Overseas Students
Q. What qualifications do I need to join CCSS?
Because each overseas country has its own education system there is no single answer to this question. However, our experience in evaluating overseas school transcripts (from Europe, Asia, Africa, the CIS, the US, etc.) and examination certification means that we will be able to make a quick decision based on your past or upcoming qualifications. Reports and transcripts from your current or previous schools will be important. For many, coming to interview at CCSS will be very difficult - though we would always encourage this if at all possible.
For many who will be working at CCSS in their second language, we will ask you to write a short essay so that we can assess your language skills. This will also help us in deciding if your values are similar to our own. It is not essential to have a formal English Language qualification when you join CCSS, though if you have an IELTS score (measures ability to communicate in English across all four language skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking) of 5.0, or Cambridge First Certificate (FCE) level, then you should be able to cope with tuition in English. However, our English Language specialists will work with you when you arrive and tailor an individual programme of support for you, if needed.
Q. Do you offer English Language teaching?
Unless you already have an English Language qualification that UK universities accept (such as an IELTS score of 6.5 in each component of the IELTS examination), we will expect you to take a course in English Language during your stay at CCSS.
We have an experienced team of specialists in teaching English to students from overseas. Teaching is in small groups, with additional individual tuition each week. They not only prepare students to take IELTS examinations but also provide help with the vocabulary and skills needed to do well in individual A-level subjects.
Students sometimes take two years to reach IELTS level 6.5, but some students can achieve this score in one year or less. For students who already have a good IELTS score, we have a popular Advanced English for Academic Purposes course that prepares you for the language demands of university.
Q. Where will I live during term and in holidays?
Most of our overseas students live in our own fully supervised Boarding Houses.
You do not need to move out of boarding during holidays and over the half-term breaks. We can make arrangements for you to stay in College at these times, but do make a small charge for this service.
Q. Do I need to have a guardian?
While we do not require students from overseas to have a legal guardian in the UK, we require parents to appoint a UK resident who has the authority to look after your interests while you are studying here. This is particularly essential for younger students.
This person can be a family member, a family friend or a business associate. The person appointed should be a responsible and settled person, because we expect him or her to:
- Visit CCSS if necessary to discuss your progress and needs.
- Accept and look after you if we have to send you away for any reason (such as a disciplinary problem), and during holidays.
- Make decisions in an emergency, if we cannot contact your parents quickly.
CCSS cannot act as guardian to our students, but we can put you in touch with professional organisations which provide guardianship services. Just contact us for details.
Q. Does CCSS follow any religion?
CCSS is multi-denominational and respects and encourages individual beliefs. We ourselves do not have any compulsory religious services. We can however help you find a place to worship; Cambridge has active communities of many faiths, including Muslim, Buddhist and Jewish, as well as many different Christian churches.
