We know that all of you ( parents and students ) will have concerns, worries and questions about the current outbreak of the coronavirus COVID-19 throughout the World and how it could affect any courses you attend with ELH this year.
Last updated: 18th April 2020
Summary
As you can imagine, the wellbeing, mentally and physically of all of our students; staff; teaching personnel and host families remains our highest priority and is the focus for all ongoing decisions
Currently, we have not cancelled any of our 2020 summer programmes and therefore are scheduled to go ahead as planned. We are still open for Enrolments.
ELH has prepared and offered an alternative “ Home Study option“ for those who prefer a Home Study Course this summer.
We are daily monitoring advice from the UK Health Officials and Departments as well as the World Health Organisation (WHO), and will continue to update our guidance as more details become apparent
We have continued to stay in touch with our Host families who understand the importance of a safe environment for our students. We will update them nearer to the start of our Summer School so they have the latest health information and requirements
We will convey to all our students the current health requirements for entry into the UK and for keeping safe whilst studying here
Updates
English Language Homestays is aware of the tremendous effects that the COVID-19 virus is playing on each and every one of us. Naturally our thoughts are with every country which has been affected and this is particularly poignant for us as we work with so many Partners across the Globe.
Things change on a daily basis but currently we have not been told to cancel any of our Summer Programmes. This is in accordance with both our Health Authority and the British Government. Therefore, we hope to operate all our Programmes but if cancellations are necessary, for whatever reason, we will offer you a space on an alternative course operating at the same time.
You can rest assured that our usual welfare practises are in place for all of our young students. We have a dedicated Welfare Officer on site each morning as well as a 24 hour on call Emergency Mobile. This is normal in our Summer School but it is also reassuring to know that should any student become unwell or feel unwell, we are there ready to assist them without delay.
We are monitoring supplementary advice given by ;
Public Health England,
UK’s Chief Medical Officers,
World Health Organisation
British Council
British Educational Travel Association,
Visit Britain
For your own piece of mind, you can always visit Public Health England and the World Health Organisation.
In the meantime, if you have any queries, please email Aleks, or Jackie because we are always here to help and allay any fears you may have!
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)about COVID 19
Last updated: 16th April 2020
Will English Language Homestays be running summer courses in 2020?
Yep! You can bet your bottom dollar we will! ELH aims to run all of their Programmes unless numbers are insufficient for a particular Course or the Government Guidelines insist we do not operate.
Having read all the current advice we hope to run all programmes with the original state date in June if possible. If anything changes with regard to your summer school booking, we will inform you as soon as possible.
Do I have any options if I want to change my booking?
We know that you will be reluctant to commit to any courses until closer to the start date. We can be as flexible as possible and so can offer these options for you:
- Defer your booking to Summer 2021 at no extra charge
- Change programme dates within our Summer Course – June to end of September
- Switch programmes from Summer School to Homestay or On Line Courses
We will be flexible about when we can accept your changes, but it should be at least 21 days before your arrival day
I want to book a Summer course but I would prefer not to pay a deposit!
If you are not ready to make a firm decision yet, then please still contact us to discuss which programme you would like to attend. We offer a “reserve now, pay later” option. This means that you have 21 days to hold your place without payment. At the of the 21 days you will need to either release your reservation or pay the amount of the Programme. We will not change you any holding or booking fee.
Am I insured automatically with ELH?
During this current time ELH is not insuring students, but strongly recommend you arrange your own Travel and Medical Insurance in your own country through a reputable Broker..
During this crisis can you guarantee a single room for all students?
We are unable to offer single rooms for all our students, but it is possible in some bookings. However, our hosts are regularly inspected and all have clean and sanitary homes with bedrooms sufficiently large enough for two people.
Are you screening students to ensure they are free of coronavirus?
Sadly, we are not able to offer this facility. We have well-established links with local health professionals and will follow advice provided by local health authorities; our Government and the World Health Organisation.
Students and parents must assure themselves that students are fit to travel and make themselves aware of any restrictions affecting travel to and from the UK, including requirement to quarantine. You should not travel if you are unwilling to meet those restrictions. We are continually monitoring guidelines as to whether a health certificate will be necessary to travel .