- Before arrival Before your arrival in Margate, we will send you an email with a link to our online Placement Test. You should take this test no later than the Friday before your arrival. This enables us to place you in the right class. If necessary, we might also call you by WhatsApp or Zoom for a quick chat, to test your speaking level and to answer any questions you may have.
- What to bring In homestay accommodation with a homestay hosts bed linen and towels are provided, but you should bring your own toiletries (shower gel, shampoo, deodorant, etc.) and any required medication. Slippers are also a good idea as homestay hosts prefer students to take off shoes in the house.
- First day at school The school opens at 8.45 a.m. Please arrive by 9.00 a.m. and go to Reception. Please bring your passport.
- Insurance We strongly recommend you to cover yourself and your belongings with an appropriate travel insurance. This will give you the peace of mind you need to study and enjoy yourself here in Margate and protect you in the unlikely situation that you have problems with such things as your arrival or departure journey, fall ill whilst you are with us or perhaps have something stolen.
- Money and credit cards We suggest a minimum of £80 per week if you are living in a homestay or £140 if you are staying in self-catering accommodation.
- Problems in arriving and emergency contact for arrivals and departures If you have any problems in arriving to Margate please let us know and seek advice, as well as letting your homestay hosts know.
If you have booked a one-to-one course, we will also send you a Needs Analysis form by email. Please complete this as soon as possible, so that the academic team can prepare your course.
It is also advisable for you to bring an adaptor plug if you have any electrical appliances (hair-dryer, laptop, mobile phone, etc.); however, adaptors can also be easily found here in Margate.
It would also be wise to have some pens and a notebook with you for your first day.
At 9.00 you will have an induction with one of our staff. That means we will give you some information about your class, your timetable, the social programme, and Margate and the surrounding area. We will also show you the school and its facilities.
At 9.30 a.m., you will join your class.
After lunch, at 2.00 p.m., there will be an hour-long walking tour of Margate, guided by a member of the school staff.
Your insurance should also protect you against changes or the cancellation of your course and the associated course and accommodation fees still requiring to be paid. For further information on our cancellation and refund policies please refer to our terms and conditions.
If you are unsure which insurance company to use, we recommend: www.guard.me
There are many ATM cash machines in the town from which you can withdraw cash using a debit or credit card.
Virtually all shops accept payments by credit or debit card so you will not need to carry large amount of cash around with you.
In case of emergency: if you are staying in homestay, then your homestay hosts will be your first point of contact in case of delays, late or early arrivals and also advice on how to get to Margate. If we are organising your airport transfer, or if you are staying in self-catering accommodation, you can phone our emergency number for arrivals and departures: 07939 208591.
If you are aware of problems before leaving your country or if you need any information about transport to Margate, you can contact us by e-mail to [email protected] or phone us on 0044 1843 227700 Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
Our emergency 24-hour contact for students staying at English in Margate is: 07939 208591.
