[originaltext]Sally: In recent years, more and more foreign students have been

Sally: In recent years, more and more foreign students have been coming to the UK to study. But when they first arrive many students are unsure of the formalities they have to follow and even where to go for help. So we have Alan McLean from the British Council here today to offer some advice. Alan, first of all, where do overseas students get help when they have problems at college?
Allan: Well, the Welfare Office of the Student Union can provide students with information and advice on all aspects of college if and living in the UK. The college will also have a counselor for overseas students who will specifically look after the interest of foreign students. They can also put you in touch with overseas students’ societies and organizations, which are often run by overseas students. So, as you can see, there’s quite an extensive support service for the students, and new arrivals shouldn’t feel they have to tackle problems alone.
Sally: Indeed. So what formalities should students coming from abroad complete upon first arriving?
Allan: One important thing is to register with the police. The stamp which will have been put in the student’s passport by the immigration officer indicates whether or not they are required to register with the police. If you are from the European Community or the Commonwealth, or if you intend to stay in the United Kingdom for less than six months, you should not have to register with the police.
Sally: So not all overseas students have to register with the police, but if you are not from an EEC or Commonwealth country, presumably you must register. Allan:  That’s right. If you required to register with the police you must do so within seven days of arrival in Britain. You must also inform the police every time you change your address while you are in the United Kingdom.
Sally: And what do you have to bring for registration?
Allan: You will need to take your passport, of course, and two passport-sized photographs of yourself. If you are living in London you should go to 10 Lambs Conduit Street, London WC1. It opens 9 am to 4:45 pm Monday to Friday. In other parts of the country you should go to the nearest police station for advice on where to register. There is a charge of twenty five pounds for registration.
Sally: I see. So, your passport, two passport-sized photos and twenty five pounds.
Allan: Uhuh. Another important thing is that holders of student visas aren’t usually entitled to claim state benefit or to work. Attempting to do so may affect your right to stay in the UK. You might be prosecuted and fined about five hundred pounds. It will say on your visa whether you are entitled to get a job in the UK or not..
Sally: So that’s something non-resident students should be aware of. Working in Britain without permissions is a criminal offence. But if they are entitled to get a job in the UK, how do they go about finding one?
Allan: If you are allowed to work, you will need to get forms OW1 and OWS. These can be picked up at any job centre, where work permits for overseas students can now be issued. The OWl form is filled out by your prospective employer and returned to the job centre along with your passport and a letter from your college indicating that the employment will not interfere with your studies. If you are looking for work experience or practical learning you must get forms OW21 and 0W22 from the Work Experience
Section of the Department of Employment. You will be asked for proof of the purpose and intended length of stay here and that you are going to return to your native country.
Sally: Well, I hope that. will answer a few questions for overseas students. Thank you very much for coming in, Allan.