Terms and Conditions
By making bookings with To Russian Horizons, you agree to these booking terms and conditions.
Enrolment
Online booking: potential students can complete and submit our online enrolment form; we will then reply, requesting further information if necessary, and send a personalised invoice detailing payment options. The online enrolment form is available on each school course webpage as you select and book a suitable date for your course.
By email: potential students can email their requests at yana@torussianhorizons.com.
Booking deadlines
For students not requiring a visa to Russia, the booking deadline is 1 week before the arrival at our centres.
For students requiring a visa to Russia: for all short–term courses (up to 4 weeks) the booking deadline is 3 weeks before the arrival. For all long-term courses in Russia (5 weeks or longer) bookings should be made at least 8 weeks before the arrival.
Before making travel arrangements with us, please check how quickly you’ll receive a decision on your Russian visa application as the waiting times may differ depending on where you apply from.
Fees
The full fee (including the registration fee) should be paid no later than 7 days before the start of your course (immediately if enrolling later). For long-term bookings involving time-taking visa formalities a 100% prepayment is required a month in advance.
If not paid via our online booking system an invoice will be raised and sent to you. You may pay by card via our website at the time of booking. All fees are stated in GBP. We do not make any charges for payments. We are not responsible for any bank service fees; it is the responsibility of the student to cover any fees required to ensure that we receive the full student fee.
We do not allow students that owe fees to attend the class or to enter our accommodation. Your place is not confirmed until the full course fees have been received.
Please note that if you wish to make changes to your booking after your arrival (i.e., changing from a group course to individual lessons), we will charge an alteration fee of £21.
Russian immigration regulations
All foreign travellers to Russia require an entry visa. Visa fees will depend on which type of visa you are applying for, and where you are applying from. We provide all our clients with a letter of invitation that the applicant has to submit to the embassy or consulate where they are applying for a student visa. In the enrolment form, our students are asked to state a period they would like their visa to be valid for. Please note that a standard Russian visa is only valid for one entry (except for long-term student visas which are multiple-entry).
For the latest information about student visas for Russia, see our Visa information page. Alternatively, you can contact the Russian Embassy in your country.
Cancellation fees
Since the pandemic outbreak cancellation fees have been waived for our customers. However, if cancellation occurs when a long-term study visa support has already taken place — the invoiced amount for enrollment and visa related services will not be refunded.
Accommodation cancellations are free of charge for host family and shared flat stays.
Arrival
The arrival day is Sunday. All courses start on Monday. Students will get detailed instructions on how to get to their school and accommodation (if booked with us). On request, an arrival transfer can be organised for an extra charge.
Lesson duration
One lesson lasts 50 minutes.
Course interruption
Must be communicated in written form at least 15 days in advance. Partial reimbursement is at the discretion of our school.
If a student is not able to attend their course due to being infected with coronavirus or newly imposed travel restrictions, it is possible to postpone the unused course & accommodation to a later date with no penalty. A credit note valid for two years will be issued.
Late arrival or absences during the course
For which our school cannot be held responsible, will not be reimbursed. Absences cannot be compensated through additional lessons.
Minimum age
The minimum age for courses is 16 years. Students attending courses as a closed group can be younger than 16, if they are accompanied by a responsible adult group leader.
Insurance
Insurance is not included in our courses. However, it is highly recommended that all students have comprehensive travel, repatriation and medical insurance. On request, we are able to recommend our trusted partner who will develop a bespoke insurance policy for you.
Group course availability
Every attempt will be made to place students on the group course of their choice. In the event of insufficient applications for a course, the school reserves the right to provide an alternative same dates course of equal value. No refund of fees will be made to students.
Accommodation
We do all we can to ensure that students’ requirements are met. However, if the language centres cannot provide the preferred type of accommodation, that does not constitute a case for reimbursement.
Host families: our school confirms homestay and shared flat accommodation 3 weeks before the start of the course (immediately — if enrolling later). If required, host family change can be organised after the arrival date, but only on weekends. If a change is required immediately, extra fees will apply (equivalent to one-week accommodation costs).
Shared flat damage deposit: all students are liable for loss or damage to the apartment for which they are responsible. A £168 bank card deposit will be taken from all students upon arrival and returned at the end of the course, providing no damage has been incurred.
Force Majeure
The school will not be responsible for the non-performance of any contractually agreed obligations if they are unable to take place due to an act of Force Majeure. Force majeure includes armed conflict, fire, flooding, civil disorder, industrial action, acts of terrorism, unusually adverse weather conditions, natural disaster, infectious diseases (e.g. Covid-19) and any other events outside of our reasonable control which may lead to the inability of the school to fulfil its obligations. If any of the above occurs, the school will endeavour to offer the best alternative arrangements, dates, or venues available.
Public Holidays 2022
Russian public holidays: January 1, 2, 7; February 23; March 8; May 1,9; June 12; November 4. No lessons are held on these days. Compensation is only provided for one-on-one courses.