General

1 What is Studio Cambridge?

Studio Cambridge is the oldest language school in Cambridge (established in 1954) and is recommended to all TMDU students by the professors of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences English Division at Kounodai. (Note: TMDU does not have an official relationship with Studio Cambridge.)

2 Is my English good enough to study at Studio Cambridge?

Yes! On your first day, you will take a placement test, and you will then be placed in a class appropriate to your level.

3 Why do you recommend Studio Cambridge?

Studio Cambridge has a very high international reputation and offers a wide range of English language courses taught by an experienced staff of instructors. The school is located conveniently near the train station in Cambridge and is a ten-minute walk from the city centre and the famous university colleges. It is also 45 minutes by train from London, so students can combine study and tourism easily. Studio Cambridge is accredited by the British Council.

4 How safe are other countries?

All countries (including Japan) have problems with crime, especially theft. The best way to protect yourself is to be careful. For example, you should not carry all of your important items (e.g., all of your cash, ATM card, & credit cards) in the same place. Similarly, do not do things that make you a target for theft (e.g., getting drunk; displaying large amounts of cash when paying for something; having your wallet sticking out of your pocket making it easy to steal).

5 Where can I get more information about Studio Cambridge?

6 If I still have questions, who can I ask at TMDU?

If you have any questions about studying at Studio Cambridge, please talk to Prof. Inokuma.

Recommended courses

7 What courses does Studio Cambridge offer?

Studio Cambridge offers a number of programs; however, three courses in particular are recommended for TMDU students. Please visit the websites of each program for details.

8 Where will I stay if I choose EFL-20 or EFL-28 program?

It is possible to stay in accommodations run by Studio Cambridge (‘residential’), but you will have to cook your own meals. A better way to experience English life is to live with a local family (‘homestay’). All accommodation is carefully chosen, and the school has a very high reputation for personal care and attention.

A standard “3 star” homestay accommodation includes breakfast and dinner on weekdays and all meals on weekends (lunch at school typically costs about 4 or 5 pounds).

An upgraded “4 star” homestay may be available for an additional 40 pounds per week; some TMDU students who have been to Studio Cambridge in the past recommend this option.

9 Where will I stay if I choose Sir Christopher program?

You will stay at Ridley Hall or at a nearby university residence, either in your own room or a shared room. The Sir Christopher course includes all meals and weekend excursions (which is why this course costs more).

10 How much do the courses cost?

The EFL-20 course costs about 415 GBP per week (with a 2-week minimum and an upgraded 4-star homestay). There is also a registration fee of 80 GBP.

The EFL-28 course costs about 460 GBP per week (with a 2-week minimum and an upgraded 4-star homestay). There is also a registration fee of 80 GBP.

The Sir Christopher course for 2 weeks costs 1685 GBP in total. A 3-week course is 2285 GBP.

11 What is included in the course fees?

The Studio Cambridge course fees typically include tuition, accommodation, welfare, medical insurance, and some activities. At least five activities (such as workshops, movies, or sports activities) are provided each week without additional cost. The Sir Christopher course includes registration and transport from London Heathrow Airport to Cambridge and back to the airport at the end of your program.

12 What is NOT included in the course fees?

Your airfare is not included in any Studio Cambridge course fees. Lunch and airport transfers are not included in the EFL-20 or EFL-28 courses.
(If you choose one of these courses, check with your travel agent for the best way to get from the airport to Studio Cambridge. Studio Cambridge can also arrange a taxi from the airport for you for an additional fee.) Of course, you will also want to have spending money and money for doing extra excursions and sightseeing in the UK. Some of the optional excursions organized by Studio Cambridge have a separate, additional fee.

Traveling

13 When should I go? When should I arrive in the UK?

The EFL programs run all year. Classes start on Mondays (unless that day is a UK holiday), so you should plan to arrive in the UK on a Sunday. The Sir Christopher course is only offered during the summer, but you can join that program on most Mondays while the program is running. Check with Studio Cambridge to see if the date and time you want to arrive are acceptable.

14 How long should I study for?

Most of the programs have a 2-week minimum. The longer you study the more you will learn, so longer trips are usually better. Longer trips do cost more, but they cost less per week on average. If you have the time available, a 4-week intensive English program is a great way to improve your language skills. Also consider doing sightseeing after your English program. A 2-5 week English study program followed by 1-2 weeks of sightseeing in the UK or Europe can be a very educational and enjoyable experience. Some TMDU students who attended Studio Cambridge have said that studying for more than 2 weeks is best.

15 When should I book my flight?

Once you have chosen the dates you want to travel and verified with Studio Cambridge that those dates are acceptable, you should reserve your flight as soon as possible. In general, the earlier you reserve your flight the less expensive it will be. Speak to a travel agent to get specific advice about planning your flights.

16 What is a Eurail pass?

If you want to travel around one or more of the European countries by train after your course, a Eurail pass can make your journey much cheaper and easier. It is best to buy your Eurail pass in Japan so that you can discuss your travel plans with your travel agent; but it is also possible for you to buy a Eurail pass in the UK. However, the pass cannot be used for rail travel in the UK.

Important documents & Money

17 Do I need a passport to leave Japan, enter the UK, and return to Japan?

Yes! If you don’t have a passport already, make sure you apply for one many months in advance of your trip.

18 Do I need a visa to study in the UK?

No, unless you intend to stay in the UK for longer than six months.

19 Do I need a visa to travel in Europe?

Most European countries do not require Japanese citizens to have a visa if they are making a short visit. However, you should discuss your travel plans with your travel agent in Japan, and they will provide you with detailed information.

20 How many yen are there per British pound?

21 How can I convert yen into GBP or Euros?
Will my ATM card work in the UK and in Europe?

Your Japanese bank can sell you traveler’s checks for use in the UK and Europe or exchange your yen for British pounds or other types of money. You can also exchange money at Narita airport if you depart Japan during normal business hours.
However, one of the easiest ways to get money in local currency when traveling abroad is to use an ATM card. Although you will have to pay a fee for using the ATM machine, and your bank may charge a fee for exchanging the yen into the local currency, using an ATM card is usually quick and easy. Just be sure that you have enough money in your bank account before leaving Japan and that you know your PIN number. Also, importantly, check with your bank to see if you need a special ATM card. Many ATM cards issued by Japanese banks do NOT work outside of Japan. However, some banks can prepare an ATM card for you that will work in most countries around the world. Check with your bank about using your ATM card outside of Japan.