Pre-departure:
At Gemini Courses, with our travel industry background, we will help advise you on what flights to book and with whom. Once the flights are booked we can help you organise an airport transfer or advise on your travel options within the UK or the country in which you have chosen to study. We will also be on hand to answer any questions you may have about the forthcoming study trip and help you prepare everything you need.

What to bring:
In most cases the schools provide the study materials and this often includes a folder where you can keep hand-outs and make notes. They usually also provide a text book which you either have to pay for (usually included in the fees) or you borrow and give back at the end. You should bring a suitable notepad and pens though. With regard to accommodation, sheets and bedding are always provided but we do recommend you bring your own towels. Check the weather and pack accordingly - you may need a raincoat if going to UK or Ireland!

Arrival day:
The arrival day is usually a Sunday. You will be given all your accommodation details in advance, providing you have booked accommodation with us. In most locations there is usually the choice between a host family, shared apartment or student residence. Your accommodation would usually be between 15 – 30 minutes travelling time to the school (walking or public transport), but longer if you choose a big city such as London, New York, Sydney, Vancouver or Toronto.

Accommodation:
When you arrive at your accommodation you have the chance to relax, settle in, meet fellow students or get to know your hosts. You can then ask any questions about the school, how to get there, what it’s like and get yourself prepared for the next day when you start your course. If you are in shared accommodation you will likely meet students who have been on a course at the school for at least one or two weeks already. So within the first few hours of your arrival, you have the opportunity not only to begin making life-long friends, but practising your English in real-life situations. The best part is that you will meet people in the same boat as you so there’s no need to feel afraid.

The following weeks:
Over the following weeks you will improve and strengthen your new friendships as you discuss your opinions on your classes, teachers, the school and the town itself. You will gain a considerable amount of confidence in your English as you put into practice more of the language on a daily basis and find yourself completely immersed in the language. Remember to supplement the course with your own self-study, including homework, as well as watching TV, listening to the radio and using the internet in English.

Look out for our next article on what to expect on your first day at the school and how the classes work.