Summit Consultancy International Limited - Business Training, Careers Guidance and International Student Services

Studying in the United Kingdom

Can you help me to find the right course at the right educational institution for me?
Yes we can advise you on your choice of course, institution and qualification. We have established links with a variety of institutions to make sure that you can choose from an array of teaching environments consistent with your learning styles including:

Preparatory Schools
Independent Boarding Schools
State Boarding Schools & Colleges of Further Education
Training Providers
Universities in the United Kingdom

We can offer support and guidance for the full range of academic and vocational study programmes in the United Kingdom including:

GCSE and A Level
Vocational Further Education Courses
Intensive Revision Courses
Vocational Training
Foundation Courses
Degrees and Higher National Diplomas
Postgraduate Qualifications
Professional Qualifications
Language Courses
Holiday Studies

How will I know if there are places available for me?
We will provide you with up-to-date information on the availability of places whether you want to study at school, college or university. Whatever your choice of course in the United Kingdom we can advise you on existing opportunities to train or study and ensure that your application receives favourable reception through personal contacts.

Can you support me through the application process?
Whether you are hoping to study at an independent boarding schools and need to sit an entrance exam or are intending to enter higher education by applying through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) we will support you through the appropriate course application process. Application procedures may differ depending on your choice of course and your country of origin. However, we will guide you through any relevant documentation, inform you of closing dates and advise you on how to best handle deposits and fees.

How can I find out if my qualifications are acceptable for my chosen studies?
With over 10 years experience in careers guidance we can help you find out if your qualifications are acceptable to any given school, college or university in the United Kingdom. Our professionally qualified careers advisers can determine the extent to which you're academic and vocational achievements are recognised in the UK and how they can be used as a springboard to higher qualifications and employment.

Can you help me obtain a visa?
If you are travelling to the United Kingdom to study you will probably need to obtain a visa or an entry clearance. Your visa tells the immigration officer why you are travelling to the UK, how long you can stay, and the latest date that you can enter the country. We are able to guide you through immigration regulations so that you will be able to determine whether or not you need a visa and if so advise you on the forms which must be completed for the category of your application. We can also point you in the direction of the nearest British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to which your visa application or query must be addressed.

Once you have been successful in obtaining your visa we will advise you on the best times to travel to Britain and arrange for someone to collect you from the airport on your arrival.

Where will I live?
We can help you find somewhere to live although the suitability of any accommodation will depend upon your age and level of study. Students enrolled on college courses or in higher education may prefer to choose from a variety of accommodation options including halls of residence, self catered halls, flats or houses. As an international student we will support you in finding somewhere to live that is within your budget and which suits your lifestyle.

Younger students may board at their school and at other times reside with a guardian or host family. Host families and guardians can be made available to you. You can choose the type of family you want to stay with safe in the knowledge that you will be made to feel completely at home and cared for. Staying with a host family is also a wonderful way to immerse yourself in British culture and make your English language skills really come alive!

Will I be able to have a guardian?
During your stay in the United Kingdom you may welcome the security and comfort that comes from knowing you have a second home. We can arrange a guardian for you who will be happy to accommodate you and provide support whenever you need it. Your guardian will be carefully chosen and will have responsibility for all aspects of your welfare while you are at school in the UK.

What if I need help with improving my English?
Around 700,000 people come to learn English in the United Kingdom each year and there are several ways in which we can help you to improve your English language proficiency. Depending upon the nature of your studies and the level of support you need you may decide to enrol at a recognised language school, attend summer residential courses, study English language as part of the National Curriculum or visit study support centres. When making your choice you may want to ask some important questions. Is the school recognised by the British Council? Are the teachers professionally qualified? What will I cover on my course? Can I take exams? What will the class be like? How much money will I need to study? We can help you to find out the answers.

What happens if I need support during my time in the United Kingdom?
Throughout your stay in the United Kingdom you will feel better if you know that there is someone you can turn to for help when you need it. You may find yourself wanting to know more about opportunities to work, your entitlement to health care and dental treatment, whether or not you can use your driving licence, procedures for opening bank accounts or even how to cope with culture shock. Whatever your concerns we will be able to offer a helping hand at the right time.

Can you help me to plan for the future?
Before you complete your studies or training our professionally qualified careers advisers can help you plan for the future. You can choose from a number of options including one-to-one guidance interviews as well as assessment methods that will pinpoint your skills and abilities. We can help you generate career ideas to match your interests and advise you on job search techniques, application forms, CVs and interview skills. Our portfolio of careers guidance services perfectly complements your programme of study in the United Kingdom by giving you the ability to identify your career goal and the confidence to achieve it.