What does a typical international student’s path to London look like?
International students literally have a world of choice when it comes to deciding where to study. Traditionally England and USA have been the most popular destinations of choice for a foreign student wanting an international education. Australia, Canada and Ireland are also very popular destinations for students.
International students that choose to study in the UK will initially contact an educational “study abroad agency” in their home country. Such organisations are based all over the world. The role of a study abroad agency is to understand the needs of the student and advise them in their native language. This will include advice on the most appropriate country to study in. They will also help the student choose their place of study (language school, university etc.) and the most suitable course to help them achieve their goals.
Often the study abroad agency will facilitate course enrolment and the logistics of entry into the UK, for example, visa application. The UK Border Agency (UK BA) governs the requirements on international student visas and entry into the UK. International students from countries that require student visas are now only able to study at educational institutions that are on the UK BA Trusted Sponsors List. Such institutions are graded as Highly Trusted, A Rated or B Rated.
HFS London works directly with educational institutions here in London and abroad, such as language schools and universities. As well as this, we have direct links with study abroad agencies. Our relationship with an educational institution or agent will be defined by a contractual agreement that outlines procedures on our provision of Homestay to their students. The educational institutions and agencies that we work with are, therefore, clients of HFS London. We also often receive accommodation requests from international students that contact us independently; through recommendation or over our website.