2015-2016 Student Handbook
Bader International Study Centre Student Handbook 2015-2016 Welcome to the Bader International Study Centre You are about to begin a truly one-of-a-kind educational experience at the Bader International Study Centre at Herstmonceux Castle. The BISC provides a supportive environment and amazing opportunities to meet new people, experience independence and grow as an individual in a community which promotes selfdiscipline, the exchange of ideas, diversity, self-directed learning and personal accountability. Learning at the BISC happens in and outside the classroom: your experience living in residence, the skills you acquire on field studies, the lessons you learn from your studies, and the connections you make here can play an important role in helping you develop friendships and life skills that will help you be successful this year and in the years to come. At the BISC we are here to assist you in every way they can. Get to know the Student Services team to learn all the ways they can help you make the connections in residence, on campus and in the community that will make your time in residence and at the BISC the experience of a lifetime. BISC Charter This Charter is a statement of the partnership expected between students and the Bader International Study Centre to create a supportive academic community where learning, inquiry, research and critical assessment may flourish. The BISC will... Develop the BISC and its programs in partnership with students, seeking their input and feedback Treat all students equally and without discrimination Provide a safe and secure environment for learning and social interaction Respect students and be concerned for their well-being, creating an atmosphere without fear or intimidation Provide students with clear and timely information on fees and be transparent in dealings with students Offer effective and timely feedback on academic work Craft a creative, innovative learning environment that fosters intellectual growth and exchange Support students’ non-academic social life and concerns with appropriate programs, staff, services and counselling Maintain a community based on citizenship, responsible leadership, tolerance and equal opportunity Strive for an institutional footprint that is environmentally sustainable and responsive to available resources Safeguard student data so as to protect student identity and privacy i As a student you are expected to... ii Participate actively in your own learning across local, regional and global levels Develop a critical voice for assessment and evaluation Craft an ethos of life-long learning and active inquiry Uphold standards of academic integrity Partner with others for service to the broader community Comply with BISC regulations to ensure a harmonious setting for learning Be a responsible global citizen Engage with others to support and consolidate the BISC community Show consideration and respect to staff, faculty and fellow students Inform the BISC of any disability that may affect your opportunities as a student Act as worthy ambassadors for the BISC and your home university Contribute to governing social life through the Student Government and other student activities Cultivate a lifestyle that is sustainable and sensitive to the limits on resources Respect the Castle buildings, estate and grounds Table of Contents Table of Contents ......................................................................................................................... iii Sessional Dates.............................................................................................................................. 1 Fee Payment Schedule ............................................................................................................... 1 Fee Payment Methods ................................................................................................................ 3 Charges, Unpaid Fees, Deposits ............................................................................................. 4 Government Student Financial Assistance ............................................................................... 5 Registering for Your Courses........................................................................................................ 7 First-Year Students ..................................................................................................................... 7 Upper-Year and Law Students ................................................................................................ 7 After You Have Registered… .................................................................................................. 7 Academic Accommodations................................................................................................. 8 Documents .................................................................................................................................... 8 Passport ...................................................................................................................................... 8 Visas ............................................................................................................................................ 9 Additional Documentation ................................................................................................... 13 Health ........................................................................................................................................... 14 Medical Coverage and Services Offered in the UK .......................................................... 14 Medical Services Offered at the Castle .............................................................................. 16 Insurance.................................................................................................................................. 16 Pre-departure Preparations ................................................................................................... 18 Staying Healthy ....................................................................................................................... 20 Safety ........................................................................................................................................... 21 Culture Shock .............................................................................................................................. 23 Travel Arrangements .................................................................................................................. 26 Arrivals ...................................................................................................................................... 26 Departures ............................................................................................................................... 27 The Joy of Packing.................................................................................................................. 27 Arrival in the UK ........................................................................................................................... 31 Orientation ............................................................................................................................... 32 Getting Connected – Staying Connected............................................................................. 33 iii Support Services at the Castle.................................................................................................. 35 Academic Support ................................................................................................................. 35 Student Services, Housing, and Operations ........................................................................ 36 General Support ..................................................................................................................... 36 Privacy of Information ............................................................................................................ 36 Facilities at the Castle ................................................................................................................ 37 Computing............................................................................................................................... 37 The BISC Library ....................................................................................................................... 38 Musicians in Residence .......................................................................................................... 39 Residence and Meal Plan ......................................................................................................... 40 Rules and Regulations................................................................................................................ 41 Life at the Castle......................................................................................................................... 44 Field Studies & Optional Activities Overview ...................................................................... 44 Location and Transportation ................................................................................................. 46 Dollars and Cents, Pounds and Pence ................................................................................ 48 Additional Expenses ............................................................................................................... 50 Your Pre-Departure Checklist.................................................................................................... 52 Disclaimer .................................................................................................................................... 53 The Estate..................................................................................................................................... 54 Bader Hall Floor Plan .................................................................................................................. 55 Castle Floor Plan ......................................................................................................................... 56 iv Sessional Dates First-Year Program Fall Term 2015 Winter Term 2016 Arrival September 10 January 2 Classes Start September 14 January 4 Classes End December 3 March 24 Departure December 16 April 6 Upper-Year Program Summer 2015 Summer Field Schools 2015 Fall Term 2015 Winter Term 2016 Summer 2016 Summer Field Schools 2016 Arrival May 8 May 8 Classes Start May 11 May 11 Classes End June 18 Varies Departure June 20 Varies September 10 January 2 May 6 May 6 September 14 January 4 May 9 May 9 December 3 March 24 June 16 Varies December 16 April 6 June 18 Varies Global Law Program Summer Term 2015 Summer Term 2016 Arrival May 8 May 6 Classes Start May 11 May 9 Classes End June 25 June TBC Departure July 3 July 2 For a complete listing of 2015-16 sessional dates, including course add/drop dates, please visit the Office of the University Registrar under Sessional Dates. Fee Payment Schedule All BISC fees include: tuition, residence (double room), meal plan, field studies, access to all BISC facilities, regular trips to the libraries (and borrowing privileges) at the University of Sussex, regular banking/shopping trips to nearby towns, and transportation from and to Heathrow Airport on designated days. Some universities have made arrangements for their students to pay their BISC fees through their home university. If you will be paying your BISC fees through your home university, please contact your home university for payment deadlines and regulations. Important Note: Beginning Fall 2015, Queen’s University is moving to per-term billing for all students. For more information and FAQ’s, please visit Office of the University Registrar website. 1 First-Year Students The total program fee is $37,276. Fee Payment Amount Due Date $1000 (non-refundable deposit) Fall Term 2015 Winter Term 2016 Upon accepting your offer of admission 1 September 2015 10 January 2016 Upper-Year Students and Law Students Total program fees vary by term as follows: Term Program Fee Summer 2015 Global Law 2015 Summer Field Schools 2015 $9,201 $14,133 Vary by program/school see website for details $18,638 (*subject to change) $18,638 (*subject to change) TBD TBD Vary by program/school see website for details Fall 2015 Winter 2016 Summer 2016 Global Law 2016 Summer Specialized Programs and Field Schools 2016 The fee payment schedule is as follows: Fee Payment Amount $1,000 (non-refundable deposit) Balance of fees Due Date Upon accepting your offer of admission Before departure to the Castle (please see your admission letter for exact payment amount and due date) Supplemental Fee for Single Room 2 Term Program Fee Summer 2015 Summer Field Schools 2015 Fall 2015 or Winter 2016 Summer 2016 Summer Field Schools 2016 $400 $250 $600 $400 $250 Fee Payment Methods Important Notes Over-the-counter payments (for tuition) are NOT accepted at the Office of the University Registrar Queen’s University does not accept e-mail money transfers as offered by some financial institutions Payments within Canada 1. Internet, Telephone and ABM Banking Internet, telephone and ABM banking are available at all major financial institutions in Canada. Contact your financial institution to add Queen’s University to your Telephone, Internet, and ABM banking payee list. For further details, visit your financial institution’s website and the Queen’s Fee Payment Methods. Please be aware that it may take 2 to 4 days for your payment to reach your Queen’s student account. Please Note: Your Queen’s student number serves as the Queen’s account number to make your payment. Payments from outside Canada 1. Bank Wire Transfers Funds can be electronically transferred to Queen’s University, but you should be advised that aside from the initial bank, the receiving bank may impose an additional handling charge. The information required to wire funds is: Payable to Bank Address and Phone Number Bank Number Transit/Branch Number Account Number Swift Code or IBAN Code IBAN Code Routing Number IBAN Number Queen’s University Bank of Montreal 297 King Street East Kingston, Ontario, Canada K7L 3B3 +1 (613) 545-3005 001 00162 1046-122 BOFMCAM2 ABA026005092 00161046122 Please Note: Ensure that your name and Queen’s ID number are included in the wire transfer for proper processing of your payment. 2. By Mail This method of payment is only for students living outside Canada. Only money orders or bank drafts payable to Queen’s University will be accepted. 3 Please Note: Your name and Queen’s ID number must be clearly written on the front of the payment. Please allow extra time (approximately 2-3 weeks) for mailing and processing when using this method of payment. Please send payments to: Office of the University Registrar Records and Services Gordon Hall, 74 Union Street Queen’s University Kingston, Ontario, Canada K7L 3N6 3. Western Union For payments via Western Union’s ‘Quick Pay’ service, please refer to the Western Union Quick Pay Form. When making your choice, request the Quick Collect Rate (blue form) and then insert the following information Company Name: Queen’s University Locale / Code City: QUEENSUONTARIO, ON Account Number: Insert your Queen’s Student ID number Additional Notes Regarding Fee Payment You can view your Queen’s fee account online using SOLUS or print off a Queen’s Fee Statement on SOLUS Account statements and/or payment reminders will not be mailed In accordance with Queen’s Privacy Policy, students wishing to release financial and/or academic information to an individual, including a parent or guardian, or to an agency external to the University may request to do so on SOLUS. Unless authorization for release is given, financial and academic information will only be released to the student. (Parents: We cannot release any information to you about your student without their indicating so on SOLUS or without their written consent. For more information, please see Privacy of Information. Additional information regarding fee payment can be found on the University Registrar’s website under Tuition and Fees Charges, Unpaid Fees, Deposits Service Charges If your account balance is not paid, you will be assessed a service charge (prime + 3%) on any outstanding balance. Please refer to the Registrar’s website Administrative Fee Information for current and past service charge rates. 4 Unpaid Fees/Debts Outstanding accounts will be considered overdue and will be subject to the Senate policy governing overdue accounts: "Any student with an overdue debt with the University will not be permitted to register or to receive examination results, official transcripts, or marks reports until the outstanding account is settled in full or until an acceptable arrangement for settling the account is made by the department(s) concerned. In no case will a diploma be released to a student with an outstanding debt with the University." The Student Fee Account and SOLUS Fee Summary Your fee account is the account to which all tuition and related fees are charged and all bank payments are credited. Up to date tuition and residence fee balances are available online through SOLUS. Outstanding accounts with other departments of the University (e.g., Library) are also shown on the SOLUS fee account. The responsibility for knowing the current account balance showing on SOLUS rests with each student. Additional Notes The BISC tuition deposit is non-refundable: $1,000 CAD Fall/Winter $1,000 CAD Summer and Summer Field Schools BISC room and board charges are calculated per diem to date of departure Government Student Financial Assistance Special arrangements for government funding may be required should be made before you travel to the Castle. Please contact the Student Awards Office at Queen’s University at least one month prior to departure for more information. Canadian Government Student Assistance The federal and provincial/territorial governments provide needs-based government student financial assistance to Canadian citizens, permanent residents and protected persons. Students apply for government assistance through the province/territory they reside (not the province where they will be attending university). Out-of-Province Student Assistance Special arrangements for receiving government funding may be required before you travel to the Castle. Please contact the Student Awards Office at Queen’s University at least one month prior to departure for more information. Once your government funding is approved, you will receive instructions from your province/territory regarding how to proceed. Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) OSAP funding will be delivered to Ontario students by electronic funds transfer (EFT) once your OSAP application is complete. We recommend you complete your OSAP student financial aid application by early July to ensure your funding is available at the start of your study period. Ensure you have provided consent on your OSAP application if you want someone other than yourself to interact with Queen’s regarding your OSAP. 5 Please contact the Student Awards Office at Queen’s University at least one month prior to departure to go over your OSAP application and validate that all documentation is complete. OSAP funding will be deposited directly into the student’s bank account (generally in two separate instalments; after the beginning of fall and winter terms) once confirmation of the student’s enrolment has been provided by Queen’s. United States – Direct Loan Program Queen’s University participates in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program, in which US citizens or eligible US non-citizens may apply for Federal loans directly from the US Department of Education. The Federal School code for Queen's University is G06679. Bursaries First Year Applicants In addition to the Admission Scholarships open to all incoming undergraduate first year Queen’s students, the Tricolour Bursary is available to incoming Queen's students who chose to undertake their first year of studies at the BISC. In order to be considered for a Tricolour Bursary students must submit an Admission Bursary application. There is no separate application for the Tricolour Bursary; by indicating that you will be participating in the First Year Program at the BISC on the Admission Bursary application, you will be automatically considered for the Tricolour Bursary. The application can be submitted as soon as you apply to Queen's. We recommend you apply by the date posted on the Admission Bursary application and no later than your admission response deadline. Note: Queen’s admission bursaries (including the Tricolour Bursary) are based on an assessment of financial need and applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of Canada. Queen’s students attending the first year program at Queen’s receive their bursary funding for the upcoming year at the BISC on admission to Queen’s, and therefore, will not receive any further general bursary assistance for their 1st year. Upper Year Applicants Awards and bursaries are available to students who choose to attend the BISC in their second or subsequent year of study. The objective of the bursary program is to assist students who demonstrate financial need by meeting a portion of their basic costs for attending the BISC. As part of the assessment for a Queen's BISC Bursary, there is an emphasis on assisting those students who have and continue to demonstrate need over and above the maximum funding available through government student financial assistance. All domestic students (Canadian citizens and permanent residents) must be accessing government student financial assistance in order to be considered for BISC bursary assistance. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Office of the University Registrar – Student Awards Queen’s University Telephone: 613-533-2216 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.queensu.ca/studentawards 6 Registering for Your Courses First-Year Students BISC SOAR runs alongside the main Arts and Science SOAR program and is designed to help firstyear BISC students prepare for the transition from high school to university studies at the BISC. You will find out how to register for your courses on SOLUS (Queen’s Student OnLine University System) and receive information that you will need for your upcoming international study experience. The event is also an opportunity to meet your fellow first-year classmates and some of the BISC faculty and staff, as well as relevant resources on main campus. Information about BISC SOAR and registration will be sent to you via e-mail. Registration will be done on-line through the Student Experience Office website. Please check your e-mail regularly for details. If you are unable to attend BISC SOAR, it is essential that you contact the Office of the University Registrar, Undergraduate Admission at Queen's University to arrange a telephone advising appointment in order to register for your courses. Upper-Year and Law Students A BISC representative in the admission office will register each student into your chosen courses. No additional steps are required to register in your courses. Queen’s Students: If you are attending the Castle for the fall or winter term and plan to enrol in courses on the Kingston campus for the alternate term, you will need to follow the standard procedure for registering in courses on the Kingston campus. After You Have Registered… 1. Make Your Minimum Fee Payment To complete the registration process, you must comply with the fee payment schedule noted on page 18. If you will be paying your Castle fees through your home university, you should consult a study abroad advisor at your home university for information regarding fee payment and deadlines. 2. Adding and Dropping Courses Upper-year students wishing to change their courses can do so by contacting Rita Foley ([email protected]) at Queen’s University. If you attend a university other than Queen’s, you should consult an academic advisor at your home university before changing courses for which you have received prior approval to take at the Castle. The deadlines for pre-term course changes are: Summer 2015 Fall 2015 Winter 2016 Summer 2016 April 3, 2015 July 23, 2015 November 21, 2015 April 1, 2016 Every effort will be made to ensure that courses requested by the appropriate date are scheduled so that your timetable will be free of conflicts. If you wish to change your courses after the published dates listed above, you may do so upon arrival at the Castle during the designated add/drop periods. 7 Academic Accommodations If you are a new Queen’s student with a learning disability requiring academic accommodation (i.e., a note taker, extra time for exams, access to a computer, etc.) you should contact Queen’s Disability Services and arrange for an appointment with the Learning Disabilities Strategist in the summer prior to your arrival at the Castle. Disability Services will issue you with documentation which you should then forward to the Student and Enrolment Services Manager ([email protected]) at the Castle prior to your arrival. If you are an upper-year Queen’s student requiring academic accommodation, you should contact the Learning Strategist at Disability Services prior to your departure and arrange for any relevant documentation to be forwarded to the Student and Enrolment Services Manager ([email protected]) at the Castle prior to your arrival. If you are a non-Queen’s student requiring academic accommodation, you should arrange for documentation from your home institution to be forwarded to the Student and Enrolment Services Manager ([email protected]) at the Castle prior to your arrival in the UK. Please send an original copy of verification of your registration with your Disability Services Office (DSO) and a list of any accommodations. Please do not send original medical documentation to the BISC for the purpose of obtaining academic accommodations such as a letter from your physician, psychiatrist, or other supporting documentation such psycho-educational assessments. Please note this information is not automatically forwarded to the BISC from the DSO. At the start of the course it may be helpful to identify yourself to your instructor. The choice to disclose your disability is entirely yours. Your instructor will need to know if you require classroom accommodations, but you are not obligated to disclose the reason for requiring accommodations. Keep in mind, however, that the more your instructors understand about your abilities, the more effectively they can adapt their teaching methods to suit your needs. You may also wish to invite your instructor to let them know if they require any additional information about how to make these accommodations work. Final exam accommodations are arranged directly via Student Services and Administration. Documents Before you leave for the Castle it is your responsibility to ensure that all of your documents are in order. Although staff at Queen’s University and the BISC is pleased to help with information about travel documents, it is the sole responsibility of each student to obtain all necessary travel documents. Passport Do you have one? Yes: If you have a passport, it is recommended that it be valid for at least 6 months past your expected date of return to your home country. You should not begin your travel with a passport that will expire during your trip or shortly thereafter. To avoid experiencing difficulties while 8 travelling, we recommend that you obtain a new passport before leaving if there is any possibility of expiry while abroad. No: If you do not currently have a passport, or need to obtain a new one, apply as soon as possible! Application wait times can vary greatly depending on citizenship, place of residency, and time of year. This is also a good time to have additional passport photographs taken, as you may eventually need extras for various other items. It is a good idea to keep a photocopy of your passport and make an additional copy to leave with your emergency contact. If you lose your passport, a photocopy makes it much easier and quicker to replace. Visas There have been problems in the past with students who did not apply for their visa in time and were days late in arriving at the Castle. If you are required to apply for a visa before departing for the UK, it is in your best interest to start the application process promptly. Do I need a visa to study in the UK? The answer depends on your citizenship, your place of residency, the length of your stay at the Castle, and any plans you may have to extend your stay in the UK. If You Will Be Studying at the Castle for Less Than 6 Months Many students who study at the Castle for less than 6 months are able to enter the United Kingdom as a student visitor. To demonstrate that you have been accepted on a course of study at an educational establishment that is on the Register of Education and Training Providers, the BISC will issue you a Letter of Attendance (LOA) prior to your departure to the UK. You will be required to present your LOA at customs control upon arrival in the UK, so make sure that it is not packed in your checked luggage! You should keep your LOA tucked inside your passport and have these items on your person at all times when travelling. Student visitor visa/entry-clearance is issued for a maximum of six months. Visa nationals You must apply for entry clearance before you travel to the UK. You should carry all of the documents that you submitted with your entry clearance application when travelling to the UK. You may be asked for these documents when you arrive in the UK. A list of visa nationals can be found at http://bit.ly/1nlhULG on pages 2-5. Non-visa nationals You can apply for entry clearance in advance of travelling, or at the port of entry to the UK. You will need to produce all the documents to support your application when you arrive at the port of entry to the UK. It is important that you ask to be admitted as a Student Visitor (rather than as a General visitor) and ask that the stamp in your passport indicates you are a student visitor. If you obtain entry clearance as a student visitor before travelling, you should carry all of the 9 documents that you submitted with your entry clearance application when travelling to the UK. You may be asked for these documents when you arrive in the UK. For more information about entering the UK as a student visitor, please see the UK Visas and Immigration website at https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa. Please note: If you plan to work or extend your stay in the UK, or if you are a visa national, even if you are studying at the Castle for less than 6 months you will be required to obtain a Tier 4 (General) Student Visa before you arrive in the UK (see below). A list of visa nationals can be found on the UK Visas and Immigration website at https://www.gov.uk/tier-4-general-visa. If You Will Be Studying at the Castle for More Than 6 Months If you will be studying at the Castle for a period greater than 6 months, unless you are able to travel under a valid passport issued by an EU member country, you will be required to obtain a Tier 4 Student Visa before arriving in the UK. See https://www.gov.uk/tier-4-general-visa for further details. NEW PROCEDURE Owing to recent changes in UK legislation you are required to pay a healthcare surcharge. Please visit https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application/pay for more information. Note that you must make the payment before you submit or send your visa or immigration application (or book an appointment at a premium service centre). Find out more about the healthcare surcharge in the Health section of this handbook. The BISC will issue you an official Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) which you will be required to submit in support of your visa application. You must wait to receive this confirmation from the BISC before submitting your visa application. Please do not submit your admission letter from Queen’s University in lieu of your CAS; if you do so, your visa application will be refused. Here are a few very important additional notes about applying for your visa: 10 The earliest you can apply for a Tier 4 (General) Student visa is 3 months before the start date of the course. As of April 2015, the cost of the Tier 4 (General) Student Visa is £322 (approximately $590 CAD). It may take several weeks (perhaps longer) for your visa to be issued, so it is strongly recommended that you begin the application process at least three months in advance of your expected arrival date in the UK. You will be required to submit biometric data in the form of digital finger scans and a digital photograph. You will be required to enrol your biometric in-person at your nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC) before your application can be processed. Canadian students, please note that the only Canadian VACs are located in Edmonton, Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver (mobile clinics are located in Halifax and St. John’s, but availability of appointments at these locations is extremely limited). You may be required to show UK Visas and Immigration that you have enough money to pay your course fees and living costs. The preferred forms of documentation are outlined on the UK Visas and Immigration website. You will be required to submit your passport with your visa application. If you are planning any travel in the months leading up to your studies at the Castle, please take this into consideration as you will be without your passport for a period of 1-2 weeks (perhaps longer) while your visa application is being processed. NEW PROCEDURE Successful applicants will no longer be issued a visa in their passport, but will be issued with a vignette in their passport which is valid for 30 days from the date you indicated as your intended travel date in your visa application. The vignette is proof only of your permission to enter the UK and will allow you to travel to the UK. If you do not travel to the UK within this 30 day period, your visa will expire and you will need to apply for another 30 day visa. You will have to pay a fee for this. Your full leave conditions are contained on your biometric residence permit which you must collect within 10 days of arrival in the UK. When you attend the Post Office branch to collect your biometric residence permit you must bring with you the passport or travel document which contains your 30 day visa. You should also bring your decision letter with you. The BISC will make arrangements to enable you to collect your BRP within the specified timeframe. UK legislation requires students to register the details of the BRP with the BISC. The BISC suggests that students read these guidance notes: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/41827 1/v_9_overseas_BRP_leaflet.pdf. Websites with helpful information about applying for your UK visa: UK Visas and Immigration WorldBridge Service The British High Commission in Canada The British Embassy in the United States Overseas Visa Application Centres In the unfortunate event the passport bearing your visa is lost or stolen, having your visa reissued will be much easier if you: Retain a copy of your original online application and supporting documents, along with the subsequent email confirmation from the British High Commission indicating that your visa is being issued and mailed. Retain a photocopy of the passport page with the visa on it. Visa Conditions It is a condition of your Tier 4 leave that you study full-time at the Tier 4 sponsor institution that issued your CAS, and whose Tier 4 sponsor license number is therefore printed on your vignette or BRP (Biometric Residence Permit). 11 You must attend all classes. UK Visas and Immigration requires the BISC to report any student missing 10 or more consecutive learning contacts. Examples of expected contacts include: attending formal academic or pastoral care activities including: o a lesson, lecture, tutorial or seminar; o a test, examination or assessment board; o a meeting with a supervisor or personal tutor; o a research-method or research-panel meeting; o an oral examination; o an appointment with a welfare adviser or international student adviser; submitting; o assessed or unassessed coursework; or o an interim dissertation, coursework or report; and o registration (for enrolment or matriculation). Visa refusals The visa process is an application - and sometimes applications can be refused. If you use a BISC CAS and your visa application is refused, you must let us know so that we can give you further advice on what to do. Please email [email protected]. Visa refusal outside of the UK If your visa is refused outside of the UK, you will be sent a standard notification that your application has been refused. The notification will detail why the visa officer has not granted your visa. It will also detail if and how you can submit an administrative review - a process by which the original application can be reconsidered. For information and advice on what to do if your visa is refused, please send an email, briefly summarising the details of the application you made and attaching a scan of the refusal notice to the email to: [email protected]. Visa refusal from within UK If your visa has been refused from an application made in the UK, you will be sent a decision letter with your application. You should carefully read the notice of decision because it will explain why your visa has been refused and whether you have the right of appeal. There is a deadline for appeal and it is important that you seek advice immediately you know that you have been refused. Contact us at [email protected]. Schengen Visas If you are travelling on a passport issued by a country other than Canada, the United States, or an EU member country you may require a Schengen Visa to participate in field studies to some countries in Continental Europe. Please contact the BISC Administration Office if you are unsure (Tel: +44 1323 834444; E-mail: [email protected]). Depending on your semester of study you may wish to apply for this visa before arrival in the UK. ***All Students Please Note: If you plan to travel before or after your studies at the Castle it is your responsibility to ensure that your UK visa (or your status as a student visitor) remains valid. It is also your responsibility to determine if you require travel documents for any other countries 12 through which you are travelling (transit visas) or planning to visit. Contact the embassy, or consulate, of any country through which you may be travelling, or planning to visit, and ask them about their country’s visa requirements. Residence, Health Additional Documentation 1. Letter of Attendance After you have paid your fees, and shortly before your departure to the United Kingdom, you will receive a Letter of Attendance (LOA) issued by the BISC. This letter is mailed to you, so please be sure that your mailing address is up to date in SOLUS. Be sure to bring your LOA with you. It is your proof of purpose in Britain, certifying your attendance at the BISC, and you should be prepared to present it at customs when you arrive in England. You should keep your LOA tucked inside your passport and have these items on your person at all times when travelling. 2. Money You must have proof of financial responsibility when you enter the UK. Ensure that you are carrying at least £30 in cash when you arrive. You should also have a credit card, and/or a bank debit card and/or traveller’s cheques, with you when you arrive. 3. Power of Attorney Will your OSAP or other loan or tax forms become due while you are overseas? Will you need someone to keep up to date with your banking? If so, it is very important that you arrange for a Power of Attorney before you leave. This gives your representative the authority to sign forms on your behalf. If you don’t think this is important, please reconsider! Many students and parents have commented on how useful this step was. If your signature will be needed for any official or legal document while you are away, you should make arrangements for a Power of Attorney. This gives a responsible person (your parents/guardian or emergency contact are usually the best option) authority to act on your behalf. Please remember that Queen’s University is unable to discuss academic or financial matters with any person acting on your behalf unless you have provided their full name in the “release of information” section on SOLUS. 4. Income Taxes If you are out of the country during tax season and you have earnings from the previous year which you are required to declare for income tax purposes, you should contact the Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate in your host country for information on your tax obligations. Canadian students, please note that a brochure on taxation while abroad is available for reference. Also, please note that Tuition, Education and Textbook Amount Certificates -- T2202As can be printed directly from SOLUS and will not be mailed. You will be notified via email when T2202As are available for download. 5. Dual Citizenship Dual citizenship means that you are considered a citizen of more than one country. Find out whether you, or any family members, are citizens of another country before you leave. Some countries may claim you as a citizen if you were born there, if one of your parents is a citizen, or if you are considered a citizen under that country’s laws. 13 There are privileges to having dual citizenship, such as being able to work or study in some countries without having to get a visa; however, there may also be unpleasant surprises. If you are considered a national you may be compelled to do military service or pay special taxes. You should also note that you may be allowed entrance into a country under one passport but not the other, or may be required to obtain a visa for entrance under one passport but not the other. If you do run into problems because of your dual citizenship, contact the Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate in your host country immediately. 6. Student Cards You should purchase an International Student Identity Card (ISIC) before you leave home. The ISIC entitles students to discounts on such things as travel and admission to various attractions, galleries, museums, and parks. Please visit the ISIC website to find out where you can buy your ISIC card. When you apply for your ISIC you will be required to submit a passport size colour photograph. You may also purchase an ISIC through Merit-Odyssey Travel (Tel.: +1 (613) 549-3553), a Kingtonbases travel provider. If you decide to book your flights through Merit-Odyssey Travel they will send you further information about the ISIC. The ISIC is good for one calendar year (January-December); therefore, if you will be at the BISC for a full academic year (September to April) you may need to get a new ISIC for January. New applications are available in the fall of each year. Health Medical Coverage and Services Offered in the UK Healthcare Surcharge NEW PROCEDURE Owing to recent changes in legislation students studying on a Tier 4 visa are required to pay a healthcare surcharge. Please visit https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigrationapplication/pay for more information. Note that you must make the payment before you submit or send your visa or immigration application (or book an appointment at a premium service centre). The non-refundable healthcare surcharge must be paid by students studying at the BISC on a Tier 4 visa. The current cost of the surcharge is £150 for students. Payment of the surcharge enables you to access the National Health Service (NHS) in the same way as a permanent UK resident. Payment may be required for some services such as dental treatment and eye tests. NEW PROCEDURE Regulation changes will mean that from April 2015, non EEA visitors who come to the UK for less than 6 months (i.e., students in the Fall or Winter or Summer terms) who use the NHS will be charged 150% of the cost of any medical treatment they receive. 14 It is therefore recommended that this group possesses adequate travel and health insurance to be able to reclaim any costs. NHS Overview The United Kingdom has a two-tiered health care system consisting of the publicly-funded National Health Service (NHS) and the private sector. The NHS affords free access to a general practitioner (GP) who will advise on, and prescribe for, general ailments, and who will make referrals to specialists as necessary. You can find out more about the NHS and the types of services and treatments it covers at http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/AboutNHSservices/Pages/NHSServices.aspx. If you are studying at the BISC for more than 6 months you are eligible for enrolment in the National Health Service, and will be shown how to complete your registration during Orientation. Prescriptions You can get free NHS prescriptions if, at the time the prescription is dispensed, you are 16-18 and in full-time education; in other cases the prescription charge is typically £8.05. If you need to access the services below then medicines are free: Medicines administered at a hospital or an NHS walk-in centre. Medicines personally administered by a GP. Medicines supplied at a hospital or Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) clinic for the treatment of a sexually transmitted infection or tuberculosis. Most types of contraception are available for free in the UK. Contraception is free to all women and men through the NHS. Places where you can get contraception include: most GP surgeries – talk to your GP or practice nurse community contraception clinics some genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics sexual health clinics – they also offer contraceptive and STI testing services some young people's services (call the Sexual Health Line on 0300 123 7123 for more information) Dental Care The NHS also covers some dental services and treatments which can be found at http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcosts/Pages/Dentalcosts.aspx and http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/985.aspx?CategoryID=74. You must be registered with the NHS to access these services. Eyecare Some groups of patients are entitled to free NHS sight tests and optical vouchers to help with the cost of glasses or contact lenses. Patients who are not eligible for NHS sight tests will pay privately for a sight test. Typically, students under the age of 19 and in full-time education qualify for coverage. You must be registered with the NHS to access these services. See http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcosts/Pages/Eyecarecosts.aspx for more information. 15 Private Care The private sector is accessed through a GP, but allows a patient to see a specialist quickly and usually in a private clinic or hospital. Payment for this kind of treatment is usually requested at regular intervals during a course of treatment or shortly thereafter. For information regarding access to hospital and primary care, as well NHS charges and exemptions please see Guidance on overseas visitors’ hospital charging regulations. If you do receive medical attention overseas, get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions you received while travelling. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes. Medical Services Offered at the Castle Physical Health During the fall and winter terms, the Castle offers a weekly clinic on Mondays from 12:00pm1:00pm staffed by doctors from the local Herstmonceux Integrative Health Centre. Drop-in appointments are available, but it is preferable to book your appointment in at advance Bader Reception. The clinic takes place in a specially fitted room in Bader Hall. Students may also book appointments at the surgery in the village. Mental Health During the fall and winter terms, the BISC has a registered counsellor on-site twice a week for students to access free of charge. Students may either self-refer or ask for a referral from Student Services. Counselling is offered by Steve Clifford, a Senior Accredited Counsellor/Psychotherapist and Accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist (www.stevecliffordcbt.com). We also run stress busters during exam season, and deliver events such as mindfulness workshops, yoga, and meditation. Insurance While all students can access the National Health Service (see above), it is very important to ensure you have adequate international medical insurance to guarantee optimal health care for yourself and to protect you from significant financial problems while abroad. Insurance is particularly important for travel outside the UK, medical expenses in the UK and/or healthcare costs not covered by the NHS including repatriation. The following information should provide you with the relevant details you will need in order to ensure that you have adequate medical coverage while at the Castle. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have adequate health insurance for the duration of your studies at the BISC, as well as for any extra travel you will be doing Students Normally Residing in Canada Canadian supplementary health insurance plans typically require that you be covered by a provincial/territorial government health plan or the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) as a basic primary health plan. If you do not have basic coverage under one of these plans you are normally ineligible for a supplementary health plan, even if you have been enrolled in one. It is 16 your responsibility to ensure that you are covered by a provincial/territorial government health plan or the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) and have adequate supplementary health insurance that covers international travel. It is your responsibility to ensure that you remain fully covered by your provincial/territorial health insurance program or UHIP for the entire time you will be out of the country. Failure to do so may result in loss of coverage. Please contact the Ministry of Health in your home province/territory about your primary plan or the Queen’s University International Centre (QUIC) for UHIP support. Please note: If your health card has an expiry date which falls during your time abroad, you should contact your health care provider to request a new card. If your health card expires while you are abroad, you may have difficulty receiving medical care or you may find that your supplementary medical coverage is no longer valid. Some Canadian Residents may be required to notify their ministry of health about absences from the country that exceed a certain number of days. If you fail to do so you may have trouble with health care coverage upon your return. All Students The level of coverage you need depends on the circumstances of your personal and/or family health history, your intended activities, and your travel destinations. When considering supplementary health insurance, the following plan features are critical to the quality of coverage: Continuous coverage before departure and after return Coverage renewable from abroad and for the maximum period of stay 24-hour emergency contact telephone number (with translation services for health care providers in the host country who may not speak your language) Medical evacuation costs covered Hospitalization coverage for illness or accident Coverage for doctor’s appointments and prescription medicines Direct payment of bills abroad by health care provider Coverage of pre-existing medical conditions Deductible costs. These may be quoted in dollars (e.g. $100 per claim or $200 per term of policy) or as co-insurance requiring a shared percentage of the total bill (plans with 100% coverage are more expensive but may save you considerable cost in case of serious illness or an accident) Repatriation of remains Lifetime maximum for medical expenses due to accident or illness and hospitalization Ambulance and emergency transportation Exclusions which significantly limit coverage during your desired travel or sojourn abroad (ensure all regions and countries of travel are covered) Health Insurance Offered through Queen’s University As with the purchase of any health insurance plan, we strongly recommend that you carefully review the policy to ensure it offers an appropriate level of coverage, including adequate international coverage, based on your own health context, planned activities and travel plans. First-Year and Upper-Year Students Regardless of your home institution, you are eligible for supplementary medical coverage through the Queen’s University Alma Mater Society. Upper-year Queen’s students are automatically enrolled in the AMS health plan, unless they opt out. First-year students must 17 contact the AMS directly to enrol in their supplementary health plan. All non-Queen’s students must contact the AMS to enrol. Please note: The AMS insurance policy is effective September 1 to August 31 annually, and is normally reviewed during the spring/summer period by the AMS to determine if changes to the carrier or level of coverage will be made. For information pertaining to the AMS health plan, including information about premiums and opting in/out, please visit the AMS website or contact them directly at 613-533-3001 or [email protected]. Law Students If you are a graduate or professional student currently registered at Queen’s you are eligible for the Society for Graduate and Professional Students health plan. For additional information pertaining to the SGPS health plan, including information about premiums and opting in/out, please visit the their website at www.sgps.ca or contact them directly at 613-533-2924 or [email protected]. International Students on a Student Visa Attending Queen’s University If you are an international student registered at Queen’s University who will be attending the Castle for a term or year, and if you will be purchasing the AMS supplementary health plan, you must also enrol in the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP). These two plans, UHIP (a primary plan) + the AMS supplementary health plan, work together to provide coverage for outside of Canada. International Students Attending the Castle Directly from Their Country of Citizenship and Canadian Citizens Living Abroad If you are an international student spending a term at the Castle from a non-Canadian university, or if you are a Canadian citizen living abroad, you should check your medical insurance to ensure it is adequate. If it is not, you should inquire in your country of residence about additional international medical coverage. Both UHIP and AMS health plans (see above) are available from Queen's upon request for the duration of your studies abroad. For further information pertaining to UHIP, or to enrol, please contact the UHIP office at: UHIP Office, Queen’s University International Centre (QUIC) John Deutsch University Centre Queens University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada K7L3N6 Tel: +1 (613) 533-2604 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://quic.queensu.ca/international-students-and-staff/health-insurance-andcare/uhip/ Additional information about health and medical coverage for international study/work/travel can be found online at the Queen’s University International Centre’s (QUIC) website. Pre-departure Preparations Making adequate pre-departure preparations, knowing what health and safety risks are involved where you are, and seeking sound medical advice will help you to stay healthy while abroad. 18 The best way to handle health problems is to try and avoid them in the first place. Prevention is the easiest and safest method of maintaining health while travelling and there are a number of things you can do to greatly decrease your chances of becoming ill. Before departing for the UK, your first step should be to contact a health care provider to discuss your health and upcoming sojourn abroad. We recommend that you get a full medical and dental check-up before heading to the BISC. You should also consult your doctor to make sure that your routine immunizations and vaccinations are up to date. If you weren't exposed to certain diseases as a child, or weren't immunized, you could be at an increased risk. Depending on your immunization history you may require specific immunizations before entering the United Kingdom and Continental Europe. You should check with your local health unit or physician for current recommendations and requirements. Diabetics, those carrying an EpiPen and other people who require routine, or frequent, injections may wish to carry a supply of syringes and needles sufficient to last their stay abroad. Take a note from your doctor explaining that you require the syringes for medical reasons. Also check with your airline regarding any restrictions in carrying these items in your baggage. Medication and Prescriptions If you require regular injections or medication, be sure to check with your physician for any recommendations concerning your welfare while abroad. Some students may find that UKequivalent drugs will be suitable for their condition; your doctor should be able to research this for you. Other students may be on a particular regime or may, for various reasons, not wish to change the drugs they are taking. In this case, you may wish to ask your doctor for a prescription that will cover you for a semester at a time. If you regularly take any non-prescription medications, you should be aware that they may not be available in the UK (e.g. Tylenol) or may not be approved. Consult with the British High Commission before departing for the Castle to ask about any laws or restrictions regarding your particular prescription and non-prescription medication. All medication should be kept in its original labelled bottle. If there is an addictive ingredient in any of your medications, you should have a letter from your physician detailing the problem and the generic name of the medicine. If you wear eyeglasses or contact lenses, you may wish to take a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to replace your eyewear. If you have diabetes, allergies or any other condition that may require emergency attention, carry identification (a tag, bracelet or card) on your person at all times, indicating the specific nature of the problem and what should or should not be done if you are unable to communicate this information yourself. You may also want to create an allergy card in a number of languages to help you identify your allergy while you travel. More information about such a card can be found at Allergy Translation. Please ensure that you inform the Castle staff of your individual health concerns and needs. Women’s Health The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada publishes a booklet Her Own Way: A Woman’s Safe-Travel Guide, which we highly recommend. 19 Differently-abled Travellers Students with disabilities can and do study all over the world. However, studying abroad can still present additional challenges. For example, on field studies wheelchair ramps are not always a given and accessible washrooms can be difficult to find. Crowded sidewalks, crosswalks, and public places are not always friendly to those who have visual, hearing, or other physical disabilities, which require special assistance/facilities. Special learning technologies and provisions may not be available or not as readily accessible. You may also find that attitudes and perceptions regarding disabilities and accommodations may differ. Mobility International is an American organization specializing in educational travel for students with disabilities and provides a wealth of resources for you to research your specific needs. You may want to check out these other websites as well: Canadian Transportation Agency Disability Travel and Recreation Resources Please ensure that you inform Castle staff of any special needs. This is important not only with respect to your stay at the Castle, but also with respect to the various field studies in which you will be taking part. Allergies, Medical Conditions, and Accommodations Please indicate any allergies, medical conditions, or accommodations on the Residence Form. We do not have the capacity to accommodate ailments such as common allergies, asthma, migraines or anxiety that is not diagnosed as a pre-existing condition. If you require special accommodation or have concerns that are personal and unique to your situation, then please let us know. The BISC is committed to academic equity and to ensuring that that all students receive the support they need to fully engage in the program. Staying Healthy Just as at home, maintaining mental and physical wellness while overseas will keep you energized and help prevent illness. Finding time for regular exercise and other activities you enjoy will help you to stay healthy – mentally and physically – during your sojourn abroad. Managing Stress Living away from home can cause mental and emotional stress that may have physiological consequences. Common signs of stress include: feelings of loneliness, sadness or isolation, increased anxiety over small details, difficulty concentrating, recurring illness, withdrawal, denial, depression, and excessive eating, drinking or smoking. All of these difficulties can have severe health consequences. It is important to recognize these symptoms in order to handle them effectively. Here are some helpful tips to combat the effects of stress: 20 Explore your new home and learn your way around as soon as possible. Talk or write to your parents, siblings or friends about things that are going well for you. Arrange for a change of scenery by taking a weekend off, planning a short holiday or visiting friends. Get involved by learning the local customs, participating in cultural activities or performing volunteer work. Leave enough time for leisure activities, exercise and relaxation. Avoid getting bogged down in endless homework. Maintain a sense of humour. Remember why you’re there. Maintain a journal to help you keep a realistic check on your expectations. Ask for help! You may just be in need of a skilled listener such as a friend, professor or doctor. The challenges encountered overseas will demand high levels of physical and emotional wellbeing, and taking care of yourself is the best way to overcome those challenges. Leaving Loved Ones Behind Living abroad can have an impact on personal relationships. Be prepared for the changes that may occur. Consider some coping strategies to help you handle changing relationships. Think about potential changes in your relationships with your parents, siblings, close friends and/or partner. How will you keep in touch with them? Close relationships take time and effort to maintain. Though you may be busy, it is important to nourish your roots at home. This will ease your transition to your new environment and make your return home less awkward. Besides traditional letter writing and phone calls, you could design a personal website, start your own blog, or stay in touch via instant messaging, Facebook, Twitter, Skype, etc. It might also be a good idea to give your loved ones (i.e.: parents!) a lesson on how to use some of these things before you leave. Safety Going abroad brings with it certain risks and responsibilities. Being an informed traveller can help to minimize certain hazards, but cannot prevent all accidents. This handbook, the additional online resources offered by the Queen’s University International Centre, as well as the support you receive from the Castle staff will help to minimize the risks to your safety and well-being, and help you make well-informed choices before, during and after your sojourn abroad. However, in the event an emergency does occur there are certain structures in place to help you. You should know about these before you leave and discuss them with your advisor and parents/emergency contacts. In the event of an emergency while you are abroad, you should know the steps to take in order to obtain help. Please ensure that you use the resources in this handbook and on the QUIC website to assist you in assessing the possible risks associated with your studies abroad. Be sure that any contact information you provide to your parents or emergency contact is kept up to date and accurate. When you arrive at the Castle, the staff there will also provide you with instructions about what to do in the event of an emergency. The Emergency Support Program (ESP) To further support you in the event of an emergency Queen’s University International Centre has developed the Emergency Support Program (ESP). Students attending the Castle are required to create a low-risk activity record in the Off-campus Activity Safety Policy (OCASP) on-line planning tool, prior to departure. This record can be accessed and used by the Emergency Support Program to assist you while abroad. Completion of this record requires you to participate in the Queen’s pre-departure orientation (included in the on-line process noted above) and to read and understand the information contained in this handbook. You are asked to enrol at least 3 weeks prior to your departure for the Castle. When completing your OCASP record, you will be given the opportunity to appoint one or two designated emergency contacts. In the event of an emergency, Queen’s University can 21 contact that person(s) on your behalf. You should be sure to inform your designated emergency contacts about this. To create a low-risk record in the OCASP system, you will require a Queen’s NetID. All Queen’s students should already have a NetID (your NetID is the first part of your Queen’s email address; if your email address is [email protected], your NetID is 1abc2). If you do not have a Queen’s NetID, follow these steps to obtain one: 1. Read the Queen's University Computer User Code of Ethics. 2. Go to Manage my Profile a. Under “Students” select “Activate your NetID” and follow the steps b. You will need your Queen’s ID number, which appears on your BISC Admission Letter. 3. Record your Queen’s NetID and password in a safe place. You will never be asked by Queen’s University and/or the BISC for your password. 4. To protect your information, close the web browser window once you have recorded your NetID and password. You are responsible for any actions taken with your NetID, so guard your password carefully and change it frequently. You can change your NetID password at Manage my Profile. Before you leave for the Castle you will receive an Emergency Contact Card from Queen’s University. The information contained on this card can also be accessed online at Your Safety Abroad. If you are in need of emergency support while abroad this card will allow you or someone acting on your behalf to contact Queen’s 24 hours a day, seven days a week, collect. The emergency contact card is valid until August 31st of the academic year in which you are studying/working/travelling abroad. In case of an emergency, once you have sought incountry emergency attention, contact should be made with Queen’s Campus Security, through the Emergency Contact Card. The telephone number is +1 (613) 533-6111 and, as noted above, collect calls will be accepted. Calling the emergency number will initiate the emergency protocol at Queen’s University, which will aim to support you in dealing with the emergency at hand in an efficient and effective manner, and with the interests of you and your family as the top priority. While we do not anticipate that you will face an emergency situation, you should make yourself aware of the following: 22 The name of the contact person(s) at the BISC responsible for coordinating emergency support. The location and contact information of the local police and other local emergency support services (e.g. the equivalent numbers to “911”) The Emergency Contact Number for Queen’s University, provided on the Emergency Contact Card (+1 (613) 533-6111). Contact information for your travel providers (e.g. airline, bus company, etc.) as well as information regarding changing/obtaining tickets in the host country. Address and telephone number of the Embassy for your home country. Direct Access Telephone Numbers for your home country can be found on Canada Direct Local contacts for support (friends, other Castle students) Itinerary for departing host country (leave copies with local and family contacts) Emergency contact information for family and friends at home Alternative contact in the event your primary emergency cannot be reached Insurance (review your health insurance for implications of civil unrest; purchase trip cancellation insurance; ensure your insurance information is readily accessible; know the relevant phone numbers for your policy; know how to access your insurance from abroad) Monitor the World News Queen’s University makes every effort to monitor conditions in the regions where students are studying/working/travelling abroad and we strongly encourage you to do the same. Emergency Support Program participants normally are informed by Queen’s, via email, of emergency circumstances that may directly or indirectly impact their health or safety. The following list will assist you in keeping abreast of what is happening in your host country. Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada CBC News CNN News BBC News Register with the Embassy You are strongly encouraged to register with your home country’s embassy in the UK. Canadians can register online at the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada. If you are in a situation that declines to the point your welfare is threatened, you should: Contact the local authorities for assistance Speak with the contact person at the Castle Contact your local embassy for assistance Contact Queen’s Security using the number on their Emergency Contact Card to report on the situation and to initiate the Emergency Protocol If the situation warrants, contact your insurance company (emergency medical, travel arrangements, etc.) Other Tips You are strongly encouraged to contact your family (or emergency contact) as soon as possible after arriving in the UK to confirm your safe arrival and to leave a contact address and telephone number Unless specific situations dictate otherwise, you should designate a family member as your emergency contact You should establish pre-determined dates and times to check in with your family (or emergency contact) throughout your time abroad You should ensure that your family (or emergency contact) has accurate and up-todate local contact information at all times After arriving in the UK you should make at least one local and one international call to familiarize yourself with the local phone system. When travelling outside the UK, you should do a bit of research before leaving the Castle to ensure you are comfortable using the phones in whatever countries you will be visiting. Culture Shock What do I need to do before I leave for the Castle? Your stay at the Castle will be a busy time of learning new things about the world and the people around you. Before you leave home, you may want to think about making a special 23 effort to spend time with friends and family. It will be more challenging to stay in touch while you are studying abroad. It is important to take the time you have now to remind yourself and those close to you of the value of your relationships. Make sure that you gather contact information for friends and family, and make sure they know how to reach you. You will be assigned an e-mail address at the Castle when you arrive. Preparing for the Challenge If you have any concerns or reasons to worry that you will face challenges with which you may need help during your time at the Castle, please do not hesitate to discuss these with a Castle representative before departure. The Executive Director, Student Services Manager, and staff at your home institution, Queen’s and the Castle can do more to help if they have advance notice that you may require special assistance. Whether you are uncertain if you can manage being away for an extended period of time, have particular health concerns, or any other specific worries, we are here to help make your time at the Castle as comfortable and as rewarding as possible. Your information and concerns will be kept strictly confidential. Although the UK may seem familiar, it is important to remember that it is a different country with a sometimes surprisingly different culture. Although you may speak English, vocabulary and pronunciation are different than the English you may use at home. Remember that you will also be taking at least one trip to the Continent, where you may not speak the native languages. Holidays, customs, and foods can be different. While at the Castle you will also find that you will be studying, interacting and living with students from other countries and cultures. Many people find these differences interesting and exciting. It is a major part of the reason why they want to travel and study abroad. But these differences can also be challenging. Take the time now to learn about the differences you can expect to encounter and to reflect on how you will react and cope with new and interesting situations. Ambassadorial Role While studying at the Castle and travelling through Europe, you will interact with people from a variety of backgrounds. It is essential to remember that you are a guest in another country, and a cultural ambassador representing your home, your school, and your country. Positive experiences and happy memories are cultivated by mutual tolerance, understanding, and respect. A good ambassador has clearly identified goals and expectations: What do you wish to achieve during your time at the BISC? What are your expectations? There are three key elements to becoming a good ambassador: 1. Knowing the country that you represent. 2. Knowing about the history, culture and politics of the country you are visiting. 3. Having the skills and personal qualities to make the cultural transition and adjustment required to perform well within your host culture. If you are interested in becoming more involved with the local community, you will need to demonstrate some initiative and invest some effort in meeting and getting to know local people. The Student Services Team at the BISC can help facilitate this through the volunteering program. Cultural Adaptation How big can these differences be? How challenging can it be to adapt? 24 Living in a different culture is an experience we often welcome with excitement and enthusiasm. However, many of us are often unprepared for the extent of the cultural dissimilarity we encounter (even in England!), and how much this dissimilarity can affect us. Accept the fact that you will be challenged in adapting to a new culture, even if only in subtle ways that may seem insignificant now. Culture shock is a very real phenomenon and all travellers entering a foreign culture are affected by it in some way. Culture shock has two distinct features: 1. It does not result from a specific event or series of events. It comes instead from the experience of encountering ways of doing, organizing, perceiving or valuing things which are different from yours and which threaten your basic, unconscious belief that your encultured customs, assumptions, values and behaviours are right. 2. It does not strike suddenly or have a single principal cause. Instead, it is cumulative. It builds up slowly, from a series of small events that are difficult to identify. (Kohls 1996, p. 89) Some experiences you may have while adjusting to a new culture include: homesickness, boredom, withdrawal, sadness, irregular sleep and eating habits, irritability, loss of ability to work effectively, stereotyping of host nationals, or physical and psychosomatic ailments. Be assured that however stressful, culture shock is a normal part of cultural transition and it will pass. Coping with Culture Shock Take care of yourself. Eat well, sleep, and exercise regularly to stay fit and healthy. Allow yourself time to appreciate your new setting at your own pace. Travel after your course ends, and at weekends. Stay in touch with family and friends. Homesickness is tough, so don’t cut yourself off from your strongest support group. By telling them of your experiences you can work through them. Keep a journal. You can look back through this periodically to reflect on your thoughts and feelings. See how your views have changed. Indulge in memories of home. While immersing yourself in a new culture is a fabulous experience, cutting yourself off completely from your own can have a negative effect. Don’t feel bad about indulging in hobbies, food, or any other activities that may lift your spirits when feeling homesick. Be open-minded. At some point you will likely idealize certain aspects of your home life. Try not to make those sorts of judgments. Try to maintain a relativist perspective and focus on understanding the way of life in Cost Rica. You will appreciate it more if you maintain an open mind. Talk to someone. If you are experiencing difficulties, talk to other students, Student Services, or instructor. Be prepared. Learning about the country before hand to familiarize yourself with the place and to get an idea of what to expect. Don’t panic. Culture shock is a natural part of the traveling process. 25 Travel Arrangements Arrivals Airport transfers are offered on set days only and are not guaranteed at other times. In order to reserve a seat on the transfer coach from the airport you should ensure that you arrive at the airport on the official arrival day. There will be a number of transfers from Heathrow Airport (times to be confirmed), which will coincide with the arrival of certain flights from Canada: Air Canada Flight AC 856 Air Canada Flight AC 848 Air Canada Flight AC 864 Air Canada Flight AC 888 – Toronto to London Heathrow, Terminal 2 – Toronto to London Heathrow, Terminal 2 – Montreal to London Heathrow, Terminal 2 – Ottawa to London Heathrow, Terminal 2 Students may make their own arrangements or use Merit Travel - Kingston. All students who travel on one of these flights or arrive at the same time, or before the last flight arrives, will be provided with a transfer to the BISC, provided flight information is received at least 30 days prior to the arrival day. Students who submit information after this deadline will not be guaranteed a transfer. Flight details must be submitted to Student Services via the online form as soon as possible and at least 30 days prior to the published arrival date. You will be informed via email when the online form is open. You will be informed of the meeting point. Normally, this will be the Arrivals lounge at Heathrow Terminal 2, but not always. If you are hoping to reserve a seat on the coach and are arriving at a different terminal, you must ensure you leave appropriate time to make your way to the meeting point on time. Unfortunately we are unable to wait for delayed passengers but will help you arrange alternative transportation. For Arrivals, Please Note 1. Castle staff can only pick up students from the designated meeting point. Students arriving at other terminals who have made arrangements to take the coach must allow sufficient time to transfer terminals. We recommend at least 45 minutes to do this. 2. All students must inform Student Services directly of their flight details. This includes students making their own way to the Castle and/or students arriving late. This information is needed for us to meet UK Visas and Immigration requirements. 3. Student Services reserves the right to amend arrivals transfers based on alterations to the Air Canada schedule. Every attempt will be made to update students prior to departure. Please Note: Students making their own way to the Castle can find directions toward the end of this handbook. Castle staff may help you make the taxi bookings if required. Early Arrivals Bader Hall will open at 9 am on arrivals day. Arrivals dates are listed under the Sessional Dates. Early arrivals cannot be accommodated and alternate arrangements must be made. Information on local hotels and B&Bs can be provided. 26 Departures There will be a number of transfers to Heathrow Airport (times to be confirmed), which will arrive in time for the departure of major flights to Canada: Air Canada Flight AC 857 – London Heathrow, Terminal 2 to Toronto Air Canada Flight AC 849 – London Heathrow, Terminal 2 to Toronto Air Canada Flight AC 864 – London Heathrow, Terminal 2 to Montreal Air Canada Flight AC 889 – London Heathrow, Terminal 2 to Ottawa For Departures, Please Note: 1. All students must submit their flight details by the deadline set out in the official email from Student Services in order to reserve a space on the coach provided. Spaces are limited and not guaranteed and therefore you are encouraged to contact Student Services as soon as possible so you may reserve a seat. 2. The departure terminal will be London Heathrow Terminal 2 unless otherwise specified. Students departing from other terminals who have made arrangements to take the coach must allow sufficient time to transfer terminals. 3. Bader Hall will close at 2 pm on the published date of departure. All students will be required to clean and vacate their rooms by this time and should be aware of their responsibilities as outlined in the Residence Agreement. 4. Student Services reserves the right to alter departure transfers based on departure information received from students. The Joy of Packing Sometimes one of the most challenging aspects of spending time abroad is deciding what to pack. How much should I bring? What should I bring? What will the weather be like where I am travelling? In what sort of activities will I be participating while I am away? These are the sorts of questions you’ll probably be asking yourself as you pack your bags for the BISC, and here are a few things you should keep in mind: 1. You will have to carry everything that you pack. Most airlines have baggage and weight limits, and will generally restrict you to one or two checked bags. Before you begin packing, the first thing you should do is check with your airline to determine what their regulations are concerning checked and carry-on limits and restrictions. If you can’t carry something, leave it at home! 2. Pack clothes that are comfortable, warm and durable. You will be travelling almost every weekend, and field studies trips run even if it’s raining, snowing, or blowing a gale! See this weather history for England to get an idea of seasonal averages. 3. Avoid bringing bulky consumables. Packing copious amounts of stationery, laundry detergent or other consumables might save you a little bit of money in the short term, but you will save more in the long run if you use that luggage space for an extra sweater or pair of shoes instead of having to buy such items in the UK. 4. England has a very damp climate. The climate in south-eastern England is best described as a moderate, maritime climate. The seasonal temperatures may be higher than you are accustomed to, but the rain and wind can actually make it feel much colder than you would otherwise expect. 5. You will be spending long periods of time outside. As well as the short walking commute to the Castle for class and meals everyday there are a number of outdoor activity 27 programs at the Castle, and field studies trips can also involve long walking tours and trips to exposed areas. Please be sure that you pack suitable attire for these activities. 6. Sometimes things will get a little messy. Some activities that take place outside, such as volunteering with the gardeners or participating in an archaeological dig on campus, require more durable clothing. We recommend that you bring something along that you don’t mind getting dirty. 7. You will also need to get dressed up. There are a few occasions at the Castle when “business dress” is appropriate. For these occasions, you should pack a jacket/suit, dress shirt/blouse, tie, dress/skirt/dress pants, and dress shoes. Please note: some of these occasions take place a couple of days after your arrival at the BISC, you will not have enough time to go out and buy something to wear if you didn’t bring it with you. Here are a few items that you should be sure to pack: A good waterproof coat (medium weight) and boots Comfortable walking shoes Pair of lightweight gloves A hat and scarf (winter mornings can be chilly!) Light clothing for warmer temperatures Slippers or house shoes to wear in residence Waterproof sandals for the showers Other Items Backpack Camera Small flashlight Plug adapters and voltage converter (for both the UK and Europe - they’re different! Travel guides to Britain and Europe Personal items to make your room feel more like home (photos, yearbooks, etc.) An umbrella! iPod or MP3 player Prescription medication, special brands of contact lens solution, etc. (Items that are available at home may be restricted or extremely hard to find in England.) It is a good idea to bring enough to last until the winter break, or the duration of your time abroad. Battery-operated travel alarm clock (for those 8:30 am classes!) - electric clocks will not keep accurate time because of the voltage difference Calculator A small supply of stationery (writing utensils, tape, ruler, etc.) if you have room. North American paper does not fit in UK binders or printers, so you can leave it behind. Forgot Something – No problem! There are regular minibus services from the Castle to nearby towns such as Eastbourne, Hailsham and occasionally Brighton. The Eastbourne Arndale Centre and Churchill Square (Brighton’s Shopping Centre) have everything from clothing and shoes to electronics and toiletries. Don’t forget to explore the fantastic little shops in the other towns! There are also regular Minibus services to ASDA (Eastbourne) an American owned, British supermarket chain with retails food, clothing, general merchandise, toys, and financial services. 28 If you don’t have the time to go out on a shopping trip you can always order in – YES you can get your groceries and anything else you need delivered to Bader Hall. Several supermarket chains offer this service: TESCO (www.tesco.com) ASDA (www.asda.com) Sainsbury’s (www.sainsburys.com) Waitrose (http://www.waitrose.com/) Luggage When you are organizing your luggage, you should keep in mind that airlines have baggage limits and generally you will be restricted to one or two checked bags. Ask your airline what the allowance is and stick to it. Extra baggage can cost a lot of money. You should also ask your airline about limitations or restrictions on carry-on articles. It’s also a good idea to put something on your baggage to make it easily identifiable on the luggage carousel, such as a bright bandana or tag. Many bags look alike! There is a storage room in the residence facility at the Castle and you may store your empty luggage there if you wish. Please keep in mind that space on the bus picking you up at the airport will be limited. Don’t bring more luggage than you absolutely need; problems have arisen in the past with students bringing far too much. If you don’t already have luggage, here are a few things to keep in mind before you rush to the mall: Lightweight, rugged nylon or cotton luggage is the most flexible, convenient, and practical. Hard shell, hard plastic and leather luggage is heavier and more difficult to manage. Make sure that all of your luggage is identified with your name and address Large backpacks (called “rucksacks” in the UK) are much better than suitcases. Trying to travel on public transport with suitcases can be extremely difficult. The ability to run through the London underground or an airport terminal with your belongings strapped to your back is a very desirable feature! If you don’t already have one, a durable backpack in the range of 55-70 litres would be a worthwhile investment Bring a small carry-on bag that fits the budget airline restrictions (Ryan Air and Easy Jet) for weekend trips Before buying any luggage check the restrictions for flights and public transportation It is possible to ship luggage to the Castle ahead of your arrival. If you will be doing so, you must notify Castle staff ([email protected]) of your plans well in advance to ensure that your shipment will be accepted when it arrives. Please ensure that all items are properly packed, labelled, and have the necessary customs instructions and address/telephone numbers. What to Leave Behind There are a few things that you don’t have to bring with you. These articles are either provided in residence or can be used or purchased at the Castle Shop and local shops. What not to bring: Travel iron (available in residence) Bedding and towels (provided once a week in residence) Please Note: this is the towel that you will be using for the entire week, you may want to bring an additional towel to switch with the one provided if you prefer Hairdryers (hairdryers are available in the residence bathrooms) 29 Sometimes students cannot take everything with them after their time at the BISC ends, which is why we have a drop off location donation depot in Bader Hall for things such as extra bedding, hairdryers/curling irons, rain boots, school supplies, etc. When you arrive you will have the opportunity to take some items you may find useful from this room and before your time at the BISC ends you can leave things behind for the next group of students. If you cannot find what you need in this room these items can also be purchased at ASDA or Tesco easily. Electronics If you are hoping to use any of your electrical devices in the UK, you will need to come prepared with plug adapters and perhaps a voltage adapter as well. Plugs in the UK have three prongs, and a simple adapter fits over the end of the North American plug so it can be used in the UK. These adapters are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased in luggage shops or electronics stores. The Castle Shop also stocks these items. Voltage converters (for use with equipment without a built-in converter of its own) are more expensive and may be required for personal computers and other items. Before you leave, you should check any electrical devices you plan to bring to see if a converter will be required. Please Note: The image of the plug seen here (left) is what you need for the UK. Plugs in Continental Europe are different than in the UK. Some adapters can accommodate both types of plugs; if yours doesn’t, you should consider purchasing a separate adapter for travel to the Continent. The UK uses 220 volts, however in Canada and the US the standard wall outlet voltage is 110. If you can’t bear to lose something, please leave it at home Property Insurance Some homeowner’s insurance policies contain a clause about coverage extending worldwide, so check your policy, or that of your parents/guardians, to see if you need any additional coverage. Normally, if an item is lost or stolen a copy of the police report filed at the time of loss or theft will be needed before any claim will be considered. Taking preventive measures will decrease the likelihood of theft or property loss. 30 Arrival in the UK When you arrive at the airport, you may be required to fill out a UK landing card asking for details such as your passport number, citizenship, purpose of travel, and length of stay. UK or EU passengers will not be required to complete a landing card. The immigration officer may also ask for documentation including: Your passport A visa or vignette Proof of purpose in Britain (i.e. your Letter of Attendance issued by the BISC) Proof of financial responsibility (cash, travellers’ cheques, credit card, bank statement, etc.) Proof of return transportation (return air ticket/receipt/booking confirmation) Proof of identity for any medication (pharmacy labels, prescriptions, doctor’s letter, etc.) If you find yourself detained for any reason, ask the official to contact Bader Reception at 01323 834 400 or Castle Reception at 01323 834 444 and they can either transfer the call or take a message and contact the Castle representatives at the airport. If you get lost, you should proceed to the Information Desk and ask them to page the Herstmonceux Castle group. If you have nothing to declare, proceed through the “Nothing to Declare” aisle and exit into the main airport arrival area. Stay with the other members of your group and look for the person holding the yellow Herstmonceux Castle placard – do not leave the airport alone! A few things to keep in mind: Castle staff will be in the arrivals area, wearing BISC t-shirts or hoodies, and holding up bright signs indicating "BISC - Herstmonceux Castle". Please check-in with Castle staff when you clear customs. If you think you might miss the pick-up time (because your flight is delayed, etc.) - don't worry! If your flight is delayed or cancelled, contact the Castle as soon as possible and we will either arrange alternative transport or provide you with directions. If you have difficulty finding Castle staff when you arrive, ask at the information desk to have them called over the speakers in arrivals to meet you at the meeting point in the terminal. Alternatively call Bader Reception who can contact the in-airport staff. To contact the Castle in case of any emergencies, you should call Bader Hall Reception. If you are calling from a UK telephone, the number is 01323 834 400. If you are calling from an overseas telephone (such as a foreign mobile phone), the number is 00 44 1323 834400. Under no circumstances should you take a black taxi from the airport to the Castle – it will cost you upwards of £160! Directions to the BISC 1. From Heathrow Airport Take the National Express coach connection to Gatwick airport. Tickets can be purchased at the bus and coach information desk, located in terminals 1, 3, 4, and 5 or on the bus itself. This bus service takes approximately 70 minutes and costs approximately £30.00. Once at Gatwick, catch the train to Polegate. Further information about connections, timetables, and fares can be found at National Express. 31 2. From Gatwick Airport Catch the train to Polegate directly from the train station at the airport. The journey will take approximately 40 minutes. More information about rail connections and departure times can be found at National Rail. Once at Polegate Station, take a taxi from the station to the Castle. Ask the driver to take you to Bader Hall via the East Gate of Herstmonceux Castle, located on Wartling Road. The taxi fare from Polegate to the BISC is about £16. 3. Travel by Car It is not recommended that you rent a car while in England. Apart from being very expensive and the obvious difference of driving on the left, there are many other subtle, yet important, rules of the road that you might not be aware of. If you have family in the UK who will be bringing you to the BISC by car, the directions are as follows: From Heathrow Airport Follow the signs for M25 - Gatwick Airport. Follow the M25 and turn onto the M23 towards Gatwick Airport. Follow the M23 south towards the A23 (M23 becomes the A23). North of Brighton, turn east on the A27 (towards Lewes). Follow the A27 toward Polegate and Bexhill. Approximately 3 miles beyond Polegate at the Esso Roundabout follow the road to Herstmonceux. The East Gate of Herstmonceux Castle is about 3 miles up this road, 1 mile north of Wartling. Alternate Route from Heathrow Turn east and then south out of London Heathrow Airport onto the M25 motorway following the signs for Gatwick Airport, and turn off on to the M23 towards Gatwick Airport. Take the A264 exit to East Grinstead. At Felbridge (2 miles NW of East Grinstead) join the A22 to Eastbourne. Stay on the A22 for approximately 20 miles until you reach the Boship Farm roundabout (Travelodge on the left, Boship Farm Hotel on right) and take the A271 through Horsebridge. (The roundabout is situated where the A22, A271, and A267 converge). Four miles along the A271 is the village of Herstmonceux. Continue on the A271 for a couple of miles and after passing the Windmill Hill Tennis Centre take the right turn to Wartling and Pevensey (also marked for Herstmonceux Castle). The East Gate to the Castle is on the right, one mile down the road. Note that entry to the grounds is through the East Gate only. From Gatwick Airport Follow either of the routes from Heathrow starting with the M23 south. Orientation Upon arrival at Bader Hall you will find an Orientation Schedule and a Resource Booklet. Please read both carefully and note the times and locations of the various Orientation activities. While not all activates are mandatory, you are encouraged to come to as many as possible. Activities will introduce you to your surroundings, staff, and your peers – and will help you get over your jet lag quicker! 32 Getting Connected – Staying Connected Email The primary method of communicating with you at the BISC is through e-mail. Residence information and updates, including important deadlines, information about field studies, and any disciplinary notices will be sent to your official Queen’s University e-mail address. Internet Secure wireless connectivity is available in Bader Hall and the Castle, including the study and common areas. When you arrive you will be provided with log-in details – please note that these details will not be the same as your NetID. Your room is equipped with Ethernet ports for wired access and you are not required to log in to use the internet, although you will have to log in to use services such as Moodle. Wireless coverage is available across much of campus. Telephones 1. Emergency Services Dialling 999 in the UK is equivalent to the North American 911. If you are off campus, dial 999 in the event of an emergency. If you are on campus and believe you or another person is in imminent danger, please call 999 directly, and then contact Bader Reception on 4400. If it is not an emergency, but believe you may require assistance, please dial 4400 first. 2. At the BISC There is an old-fashioned red telephone box outside the West entrance of the Castle that takes coins. Payphones in Bader Hall There are no phones in your rooms. There are three payphones in Bader Hall for local calls. Locations · · · Next to the desk at Bader Reception At the end of B2 in the stairwell. D3 by the lift (elevator). White phones in Bader Hall These may be used to call the International Operator and to place calls using a calling card with an 0800 or other freephone number access. Dial ‘9’ first to get an external line. Locations · The end of B1: extension is 4429. · D1, near the lift: extension is 4428. · C0 (basement), near the Games Room: extension is 4454. · C1, opposite the C1 Computer Lab. Please reserve this phone for emergency use only as conversations can be a distraction for those in the computer lab. 33 If you decide to buy a UK mobile (cell), the most popular mobile networks in the UK are 02, EE, Vodafone, Orange and T-Mobile, and you will be able to buy ‘top-up vouchers’ from Bader Reception for these. Other companies include EE and Giff Gaff (owned by 02). 3. Elsewhere in the UK Pay phones in Britain are either coin operated (accepting £1, 50p, 20p) or operated by a phone card. Phone cards can be purchased from Bader Reception and most small convenience shops, newsagents or post offices. For long distance calls, phone cards are a good option. Another option is to dial directly to the country operator. This service allows you to make a collect call or use a calling card. It works well and offers the best long-distance rates. When dialling locally in the Eastbourne district (01323), it is not necessary to add an area code. If you are dialling outside the local area, you must always include the area code. When calling a number outside Britain, it is necessary to dial 00 and then the country code. The country code for both Canada and the United States is 1. To dial Canada direct, use 001 + (area code) + local number. Friends and family dialling from Canada to Britain must drop the (0) at the beginning of the BISC number and dial (1323) for the area code: 011 + 44 + 1323 + 834400 (Bader Hall). For other countries, consult a UK telephone directory. Cell phones Some students may wish to bring their cell or smart phone with them. Please note that if you do this, you may incur heavy roaming and data charges, and so you should always check with your cell phone company to see what fees will apply before you travel. Some carriers will offer international roaming packages (don’t forget to cancel the plan when you return, unless you will be doing more travelling). Tip: Track your phone's data usage. Set your phone's data tracker to zero at the beginning of your trip so you can keep track of how much data you are using. Especially if you sign up for an international data plan and you're concerned about staying within a set limit (say, 50MB per month), the tracker will quickly become your wallet's BFF as you see those MBs slowly rise. Tip: Turn off apps and automatic updates. This can be a big one, since that slim little phone in your pocket may be sucking down data even when you're not using it. Turn off automatic email updates (that way you'll be able to check email yourself using Wi-Fi when you're at a hotspot), voicemail (to avoid getting hit with charges for incoming phone calls even when you don't answer them!), and apps (which can continue updating and devouring data 24/7). (Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/budgettravel/how-to-save-money-on-phon_b_3552328.html). There are other options available: Unlock your phone and get a local Pay-As-You-Go SIM card. Purchase a cell phone in the UK. Basic handsets can cost as little as £20 unlocked. Postal Information There is a small post office in Crouch's General Store in Herstmonceux village. Letters can be weighed in the BISC Administration Office and posted in the red mailbox outside the Castle, but you will have to take your parcels to the Post Office to send them. Incoming mail 34 is distributed at Bader Hall. If you have goods sent to the Castle by courier the parcel will be delivered to the Administration Office in the Castle where you may collect it. You are responsible for any duty to be paid. Your Address at the Castle will be: Student Name Room Number, Bader Hall Bader International Study Centre Herstmonceux Castle Hailsham, East Sussex United Kingdom BN27 1RN Please Note: The BISC Administration Office will not forward mail after the end of term . Support Services at the Castle There are many people at the Castle who are available to help you get settled and familiarized with your new surroundings. Academic Support Christian Lloyd (Academic Director) [email protected] Is the chief academic officer at the BISC and works to ensure a high quality academic program. Dr. Anna Taylor (Deputy Academic Director) [email protected] Has day-to-day responsibility for the academic program. Dr. Rob Hyland (BISC 100/101 Coordinator) [email protected] Administers the compulsory first-year courses BISC 100: Thinking Locally & BISC 101: Acting Globally. Dr. Peter Lowe and Dr. Chris Taylor (Academic Advisors) [email protected] / [email protected]. Dr. Lowe and Dr. Taylor are your primary contacts for academic issues such as course selection, the adding or dropping of subjects, and future programme requirements. Dr. Lowe is also the Attendance Supervisor. Dr. Ayah Arabi Durkawi (ESL Coordinator) [email protected] Runs a support program for students whose first language is not English . Sarah Butler (BISC Librarian) [email protected] Oversees the BISC library collection, provides guidance on research coordinates activity with the library at the University of Sussex, and manages the library staff. 35 Ruth Cereceda (Academic Travel Manager) [email protected] Organizes the field studies program, including coach travel and lodging arrangements. She is supported by the Assistant Academic Travel Manager and the Academic Travel Intern(s). The Academic Travel team also provides advice on independent travel. Student Services, Housing, and Operations [email protected] Caroline Harber (Operations Manager) Has operational responsibility for Housing (including Housekeeping, Reception, and Security at Bader Hall and the Castle) and commercial activities. Tom Gallini (Student and Enrolment Services Manager) [email protected] Responsible for non-academic, student related aspects of the BISC. The Student and Enrolment Services Manager is supported by 2 Assistant Managers and 3 Student Life Coordinators. General Support Nicola Taylor (Administration Office Manager) [email protected] Together with the Admin team is available to answer all manner of queries, or to point you to the person who can best assist you. Dave Stubbings (IT Manager) [email protected] Oversees IT infrastructure and online learning platforms at the BISC. Privacy of Information Consistent with the Student and Applicant Record Policy: “The University is committed to taking every reasonable step to protect the confidentiality and privacy of the information contained in the records of applicants, students, and former students. Unless compelled to do so by law, or authorized by the student in writing, the University does not disclose the contents of student records to any party outside the University.” Students: If you would like someone to act on your behalf to discuss financial or academic matters with the University, it is very important that you provide their full name in the release of information section on SOLUS. Parents/Guardians: We cannot release any information to you about your student without their indicating so on SOLUS or without their written consent. This means we cannot provide you with grades or access to the online learning environment. 36 Emergencies and Exceptional Circumstances Personal information in the possession of BISC about a student will not be released to persons outside the BISC or Queen’s University administration, including family members or friends, without the written consent of the applicant, unless permitted or required by law. However, if the student is injured or ill, or in the opinion of the BISC represents a threat to him or herself or to others, the BISC may contact third parties (including but not limited to, government and health officials, next of kin, or an indicated emergency contact person) to disclose personal information to them. Facilities at the Castle Computing The Castle has excellent IT facilities, with two friendly, dedicated staff members to help students with their computing needs. If you have any questions about IT at the castle, please email Dave Stubbings (BISC IT Manager) at [email protected]. There are three computer sites for students at the BISC: two in Bader Hall and one in the Castle. These are available for your use 24 hours a day. All computers are linked to the BISC Network and the Internet. A laser printer is available at each site and there is a scanner for student use. Make sure to check your Queen’s e-mail account regularly for important updates regarding registration, BISC events, housing, and newsletters from the Registrar’s office. Wi-Fi & Internet Access The campus has a high speed wireless service that is available throughout the Castle and Bader Hall. The Wi-Fi system offers secure, encrypted wireless access. As well as the Wi-Fi service each student bedroom in Bader Hall is equipped with two Ethernet ports providing high speed Internet access. Laptop Computers If you have your own laptop computer, you should bring it providing it comes equipped with an AC adapter that permits AC input of 240 Volts. If you intend to bring a laptop, it should be in good working order before you leave, as repairs can be expensive in the UK. You should fill out a customs form for your laptop (and any other expensive equipment) to ensure problem-free reimportation. It would also be useful to bring along any documentation and original software associated with your laptop. You might wish to purchase an international warranty should anything go wrong with your computer while you’re in the UK. The Computer Support Team is available on site to assist with the set-up of your laptop for use at the BISC. Computer Leasing If you don’t wish to take your own computer, it is possible to lease a laptop from the BISC. Leased computers are available for one or two semesters and are fully supported by the BISC computer support team. Additional information about leasing options will be emailed to you after you have accepted your offer of admission. 37 Printing Facilities Students are given 20 free printing credits per course. Additional credits may be purchased cheaply at the Bader Reception Desk. You can print to any of the printers in the BISC labs either from the lab computers or directly from your laptop. Students also have access to a scanner and colour printing is available. MyQueen’s Portal Once you have established your Queen’s NetID, you should try logging-in to the MyQueen’s Portal. The portal provides easy access to many online Queen’s services such as email and SOLUS. You should add the portal to your bookmarked pages and check it frequently. Queen’s Email Your Queen’s email address is your NetID with the extension @queensu.ca. For example, if your NetID is 1abc2, your Queen’s email address will be [email protected]. You want to make sure that you are checking your Queen’s email account regularly this will be the main email account used by faculty and staff to communicate with you while you are at the BISC and you will also receive information and updates from main campus to this address. SOLUS SOLUS is an online student centre which provides access to services such as updating biographic information, viewing your fees account, ordering transcripts, viewing your marks, and much more. SOLUS can be accessed directly from the MyQueen’s Portal. The BISC Library You will find the Library to be a significant source of information and support for your studies, and maybe for your leisure hours too, while you are at the Castle. The Library is housed in two impressive rooms central to the teaching spaces within the Castle. When you use the BISC Library you will have access to: All of your required reading From our print collections you will be able to borrow all of your required reading, and much additional material that you will be encouraged to read during your courses. You will also find light reading and films that will fill any leisure hours you have – our collection is not all about studying. To discover what we have in our collection visit our Library catalogue at http://bisclibrary.queensu.ac.uk:8080. Online resources provided by Queen’s University Library (QUL) You also have access to an extensive range of information online, the complete text of books and journal articles, through Summon, QUL’s online search engine http://library.queensu.ca/. You can browse Summon without a username and password, but when you wish to download the whole text, you will need your Queen’s Net ID, which will be given to you when you registered. 38 Individualised support in the use of information both in print and online The Library team will help you make the most of the print and online resources. The Library is open 63 hours a week, including evenings and weekends, so you will not be far away from support from a member of the Library team. Additionally you can use the Librarian’s office hours to gain more detailed individualised support whenever you need it. There are also further online and printed guides to key aspects of finding information, so you can sharpen your information finding skills at times that suit you. A place to study Available 24 hours a day, with ample seating at individual study carrels, access to PCs, printing and photocopying facilities and newspapers, the Library Reading Room is a light, airy place to study. A larger Library experience The Library has links with the University of Sussex Library, from which you may borrow to supplement the resources available to you in the BISC Library and online via QUL. Pick up a leaflet from BISC Library to find out more information about this service. Becoming familiar with the Library You will learn more about the Library during orientation and you will have continual support from the Library team in using our services and in finding the best information for your classes and assignments. There are six members of the Library team, headed by the Librarian, Sarah Butler. All members of the team are able to help you in any aspect of using information. We look forward to welcoming you to the Castle. Musicians in Residence Who are they? Dr. Shelley Katz and Diana Gilchrist are Canadian musicians who have been based in Europe for over twenty years. Diana has a regular weekly presence at the BISC and Shelley visits during each term to give occasional concerts, lectures, lecture-recitals, workshops or masterclasses. Shelley is a pianist and conductor with Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Julliard in New York. He is also a music technologist, with a PhD from Surrey University, who holds several patents. As a performer, his career takes him around the world and as a researcher he is the Director of the Surrey University Symphonova Project and is a past visiting fellow at Wolfson College, Cambridge. Diana is an opera singer who founded Ottawa's Opera Lyra and was its Artistic Director until moving to Europe to pursue her singing career. Her performances take her to many capitals of the world. She currently combines performing with her work at the BISC and PhD studies at the University of Edinburgh. 39 What do they do at the BISC? Musical activities at the BISC are tailored each term according to the specific skills, talents and interests of each new intake of students. Students who enjoy music are encouraged to make themselves and their interests known to Diana as early as possible each term. Diana and Shelley will be introduced to students at Orientation which is a good opportunity to discuss music and musical activities before the term begins. Facilities On-Site Grand piano in the Elizabethan Room: This instrument may be played by any student, faculty or staff member when the Elizabethan Room is not otherwise in use. Baby Grand Piano in the Music Studio: This instrument is on loan to the BISC so piano students who wish to practice in privacy may ask Diana for permission to use it. Digital Keyboard: Student Services has a portable digital keyboard which can be used for Open Mic nights in the pub and other events. Students wishing to have access to the keyboard should contact Student Services. Guitars: Student Services has various guitars that are available on loan. Anyone interested in borrowing one should contact Student Services. Yamaha Digital Grand: This instrument belongs to Shelley and Diana and is housed in the Dacre Room where it is used primarily for teaching purposes. Steinway Concert Grand: The Steinway Concert Grand which is housed in the Ballroom is a splendid and very expensive instrument. It is reserved for concert and professional use and students may be able to hear professional performances on it during the year. However, students who audition for and are chosen to perform on special music showcases may be able to use this wonderful instrument. Any questions about the Steinway may be addressed to Shelley or Diana. Music Studio: This winterized porta-cabin is located in the grounds and is alarmed. In addition to housing the Baby Grand Piano it also serves as a practice space where students may leave their instruments. Permission to sign up for key privileges to this space must be given by Diana. A list of students with permission to use the Music Studio will be held at Castle Reception along with keys which can be signed out. Rules of use apply. Contacting the Musicians in Residence Diana and Shelley can be contacted at: [email protected] or found in: Room 204 (ext. 4487) or making music in any of the above spaces! Residence and Meal Plan Bader Hall is the residence for all students attending the BISC. It’s a short five-minute walk from the Castle and was completely renovated in 1994. With over 150 bedrooms plus kitchenettes, a lounge, common rooms, study rooms, and two computer rooms, it is very similar to a typical North American university residence. Please ensure you have read the Residence Agreement. Your Room Most students live in double rooms and share bathroom facilities. Each student has his or her own bed, desk, bedside table, cupboard, notice board, wardrobe, lamp, and chair. Storage facilities are available for baggage and other large items. Students should also note that to enhance their international experience, they may be paired with a roommate from another university or country. You will notice that your room does not come with a phone – this is common in English university residences. 40 The BISC is not responsible for the loss or damage of your belongings while living at the BISC, or on any BISC-related activities. Students are required to carry appropriate insurance coverage. Decorating Decorating is important to make your room feel like home. You cannot damage or alter any part of your room by any means, including drilling holes, nailing, or painting. The displaying of offensive images such as pornography or making it available for viewing in public spaces in residence and on campus is not permitted. Security You will be given a swipe-card encoded with your room number that will open the main doors, hallway doors, and your individual room door. Guests and Visitors Visitors to the BISC are welcome. All overnight visitors must register and pay for standard or ensuite accommodation at Bader Reception. Discount rates for your visitors are available (contact Bader Hall reception for more information). If you are expecting visitors, they are welcome to eat in the dining hall with you. Meal tickets may be purchased from either of the reception desks. Please refer to the Guest Policy for further details. Meal Plan All meals at the BISC are served in the Dining Hall, which is located in the Castle. Meal times are as follows: Meal Dining Hall Hours (Mon-Thurs) Breakfast 8:00am – 9:30am (hot breakfast) 8:00am – 10:00am (continental breakfast) Lunch Dinner 12:00pm – 2:00pm 5:00pm – 7:00pm On Field Study days dinner is typically served 6:00-8:00pm instead, and Sundays brunch is 8:00am-2pm. Dietary Requirements The castle catering team has vast experience when it comes to accommodating dietary requirements such as vegan, gluten free or lactose intolerance and our Head chef will source local meat, vegetables and fruit so we can ensure the highest quality produce as well as maintaining a balanced diet. When it comes to your diet needs our Front of House team is always on hand to assist. If you have any dietary needs please identify them on your residence form and inform a member of Student Services upon your arrival at the BISC. Rules and Regulations Students studying at the BISC must sign the Residence Agreement, and are bound by the BISC Code of Behaviour and the BISC General Rules and Regulations, as well as any applicable policies. Please ensure you have read the Residence Agreement before signing. By signing the Residence Agreement you agree to comply with the BISC General Rules and Regulations. 41 Please be aware that although the BISC is part of Queen’s University, Canada, students will be subject to UK law. In some instances penalties may be different to those in your home country. The use of alcohol is regulated at the BISC and drug possession and/or use is prohibited. Violations of the BISC General Rules and Regulations may result in a student being required to withdraw from the program and/or Queen’s University. Bullying Bullying is a form of aggression where there is a power imbalance; the person doing the bullying has power over the person being victimized. The different types of bullying are: Physical: Using physical force or aggression against another person (e.g., hitting). Social/Relational: Exclusion, spreading rumours or ignoring an individual. Verbal: Using words to verbally attack someone (e.g., name-calling). Cyberbullying: Using electronic media (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, etc.) to threaten, embarrass someone, or damage their reputation. Bullying is not tolerated at the BISC and is a violation of the BISC Student Code and the General Rules and Regulations. Every student at the BISC has the right to a safe, secure and peaceful living environment. Harassment The BISC believes in the necessity of providing safeguards for its members against harassment and discrimination. This includes harassment and discrimination on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, gender identification, sexual orientation, age, marital status, family status and handicap (disability). Such harassment and discrimination has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's or a group's work or academic performance, or of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working, living or academic environment. Individuals or groups who are not the direct target of the conduct in question may also suffer harassment and discrimination as a result of being present when such conduct takes place. Harassment is repeated, unwanted comments or conduct (e.g., oral, written, virtual or physical) by a person (or persons) against another. Harassment includes behaviours that are known or ought to be known to be unwelcome (e.g., make a person feel threatened, afraid or intimidated). In some cases, one incident can be serious enough to be deemed as harassment. What is CONSENT? Consent is enthusiastically, willingly and knowingly, through words and actions, agreeing to sexual activity. Consent must be asked for prior to, during and after sexual activity to ensure that everyone involved feels safe and is comfortable proceeding. Consent is not: Silence, hesitation or uncertainty. Obtained through manipulation, intimidation or threatening behaviour. Obtained when an individual is intoxicated, with alcohol or drugs, or when they are asleep. Continuous. Consent can be withdrawn at any time during sexual activity. Respect the decision and the response that is made by the individual. What is SEXUAL ASSAULT? Sexual assault is any unwanted sexual activity imposed by a person unto another person. Examples of sexual assault are: 42 Unwanted touching, kissing, oral or anal sex/intercourse. Pressuring, threatening or intimidating an individual to have sexual contact or sex. Having sex or sexual contact with an individual who is unable to give consent for the sexual activity (i.e. someone who is inebriated or unconscious). If you or a friend has been sexually assaulted, there are resources, on and off campus that you can access to receive help and/or report the sexual assault. You can contact: Student Services (the Student and Enrolment Services Manager, the Assistant Managers, and the Student Life Coordinators) Campus Security, 24 hours, 7 days a week On-Site Counsellor, at 07891 207109, Mondays and Thursdays Sexual Assault Referral Centre, 01293 600469, Mondays to Fridays (out of hours service available for police emergencies) Police, at 999 (emergency), 101 non-emergency 43 Life at the Castle Field Studies & Optional Activities Overview One of the most exciting features of your term, or year, at the Bader International Study Centre will be the field studies in which you will participate. Field studies are central to the BISC's programs and educational mission; they are an incredible way to learn more about your course material, and provide wonderful opportunities to explore the UK and Europe in an educational, yet highly enjoyable way. Field studies fall into two categories: “program” and “course-specific”. The midterm and cultural studies trips are the main program trips. Course-specific trips are directly related to course objectives. It should be noted that these required academic field studies trips are separate and distinct from the regular cultural and entertainment activities provided by the Castle. Midterm Trips All students participate in these trips, irrespective of course selection and program. Fall: a five-day midterm trip to Edinburgh and Liverpool. Students will visit sites such as Edinburgh Castle, the Scottish Parliament, and Hadrian's Wall. Winter: a five-day midterm trip to Paris. Students will visit sites such as the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, and Versailles. There may also be a chance to go on a River Seine boat cruise. o The main objective of the midterm trips is to introduce all students, irrespective of their program and courses, to British and European political, economic and cultural issues, and their links with North America and the world. o Coaches are used for transportation for these trips. o Students will have the opportunity to see sites relating to their courses as well as time to explore on their own. The degree of time will vary according to the requests of the instructors and the courses in which students are enrolled. Summer: there is an overnight stay at a site of cultural importance and, of course, a rich day program of other field studies. There is no longer, multi-day trip because of time constraints. Law: both International Business Law and Public International Law students take part in a week-long field trip to key international institutions in Europe. On the midterm trips and overnight field trips, travel costs, accommodation (bed and breakfast) and entrance fees for course-related field studies are covered. All other expenses (including lunch and dinner, and entrance fees to non-course-related sites and events) are your responsibility. Cultural Studies Trips There is also at least one cultural studies trip per term that is open to all students at the Castle. Past cultural studies trips have included: Day-trip to Canterbury, which includes a visit to Canterbury Cathedral Day-trip to Bruges Day-trip to Cambridge, including a walking tour Day trip to London, including a boat ride on the Thames Pre-trip talks will sometimes be arranged to ensure that all students have background on the sites; these talks are reinforced with academic handouts put together by instructors and issued to all on the trip. Course-related visits may also be integrated into the cultural studies trips. The costs of transportation, packed lunches and all entrance fees for day-long cultural studies trips are included in your tuition fees. 44 Course-Specific Trips The number of course-specific field studies varies from term to term, from course to course, and from discipline to discipline. These are chosen based on the needs of the courses (most courses integrate at least one field trip, but a few do not require any). The course-specific field studies are integrated directly into course curricula and are considered off-site lectures. There are day trips to London and other areas in southern England. Art History classes, for example, have visited: The British Museum The National Gallery The Tate Gallery The Courtauld Gallery Commerce classes have visited: BMW Mini Factory in Oxford The Shard in London Lloyds Insurance International Maritime Organization BMW MINI Factory Other classes have been introduced to: European Commission Comedy Club in Brighton The Victoria and Albert Museum These trips are scheduled to take place on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. If you are registered in a course offering such a trip, transportation, packed lunches and all entrance fees are included in your tuition fees. If you are not in the course, you may be able to accompany the group depending on the availability of coach seats and tickets, and at the discretion of the instructor. You will be responsible for any costs incurred on these trips. All field trips are scheduled before the term begins and the academic travel calendar is given to students during their orientation program at the start of each term. It is not possible to receive your calendar before arriving at the BISC. Students should not book personal travel until the BISC academic travel calendar has been released. Student Services Trips and Optional Student Activities The Student Services department at the BISC occasionally organizes student activity trips. These are recreational and optional trips to places such as: Stonehenge and Salisbury Oxford A football match The theatre in London. In all cases, the participants pay for the full cost of the trip. 45 Trips Destination Cambridge Day Trip (guided tour, transportation, and packed lunch) Windsor Castle (castle entry, transportation, and packed lunch) West End Theatre Trip (transportation, ticket) Stonehenge & Salisbury (guided tour, transportation, packed lunch) Edinburgh Ghost Walk (on Fall midterm trip) Seine Boat Cruise (First Year Winter midterm trip) Premiership Football Match (ticket and transportation) Wales Multi-Activity Weekend Trip (multiple activities, transportation, accommodation, and breakfasts) Approximate Cost £25 £30 £50-80 £25 £6 £5 £70 £200 On-site Activities Activity Approximate Cost Yoga (10 lessons) £30 Kickboxing (10 lessons) £30 Wine Tasting £7 For more examples of on-site activities please refer to the Getting Involved section of the BISC website. Off-site Activities Activity Sovereign Centre (swimming & exercise classes) Salsa class Approximate Cost £6 £6 There are also examples of A Day in the Life of a BISC Student and a Sample Week available for you to refer to on the BISC website. Please Note: Not all of these activities will run during each term. Location and Transportation It is important to realize that the Castle is located in a rural setting. Easy access to amenities such as bank machines, fast food restaurants, and 24-hour stores is limited. The nearest village to the Castle is Herstmonceux Village. The walk to Herstmonceux Village will take you about 35 minutes. There, you’ll find amenities such as a bank machine, pharmacist, variety store, post office, hairdresser and pub. Hailsham and Polegate, which are the closest nearby towns, are about a 20-minute drive from the Castle. Eastbourne (pop. 100,000), a popular coastal town, is a 20-minute drive also. Brighton (pop. 500,000), a large urban city centre with two universities, is a 45-minute drive. London is approximately 2 hours away. Daily minibus service is available to nearby towns and cities and is complimentary. The minibus schedule and sign up is located at Bader Reception. The schedule is also available online at http://bisc/castleinfo/Pages/Minibus-Diary.aspx. 46 Trains The closest train station is Polegate Station, located approximately 9 miles to the southwest. From Polegate you can catch trains to Brighton, Gatwick or London (Victoria Station). Battle Station, the next closest station after Polegate, provides access to London (Charing Cross Station). Polegate and Battle are each 15-20 minutes by taxi, and the train journey to London is 75 minutes. Same-day return fare is approximately £20 with a Young Person’s Railcard although cheaper tickets can be purchased in advance (you will need a photo to apply for this card); without a Railcard it will cost around £30. When you buy your ticket, for about £5 more, you can purchase an all-day pass for travel on the London underground. Please Note: Trains from Polegate can be cheaper if you book your ticket in advance using the National Rail website Journey Planner tool or directly from Southern Rail. Prices vary depending on the time of the trip and how far in advance you book your ticket. Subway For trips on the London Underground (a.k.a. the Tube), you may want to consider purchasing an “Oyster” card. The Oyster card is a prepaid smartcard that saves you the hassle of purchasing a pass each time you want to travel on the Tube. The Oyster card can also be used on trams, buses, London Overground and some National Rail Services. Fares purchased using Oyster cards are generally cheaper and credits can be used as needed (i.e. they do not expire). The Oyster card also calculates automatically the cheapest fare for the journeys you make in a single day. Taxis Bader Reception has information on taxi companies that operate locally. When travelling late at night, and particularly when returning from London by train, telephone the taxi company before leaving - they will then be able to have a taxi waiting for you at the station. You are strongly encouraged to make bookings well in advance. If you travel late at night and don’t call ahead, the likelihood is that you may have to wait quite a while for a taxi, as few cabs work after 23:30 in the countryside. Sample fares from Bader: Car Minibus Eastbourne £20 £22.50 Brighton £40 £55 Polegate station £13 £20 ASDA £12 £18 Gatwick £55 £75 Heathrow £90 £125 Please Note: A telephone booking with a taxi company is considered a contract, and if you cancel without notice you may still be liable for the costs incurred. If your plans change, please ensure that you inform the taxi company so as not to incur the cost of the cab. If using an unfamiliar taxi company, check that the meter is switched on when you depart; and if it is a long journey, ask for the estimated cost before you set off. 47 Dollars and Cents, Pounds and Pence It is advisable to put together a rough budget for the time you are going to be at the Castle. Many of your expenses will be included in your fees (tuition, residence, most meals, field trips, etc.) but there are other incidental costs that will add up. It is also a good idea to keep in mind that things generally cost more in Europe than they do in North America and many other parts of the world. How much will I need? Day to day costs at the Castle vary enormously from one person to the next, and from week to week. The biggest factor affecting a weekly budget will be the number of field studies and the amount of independent travel. For example, while the academic section of field studies trips is included in your fees and a small packed lunch is provided, there can be large blocks of free time. For example, you may decide to duck out of the rain and get a cup of coffee, or use the tube to get back to the coach bus. These simple acts of grabbing a coffee and a cookie at the café, and purchasing a tube pass in London will set you back £10. Weeks with few field studies provide opportunities for independent travel. There are several small Castle shuttle buses (known as minibuses in the UK) that provide access to local towns and amenities. If you want to go out at night or travel further afield you will need to pay for a taxi as the Castle has no public transport links and it is too far to walk anywhere other than to the village of Herstmonceux. Taxis are expensive in England – it will cost £35-£40 for a roundtrip for 4 people to get to Brighton, the nearest city. A taxi to the smaller towns, such as Eastbourne or Hailsham, will cost around £20-£30 in comparison. Many students prefer to travel to the Continent whenever possible, as a flight can cost as little as £40-£60; however, once you factor in transportation to and from airports, accommodation and meals, it would be difficult to fund a Continental weekend trip for less than £150-£200. The following list provides estimates for some of the typical costs you will encounter while in the UK: Item London field studies minimum approximate allowance per day Return train fare to London (with a Young Person’s Rail Card) Young Person’s Rail Card One-way taxi to nearest train station (Polegate Station) Return taxi to Brighton (for up to four people) Food and non-alcoholic drinks off campus Alcoholic drinks purchased at a pub Cinema (with valid student ID) Haircuts Taxi to Gatwick/Heathrow/Stanstead Airport (for up to four people) 1 Day Zone 1 and 2 London Underground Pass (Tube Pass) OR Oyster Card 48 Cost (in pounds approx.) £10 £20 (average) £30 £16 £40 £5-£20 £2-£4 £5-£7 £6-£100 £60/£100/£125 (average) £4.80 for a single ticket £12 for a day pass (off-peak and anytime) £5.00 refundable deposit, you can add as much money as you need to travel (card does not expire). Fares are often reduced by 50%. 1 night in a hostel dorm room (booked in advanced) Laundry £12-£30 £3 to wash £1 per dry cycle (two may be required depending on load) Field Studies Packed lunches are provided for 1-day field trips, and an evening meal will be kept available for you when you return to the Castle. On overnight field trips, however, you will be responsible for purchasing your own lunch and dinner. Typical costs per day range from £10 to £20 per meal, unless eating fast food. Phones Here a few important notes on phones: One economical way of financing phone calls is to obtain a phone card. Prepaid calling cards can be purchased in the UK. Another popular and affordable way to make international calls is to use Skype. Skype users can make calls free of charge from their computer to other Skype users, or to landlines or cell phones for a very nominal fee. Many students decide to purchase a cell phone when they arrive in the UK. One advantage of many cell phone plans in the UK is that they allow you to receive incoming international calls for free. This makes cell phones a great way for your friends and family back home to get in-touch with you. Banking Before you leave for the Castle you should ensure that you have adequate finances. You should take some cash with you, and you might also choose to take some travellers cheques in pounds sterling. These are widely accepted and are safe, but many places will administer a service charge for cashing them. You may also choose to access your bank account through bank machines/ATMs, known as “cash points” in England. Look at the back of your bankcard and if it has the Cirrus or Plus logo you shouldn’t have any difficulty using it at UK cash points. Be aware, however, that you will normally be assessed a service charge for accessing funds this way. You should check with the bank you use in your home country as many banks have reciprocal agreements with overseas banks whereby you can use your debit card at certain financial institutions without incurring hefty service charges. You should also be aware that many cash points will not accept cards with PINs longer than four digits or beginning with zero (even if it does have a Cirrus or Plus logo). If your PIN begins with a zero or is longer than four digits, you should change it before you leave. It is also possible to set up a bank account with a local bank if your stay in the UK is longer than 6 months. You will need to provide your passport and proof of stay (for instance your Letter of Attendance from the BISC) in order to open an account. When you open an account in the UK you will receive a UK debit card which can be quite useful when traveling around the area or spending time in London after a field study. An easy way to transfer money into that account is to bring a money order from your bank in your home country. If you don’t already have a credit card, you will want to make sure you have one before you leave for the UK. Credit cards are accepted just about everywhere, are very convenient, are quite secure if you take the proper measures, and are relatively easy to replace if lost or stolen. Credit cards are also very handy in emergency situations if you need to book a flight or hotel 49 room on short notice. Similar to the advice above regarding your bank card, make sure that your credit card PIN does not begin with zero and is not longer than four digits. American Express may not be accepted in all places. You can visit the VISA website to get addresses of ATMs around the world (www.visa.com/atmlocator/index.jsp) or (http://www.mastercard.us/cardholder-services/atm-locator.html). MasterCard also offers an app for you to download onto your smartphone, if you have one (http://www.mastercard.us/mobile/atm-hunter.html). Most ATMs will accept foreign cards. Save all your receipts and compare them with your statement to make sure the exchange and amount withdrawn was correct. Look at the symbols on your card and the machine to ensure compatibility before putting your cards in. Note that four-digit numeric PINs are standard in most countries. If you have an alphabetic PIN, translate the letters into numbers before leaving the country. At many foreign banks it is possible to use a credit card to get cash. The amount charged to your credit card bill is normally based on the exchange rate on the day that your bank or credit card company processes the transaction. If you are accessing money this way, you’ll want to be sure that you pay your credit card bill quickly as interest will be begin to accrue as soon as the cash advance is made. Similar to a credit card cash advance, the Castle operates a cashing facility (see below) where you can use your credit card to access funds. The advantage of using the cashing facility is that the transaction will be charged as a purchase and not as a cash advance; hence, interest will not begin to accrue immediately. If you are using your credit card to access funds, the BISC cashing facility should be your preferred method. You should also be aware that in the UK, prices shown include sales tax (the Value Added Tax, known as the VAT). If you purchase items of any appreciable value while in the country you can get a form from the shop to claim the VAT back. The standard VAT is 20%, so it’s well worth the effort in most cases, but some stores have a minimum purchase requirement before doing this; others will deduct a service charge. Once the form is completed, it’s dropped off at the airport and a cheque will be sent to your home address. When you are travelling abroad with currency and credit, it’s always a good idea to take a few precautions. You should keep a record of your credit and debit card numbers and the telephone numbers to call in the event of loss or theft. Banks and credit card companies also recommend that you have a copy of the travellers’ cheque numbers. You should take copies of these items with you, but you should also leave copies at home with someone you trust. In case of loss or theft, these details will help expedite your refund. Cashing Facility The Cashing Facility operates twice-weekly. You can cash up to £50 each time for a charge of £1 and up to £100 for £2. Sterling traveller’s cheques and credit or debit cards backed by VISA or MasterCard can be used to obtain cash on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:15pm-2:15pm. Additional Expenses You will incur some additional expenses during your time at the BISC. What follows is a short guide. Textbooks You will be able to purchase your textbooks from the Castle Shop. Many students choose to wait until after the first week of classes to buy textbooks in case they decide to switch courses. As 50 costs vary by textbook and course, it is difficult to give a precise breakdown of how much you will need to budget. Please Note: Many textbooks are held in the Castle library so purchasing all of them may not be necessary. There are also second hand books available in the Castle shop. Visas If you require a Tier 4 visa for entry to the UK, you will need to factor that into your budget. The cost of a Tier 4 visa will vary depending where you are applying. For students applying in Canada, the current fee is about $590. Not all students require a visa; please speak to a member of the BISC admission team or the BISC Administration Office for further information. Airfare You are responsible for your airfare to the UK and return – make sure you read the information about Arrivals and Departures. Supplementary Health Insurance Prior to your departure you should arrange for adequate health insurance for the duration of your stay in the UK (and for any travelling you do after your program ends). The cost of medical insurance will vary depending on the provider and what is covered under the plan. It is important to do your research and select a plan that suits your needs. Please ensure you read the additional information about supplementary health insurance. Independent Travel Affordable airfare and extensive rail service throughout the UK and Continental Europe, and the relative proximity of Herstmonceux Castle to so many fascinating destinations, combine to make independent travel one of the most popular activities amongst Castle students. The cost of independent travel will vary depending on your destination, mode of transport, accommodation, and length of stay. You should check with the Student Services Team and the Academic Travel Team for tips on how to save money when travelling. Spending Money The proper amount of spending money to budget is very difficult to gauge because it varies tremendously from one person to the next. You know your spending habits better than anyone else! You may want to check out the International Student Calculator, which was created specifically for students planning to study in the UK. The calculator helps students plan and manage their money for their time abroad. 51 Your Pre-Departure Checklist 1. Make sure you have read this handbook, the BISC Charter, the Rules and Regulations, and your Residence Agreement. 2. Ensure your passport is valid and will remain valid for at least six months past your expected date of return. See 3. If required, apply for a visa permitting you to study in the UK. Canadian and US citizens studying at the Castle for less than 180 days do not require a visa. If you are a citizen of another country, check the visa requirements that apply to you. Visas can be acquired from the office of the British High Commission, Embassy or Consulate in your home country. If you will be travelling on a passport issued by a country other than Canada, the United States or an EU member nation you should check to see if you require a Schengen visa to participate in field studies to some countries in Continental Europe. Please contact the appropriate office of the country under whose passport you are traveling for further information. Although staff at Queen’s University and the Castle is pleased to help with information about travel documents, it is your responsibility to obtain all necessary documents (see pages 1112). 4. Make sure to keep a photocopy of your passport, credit/debit cards, visa, and any other important documentation at home in case you lose it while you are travelling. 5. Enrol in the Emergency Support Program (ESP) through Queen’s University’s International Centre (QUIC). Completion of this program is mandatory prior to departure (see page 26). 6. Ensure you have filled in the Residence and Supplementary Health Insurance forms online (the link to the form will be emailed to you when it is open). 7. Make travel arrangements and fill in the online form as soon as they are confirmed. The link to the online travel information form will be emailed to you when it is open. 8. Ensure that you have adequate health insurance for the duration of your time abroad. Queen’s University’s Alma Mater Society and Society for Graduate and Professional Students offer supplemental health insurance, though you are not obligated to purchase it here. Purchasing insurance is a personal choice and we recommend you compare plans in order to make a decision that is right for you. Don’t forget you will need property insurance as well. 9. Register for courses: First-year students will receive information in June about course registration at SOAR (July). Upper-year students are automatically registered for their courses. 10. Create a financial plan for the year and ensure your fees are paid in full. 11. Make sure any special needs, especially those requiring accommodation, are noted on your residence application form. Include any relevant supporting documentation and contact student services directly ([email protected]) if you would like to discuss your situation. If you are a new Queen’s student with a learning disability requiring academic accommodation, you should contact Queen’s Health Counselling and Disability Services and arrange for an appointment with the Learning Disabilities Strategist. All other students should arrange for documentation from their home institution to be forwarded to the Student and Enrolment Services Manager at Castle. 52 12. Arrange a Power of Attorney prior to departure. 13. Pack, start researching your travel options, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime! 14. Weigh your luggage before going to the airport and be aware of the weight restrictions. Disclaimer Although care has been taken in identifying the print and web references contained in this document, the Bader International Study Centre (BISC) cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information. Anyone using information from websites listed in this handbook does so at their own risk and shall be deemed to indemnify the BISC from any and all injury or damage arising from such use. Information in this handbook is valid for the program in 2015/16 but may change in subsequent years. Please contact [email protected] if you have any questions. 53 The Estate 54 Bader Hall Floor Plan Gym D-Wing G: Bedrooms, D1 Kitchenette L2: Student Rooms L3: Student Rooms Art Room, D3 Kitchenette Recycling Clothes Drying Lines D-Wing L2: Laundry, Games Room D2 Study Lounges Recycle glass, card, paper, tin cans and plastic here—but please separate first! Reception C-Wing LG: C0 Common Room, Games Room G: C1 Common Room, Computer Lab L2: Guest Rooms, C2 Kitchenette L3: Student Rooms B-Wing G: Student Rooms, B1 Kitchenette L2, L3: Student Rooms A2 Lounge is the only study space in Bader accessible by both profs and students A-Wing G, L2: A1 & A2 Common Rooms 3: Computer Lab Key: A-Wing LG: Lower Ground / Level 0 G: Ground Floor / Level 1 L2: Level 2 (the floor you enter Bader on) L3: Level 3 (one floor up from Reception) Faculty & Guest Bedrooms Only Gym and Laundry sections only have one floor—entry from ground level / level 2 55 Castle Floor Plan Ground Floor: Library & Reading Room First Floor: Ballroom Top Floor: Faculty Offices, Academic Travel Ground/First Floor: Dacre Room Dining Hall Ground Floor: Gatehouse First Floor: Drummers Room Top Floor: Alumni (Green) Room Ground Floor: Headless Drummer First Floor: Film & Video Room Top Floor: Faculty Offices Ground Floor: Seminar Rooms First Floor: Finance, Conference Rm Top Floor: Student Services Ground Floor: No Access First Floor: IT / Computer Lab Top Floor: Faculty Offices Ground Floor: Elizabethan Room Top Floor: Faculty Offices Please note: Toilets may be on levels 1, 2 or 3 For more detailed maps, please consult your Student Handbook. 56 Ground Floor: Seminar Rooms First Floor: Board Room Top Floor: No Access Ground Floor: Castle Reception First Floor: Admin
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