Award winning motion picture Days of Glory is on at the Cine Lumiere until 19 April. Answer English is taking a group from our French Language Learning Experience down there to see it, next Thursday. The film traces the footsteps of 4 young Algerian Men enlisted into the French Army in World War II. Saïd, Abdelkader, Messaoud and Yassir along with 130,000 other ‘indigenous soldiers’ are sent to liberate the ‘fatherland’ from the Nazi enemy. Days of Glory portrays the story of these forgotten heroes, the human injustices they faced in war time, and the discrimination they have subsequently encountered from the French authorities.

Alexa Ryan-Mills has kindly organised for Answer English students to go to the film for just £5 a ticket on Thursday 19 April. The film starts at 20:45. The idea was to meet Alexa at 20:00 for a drink before hand. If you are interested in going please send her an e-mail at: Alexa.Ryan-Mills@bm.com or by all means call her on: 07792 269 988

Today, Answer English welcomes the chance to speak to Ian Campbell, Retail Branch Manager at HSBC Bank plc. HSBC are offering a simple solution to Banking requirements specifically designed for students arriving in the UK. Ian tells us more…..

Who is this account designed for?
Our Passport Service is specifically designed to assist individuals to overcome the difficulties of opening bank accounts in the UK. It’s aim is to enable the individual to be in control of their money, stay in touch with home and feel informed and secure. It is a unique, tailored relocation service designed to make your arrival in the UK as smooth as possible. This includes new employees or international students recently arriving to the UK.

What does it consist of exactly?
Passport will provide individuals with the essentials needed in the UK for banking purposes. These include:
- Bank account with international Debit Card
- Great offers on international and UK mobile calls
- Savings on international money transfers
- Exclusive UK relocation guide and on-line services
- Flexible savings account

So how do our Students go about getting an account opened?
It’s simple!! All students will be required to visit HSBC Bank plc at 156 Tottenham Court Road in London with their Passport and proof of their overseas address. (Utility Bill, Bank Statement) If this is not possible, then a letter of introduction from Answer English confirming the overseas address. In all cases, please quote Answer English as your source of information when applying for this service. The process takes approx. 15-20 minutes.

British Banking has had a lot of new regulations put in place in the last few years? Why is this?
British Banking has always been regulated. Over the last 5 years, these regulations, controlled and monitored by the FSA (Financial Services Authority) have been tightened to help reduce the number of cases where Fraud and/or Money Laundering have been a factor. Whilst these changes can make life difficult, particularly for those individuals based overseas, it does make banking safer in the UK and also regulates the procedure so that all Financial Services, including HSBC Bank follow a strict guideline on account opening in the UK.

Why did HSBC start this new service?
As a result of the changes in the regulations, the Passport Service is designed to help make this process as easy as possible for an ever increasing market of individuals arriving in the UK for study/employment, whilst staying within the requirements of the FSA.

Some of these ‘restrictions’ have in the past been unfriendly towards International Students. Do you think this new service will help to demonstrate that HSBC, at least, wants to accommodate Students?
Yes. Firstly, I would like to stress that HSBC has always welcomed International Students. Whilst it has been difficult in the past to secure these types of services, HSBC have designed this service specifically to make the process as effective and hassle free. Secondly, it is worth mentioning here that all applications are subject to checks in the UK. Whilst most applicants will have no problems as they have no financial history in the UK, a small percentage of applicants will experience situations where this service is not applicable for various reasons. In any case, we will always explain this action.

Changing the topic, as a matter of interest, do you personally speak any languages Ian?
Unfortunately, my language skills are basic. However, I do understand French and could conduct a limited conversation. On the other hand, HSBC is a very diverse environment, with language skills covered in most cases. In my branch alone, I have Indian and Arabic speakers. This is not limited to these only. If there is a genuine language gap which we need to address, then HSBC can make arrangements for a member of staff to be present who speaks the language accordingly to assist with the application process.

And finally, have you any advice in general for students arriving to the UK?
Quite simply, those who research and prepare prior to arriving in the UK find things easier and less stressful. In any case, it would be advisable to speak with Tourist Boards and Information points scattered around London for directions and useful information.

In terms of banking, be sure to always be secure. This includes not sharing personal information regarding your banking to anyone, including friends and family and always cover up your pin when using the ATM’s. If ever you go to use an ATM and you feel uncomfortable with those around you, the best thing to do is not to use it and move on. In any case, try and use ATM’s situated inside the Banks for additional security.
Finally, please be advised that using banking facilities not based in the UK can be very expensive and time consuming. Another reason for using HSBC for your banking requirements in the UK.

Thank you to Ian for talking to Answer English. Ian is based at the HSBC Branch at 156 Tottenham Court Road, London W1T 7NH (nearest tube, Warren Street Tube on the Victoria/Northern Line) Cliek here for a Map