Before making arrangements to be accompanied by partners or families, all teachers embarking on overseas training should carefully consider their financial status in conjunction with the cost of accommodation and the cost of living in the United Kingdom, bearing in mind that the monthly stipend (£500) is designed to meet the needs of ONE person only. If your family is accompanying you, you must remember YOUR FAMILY IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY. However, your course must be seen as a priority.

Most colleges and universities expect assignments and correspondence to be typed. Therefore, computer literacy would be an asset. It is advisable to polish up your computer skills before departure.

 
Six months before departure (or earlier)
If your family accompanies you, you will need to sort out and pay for travel arrangements. St Helena Government personnel travel via Cape Town or Ascension Island and sometimes directly by sea to Cardiff.
Transit accommodation in either Cape Town or Ascension must be organized. You are asked to do this in close liaison with the Education Officer (Training) so that families can travel and be housed together, as far as is practicable.

 
Three – four months before departure
Passport
Photographs can be obtained from Techricon (Constantine’s) Photographs. Five photos will be required for:
  • Passport
  • Entry permit (optional)
  • National Union of Students(NUS) card,
  • Rail card
  • Coach cards for use in the UK

It is advisable to collect passports early from the Immigration Office and check that all details are in order and correct well before the day of departure.
One photograph will need to be sent to the EO (TR&SEN) in order to have your NUS card processed in readiness for your arrival. This is optional, but it is convenient to have this card on/soon after arrival.

Dental care
Start a programme of dental care well in advance of departure. Dental care is very costly in the UK and NHS dentists are hard to find.

Advance of salary
St Helena Government does provide the privilege of a salary advance if it is needed. An early written application to Personnel department (through your Headteacher/Head of department) is required.

 
One month before departure

Financial details
If you want to prevent being in the UK without cash, you will need to have access to cash other than your bank account as monies take approximately 5 working days to be processed through to your account. There is no limit on the amount of money you are allowed to take with you into the UK in sterling notes, travelers' cheques, credit cards etc. You will need at least enough to cover the deposit on your accommodation (two months rent) and immediate expenses on arrival (your first meal and telephone calls etc).
If you are in possession of an UK bank account, details will need to be forwarded to the St Helena Link Office so that your stipend and allowances can be placed in your account in readiness for your arrival. Bank accounts will be opened on arrival.
You will need to notify the Senior Executive Officer of arrangements for your local finances before you depart.

Medical Examination
As Public Service Order (PSO) 197 stipulates a medical examination including a chest x-ray must be carried out before you leave. The Education Department (Administration) will arrange this. You will be notified of dates for the examination and chest x-ray. The necessary medical certificate must be forwarded to the Chief Personnel Officer via the Senior Executive Officer (Education).

 
Two weeks before departure

Signing of Bond
All teachers are expected to sign a bond. This will be done within a week or two of departure witnessed by the Training Officer (Personnel Department). The Personnel Department will normally notify you of an appropriate time (within a week of departure). If this does not happen please contact the EO(TR&SEN).

 
The day before/of departure

Collect and stamp passport (Police and Immigration)
Collect travel tickets (Shipping Office)
Ensure that you have in your possession:

  • Passport
  • Entry permit and formal letter of training award
  • Confirmation of course programme

 

Baggage
Baggage must be kept within the limits as set out in your travel ticket. Payment for excess baggage is quite expensive. You should bear in mind that you are responsible for your own luggage so you may therefore need to limit the amount of belongings you take according to what you can carry.
If you are arriving in winter (October to March) you will certainly be wise to carry a coat with you on the plane/ship, which can be put on as soon as you arrive at the airport/docks.

Immigration
This stage of your journey to the UK can be worrying for first-time travelers. Be organised and try to keep calm. Have ready in your carry-on (hand) baggage:

  • Passport
  • Entry permit and formal letter of training award (including entry permits and all documentation for your family – THIS IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY)
  • Confirmation of course programme

On arrival in the UK, Immigration Officers will want to see these documents and may question you about the purpose of your coming to the UK. Answer honestly and without rancour. They have a right to question you. Should you have difficulty, ask that they contact the UK/St Helena representative and/or the College representative or family member collecting you.

The Cheltenham Link personnel have been known for their hospitality in meeting all students in recent years. If you prefer to be met by family or friends please indicate to EO (TR&SEN) before leaving and ensure you give a forwarding address and telephone number. If you are being met by college personnel DO NOT LEAVE THE DISEMBARKATION AREA UNTIL YOU HAVE MADE CONTACT.

Driver's Licence
Your St Helenian driver’s licence is valid in the UK allowing you to drive for up to one year before having to pass a UK driving test.

Do not hesitate to contact the Training sector personnel if you have queries and concerns.

 

Finally - Good wishes for a productive and enjoyable training session abroad.