STS Mypage
I guess all of you have got access to your mypage by now. If you haven't got your user name and password yet, please contact your country office.
At mypage you can see when you fly from/back to your home country and with what airline. The first two letters in the flight number shows what airline you'll be flying with. I'm travelling with SAS from Gothenburg on flight SK523, and SK stands for Scandinavian Airlines. If your travelling with British Airways your flight number starts with "BA". You need to know this, first, because the bagage rules can differ slightly and second, because you need to register APIS on the the airline webpage before the trip. You have got info about this from STS, but I will also go through the details when we're closer to departure.
The most important piece of information on mypage is actually your own name. Check that STS spells your name exactly the same way as in your passport, or you might get trouble when passing customs.
You also get info about your leader. You'll meet your leader in Brighton at the latest, because sometimes students in the same group travel from different airports and the leader can only be on one of the planes. In that case you travel with another STS leader. The leader will get in touch with you before the trip and you will also get the leader's email. The phone number on mypage is usually for an English mobile phone. The leaders start using them in Brighton and then we'll be there for you day and, if needed, night as well.
Your host family's phone number/adress may already be visible on mypage or you'll get it at least 2 weeks before departure. If your curious search for your host family's address on Google Maps and maybe you get a glimps of their houses. I also recommend you to send an email/postcard or call your host family in advance. You tend to get a bit calmer when you know a bit more about whom you'll be visiting
If you have questions about anything, please comment here, call your country office or ask us on Facebook. Where here to help.
Link to mypage Sweden
Link to STS Sweden on Facebook, and the Brighton event
Link to STS Denmark on Facebook, and the Brighton group
Link to STS Finland on Facebook, and the Brighton event
Link to STS Norway on Facebook, and the Brighton event
/Emma
Important stuff and deadlines
It's only 51 days until departure for those of you going 14 July. Yay! That means some deadlines are approaching. I'll link every deadline to Swedish websites. If you're from other countries - contact your country office if you miss any of the documents or need some other help.
* If you want Pocket Money Service from STS, that should have been ordered before the last payment slips were sent out. For those of you, who forgot to order it - check with your country office whether this is still possible to get. Your last payment should be completed 4 June.
* If you want the STS insurance, t-shirt or Explorer Pass - check with your country office as well. Officially, the deadline has been passed, but it's always worth asking.
* Your parental agreement has to be signed and sent in 4 June, which is in eleven days from today. For those of you going other dates it's simply forty days in advance. Make sure you read it through carefully, cause when your parent signs it he/she confirms that both of you fully understand and accept the rules, that he/she will let us take care of you for those three weeks and that you both have read the ABC-book, among other important things. If you missed this deadline, contact your country office and send it in as soon as possible!
* Check your passport. It needs to be valid until 3 months after your return to your home country and it can't be damaged in any way (if you're not Swedish, check the rules with your country office). If you need to order a new passport, visit your police office at least a week before you need to pick it up. If you forget or lose your passport less than 5 days before departure you can get a temporary passport for 980:- here.
* Make two copies of your passport. Leave one with your parents and give the other copy to your leader at the airport. In case you lose your passport, the copies will make it easier to solve the problem. Make the copies well in advance, cause if you do it last minute, it's easier than you think to forget your original passport in the copy machine.
* Check your European Health Insurance Card (EU-kort). If you don't have this blue card, or if it's not valid until your back to your home country, please order a new one well in advance. This card will let you pay the same price for health care as Englishmen do, in case you need to visit a nurse or a doctor. Swedes going with me can order it from Försäkringskassan 29 June at the lastest. At least ten days before departure, if you're going other dates.
* Check your insurance. If you don't have the STS Insurance, check with your insurance company what they'll cover in case something happens to you or your things during the stay in the UK. Do this at least a few days before departure in case you need to change anything.
* Register you APIS on the airline website. STS gives you all the instructions here, and for us going to Brighton it's enough doing it the day before, but you can do this as soon as you get your PNR on mypage 25-30 days before departure.
* Exchange money. You can usually do this at the airport, but if you have an early flight, it's better to do it a few days in advance. More tips about money can be found here.
* Sign page 57 in the ABC-book. Do this in advance so you can hand it in to your leader at the airport. You parent needs to sign his/her permission for you to participate in more adventurous activities in case the opportunity appears.
I recommend you Swedes to read the checklist on sts.se and to read all documents that apply to you. To prepare well gives you a safer trip, prepares you mentally, and you'll have more time for having fun.
/Emma
* If you want Pocket Money Service from STS, that should have been ordered before the last payment slips were sent out. For those of you, who forgot to order it - check with your country office whether this is still possible to get. Your last payment should be completed 4 June.
* If you want the STS insurance, t-shirt or Explorer Pass - check with your country office as well. Officially, the deadline has been passed, but it's always worth asking.
* Your parental agreement has to be signed and sent in 4 June, which is in eleven days from today. For those of you going other dates it's simply forty days in advance. Make sure you read it through carefully, cause when your parent signs it he/she confirms that both of you fully understand and accept the rules, that he/she will let us take care of you for those three weeks and that you both have read the ABC-book, among other important things. If you missed this deadline, contact your country office and send it in as soon as possible!
* Check your passport. It needs to be valid until 3 months after your return to your home country and it can't be damaged in any way (if you're not Swedish, check the rules with your country office). If you need to order a new passport, visit your police office at least a week before you need to pick it up. If you forget or lose your passport less than 5 days before departure you can get a temporary passport for 980:- here.
* Make two copies of your passport. Leave one with your parents and give the other copy to your leader at the airport. In case you lose your passport, the copies will make it easier to solve the problem. Make the copies well in advance, cause if you do it last minute, it's easier than you think to forget your original passport in the copy machine.
* Check your European Health Insurance Card (EU-kort). If you don't have this blue card, or if it's not valid until your back to your home country, please order a new one well in advance. This card will let you pay the same price for health care as Englishmen do, in case you need to visit a nurse or a doctor. Swedes going with me can order it from Försäkringskassan 29 June at the lastest. At least ten days before departure, if you're going other dates.
* Check your insurance. If you don't have the STS Insurance, check with your insurance company what they'll cover in case something happens to you or your things during the stay in the UK. Do this at least a few days before departure in case you need to change anything.
* Register you APIS on the airline website. STS gives you all the instructions here, and for us going to Brighton it's enough doing it the day before, but you can do this as soon as you get your PNR on mypage 25-30 days before departure.
* Exchange money. You can usually do this at the airport, but if you have an early flight, it's better to do it a few days in advance. More tips about money can be found here.
* Sign page 57 in the ABC-book. Do this in advance so you can hand it in to your leader at the airport. You parent needs to sign his/her permission for you to participate in more adventurous activities in case the opportunity appears.
I recommend you Swedes to read the checklist on sts.se and to read all documents that apply to you. To prepare well gives you a safer trip, prepares you mentally, and you'll have more time for having fun.
/Emma
Football and Host Families
If you're into English footboll you might have heard of Brighton & Hove Albion. They're not playing in Premier League, but they've had their glory days. In 1983 they tied against Manchester United in the FA Cup Final, but unfortunately they lost the replay (well not for me, actually, being a ManU fan when it comes to football:-)). In today's team we find a Danish goalkeeper, Casper Ankergren, and a Norwegian forward Torbjorn Adgestein. No more Scandinavians, sorry.
Brighton & Hove Albion will probably be most important to you because of where they used to play their home games until last season. The place is called Withdean Stadium and that's where most of you will meet your host families as soon as we've arrived. If they can't pick you up themselves, they'll make sure you get a ride from Withdean to your new home for the next three weeks.
You might wonder what Hove is. It's a town situated west of Brighton, but the two towns were joined in 1997 into the city of Brighton & Hove. It's hard to see where the first town ends and the the next begins since Western Rd with it's shops and restaurants is running through it all, and we'll be spending time in both areas on our trip.
/Emma
You might wonder what Hove is. It's a town situated west of Brighton, but the two towns were joined in 1997 into the city of Brighton & Hove. It's hard to see where the first town ends and the the next begins since Western Rd with it's shops and restaurants is running through it all, and we'll be spending time in both areas on our trip.
/Emma
What about pocket money?
This post is all about the money. You might wonder what's the best option for you so here are some things to think about:
The currency in England is the pound sterling, shortened GBP (for Great British Pound), but one simply call it the pound. The £ symbol is usually put in front of the price on price tags, like the symbol :- is put after the price in Sweden. When writing this blog post, £1 is worth 11,83:- (Sweden), 9,56 DKK (Denmark) or €1,30 (Euroland). To get the rate of today, just google "currency converter".
So how much will you spend in three weeks in Brighton? Between £90-130/week in pocket money is recommended from STS. If you think you will shop a lot, you might need more, and also if you decide at the last minute you want to join that second trip to London and the other Explorer Pass activities. The Explorer Pass can be purchased when we've arrived in England, but usually it's simpler to buy beforehand. Call your country office if you have questions about the price or check the STS webpage.
In what form you bring your money is also in issue worth discussing:
* Cash - Yes, you can bring all your pocket in cash, but personally I wouldn't take that risk. However, it's a good idea to bring money for the first days, as you might not be able to reach an ATM/cash machine immediately. You can exchange your money at the airport in your home country, but make sure you're well in time, so you don't miss your appointment with the STS leader. If you fly early in the morning, please check beforehand if the exchange bureau is open. You will need cash for your bus pass, since we will get it for you the first days in Brighton. Count on paying £30/week, but there's a good chance it'll be cheaper.
* Credit card/VISA/Maestro - A safer way to bring your money, but make sure you check some important things with your bank. a) Will your specific card work in England or do you need another type?, b) Do you have a limit on how much you can withdraw from your account in a specific time span? That might cause you problems, c) Make sure you have all details you need in case you lose your card. d) Will it be cheaper for you to use a cash mashine or pay with the card?
* STS Pocket Money Service - It's possible to pay your pocket money in advance to STS and get it distributed over the weeks in Brighton. In that way you get a smaller amount of cash once a week and don't have to carry a credit card. Check with your country office if it's still possible to get this service and what the fee is, since you usually pay this with your last payment to STS.
/Emma
So how much will you spend in three weeks in Brighton? Between £90-130/week in pocket money is recommended from STS. If you think you will shop a lot, you might need more, and also if you decide at the last minute you want to join that second trip to London and the other Explorer Pass activities. The Explorer Pass can be purchased when we've arrived in England, but usually it's simpler to buy beforehand. Call your country office if you have questions about the price or check the STS webpage.
In what form you bring your money is also in issue worth discussing:
* Cash - Yes, you can bring all your pocket in cash, but personally I wouldn't take that risk. However, it's a good idea to bring money for the first days, as you might not be able to reach an ATM/cash machine immediately. You can exchange your money at the airport in your home country, but make sure you're well in time, so you don't miss your appointment with the STS leader. If you fly early in the morning, please check beforehand if the exchange bureau is open. You will need cash for your bus pass, since we will get it for you the first days in Brighton. Count on paying £30/week, but there's a good chance it'll be cheaper.
* Credit card/VISA/Maestro - A safer way to bring your money, but make sure you check some important things with your bank. a) Will your specific card work in England or do you need another type?, b) Do you have a limit on how much you can withdraw from your account in a specific time span? That might cause you problems, c) Make sure you have all details you need in case you lose your card. d) Will it be cheaper for you to use a cash mashine or pay with the card?
* STS Pocket Money Service - It's possible to pay your pocket money in advance to STS and get it distributed over the weeks in Brighton. In that way you get a smaller amount of cash once a week and don't have to carry a credit card. Check with your country office if it's still possible to get this service and what the fee is, since you usually pay this with your last payment to STS.
/Emma
Excursion to Hastings
I guess more than one of you STS students, have been spending hours, days or perhaps weeks on trying to decide what course town you want to go to. When I was 14 I had a hard time making my mind up between Hastings and Brighton. Finally, I chose Hastings and I must say my love is still divided between the towns. Brighton is cool and alternative and feels a bit more like a big city with all I require when it comes to shopping, while Hastings is calmer, still got great shopping and entertainment, but also a fantastic Old Town, where everything's incredibly cute and you really feel the long history of the town. The Hastings area has been inhabited since the 600's and was once called the Kingdom of Haestingas.
If you have chosen Explorer Pass, you'll get the chance to compare the towns yourself. If you'd like to visit cute and weird shops on narrow streets, and want to experience some time-travelling we can take you to George Street and let you explore Old Town. We can also climb West Hill (or go by lift) to get a stunning view over Hastings and the English Channel. Up there you'll find the 1000 years old castle ruin and the smuggler caves used in the 1700's, and if you want to visit the castle or go into the caves we'll arrange that as well.
If you prefer shopping in more modern settings you should stay in the town centre, which is also a very pleasant area. There is a shopping centre we can show you, as well as classic shopping streets for pedestrians with shops such as Debenham's and Top Shop. You could also go to the cinema if you want to or spend some time on the beach (bring your swim suit!).
As you can see there are several things to see and do, and the leaders are there to help you find what you prefer. You will get more details about the excursion when we're in Brighton, to get the most out of it, and, who know's, maybe you want to go to Hastings on your next language trip.
/Emma
If you have chosen Explorer Pass, you'll get the chance to compare the towns yourself. If you'd like to visit cute and weird shops on narrow streets, and want to experience some time-travelling we can take you to George Street and let you explore Old Town. We can also climb West Hill (or go by lift) to get a stunning view over Hastings and the English Channel. Up there you'll find the 1000 years old castle ruin and the smuggler caves used in the 1700's, and if you want to visit the castle or go into the caves we'll arrange that as well.
If you prefer shopping in more modern settings you should stay in the town centre, which is also a very pleasant area. There is a shopping centre we can show you, as well as classic shopping streets for pedestrians with shops such as Debenham's and Top Shop. You could also go to the cinema if you want to or spend some time on the beach (bring your swim suit!).
As you can see there are several things to see and do, and the leaders are there to help you find what you prefer. You will get more details about the excursion when we're in Brighton, to get the most out of it, and, who know's, maybe you want to go to Hastings on your next language trip.
/Emma
Brighton Music on Spotify
Brighton has been the home of many artists and musicians. You might have heard of Fat Boy Slim, Nick Cave, Peter André or Dusty Springfield. Want to get to know Brighton from a musical perspective? On this Spotify play list you'll find everything from singer/songerwriter and folk music to dance music and pure rock. The thing in common is that the songs are about Brighton and/or performed by Brighton artists. What's your favourite?
Internet
Can you do without it while in Brighton? That's very much up to you. Some students don't seem to miss it at all, while others bring their own laptops. Even though the latter is less common, I think some piece of advice could be useful.
Question 1: Should I bring my laptop?
Answer: It's all up to you (and your parents if you're underage). STS recommend you to leave your computer in your home country. If you decide to bring it anyway, I personally recommend you to contact your insurance company to investigate whether your insurance covers theft and damage. You need to have easy access to your laptop at the airport, since it needs to be scanned separately in the security check.
Question 2: Where do I find wi-fi?
Answer: You might get internet in you host family, but they don't have to let you use it, even if they have wi-fi. Ask nicely if you want to, but respect a 'no', since you're their guest. However, Brighton is full of wi-fi spots. In some places wi-fi is free, in others you get it when you buy a coffee.
Question 3: If I don't bring my laptop, could I still get internet access?
Answer: There are several internet cafés around Brighton. This is one of them. If you're in my class you will get a homework about finding the cheapest internet café (and other good-to-know-places) early on the trip. If you're not in my class you could still get the information if you're there at the same time, or why not investigate it with your group?
Don't forget that if you're in my group you will get the opportunity to blog here, since class blogging will be included in our lessons. If you have your own blog and want to write about and from Brighton, I'm happy to link to it from here. Just comment and give me your URL.
/Emma
Ring Ring
"Ring Ring", the Swedish pop group ABBA sang back in the days (not in Brighton, though, where they won Eurovision Song Contest with the song "Waterloo" in 1974, while Grease actress Olivia Newton John (Sandy) ended up 4th)
So, quite obviously (?) this post will be about phones. Calling home with your regular mobile phone from abroad can be very expensive, so here are some questions for you, that may help you decide what's your best option.
Question 1: Who will you call the most?
Answer 1a: If your answer is mum or other people in your home country, you should check with your regular phone company if there are international price plans they can offer. This can save you money, but on the other hand...
Answer 1b: ...if you also hope you will make a lot of friends in Brighton, you might call them more. If you guys call with English SIM cards you will only pay a local rate and can forget about the expensive international price plan.
Answer 1c: If you miss a bus or for some other reason run late for a lesson, an activity or dinner at your host family's, you have to contact your leader/host family. Both have English SIM cards so in these cases it will be cheeper for you if you use an English SIM card as well. These calls tend to be more common than you might expect. Leaders and host families are supposed to be like stand-ins for you parents while you're abroad. We're always there for you.
Answer 1d: If you think you will call all above equally, there's a good idea to use an English SIM card with free international minutes. At Vodaphone you can top up your phone with £10, £20 or £30. You can make calls to leaders, host families and classmates for that amount and on top of that you get a bonus of 60, 100 or 240 minutes for free to your home country.
Question 2: How much will you call?
Answer 2: If you don't plan on calling home much you can get more minutes for less money to English phones. There are different price plan for different needs - some might prefer calling, others text (SMS) more. Your leader will help you get the right price plan if you ask him/her.
Question 3: Is your phone locked to a phone company in your home country?
Answer 3: If your phone is locked you can't use English SIM cards. Either you unlock your phone, which is perfectly legal, or you buy an international price plan from your regular phone company. You could, of course, buy an new phone for the English SIM card. There are phones for as little as £15, and your leader can help you find them in Brighton.
Whatever option you choose, remember that calling home a lot may get you more home sick. It might sound strange, but the sooner you focus on being in Brighton and not on missing friends and family back home, the more fun you'll probably have. Try to see you hosts, leaders and friends as your new temporary family and you'll have an awesome time in Brighton!
/Emma
So, quite obviously (?) this post will be about phones. Calling home with your regular mobile phone from abroad can be very expensive, so here are some questions for you, that may help you decide what's your best option.
Question 1: Who will you call the most?
Answer 1a: If your answer is mum or other people in your home country, you should check with your regular phone company if there are international price plans they can offer. This can save you money, but on the other hand...
Answer 1b: ...if you also hope you will make a lot of friends in Brighton, you might call them more. If you guys call with English SIM cards you will only pay a local rate and can forget about the expensive international price plan.
Answer 1c: If you miss a bus or for some other reason run late for a lesson, an activity or dinner at your host family's, you have to contact your leader/host family. Both have English SIM cards so in these cases it will be cheeper for you if you use an English SIM card as well. These calls tend to be more common than you might expect. Leaders and host families are supposed to be like stand-ins for you parents while you're abroad. We're always there for you.
Answer 1d: If you think you will call all above equally, there's a good idea to use an English SIM card with free international minutes. At Vodaphone you can top up your phone with £10, £20 or £30. You can make calls to leaders, host families and classmates for that amount and on top of that you get a bonus of 60, 100 or 240 minutes for free to your home country.
Question 2: How much will you call?
Answer 2: If you don't plan on calling home much you can get more minutes for less money to English phones. There are different price plan for different needs - some might prefer calling, others text (SMS) more. Your leader will help you get the right price plan if you ask him/her.
Question 3: Is your phone locked to a phone company in your home country?
Answer 3: If your phone is locked you can't use English SIM cards. Either you unlock your phone, which is perfectly legal, or you buy an international price plan from your regular phone company. You could, of course, buy an new phone for the English SIM card. There are phones for as little as £15, and your leader can help you find them in Brighton.
Whatever option you choose, remember that calling home a lot may get you more home sick. It might sound strange, but the sooner you focus on being in Brighton and not on missing friends and family back home, the more fun you'll probably have. Try to see you hosts, leaders and friends as your new temporary family and you'll have an awesome time in Brighton!
/Emma
These Boots Are Made For Walking
Prepare yourself for a lot of walking on our trip. Not only will you walk miles and miles voluntarily in and between Primark, H&M, Top Shop and NEXT. We will also show you loads of interesting stuff in and outside Brighton after school (and sometimes before if you have afternoon lessons). Walking is simply a rather central part of this trip and if you only bring high heels and fancy sandals you might find yourself sorefeeted in Churchill Square, wondering about these things:
1. Why didn't I bring more comfortable shoes?
Answer: You didn't read the blog carefully enough OR you wanted to buy new shoes in Brighton OR you don't need comfy shoes 'cause you're the queen (or king) of heels
2. How can I keep up with all the fun with these sore feet?
Answer: You remember your mum packed Compeed or something similar OR you buy it at Boots by the Clock Tower. You also find pain killers there if it's extremely bad.
3. These boots are NOT made for walking! Where do I find new shoes?
Answer: Since you're at Churcill Square in this specific example you're close to Primark where you can find shoes from a few pounds and up. I got sore feet from the last pair I bought there, but you might get lucky. If you prefere I pair of Converse you can find them from £40 at Schuh (in the shopping center) or in the North Laine area.
/Emma
Do You Want to Blog in Brighton?
On 14 July this blog will transform into a diary for all students in my STS International group. Whether you'll be in this group or not, we don't yet. I hope you all have got access to Mypage by now. There you'll find the name of your leader 1-2 weeks before departure.
If the leader is me you'll be a part of this blog in some way, if your leader is someone else you're welcome to contribute to the blog anyway. Just ask him/her you want to get in touch with me and I'll let you guest blog. The blog will hopefully be a nice collection of different experiences shared by many STS students - both something you can go back to and remember your Brighton stay, and also some guidance for future Brighton students.
Some things to keep in mind:
* According to Swedish law I must not publish faces and names of people who haven't agreed. Everybody in a picture has to agree before it's published.
* You don't have to reveal your full name or even real name when writing a blog post.
* If you've agreed on publishing a post with your photo or name in it, you may change your mind whenever you want to and I'll take your photo/name away.
* There are several internet cafés in Brighton, where you can write your blog post, but it's also possible just to write it on a piece of paper and give it to me. STS recommends students NOT to bring computers, because of the risk of theft.
* If you want to write your own Brighton blog during the trip, you may link it from here. Feel free to contact me if you've already started one. (I also link to blogs about STS language trips to other destinations this summer, if you're going elsewhere. Just email me at sts.emma(a)gmail.com)
/Emma
If the leader is me you'll be a part of this blog in some way, if your leader is someone else you're welcome to contribute to the blog anyway. Just ask him/her you want to get in touch with me and I'll let you guest blog. The blog will hopefully be a nice collection of different experiences shared by many STS students - both something you can go back to and remember your Brighton stay, and also some guidance for future Brighton students.
Some things to keep in mind:
* According to Swedish law I must not publish faces and names of people who haven't agreed. Everybody in a picture has to agree before it's published.
* You don't have to reveal your full name or even real name when writing a blog post.
* If you've agreed on publishing a post with your photo or name in it, you may change your mind whenever you want to and I'll take your photo/name away.
* There are several internet cafés in Brighton, where you can write your blog post, but it's also possible just to write it on a piece of paper and give it to me. STS recommends students NOT to bring computers, because of the risk of theft.
* If you want to write your own Brighton blog during the trip, you may link it from here. Feel free to contact me if you've already started one. (I also link to blogs about STS language trips to other destinations this summer, if you're going elsewhere. Just email me at sts.emma(a)gmail.com)
/Emma
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