Get the most out of StudyWorld - book a Fam trip

Every year, StudyWorld London ends with groups of agents being whisked away to different destinations for a few days sightseeing and visiting study centres in a different region.

And every year, disappointed agents who have left it too late are asking StudyWorld staff if it is possible to get them on to a Fam trip at the last minute. Usually, it's not possible.

"We have brilliant Fam Trips going to lots of interesting places, but sadly too many people just don't get round to booking them in time," says English UK's international officer Emma Chon.

She adds: "It's such a missed opportunity. Usually there are trips going all over the UK, and often to other parts of Europe as well. Agents pay a nominal fee, and then all their transport, accommodation and meals are covered for a 3-5 day trip. Not only do they get to really find out about somewhere their students might like to go, but they also have a really fantastic time."

This year there were 11 post-StudyWorld Fam Trips, covering different areas and different types of educational provision. One of them was organised by Graham Simpson of the Oxford English Centre, who runs one every year.

He says: "When someone has an appointment with me at StudyWorld I can only show them pictures in the brochure. My prize is to get agents through my door. It's a different quality of experience. You see it and you touch it. They get to see what kind of school I run.

Graham likes his Fam trips to be relaxing for agents after a busy period at StudyWorld. "Some Fam trips spend a lot of time on coaches. I get them into my common room and say, here's the school, have a coffee, meet the staff."

Other regular fixtures on his Oxford trips are a barbecue - with Graham wielding the tongs - and an evening at the Rose and Crown pub with chilli and the possibility of a whisky tasting. There is also a famous karaoke evening.

Russian agent Sergey Makhotenkov of the Meganom Education Centre still has fond memories of his Oxford Fam trip. "It was fantastic, very good school, very good hospitality, singing Twist and Shout," he said. "It was a very good thing to do. It helped me set up a good relationship with the school."

Emma's advice for StudyWorld London 2012 Fam trips is to keep checking the website and book the one you want as soon as possible. And if it's fully booked, consider trying something completely different. Emma says: "We sometimes persuade people to choose a completely different trip if the one they wanted was full - and they are usually pleasantly surprised by what they find."

If you are a educator interested in organising a Fam trip for 2012 click here to read the Fam trip guidelines and to download the Fam trip registration form. Contact Phoebe Allen if you have any questions about organising an Fam trip.

By Susan Young