Gloucestershire College International Guide 2019/20 A handy travel-sized guide to learning at GC and living in Gloucestershire Learning That Works. Discover GC We deliver learning that works Gloucestershire College GC is a provider of BTEC sponsor of international (GC) is one of the largest diplomas and other further students. Contents colleges of further and higher education courses Studying at GC is about and higher education to approximately 4,000 full- so much more than a 3. Discover GC in England, with three time students and 15,000 qualification. You will be 4. 10 reasons to study at Gloucestershire College large campuses across part-time students. joining a diverse, supportive 6. Student Support the Cotswolds. The first We have welcomed and close-knit community of 8. Your GC Experience choice for those who think international students and staff and students who will 9. Trips and Excursions differently, GC prepares groups from over 35 different encourage your passions, 10. Location students for life and countries for over 45 years. help you to develop your 12. Cheltenham Campus supports them with their We are accredited by the confidence and skills and next steps to university or 14. Gloucester Campus British Council for the teaching create life-long memories. into employment. 16. English Language of English (EFL), a member Come and write your story, be 17. Summer School of English UK and a UKVI inspired and see for yourself. 18. Vocational courses and programmes 19. Levels explained 20. National Diplomas 22. Study Abroad Programme 24. Higher Diplomas 25. Foundation Degrees/HND Top-Ups Level 6 26. International Foundation Programme “Students are highly motivated, 28. University Progression with good behaviour, a clear 30. Teacher Training sense of purpose and a 32. Bespoke Group Courses 34. Accommodation courteous attitude to peers, 35. Visas staff and visitors.” Ofsted, 2016 36. Travel Checklist 37. How to Apply Find out more www.gloscol.ac.uk/international 2 Gloucestershire College International Guide 2019/20 | Learning That Works. www.gloscol.ac.uk/international | Tel: +44 (0) 1242 532144 3 10 reasons Improve your English 6 language skills in small to study at classes – our small Gloucestershire international community means that you will have a College supportive study experience Develop personally and Benefit from our strong 7 professionally with 1 partnerships with hundreds our Student Development of local businesses, getting team and receive support ahead with guest lectures, from your own dedicated company visits and learning mentor and placements* employment coach Learn from industry Personalise your learning 2 experts and experience the 8 with bespoke courses. With highest quality of inspirational diploma or higher education teaching in an English courses, you will have the language centre accredited opportunity to study English by the British Council Ofsted say that… and Maths alongside your Experience our multi- We inspire students qualification, if required 3 million pound invested We prepare students for their future Discover our large facilities that are industry 9 campuses across two relevant to prepare you for We offer industry relevant facilities safe locations in the heart the workplace or university Our lecturers are passionate subject specialists of England, the beautiful Our lessons are engaging and well designed Progress to the best regency spa town of Employers value our students’ skills 4 universities in the UK. Our Cheltenham and the historic international students go on city of Gloucester to study at top Russell Group Create life-long memories universities 10 by joining excursions to top Join our multinational UK cities and attractions 5 student community – meet students from the UK and join our international “I really enjoyed making community made up of over a movie and would like to 35 different nationalities visit again – 2 weeks was not enough! I want to come back Over 45 years’ experience and make even more friends!” welcoming international students and groups Kurumi Goto - 19 *dependent upon visa restrictions 4 Gloucestershire College International Guide 2019/20 | Learning That Works. www.gloscol.ac.uk/international | Tel: +44 (0) 1242 532144 5 Student Support We know that studying abroad can be hugely exciting, but also challenging. That is why we offer a range of support services to help you make the most out of this life-changing experience. Our team are there to help you, before you apply and after you have completed your studies. Before You Arrive Welfare There will be lots that you will need Our team are there to help you with any to know before you travel to GC. Our academic, personal, emotional or medical team will help you with your application, issues that you may need to deal with. As an visa, accommodation and airport travel international student, you will have access to: arrangements. The international team, to look after any concerns such as visa renewals, medical After You Arrive concerns or other matters As an international student, you will have a A course tutor, to help with your academic special induction to make sure you know progress how to get around and how to receive A learning mentor, with timetabled one- help when you need it. This will involve the to-one individual tutorials to discuss health following: and well-being, coursework, homework Meeting your tutors and the international problems and university applications team Faith and Religion Help completing any official paperwork, GC has a multi-faith prayer room available registering with a doctor, buying a bus for all students. pass and setting up a bank account Moving On Our team are there to help you with your next steps, whether that is going back home or preparing to apply to University. “The tutors were very professional, attentive and happy to help with anything at all times. Thank you again.” Read more about our Safeguarding Policy: EFL Student www.gloscol.ac.uk/student-and-parent-guide/safeguarding 6 Gloucestershire College International Guide 2019/20 | Learning That Works. www.gloscol.ac.uk/international | Tel: +44 (0) 1242 532144 7 Trips Your GC Experience and Excursions Student Development We want you to get the best out of your stay and know that learning continues outside of the classroom. That is why at GC, we organise a variety of trips and excursions both for Summer School and throughout the year for international students on any course. This is to make sure you have the most exciting stay possible with us. We are lucky to have a central location in England, as this means that we are just 1 hour away from other major cities and places of interest. UK Excursions Some of the trips we arrange include: Bath Bristol Our Student Development team students. We issue a GC Open Badge to our Cardiff works with our students to offer Diploma/HND students, which demonstrates Liverpool to employers the skills you have learnt. You Stratford-upon-Avon new experiences, challenges and can add it to your CV or LinkedIn profile London opportunities that will develop Harry Potter Studio Tour you as a person and make you Student Development Oxford ready for the world of work or If you are looking to progress to university, Manchester our Student Development team can help with university. Alton Towers your application You will experience a brand new way of Social Activities Learning Mentors learning that helps prepare you for the future. Departmental lunches Learning Mentors are here to support you Culture celebrations throughout your journey with us. They will Christmas parties Personalise your learning help you to be safe and successful and stay Alongside your vocational qualification, and on track, working alongside your lecturer, As a GC student, you will also be a if required, you’ll study Level 2 English and to make sure you have everything you need member of the Students’ Union, which Maths. Personalise your study programme to to learn successfully. They can connect you organise social activities throughout the year reach your goals to people across the college including the for all students to enjoy. Attend the Freshers’ Learning Support and Safeguarding team Fayre or talk to one of the Student Open Badges “The people in Cheltenham are so friendly Union reps to take part. With so many opportunities at college, we and the place is so exciting. I would want to recognise the achievements of our love to visit again” Saya – International Student 8 Gloucestershire College International Guide 2019/20 | Learning That Works. www.gloscol.ac.uk/international | Tel: +44 (0) 1242 532144 9 “Gloucester is the Location 2nd friendliest city in the UK” Business Insider UK, 2017 “Cheltenham is really beautiful with lots of shops and places to visit. I love the Edinburgh architecture of the area and there are lots of parks to visit” Sofia Conte, English Language student (Italy) When you are moving somewhere new, there “The Cotswolds is is lots to discover. ranked one of the best Birmingham Whether you are looking to explore places to live in exciting festivals, historic architecture, great places to eat and drink, boutique the UK” shopping, or stunning scenery Cardiff Halifax, 2019 and countryside, Gloucestershire Oxford is a wonderful mix of old and new Bristol London British culture and provides all of the entertainment of a big city. Gloucestershire has excellent transport links to other major places of interest. We are one hour from Oxford, Birmingham, Cheltenham Campus Bristol and Bath and two hours Gloucester Campus from London by car or train Forest of Dean Campus 10 Gloucestershire College International Guide 2019/20 | Learning That Works. Cheltenham Campus Gloucestershire College has hair and beauty salon, student-run restaurant two campuses for international ‘Number ONE’ and the Cheltenham Fashion students to explore, one Academy.