CLIENT SERVICES

Client services at MLS is our department which works most closely with you, our clients, to ensure that your stay at MLS is a success, not just academically but also in other aspects of your life in Bournemouth.

Client Services offers a wide range of additional services to our students, many of which are detailed under 'Accommodation.'

PASTORAL CARE, WELFARE and MEDICAL

During your stay in the UK we hope you will never require medical or welfare assistance. However, should you need assistance in this regard, our Welfare Officer will assist in all welfare matters, e.g. appointments with doctors, dentists, opticians etc. Our staff are sympathetic to students’ personal problems and are experienced in handling and solving the various difficulties that can arise when living away from home. We are proud that our most recent British Council report noted MLS’ pastoral care as an area of “Excellence”.

Medical and Travel Insurance for students

It is strongly recommended that students take out personal insurance to cover medical requirements whilst in the United Kingdom. MLS can arrange medical insurance for you through our partner insurance company. Please ask us for details of insurance cover and costs.

LIVING IN THE UK

MLS will provide you with a full induction package on how to survive in the UK.

Your package will include details on:

• Opening bank accounts

• Renting private property

• Using public transport

• Local customs and laws

Our staff are always available if you need assistance with any aspect of living in the UK

Monitoring your PROGRESS and ASSESSMENT

At the end of each term students are assessed on coursework, homework and attendance and are required to take an end of term examination.

MLS provides individual tutorial sessions as well as a student council, where students can talk easily with their teachers on progress being made on their courses.

When you leave MLS, you will be presented with a Certificate or Diploma (depending on course studied) and an end of course summary report. At any time during your course you can request a current report on your progress. Sponsors and parents can also be copied on reports if required.

COUNSELLING

A comprehensive counselling tutorial support programme is available to all students throughout their stay in the UK.

As part of this programme you can expect to receive the following:

• A welcome pack, with course information and information about Bournemouth and your stay in the town

• Tutorial time with a core member of staff at MLS

• Termly feedback on your performance from your course tutors

Open access to the Client Services Management team to discuss any issues you may have.

UNIVERSITY COUNSELLING SERVICE

MLS has very strong contacts with the University sector in Britain and our full-time University Counsellors assist with procedures relating to applications, preparation for and presentation at interview. Visits are often arranged to Universities and, in turn, a number of Universities visit MLS to meet our students.

MLS has received over 300 offers from UK universities in the past two years alone and has nearly twenty years of experience in working with the University sector in the UK.

SELF ACCESS LEARNING

MLS offers free internet, language laboratory and computer aided learning (subject to availability) to all students at the College.

WORK PLACEMENT SERVICE

MLS offers a work placement service to students. This is usually unpaid work and will form part of a student’s overall course at the College. Main industry types in the Bournemouth area are Tourism, Banking / Finance, Insurance, IT.

A charge is made for professional work placement and students will be required to send details of their qualifications / experience to MLS. We will send you a full work experience application pack should you require this service. Usually a minimum language requirement is needed by employers before work placement can be considered. Full details are available at the College and will vary according to employer.

SOCIAL EVENINGS/ EXCURSION VISITS

Your time at MLS will be memorable and we aim to give you a broad opportunity to experience British Culture whilst you are with us.

Regular social evenings are organised for both staff and students. At the weekend, Excursions to local and National places of interest are arranged for students, who are accompanied by MLS staff. Recent visits have included London, Bath, Oxford, Windsor Castle and many more. Some activities at the College are free of charge, but charges will be incurred for excursions arranged by the College to cover travel expenses and any entrance fees.

LEISURE ACTIVITIES

Bournemouth is a major holiday and leisure town in the UK and you will have a wide choice of activities to choose from during your stay.

Try Windsurfing on Poole Harbour, Horse riding in the New Forest or play Golf on one of Bournemouth’s many Golf courses.

Our reception and social staff are happy to advise students on all of the above excursions and sports available. The area has superb sporting facilities including tennis, swimming, water-skiing, jet skiing, horse riding, golf, sailing, dry-slope skiing, bowling, football, squash and athletics. Bournemouth has an international conference centre and a number of leisure centres – all available for use by overseas students.

MLS Social staff also arrange weekly activities as part of your stay. These may include:

• Bowling

• Football

• Volleyball

MLS also participates twice a year in a local competition amongst other International students – we hope you will have the chance to join our football and volleyball teams at these times.