a pedestrian crossing if there is one. 14

15 Valuables Do not leave purses or wallets where people can see and take them, for example, in your back pocket or in an open bag on the floor. Do not carry lots of cash just take what you need for the day. Working Please note that Student Visitor visas does not entitle you to work while studying English at a private institute. For non-visa students: You will need a CV (curriculum vitae) - there are many websites to help with writing this. You will also need a national insurance number - you can apply for this at Job Centre Plus, Ebury House, 14 Dee Street, Aberdeen. It s open Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri ; Wed There are also opportunities to do voluntary work for charities. If you re interested in this or need more help with finding a job, please see the Welfare Officer for more information (days and times on the notice board in reception). IH Aberdeen runs a Job Club where you can get advice on updating your CV, applying for jobs in the UK and going for interviews (see notice boards in reception for more information). Some laws that may be different in your country: Litter It s an offence to drop litter such as chewing gum and cigarette packets or butts in the street or other public places. You can be fined. Alcohol You are not allowed to buy beer, wine or spirits if you re under 18 years old. Many pubs and shops operate a Think 25 policy so it s a good idea to carry ID, even if you are over 18. Smoking You are not allowed to buy cigarettes or other tobacco products if you re under 18. There is NO smoking in public places in Britain, for example, public transport (including taxis), pubs, restaurants, cinemas, work places, stations and shops. Drugs It is illegal to buy, sell or use non-prescribed drugs. 15

16 What happens if you are arrested by the police If you are arrested by the police, you will be taken to a police station. You can ask for a translator and a solicitor (lawyer) to help you. You will be told your rights. You can make 1 phone call. You must contact the school to tell us about the situation. It s a good idea to carry the school phone number with you. *You must obey the British law at all times* 16

17 What to do in Aberdeen For information go to the tourist office, Aberdeen icentre, at 23 Union Street or ask at Reception. Look online for suggestions what to do and where to go at: A lot of events, concerts, and markets are also advertised on our International House Aberdeen social media platforms. Attractions in Aberdeen Aberdeen Art Gallery, Schoolhill, Aberdeen AB10 1FQ Maritime Museum, Shiprow, Aberdeen AB11 5BY Codona s Amusement Park and Ten-pin Bowling, Beach Boulevard, Aberdeen Hazlehead Zoo, Hazlehead Park, Aberdeen King s College, Old Aberdeen and the Duncan Rice Library Tolbooth Museum, Castle Street, Aberdeen Restaurants Howies, 50 Chapel Street (Scottish) Café Andaluz, 5 Bon-Accord Street (Spanish) Madame Mew s, Unit 11, Aberdeen Market (Thai) Rusticos, 62 Union Row (Italian) Bistro Verde, The Green (Seafood) Cafés Bonobo, Skene Street The Coffee House, 1 Gaelic Lane Cup, 9 Little Belmont Street Books and Beans, 22 Belmont Street Foodstory, Thistle Street The Sanddollar Café, 2 Beach Esplanade (Scottish breakfast and fish) The Pier, Esplanade Sea Beach (Scottish breakfast) Pubs BrewDog Castlegate, 5-9 Union Street The Archibald Simpson, 5 Castle Street The Bobbin, 500 King Street The Prince of Wales, 7-11 St Nicholas Lane Ma Cameron s, 6-8 Little Belmont Street Old Blackfriars, 52 Castle Street 17

18 O Neills, 9-10 Back Wynd Shopping Bon Accord Centre St Nicholas Centre Trinity Centre Union Square Shopping Centre Household and leisure items The Range, Queens Links Leisure Park near the beach, for household and leisure items Dunelm, Queens Links Leisure Park, for household items TK Maxx, Union Square Shopping centre, for clothes and household items Homesense, Union Square Shopping centre, for household items Argos, Berryden, for household items (same day delivery) SportsDirect, Union Street/Kittybrewster, for sportswear and equipment B&M, Kittybrewster, for household items Supermarkets and food stuffs Aldi, various locations Lidl, various locations Morrison s, various locations, for fresh food counters eg meat, fish Nature s Larder, 60 Holburn Street, health foods Asian supermarket, Powis Place Charity shops Various shops on Union Street, Rosemount Viaduct & George Street e.g. Oxfam, Cancer Research UK, and British Heart Foundation, for cheap books, household item and clothes British Heart Foundation, Union Street, for furniture and electrical items Street markets George Street, farmers/craft market, 1 st Saturday of each month Thistle street, locally produced foods, 2 nd Saturday of the month Belmont Street, locally produced foods and crafts, last Saturday of the month Clubs Underground, 10 Bridge Street Exodus, Belmont Street Tunnels, Carnegie's Brae Redemption, 33 Belmont Street Espionage, 120 Union Street 18

19 Entertainment The Lemon Tree, 5 West North Street His Majesty s Theatre, Rosemount Viaduct The Music Hall, Union Street Cinemas: Union Square, VUE, Belmont and Cineworld (various locations) Sport and Leisure Pure Gym, Shiprow City Moves, Belmont Street Beach Leisure Centre, Sea Beach Aberdeen Sports Village, Linksfield Road Aberdeen Aquatic Centre, Regent Walk Attractions near Aberdeeen Dunnottar Castle & Stonehaven fishing village Crathes Castle, near Banchory Glen Garioch Whisky Distillery, Oldmeldrum Scolty Hill, Banchory Volunteering in Aberdeen See the Welfare Officer about volunteering opportunities at break time on Tuesdays and Thursdays 19

20 Useful and Emergency Numbers Emergency Services (police/fire/ambulance) Dial 999 from any telephone. You can also use the international emergency number 112. The operator will ask you, Which service do you require? You should reply, Police, Fire, or Ambulance. They will then connect you to that service. Dial 101 for nonurgent matters such as theft. Other Emergencies The school has an emergency phone number which you can call 24 hours a day. Please only use this for real emergencies: Medical Emergencies If you have a very serious medical problem which cannot wait until the next working day (Monday-Friday), when you can see a doctor, the nearest hospital with an Accident & Emergency (A & E, also known as Casualty ) department is: Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (ARI) Foresterhill Road Telephone: Emergency Dentist These dentists are very near the school and have an emergency service: Fergus & Glover, 160 Union Street. Telephone: Procedure for students who are unwell but are not registered with a GP Students should not go directly to Accident and Emergency A. Speak to a trained pharmacist. The nearest consulting pharmacy is Boots, Bon Accord Centre (NOT Union Street) (if you need medical attention, the pharmacist will tell you what to do) B. Contact a doctor 1. and click on Find your local services 2. Enter student s postcode and at choose services select GP surgeries. This will show a map of the relevant area with GP surgeries, addresses and phone numbers 20

21 3. Phone to explain the situation and ask for advice. NB. If the GP surgery is closed, and the student feels they cannot wait until it re-opens, Call NHS 24 on 111. Calls are free. *In cases of medical emergency phone 999* 21

22 Additional Information for students aged Emergency contact details If you need to contact the school in the event of an emergency, please phone on: Mon-Fri, 9am 5-pm: Outside school hours, please use the emergency number. You can call any time, 24 hours per day: Before and after classes IH Aberdeen is open Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm. You are welcome to stay in the school before or after your class, and use our computer facilities or students room. IH Aberdeen offers a Social Programme, with activities and excursions in the afternoons, evenings and at the weekend. If you would like to take part, please sign up at reception. In some cases, social activities will be open only to students aged 18 or over we will inform you if this is the case. Homestay Not all homestays are walking distance from IH Aberdeen. Please check with your homestay host to find out the correct bus number and route you should take to get to IH Aberdeen. Please agree with your homestay host what time you must be home for dinner. Please inform your host in advance if you are going to be late. When you receive your homestay confirmation from IH Aberdeen, we will you a map of the city, with your homestay and travel route to the school marked on the map. Please bring this map with you. If you have any questions or concerns about your homestay, please inform the IH Aberdeen team. Safety in Aberdeen Aberdeen is a very safe city and problems are very rare. However, you should take a few precautions to keep yourself safe. Travelling to and from the school in the evenings: If you go out in the evenings, please tell your host family where you will be going and with whom. Please exchange mobile numbers with your homestay host and keep your phone turned on at all times. Tell your homestay host when you expect to be home. IH Aberdeen recommends that Students aged should return home by on Sunday Thursday, and by on Friday Saturday evenings. 22

23 Do not go out alone in the evenings. Only go out with a group of friends and may sure that you stay together. Avoid conversations with other adults that you do not know. Do not walk home alone late at night. If you are travelling home later in the evening, either return to your homestay with a friend or take a taxi. If you are planning an overnight trip over a weekend you must have the consent of your parents or guardian and share this information with your homestay host and the school. Taxis You can get a taxi at a taxi rank on the street. There are 3 main taxi ranks in Aberdeen city centre: on Back Wynd near the school, Chapel Street, and Aberdeen Train Station. Registered taxis have a white sign on top of the car with TAXI written on it and an identification plate at the front and back of the car. Don t get into a car that doesn t have these identification signs. You can also book a private taxi by phone. Private taxis also have identification plates on the front and back of the car. Some trusted taxis companies are: - Com Cab: Rainbow Taxis: You should only take a taxi from a taxi rank or a taxi that you have ordered by phone. Do not wave for a taxi on the street or get into any car that stops for you on the street. If you are waiting for a taxi, make sure a friend waits with you and ensures that you depart safely. UK laws You are not allowed to buy cigarettes or alcohol if you are under 18 years old You are not allowed to enter a pub, bar or club if you are under 18. It is illegal to use, buy or sell all soft/ hard/ non-prescribed drugs. If someone offers you drugs, just say no! It is illegal to use false or borrowed ID We hope you have a fantastic time in Aberdeen and a truly enjoyable experience within International House Aberdeen, if you have any questions or queries do not hesitate to talk to a member of staff we are always happy to help! 23

24 Frequently Asked Questions Will I get a certificate at the end of my course? Yes, we will give you a certificate on the last day of your course this is free of charge Do I have to pay for the social activities? Some of our social activities are free. If there is a cost this will be included on posters around the school and on our social media. Can I get a student card? If you are studying for a minimum of 15 hours per week and are at International House Aberdeen for at least 12 weeks, you can buy an NUS ISIC Extra card. This international student s card costs only and can give you discounts such as on entertainment and travel (but not on local buses). Please ask the reception for a student card letter then buy your card from STA Travel, 30 Upperkirkgate, Aberdeen. Who can I talk to if I have a problem? If your problem is academic, you can speak to one of our Assistant Director of Studies, Anna or Emma, Tuesdays and Thursdays after morning class, If you would like advice about living in Aberdeen, or are having personal difficulties and need someone to talk to, then have a chat to Anna, our Welfare Officer, at break time, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Can I smoke in the school? No, the school is a non-smoking building. You can smoke in the street in front of the school but please be aware that dropping cigarette butts on the street is illegal and can result in a 50 fine. Can I take holidays during my course? You can request a holiday during your course in reception. If you would like to take a holiday during your course, please tell us when you apply or 2 weeks before your holiday. Holiday allowance cannot be requested after the holiday. Holidays can be requested for full weeks (Monday Friday) only. We do not provide any credit, compensation or discount for missed lessons or holiday periods of less than a full week (Monday Friday). Can I work whilst studying at IH Aberdeen? Please note that Student Visitor and Tier 4 visas do not allow you to work while studying English at a private institute. Comment [T1]: ESL allow For non-visa students: You will need a CV (curriculum vitae) - there are many websites to help with writing this. You will also need a national insurance number - you can apply for 24

25 this at Job Centre Plus, Ebury House, 14 Dee Street, Aberdeen. It s open Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri ; Wed There are also opportunities to do voluntary work for charities. If you re interested in this or need more help with finding a job, please see the Welfare Officer for more information (days and times on the notice board in reception). IH Aberdeen runs a Job Club where you can get advice on updating your CV, applying for jobs in the UK and going for interviews. What happens if I need to see a doctor? Treatment should be free for EEA students who have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). You can get this from your local health authority before leaving your country. Non EU students will have to pay for the treatment. If you have medical insurance you will be able to claim back the cost through your insurance company. If you feel ill when the doctor s surgery is closed and you cannot wait until the next day, phone NHS24 on If you think someone s life is in danger then you should call 999. How do I open a bank account? You will need to be studying for several months to be able to open a bank account in this country. Ask at reception for a special letter for the bank. This will tell them about your course, how long you are studying at International House Aberdeen, your address here in Aberdeen and your home address. You will also need your passport. You will probably not get a credit card. Please note that if you are staying with a homestay host, you should ask their permission if you wish to register a bank account using their address. 25

26 Complaints procedure We want your stay at International House Aberdeen to be enjoyable and productive. If you are not happy with any aspect of the service we offer, please see one of the following people: - Your teacher or the Assistant Director of Studies if your problem is an ACADEMIC one. - The Accommodation Officer if your problem is about ACCOMMODATION. - The Welfare Officer for ANY OTHER PROBLEM. Only if you have spoken to the above people, and are still not happy, please address your complaint in writing to the School Director. Written complaints (in a letter) are taken very seriously and any complaints and problems are treated in confidence, in accordance with our school procedures. See also English UK Student Complaints Procedure for complaints against private language schools at end of student handbook (hard copy only in library). 26