Visits tend to take place during English school holidays. This is to minimise disruption to pupils’ learning.

However, if LAs and schools can arrange and fund satisfactory cover, visits can take place at any time of the year when schools overseas are in session.

Visits will usually last for 5 working days, travel days will be in addition to this.

Foreign language knowledge is not a requirement.  However, please indicate if you have any working knowledge of other languages in case this could be relevant.

Where necessary we will arrange for groups to be supported by interpreters.

We will undertake the programme planning, management and travel arrangements for Study Visits.

Study Visit destinations will be confirmed as soon as we have completed negotiations with hosts.  Sometimes this may be four to six weeks before the visit is due to take place.

You must give full and accurate details on your application form. This is to ensure that tickets and visas are issued correctly.

Your passport will need to be valid for at least six months after the return date. Please provide information on any special dietary requirements you may have.

A comprehensive policy covers all participants on TIPD visits. Copies are not available in individual names but you will receive a summary of cover and advice on the claims procedure.

You must disclose any pre-existing medical conditions and travel must not be undertaken against medical advice.

Details of provisional flight schedules will be provided as soon as possible.

For Study Visits accommodation arrangements will usually be handled by our overseas partners. Final accommodation and travel details will usually be confirmed around two weeks prior to departure.

As a minimum we suggest :

• passport
• driving licence
• EHIC card (for European Union countries)
• emergency contact details and insurance advice as provided by the British Council.

It is also a good idea to leave copies of these documents and your itinerary with your emergency contact person at home.

• business cards

In addition to support provided by our contracted insurance and travel companies, LA group leaders will be provided with details of a 24-hour British Council contact number in the UK in case of serious emergency.

You are required to provide contact details of the person you would like us to contact in case of emergency. This information is then immediately accessible to us should an emergency situation arise.

We regret that this is not possible; TIPD is a professional programme.

To ensure a consistent standard of service for all participants, it is not possible to tailor travel arrangements or insurance packages for individuals.  Insurance is only valid in connection with the schedules booked by the British Council.