"A very effective way to prepare international students for entry into the UK education system, particularly boarding schools"

International study centres are specifically designed for students who are not from the UK, and not familiar with the UK education system. Because of this, they are particularly good for students who are perhaps not quite ready to go straight into the enjoyable and competitive environment of the mainstream UK education system. The emphasis in this guide throughout is that in the UK, we do not want students to enter the education system until they are properly prepared. If you enter before you are ready, you may not be successful and you will have wasted time and money, and probably will not want to continue studying. That would be sad and unnecessary. Many international students who first experienced an international study centre are very grateful for the wonderful and caring introduction to the UK that they received. International Study Centres were conceived in 1977 as links to boarding schools by people who recognised that there were some very talented students who needed a little extra help and guidance to get started. You might like to think of an international study centre like this:
( > equals 1 step )

1 step forward - leave your own country                                  >
2 steps forward - arrive in the UK                                            > >*
1 step back - enter an international study centre                     > <*
2 steps forward - enter the main UK education system            > > >**

** at this point you are 1 step ahead of other international students who enter the main UK education system (at *) because you have the advantage of experience and they do not! You may also get into a more prestigious school.

Reasons to go to an International Study Centre
A gentle introduction to the UK education system and culture
Specifically designed for international students
The best starting point for students joining the UK education system
Develop the principles of academic excellence in a friendly environment
Learn great reading skills, develop good handwriting, extend your vocabulary, perfect that grammar, understand more with
   listening practice, improve your pronunciation and speak like an English person!
Enjoy the chance of trips to interesting places
Learn with students from other cultures which will make you more mature
Emphasis on English language improvement throughout your studies
Better chance to enter one of the top schools or universities later
Find out about and experience the UK
24-hour supervision by caring and experienced staff
Lessons in Mathematics, Science and other academic subjects as well as English
Curriculum and Activities reflect those of a boarding school
Average class size is usually 8 students or less

How to Apply - to an International Study Centre

First visit the agent and look at the brochures about the Study Centre. You will need to think about when you want to start (January, April or September). Remember that applications are dealt with on an individual and very personal basis. The agent can contact the Centre direct and make any special requests or get advice for each situation. There are usually no strict entry requirements like minimum English scores, but English needs to be basic to intermediate.

You need:
Your most recent school report
A passport-size photograph
Your passport number
… to complete the Registration / Application / Admission Form
… to send a Registration Fee (usually about 50 pounds)
… to be 9 to 17 years old

The agent will then mail the form and the Centre will consider the application details. While this is happening, you will need to think about using the services of a guardian. Students must have a guardian and the Centre and the agent can recommend some. When a Letter of Offer is received, complete the Acceptance Form and send a deposit if it is required (it may be @1,500 pounds and is refundable at the end of the course), plus contact details of the guardian. On receipt of the Acceptance Form the Centre will send Joining Instructions with a medical questionnaire and indemnity form. Complete these send them to the Centre before the student arrives. You will then need to make travel arrangements for the student to arrive on the first day of term. The Guardians or the School will usually be responsible for meeting students on arrival at the airport.

In Thailand, Euro-Education represents the following International Study Centres:
King's (Ely)
Rossall (Fleetwood)
Taunton (Somerset)

A unique school to prepare overseas students for an education in the UK

Profile
Taunton International Study Centre (TISC) is part of the very famous and much respected Taunton School, one of the UK's leading Independent Schools, with an enviable record of academic, musical and sporting achievements. The School was founded over 150 years ago and in that time has developed a very positive international profile. The International Study Centre was established in 1996 to provide international students with the skills and confidence to enter the UK education system. TISC offers full-time foundation courses for boys and girls aged 9 to 17. All students do an intensive English Language programme in small classes with specialist teachers. In addition, they study Mathematics, Sciences, Business Studies, Information Technology, Geography, Art and Study Skills. Students also enjoy many trips for educational purposes and recreation. One-year GCSE Courses are available in all subjects for the most able students and these provide excellent preparation for A level studies in a UK school. TISC also offers vacation courses in March/April and July/August for students aged 9-17. All courses are fully residential, run by experienced staff and a full recreation programme is included. The fees include tuition, food, accommodation, laundry, books, recreational activities and a meet and greet service from London Heathrow Airport.

Location
TISC is located on the campus of Taunton School in the delightful town of Taunton in the county of Somerset in the rural and peaceful South West of England, close to the sea and the beautiful scenery of the county of Devon. It enjoys excellent road links via the M5 Motorway and is less than 2 hours from London Heathrow Airport.

Facilities
Taunton School is a beautiful 56-acre campus (that is about 140 'rai') with lots of historic buildings. However, there are very modern, specialist teaching facilities, a magnificent Sports Hall, an astro turf playing surface, a 25-metre heated indoor swimming pool, an Arts Centre and a theatre.

Accommodation
Boys and girls have separate accommodation. The housestaff are very experienced in caring for international students. There is 24-hour supervision.
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Contact in Thailand (Please visit, e-mail or telephone)

  www.tauntonschool.co.uk