Job Club

Experience has shown that the majority of students on these courses want to find a part-time job that they can do when they are not studying. For this reason, we have composed a guide to help newly-arrived students to find a job more easily. This will give them advice on job-seeking skills and preparing to work as well as study in Edinburgh.

If you want to ‘hit the ground running’ (to start off well and quickly), we recommend that you already have a prepared and translated curriculum vitae when you come to Edinburgh. During your course, some lessons will focus on job-seeking skills.

There are a number of recruitment agencies near the school. They often have positions for temporary staff. The government website http://jobseekers.direct.gov.uk can be helpful too. Many pubs, restaurants and shops in the city centre advertise vacancies in their windows.

Voluntary work

An interesting option can be to do voluntary work while you are studying. It benefits you, because you can practise English, and it benefits society by meeting a need in the community. Volunteer Centre Edinburgh has an office very near the Caledonian Language School. Have a look at www.volunteeredinburgh.org.uk to find out about what volunteering opportunities there are with a range of different voluntary organisations, from local history to working with disabled people. For most roles working with the public, you’ll have to have a security check before you can start. School is another good place to start if you're looking for volunteer ideas. Ask a teacher for ideas.

There are many reasons to become a volunteer: the desire to help, making friends, to use one's knowledge for something good, to practise English, to live a new experience, etc

Volunteer Centre Edinburgh,

45 Queensferry Street Lane

Edinburgh, EH2 4PF

Tel 0131 225 0630

Monday - Thursday 9.30am to 5pm

Friday 9.30am to 4pm. 

Welcome handbook

At the Caledonian Language School, we want you to get the most from your time in Edinburgh. When you arrive, we will give you a Welcome Handbook, which has information about all sorts of aspects of Edinburgh life: where to go shopping, what to do and see, how to find a part-time job, or experience as a volunteer. There is also important information, which you may not expect to need, such as how to register with a local doctor, or open a bank account.

Your guide to life in Edinburgh.