Honors Program | Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where can I find the cheapest plane tickets?
A: There are a variety of student travel agencies that offer discounted tickets. Many of them are on-line, such as Student Universe (www.studentuniverse.com) and STA Travel (www.statravel.com). Other search engines include cheaptickets.com, expedia.com, orbitz.com, and travelocity.com. If you’re willing to sacrifice choice of airlines and flight times for a discounted rate, check out priceline.com and hotwire.com. Tickets to England from San Francisco this summer have been in the $700-1000 range.

Q: Do I need a visa to go to England?
A: U.S. citizens do not need visas. If you are not a U.S. citizen, check with your embassy or consulate. If you do need a visa, you should request a tourist or visitor visa, not a student visa. (Note: The United Kingdom requires a student visa only if you will be spending more than 20 hours per week in class, which you will not be. The summer Honors tour is run entirely through Pacific Union College, so as far as the British government is concerned, you are a tourist, even though the trip is educational.)

Q: How far is Newbold from London?
A: About an hour on the train.

Q: How do I get to Newbold from the airport?
A: Click here for directions.

Q: What’s the weather like in England?
A: British weather is notoriously unpredictable. It can be hot and humid in the summer, but you should also be prepared for cool weather and some rain. Bring a travel umbrella!

Q: Should I bring a laptop computer?
A: Students will have access to computers, printers, and the Internet at Newbold, but some students prefer to bring their own computers to use when the computer lab is closed.

Q: Do I need a converter for electrical outlets?
A: Yes. British electrical outlets have different plugs and voltage from American ones.

Q: How much money should I bring on the trip?
A: In order to get the most from your experience, you should try to use some of your free time to explore Bracknell and London and perhaps travel around England or other parts of Europe. If possible, budget several hundred dollars for spending money.

Q: Should I bring cash?
A: No. It’s good to have a some cash upon arrival, but it’s better to carry large amounts in travelers’ checks. The best and easiest way to get money in England is with an ATM card. Most American ATM cards work in British ATMs, but check with your bank to be sure. Using an ATM guarantees you a very good exchange rate with only a small transaction fee.