FOOTBALL
TICKETS
The FREE English as a Foreign Language magazine.
G ROLLER SKATIN AT THE B.I.C.
£1 OFF
Dorset Buses
LOOK NEW TOWN MAP
EVERY WEDNESDAY IS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT NIGHT AT MARY SHELLEY
Simona Czech chick
speaks a year after Bournemouth
WHERE TO EAT PLACES TO SEE COMPETITION SPECIAL OFFERS
Issue 3. Summer/Autumn 2012
CHEAP
Dutch striker looking forward to Cherries challenge New signing Frank Demouge has realised his dream of playing in England after agreeing a two-year deal with the Cherries. Demouge passed a medical at AFC Bournemouth’s Goldsands Stadium this month and became Paul Groves’ third signing of the summer when he was granted international clearance. The striker revealed that he had spoken to Southampton pair Jos Hooiveld and Steve De Ridder whilst he was in negotiation with the club. “It was my dream to play in England. Now I’m 30-years-old and it’s the right moment,” he told the club’s official website afcb.co.uk. “I’ve played in the Premier League in Holland for almost 11 years and I know that league, and I’m looking forward to playing here and I hope I can help the club.
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“Everyone watches English football and there are a lot of Dutch players in the Premier League. I spoke to a couple of them and
they said it was great to play here. I know this is a lower level but I hope to find my way here as soon as possible.” Demouge added he was looking forward to his first season with the club and adapting to the demands of English football. “I feel good. I feel fit,” he said. “They play a lot of games here and in Holland we are not used to playing as many games as this, but everyone wants to play games and I want to play as much as possible”.
Demouge at the Goldsands Stadium
Discover the
PASSION of football - right on your doorstep Just a short walk from your new home is one of the most ambitious football clubs in the world. There has never been a better time to support AFC Bournemouth. It’s a friendly club - situated by the seaside - and it’s determined to achieve amazing things in the footballing world. With new staff and players arriving at the club, the Cherries are set to embark on a new era – and everyone around the town is excited for the future ahead. There’s a buzz around the Goldsands Stadium and for those who don’t yet support a football club – AFC Bournemouth is the team for you. The Cherries have two new attacking players at the club in Lewis Grabban and Josh McQuoid, and have also secured the signing of highly rated Dutch striker Frank Demouge over the summer. Saturday afternoons were made for football. After a week of hard-work and studying, the best way to release any stress you might have is to watch AFC Bournemouth. There is always a brilliant atmosphere around the Goldsands Stadium and there is no doubt that you will get the Cherries fever after watching AFC Bournemouth play.
SPECIAL OFFER! You can benefit from an exclusive special offer to make your AFC Bournemouth experience even more affordable. For the 2012/13, all readers of Talk! can take advantage of low priced tickets to any home game by quoting AFCBTALK when purchasing your ticket. That’s just £11 to watch Dorset’s premier football club take npower League One by storm. So come on down to the Goldsands Stadium and grab your seat. Watch AFC Bournemouth and become part of the atmosphere. Visit afcb.co.uk or call 0844 576 1910 for more details about how to purchase tickets, and to find out when our big games are. Up the Cherries!
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CONTENTS p.14
Find a bank
p.31
Accommodation advice
p.34
Tania’s
p.38
LOVE
BUGS
p.38
Student accommodation
p.17
We talk to Simona
p.42
Need a doctor?
p.20
Cinema ticket winners
p.45
p.24
Puzzle page
p.46
! new
Bournemouth map
feature p.08 We talk to Maria
p.19
Restaurant reviews
WIN!
SEE p.46 5
hello Hello and welcome to our third magazine for EFL students in Dorset! We have changed the size from A4 to A5 so you can carry it around with you. We have also included a map which we hope you find useful. The thought of coming to Dorset may be scary because you don’t know anybody. I am a language teacher and I organise events for students, and lots of people have told me that they want to have a way of learning about interesting things to do in Dorset and meeting new people; so I made this magazine for EFL students. We want to help you make friends and learn about places to go so that you have fun! We will tell you about places you can go and things you can do to have an exciting time here: things talked about by students just like you. Some more sensible and everyday things will also be talked about - like how people find learning English and living in Dorset - so that you can see that you are not on your own and you can feel happier.
To all EFL students studying at accredited language institutions, a big welcome from the British Council. We hope you enjoy your stay in Dorset, improve your English and have fun along the way. More information about what you can expect from an accredited institution can be found at: www.britishcouncil.org/accreditationstudents.htm Liz McLaren, Manager Accreditation UK, British Council
Editor: David Hammond Writers: David Hammond, Ross Took, Jordan Key, Joanne Ball and Athena McCormick Design: Kevin Whitbread Photographer: M ichal Onderco Illustrators: Kris Mahboobani, Kevin Whitbread Cover photograph: Michal Onderco Integrated programme manager: Mathew Stracy Editorial enquiries: David Hammond 07898 936 356 Advertising sales: Mathew Stracy 07719 211299 Talk! magazine is published by Talk Language Schools Ltd Talk! magazine helps EFL students and schools to connect to one another, involve each other socially and professionally.
We hope you enjoy studying in Dorset and enjoy reading our magazine – for events, for friends, for you. David Hammond Editor
Talk Language Schools Ltd. info@talklanguageschools.co.uk
Talk! and Talk Language Schools is copyright.© This magazine may not be reproduced or transmitted in whole or in part without the written permission of the publishers. The opinions expressed by contributors do not necessarily reflect those of Talk Language Schools Ltd.
10 minute interview Colombian Maria Alejandra Molano Beltrán tells talk! about her experience in Bournemouth.
Maria Q. Who are you? Why did you come to Bournemouth?
Q. How long have you been in Bournemouth?
A. My name is Maria. I am 16 years old and I’ve finished school. I came to Bournemouth to improve my English and pass an exam to go on to the next year at university. I saw a lot of pictures on the internet and the agency’s website and Bournemouth looked good. I especially liked the photos of Bournemouth beach.
A. I have been in Bournemouth for 6 months. I think that half a year is a long time to study English, but I enjoyed it very much! Q. What level did you start at and what level did you finish at? A. I started at pre-intermediate and will finish at upper intermediate.
Q. Where are you from? A. I am from Colombia in South America. I live in the capital city Bogotá. Q. Tell me a little about Bogotá. A. It is a very beautiful city but it is also a very crowded city. The weather is usually warm and it’s very high. The altitude of Bogotá is 2,625 m (8,612 ft). It is the third highest capital city in the world. Q. Why didn’t you choose London or the USA to study English? A. I didn’t choose London because I already come from a very big city and didn’t want to go to another one. Even though the USA is much closer to my country, I didn’t want to go to the USA to study English because I have been to the USA many times and I really don’t like American English. In fact, British English is my favourite. 8
Q. What have you liked most about your stay? A. I have travelled a lot because it’s cheap here compared to Colombia. When I went to Scotland with my friends; we went for £140 each for a return ticket and this included 3 rooms to share between 12 friends. It was in Edinburgh just outside of the city centre. In Colombia this would be much more expensive. Q. Are you homesick? A. Not really. I love it here! I have a small family. I suppose I miss my sister because she’s having a baby! Q. What is your favourite place(s) in Bournemouth? A. I love the beach. Oh I love the beach! In Colombia, I rarely go to the beach because Bogotá is very far from the sea and I don’t the time.
A. Yes, because they are always smiling. I think that in Bogotá most people are very stressed so I don’t see people smiling. This is another reason why I didn’t choose London to study English as I think most people there will be busy and stressed. Q. Why is it important for you to improve your English?
Q. Do you think that your English has improved?
A. Firstly, because I like the English language, secondly, I need to prepare for my IETLS exam because the university in Bogotá requires me to have a good IETLS score. My course will be in Spanish but a high level of English is mandatory. I can not graduate from university unless I get a good IETLS score. There is an IELTS test at the end of the degree course. Q. Have you made good friends here?
A. My English has improved a lot. Now I can understand what people are saying to me when they talk to me. I also have much more confidence when speaking to people. Q. What do you plan to do next? A. In a fortnight, when I go back to Colombia, I’m going to study design at university. You can go to university in Colombia as soon as you finish school. Some people think that it’s strange for me to be going to university at 16. Q. Do you think that people in Bournemouth are friendly?
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A. Yes I have! Most of my friends are a little older than me, 18 and 19. They are all from Colombia. I haven’t really made friends with any English people my own age which is sad.
Q. What is your host family like? A. Absolutely crazy! But my host mum is lovely! She adores cats! I’m going to miss her very much! Q. What have you done while in England? A. In 6 months, I’ve visited London, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Manchester, Oxford, Cambridge, Brighton, Bath, Stonehenge (which I found very boring), Salisbury, the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth, Southampton (shopping is great there), Cardiff and Paris! Q. Anything to add? A. Yes, I hate English weather. I love squirrels; I had never seen one before!
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CAN’T FIND STUDENT ACCOMMODATION? There is a solution!
Bomo International Student Accommodation and BISA in partnership with Christopher Shaw Residential in 4 Yelverton Road, Bournemouth offer affordable shared accommodation for international students studying in Bournemouth. The accommodation is available on a no contract basis so offers flexible length of stay. All of the accommodation is fully furnished and set up as twin rooms for same sex sharers. The properties are all situated in the heart of town centre and prices include all utility bills and high speed wireless broadband. Whether you are just arriving in the UK to start your studies or its time to move from your host family for more freedom then there is only one call you need to make.
deposit to pay and £20 for the keys to the property both are returned at the end of your stay subject to no damage being caused to the property and all keys being returned. With many student landlords charging fees & deposits Bomo international student accommodation offer a refreshing alternative to the other Bournemouth based student accommodation.
The company has been providing International student accommodation for 5 years now and has built a reputation for well run and well presented accommodation with the contact and support of local Estate agent Christopher Shaw Residential. Rents are paid weekly in advance, there is just £50 damage Call Aran or Christopher on 01202 55 44 70, email us on info@bomostudents.co.uk or visit www.bournemouthstudentproperty.com for further details and availability.
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&
Frankie Benny’s Review
Open Monday-Saturday: 9am-11pm & Sunday: 9am-10.30pm After spending time shopping at the large out of town “Castlepoint” shopping park we would recommend that you do the very short walk from the shops to the New York Italian restaurant and bar - Frankie and Benny’s. I went with 2 friends and we are glad that we did. We were given a warm welcome when we arrived and were promptly shown to our seats. We ordered drinks and for starters we had Frankie’s Calarmai, Bruschetta and flavoured garlic pizza bread with goat’s cheese and onion. We agreed that these were all tasty and went well with the garlic pizza bread which was excellent and good value for money. For main course we chose Chicken and Prawn Alfredo, Cajun Chicken Melt and a whopping rib eye steak (thick cut). Each dish was scrumptious but be warned that you have to be very hungry to eat all the mouth watering rib eye steak! The Chicken and Prawn Alfredo came with a bountiful mix of main ingredients. The Cajun Chicken Melt was delicately made and flavoursome. By the time it came to dessert, we were very full but found it hard to resist the tempting menu so we shared one of their amazing ice cream sundaes.
We were very impressed by Frankie and Benny’s. Overall the service was superb and very friendly. The staff took time to get to know us and engaged in conversations ranging from photography to life in general. We enjoyed the American diner style atmosphere and the food was served promptly. We strongly advise to come here whether you go shopping at Castlepoint or not! Remember it is easy to get the bus or taxi to Castlepoint shopping park. Both Yellow Buses and Wiltshire & Dorset buses will get you there. Unit C8, Castlepoint, Castle Lane West, Bournemouth, BH8 9UW Tel: 01202 548 812
DOCTOR! DOCTOR! Are you suffering and you don’t have a doctor? Oh, well here’s how to get one! Taking into account that Bournemouth is a pretty big place, it is understandable that you might feel a little scared about looking at the many different places trying to find the right doctor for the right problems or even just the one that’s going to deal with you fast and effectively so you can get sorted. If you are here for a period of time longer than three months, it is advised that you register with a General Practitioner (GP, as they are more commonly known over here) as soon as possible, and not leave it until you find yourself unwell, as it can take time to process an application. If you’re here for a shorter period than that, you can apply as a temporary resident, through form GMS3. To register you will need your passport, evidence that you are a student and proof of your UK address. If the surgery you want to register with is too crowded you can apply to another one. Also, you can opt to have a female, or male GP if you would prefer; just inform the surgery on your registration form. Once you’ve been registered you will be sent a NHS card, which will have your NHS number on it. Then, if you need to see a doctor, simply phone them and make an appointment. You will usually get an appointment to see a doctor within one to two days. 20
If you’ve been feeling under the weather for longer than usual, it’s probably better to go to a GP rather than a hospital, as a GP can treat most illnesses. Doctors will give prescriptions (if they deem it necessary) which will give you the medicine you need to help you get better. They also offer advice, and can give immunisations and vaccinations, as well as help with family planning though there are specific clinics you can also visit for that if you so wish. A GP is not for emergencies, or broken bones, something you would need to see a hospital for, however they will do house visits if you are bed bound. In an emergency please dial 999 from a telephone. You can not dial 999 with Skype. Because the National Health Service or NHS is paid for by taxes, the consultation and appointment are free, but any medicine, unless you’re under 19 and in full time education where you get it free, you must pay for at a pharmacy. As Bournemouth is a big place, there are several options you can choose from: Talbot Medical Centre. If you have any problems Talbot Medical Centre is a short walk from Winton’s town centre and will set you straight with advice and help if you need it. To join the Talbot Medical Centre and make an appointment, you need to pay them a visit or call: 0844-477-2416. Alternatively, if you would like to attend in person, you can Google the address: 63 Kinson Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH10 4BX.
Remember In an emergency call 999.
Banks Medical Centre. To register and book an appointment you must visit them at: 272 Wimborne Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH3 7AT. They are open until 6pm most days excluding the weekends. The Panton Practice To join Panton Practice you also need to pay them a visit and fill out a NHS Registration Form and a New Patient Health Questionnaire, you might have to take a blood test, too. The practice can be found at: 14 Gervis Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 3EG. Alternatively it may be easier for you to call them on: 01202 411700. They are also open until 6pm weekdays. All of the above are free and only require registration. If you need a prescription, you are charged depending on the medication you need. If you have been in an accident or require emergency treatment, these are free of charge: • Treatment for accidents and emergencies as an outpatient in a hospital’s accident and emergency department. Emergency treatment in a walk-in centre is also free of charge (England and Wales only). However, if you are referred to an
outpatient clinic or admitted to hospital from an accident and emergency department, you will be charged. • Compulsory psychiatric treatment • Treatment for certain communicable diseases, such as tuberculosis, cholera, food poisoning, malaria, meningitis and pandemic influenza. Testing for the HIV virus and counselling following a test are both free of charge, but any necessary subsequent treatment and medicines may have to be paid for. • Family planning If you require any of these services and they are urgent, please call: 01202 303 626 The Royal Bournemouth Hospital is located at: Castle Lane East, Bournemouth. A nurse or doctor will be able to advise you on what’s best for your problem. If you want to enquire about symptoms, but don’t want to see a Doctor, you can call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or use their website www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
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? See Next Page for Key
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Use this listings page to find local businesses on our map.
Accommodation
Language schools
Printing/Copying
Christopher Shaw, 4 Yelverton road, Bournemouth, 1 Dorset, BH1 1DF
Beet Language Centre, 10 Nortoft Road, Charminster, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH8 8PY
Copy Plus, 8 Lansdowne Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 1SD
Banking
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Pubs/Bars
Lloyds TSB, 5-6 Lansdowne Crescent, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 1RY
2
Eating Out
Jacey House, 284/292 Old Christchurch Rd, Bournemouth, BH1 1PH Giggi Gelateria, 10 Burlington Arcade, Bournemouth, BH1 2HZ
Prezzo, 58 Westover Road, Bournemouth, BH1 2BZ
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Roosters piri piri 262 Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, BH1 1PF
Bright School of English, 214 Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 1PE British Study Centres, Bristol & West House, 1st Floor, Post Office Road, Bournemouth BH1 1BL
Eurocentres 26, Dean Park Road, Bournemouth, BH1 1HZ
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Bakers Arms, 77-79 Commercial Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5RT
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The Goat and Tricycle 27-29 Westhill Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5PF
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Global Access to English, College, 57 Portchester Road, Charminster, 14 Bournemouth, BH8 8J
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Kaplan International College, 130-136 Poole Road, Bournemouth, BH4 9EF
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Richard Language College, 43-45 Wimborne Road, Bournemouth, BH3 7AB
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The Percy Florence Shelley, 673-675 Christchurch Road, Boscombe, Dorset, BH7 6AA The Christopher Creeke, 2 Holdenhurst Road, 24 Bournemouth, Dorset, BH8 8AD The Moon In The Square 4-8 Exeter Road, Bournemouth, 25 Dorset, BH2 5AQ The Parkstone, 433-457 Wimborne Road, Winton, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH9 2AN
Entertainment
Laser Quest, Glen Fern Road, Bournemouth, BH1 2LZ
Aruba Bar & Restaurant, Pier Approach, Bournemouth, 21 BH2 5AA
The Mary Shelley, The Quadrant Centre, 26 Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 2AD
Health & Fitness Ippon Kung Fu, Unit 1, Terrace View, 4 Terrace Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5NJ
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United World School of English, Brandon & Clifton House, 44 - 46 St Peters Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 2LT
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The Gym, 29 Westover Rd, Bournemouth, 9 BH1 2BZ
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Travel/Travel Exchange
Postal Services Stokewood Leisure Centre, Stokewood Road, Winton, Bournemouth, BH3 7ND
Smokin Aces, 103 Commercial Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5RT
Mail Boxes ETC, 2 Lansdowne Crescent, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 1SA
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Mail Boxes ETC, 89 Commercial Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 5RR
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Indigo Travel, Unit 3, Burlington Arcade, Bournemouth, 28 BH1 2HZ
Kanoo Travel, 94a Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, BH1 1EH
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act Fun F nds
ta ASK s entic h t u for A en Kitch n a i Sicil
t n a r stau eviews
Re A five minute walk away from Bournemouth’s vibrant town centre, sits ASK Italian. A casual dining restaurant with obvious Italian roots. In common with the rest of Bournemouth, the chain has plastered its lively branding all over the vintage building a sign that the town is changing, and now a haven for the younger generations. I travelled down with a friend on a Monday lunch time. We had no trouble finding a seat, indoors or outdoors. Outdoors provided a good view of Lansdowne, a good spot to enjoy the sun and the hustle and bustle of Bournemouth.
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The main course was served without delay. I ordered a Sea bass al Forno - A tender, perfectly cooked “roasted sea bass with Charlotte new potatoes, Santos tomatoes, mushrooms and spinach in a light butter and white wine sauce with lemon juice”. A delicious fish dish, just a stone’s throw away from the sea! The meal was quite filling but left room for dessert. My lunch partner went for a more typical Italian dish, a Stromboli pizza, with added chilli gave a little kick to an otherwise ordinary pepperoni pizza which worked well. Our meals were accompanied by Italian styled fruit drinks - San Pellegrino Aranciata (Italian sparkling orange juice) and Aranciata Rossa (blood red orange juice). These made a pleasant and refreshing complement to the main meal.
We were promptly ASKed for our food orders. Immediately a complimentary jug of water with an amusing shape appeared on our table. The interior was very basic but chic, with the tall white walls matching a modern all round feeling. As our conversation flowed, starters were served.
The dessert menu had tea and coffee options. We ordered a Tiramisu and a Honeycomb Cheesecake which finished off the meal and filled the remaining gap. This was the final piece in an all round pleasant experience, good food, good service and good value.
We chose the Italian classic Bruschetta, which came with marinated tomatoes, red onions and fresh basil. We also opted for the Insalata Caprese, a simple Italian salad with Buffalo mozzarella. Both were generously portioned; both looked and tasted fresh, healthy and authentically homemade.
Open Monday-Saturday: 12am-11pm & Sunday: 12am-10pm Jacey House, 284/292 Old Christchurch Rd Bournemouth, BH1 1PH Tel: 01202 296 900 27
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PREZZO REVIEW
Open Monday to Sunday: 11am–11pm
On a warm summer Tuesday evening we visited Prezzo restaurant. Located opposite the Bath Hotel with an Italian student and a Slovak. Our booking was for 7pm. It was obviously a popular restaurant as people were being turned away. We can see why this is a very popular restaurant. The restaurant was elegant, bright, airy and welcoming. The light from the early evening sun filled the restaurant. We started off with a small dish of marinated olives to whet our appetites. This was shortly followed by a tasty Bruschetta, an appetising bread board and yummy Calamari. We chose for the main course a salmon and avocado salad, a Margarita pizza with added proscuitto ham and rocket salad (which wasn’t listed as an option). Ten out of ten for that! Also, a Caesar salad with added king prawns. My Italian companion was impressed by the pizzas and thought them delicious although she felt they were not the same as authentic Italian pizzas. The portions were generous and we decided to share one dessert opting for the Strawberry Eton Mess cheesecake with an espresso and fresh ground coffee.
My two companions felt that the coffees were not quite up to standard. The restaurant was busy but we did not have to wait too long for the food. Our waitress was excellent. PREZZO is fortunate to have a good view of the sea. There is also good seating outside for al fresco dining (weather permitting), however pre booking would be advisable. We recommend the Italian white wine Pinot Grigio via Nova. It made a lovely addition and went well with the salad and pizza. We all agreed that the food was excellent, well cooked and fresh. 58 Westover Road, Bournemouth, BH1 2BZ Tel: 01202 556399
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On our map.
If you plan to stay in the UK for some time, it’s a good idea to open a bank account. Having a UK bank account makes it easier to pay your bills, to shop and to get paid by your employer. Having a UK bank account also gives you a better chance of being successful when applying for a UK visa. Most banks offer basic accounts with no charges and no minimum balance and many banks offer accounts specifically designed for students – some even have accounts specifically for international students. When you’re setting up your account, ask the adviser about the different accounts the bank offers. It’s important to make an appointment. Expect it to last at least one hour. You can find the phone number for the bank branch online, or walk in to speak to someone about making an appointment. You will need to bring your ID with you to your appointment. If you are from a country inside the EU, you can bring your national photo ID card. Otherwise, you must bring your passport with your student visa. You will also need to bring a letter from your school, confirming that you are studying with them or a ‘Letter of Introduction for UK Banking Facilities’ which your school will complete to show your study details.
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If you want to set up online or telephone banking, you may need other documents. When you make your appointment, ask which other documents you should bring. During your appointment, you will choose which type of account to set up. UK banks offer a variety of services, some of which there are fees for, and some of which are included within their basic accounts. Ask about services that suit your needs. For example, if you have an account in your home country that you will want to transfer money to or from frequently, ask about the cost of international transfers. Make sure you know what kind of card you will receive with your account. A cash card will let you take money out of your account at a cash machine (ATM) or post office, but won’t always allow you to make purchases online and cannot be used to pay in shops and restaurants. A debit card will let you take money out at a cash machine, make purchase online and pay directly from your account at shops and restaurants. Once you have your UK bank account, it’s important to keep your bank informed of any changes to your address or contact information. If you move house or get a new phone, let them know your new details as soon as possible. 31
ACCOMMODATION ADVICE Where you live while you’re studying will have a big impact on how you live during your stay here. There are many types of accommodation available for students, including living with a host family or joining a flat share. There are pros and cons to any living situation and it is important to consider your options carefully before deciding where you would like to live. Host Family A host family is a British family whom you live with during your studies. Your school will be able to help you find a host family. Check the accommodation page on your school’s website for information on what is offered and how much you will pay.
Pros
Cons
Living with a host family gives you the opportunity to practice and improve your English outside the classroom.
Because you will be living in their house, you will have to follow your host family’s rules, even if they don’t suit your lifestyle.
Your host family can help you get used to life here by showing you around the city and helping with important tasks, like finding a doctor or setting up a bank account.
If you like to party and have friends over, your host family may not appreciate the noise.
Rent usually includes breakfast and often includes an evening meal.
It may get lonely when your host family goes out or spends time together and you are not invited to participate.
Sharing with Friends Another option you have is to rent a house or a flat with friends. Websites like Gumtree.com are useful for finding available houses and flats.
Pros
Cons
You will always be around friends. This is especially important if you are a very social person.
If you live with friends who speak the same native language as you do, it may be tempting not to speak or practise your English at home.
You can save money, not just by sharing rent and utilities, but also sharing the cost of groceries and cleaning supplies.
It can put stress on your friendships when you have to live with your friends’ annoying habits. Small things, like not doing the washing up right away, might start to really bother you.
If you and your friends are in the same programme at school, you can help each other study. You may feel safer, knowing the people you live with.
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You may find it difficult to study if your friends want to go out and can easily persuade you to join them. If one friend wants to move out, it can be complicated; you may need to find a flatmate to take that person’s room or share their part of the household costs amongst the rest of the household.
Joining a House Share You can also join an existing house or flat share. Usually one person (landlord or landlady) rents the flat to you but does not live there. Sometimes the flat is offered via a letting company e.g. Christopher Shaw.
Pros
Cons
Saving money on shared costs, like utilities and Internet access.
You and your housemates will likely have different schedules, which may make it difficult when one person wants to sleep and another wants to be up and moving around.
You will meet new people and can form new friendships. You will have an individual agreement with the person or company who rents the property, so if one person moves out, your rent will not increase.
You don’t know who you will be living with. They may be noisy or messy.
LIVING SAFE & HAPPY Some Other Things to Consider when Looking for Accommodation: Location Check GoogleMaps and bus routes to make sure the property is a reasonable distance from your school, grocery stores, etc. Make sure you consider the cost of bus fares when calculating what your expenses will be. Cost Don’t just think about the rent, but also consider what is included. Will you need to pay extra for utilities, Internet access or bus fare? Don’t forget that you may have to put down a deposit (which is usually one month’s rent) which you should get back providing that everything is in the same condition as it was when you arrived. Agreement Make sure you have a signed tenancy agreement or lease. Signed legal documents protect both you and your landlord. www.accommodationforstudents.com/Bournemouth.asp is a great resource for students looking for flat or house shares. 35
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We talk to
SIMONA Last summer 19 year old Czech student Simona came to England for a month in late August. She came over on a scholarship provided by a local company to improve her English. She found it was a very different world from the one she knew back home, however she took back a better grasp of English, and her opinions on many things changed. She got on really well with her host family, and still tries to keep in contact with them nearly a year later. She misses the friends she made, however Facebook and Skype help her to keep in contact, this is a massive plus for technology! The host family and friends were one of the main reasons she loved her month in England. Meeting such lovely people was one of the best things she discovered about England; especially when she struggled to find the right words to say. English people were patient and understanding, which really helped her speak, and learn more English. She doesn’t get to practise English as much at home. She advises other language students not to fall into that trap but to try and find a local English study group and join it. When studying English in Dorset, Simona advises that making groups with friends who are also learning
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She packed a lot into her month here, visiting places all over the south of England, such as: Bath, Southampton, Christchurch, and then venturing to London. She found the towns and cities different to the ones in the Czech republic. In England they are much busier, especially London. She found that “no one cares what you wear,” although the clothing isn’t all that different to back home. Because of the diversity in England, she met people from countries she hadn’t met before, and she really liked the mix of different cultures and how it forms England, as it is accepting and helpful to visitors.
Simona striking a pose
English is a good way to keep talking in English regularly, provided that they are not from the same country as you, otherwise you might end up speaking your own language and not practising your English. One thing that struck her about England was the food. She found it far too heavy and fatty, especially the English cooked breakfast we pride ourselves on, and our meat dishes were something that she wasn’t used to. She really liked baked beans though, and wanted to take some home for her friends.
“no one cares what you wear” 43
When she got home, her English was noticeably better and she moved to a higher study group, something which she’s sure she wouldn’t have done without being immersed in the English language and culture.
Simona with her class mates
Although the drinks were sometimes expensive in the clubs, she enjoyed the nightlife which was something she hadn’t really experienced before. She loved ‘V’ (a church converted into a nightclub) as “being inside a church was cool and V had a great atmosphere”.
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Back in the Czech Republic Simona’s still at college studying, but really enjoys speaking English when she can; so much so that she is hoping to become a teacher after university and teach English in either Europe or South America. Coming to Bournemouth has shown her the importance of learning English well, and the doors it can open to new careers. For Simona, her English lessons on the South coast may well result in a career as an English teacher.
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Magdalana outside Odeon Cinema
Congratulations to our cinema ticket winners, Magdalena and Raphael, who have both won 2 cinema tickets each.
Raphael has donated his tickets
Magdalena is from Germany and says she will see Batman: The Dark Knight Rises with her boyfriend.
Joon Young Chun – please contact talk!
Raphael has left the country but will be donating the tickets to a good friend who is still a language student at CELC. His name is Joon Young Chun.
Well done to the winners and we hope to be giving more prizes again very soon!
email comp@talk-bournemouth.co.uk to arrange collection.
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PUZZLE
YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A PRIZE!
Closing date 30 September 2012
Solution to last month’s spot the difference. Winners announced on page 45. Solution to last month’s word puzzle: Sea, Pub, Chair, Football, Pier. Special word: HOUSE 46