Cardiff Management & Languages A

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I able to find work in Cardiff?

You are only legally allowed to work 20 hours per week on a student visa; however, this varies depending on your country and type of visa, for example Students on a tourist visa are not allowed to work. We advise all Students to find this information out from the home office and their local embassy. CMLA always recommends that your main concentration should be on study.

Does CMLA help Students with finding jobs?

We are not a job agency we provide English language, business management and IT training.

Do I need a visa to go to Cardiff?

It depends what country you are travelling from. If you are a EU national you do not require a visa, all other countries require a visa. Please note that Cardiff is in Wales and classed as the UK therefore you will require a UK Visa. It is sometimes possible to extend your visa when you are here. For this you will need to complete a home office form and CMLA will provide you with an acceptance letter for the extension of your studies.

Where else can I get Visa Information?

We recommend you look at UKCOSA for extra information. (http://www.ukcosa.org.uk/images/leaving.pdf) You should also contact the British Embassy or Consulate in your country. They will give you the latest information and advice and tell you if and when you should make an appointment for a visa and the documents that you need to take with you. It is always useful to seek advice.

Does CMLA help with getting visas?

We are not a visa office and we are not able to give advice on this matter. It is up to the individuals to go through their own visa office. We only provide the letter of acceptance on the course.

How do I find accommodation?

CMLA provides you with assistance on English speaking hosts. Regarding self-catering, guesthouse, bed & breakfast or hotel accommodation we can provide you with names of reliable estate agents or companies or you can search for agents on the Internet.

What is a Host?

It is full board accommodation with an English-speaking host. Students get maximum opportunity to speak English. It is the most popular type of accommodation. Students are matched with a host depending on requirements. We have had many hosts with us since the Academy started. The hosts are sure to give you a warm Welsh welcome and are an integral part of the whole experience. We have many different types of hosts some of these would be; young couples with no children, older couples with 2 or more children, retired couples with older children at university and Welsh mums that live alone. All provide a unique experience.

What type of weather should I expect in Cardiff?

The climate is very changeable. It is mainly a cold climate particularly from October to February. In the summer months June, July and August the weather is mild with many sunshine periods. You should never expect one day to stay the same in terms of weather. We would recommend you to have an umbrella, as there is always rain no matter what season.

Where exactly is Cardiff situated in Wales?

Cardiff is situated in South Wales, and it is the capital city of Wales.

Do I need insurance?

You should have a student insurance policy that covers health and the possessions that you will bring with you. This is your own responsibility.

How much do typical exam fees cost?

Academic and General IELTS exam preparation - 100 pounds
Cambridge PET examination - 60 pounds
Cambridge First Certificate - 91 pounds

Do I have to pay a deposit?

Yes, we will confirm your place on the course once we receive a deposit or either half or full fees.

When do I have to pay the remaining fees?

You will need to pay the remaining fees 2 weeks before you begin your course.

What if I decide to leave partway during my course?

We will only refund 50% of all remaining course fees, and you must give CMLA four weeks notice in order to terminate your course.

What do I have to do to receive an acceptance letter?

Once we receive a deposit or half /full fees to confirm your booking we will send you an acceptance letter.

How do I pay for the course?

When we receive your application form we will send you more details about payment. The main methods of payment are bank transfer, credit card and cheque.

How much money will I need per week for day-to-day expenses?

Cardiff is not as expensive as London or the South Coast of England. Your expenses depend entirely on what you do during your time in Cardiff i.e. cinema, bars, travelling and food. Always remember to budget!

Can you advise me on banks?

Banks are usually open from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday. At weekends ensure you have a little cash with you as banks are closed, but cash points are accessible. We can help you to open an account with a local bank if you are studying in the UK for over 6 months.

Is it possible to use email/internet?

You have free use of the Internet at CMLA.

How many English language levels do you have?

Beginners, elementary, pre-intermediate, intermediate, and advanced.

Do you offer exam preparation classes?

We offer IELTS exam and Cambridge PET preparation courses. All classes will only take place if we have a minimum of 4 Students per class. Alternatively, you may opt to take one-to-one intensive lessons.

When can I start my course?

You can start on any Monday of the year.

How many Students are there in a class?

On average we there are 8 Students per class, with a maximum of 12 Students per class.

How will I know what the level of my English is?

On the morning of arrival we will give you a short interview and written test in order to place you in the right class.

Will I get a certificate at the end of my course?

If you complete your course then you will receive a certificate from CMLA.

What will happen on my first day?

All Students should come to school at 9am on their first day. During the morning you will be given a short test, which will help us to decide which class to put you in. We will then tell you your timetable and give you a short induction to inform you about the academy, it is important that all our Students read the handbook with all our rules regulations.

What shall I do if I need a doctor?

If it is an emergency you can go to a local hospital. If you are staying with a host they will inform you about the nearest doctor to your accommodation.

Is medical treatment free?

If you are studying for 6 months or more treatment will be free and you can register as a National Health Service patient. Also if you are from an EC country or from a country that has a health care agreement with Britain (i.e. Austria, Finland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Bulgaria, Russia, for example) you will also receive free treatment.

Cardiff Management & Languages Academy

tel: +44 (0) 29 2022 6047

fax: +44 (0) 29 2037 2281

email: info@cmla.uk.com

Frequently Asked Questions