What does the UK have that other places
cannot offer and why should you choose to study in the UK instead
of in, for example, America?
Well, of course, I am biased as I work for a school of English
in England, but I really do think that the UK has a lot to offer
and so do the thousands of students that visit Great Britain each
year.
Maybe it is worth analysing why people want to study abroad. There
are a number of reasons why people travel long distances to get
experience and knowledge. Off the top of my head I can think of
the opportunities for language improvement, new places, new friendships,
and self development for future jobs or study as really good reasons,
but maybe you have your own different ones.
As English is a very important international language, the learning
of English all over the world is always popular, be it at school,
college, evening classes or whatever, but this is developed by actually
immersing oneself in an anglophone culture by studying in an English
speaking country. At this stage the student has to decide which
country to study in and each has its good and bad points. Some are
more appealing for students’ personal reasons, geographical
reasons or simply because the student’s teacher comes from
a particular country and, therefore, teaches using the nuances of
that country’s English, but probably the smallest one, Great
Britain, has the most going for it.
Where else would you find mountains and Fenlands, countryside and
cities, seaviews and architecture, lakes and fields in such a small
area, with hundred of years of history and tradition? Which other
English speaking country is so close to the European mainland and
possible tourist trips there? Well, if these were the only criteria
I’m sure that no other country would ever be visited by English
learners! Additionally, though, the reputation of British education
is internationally great with British qualifications being respected
worldwide, so if your ultimate aim is to study at University abroad,
Britain would seem to be the best place to do it along with English
language tuition to get you up to the level required for that study.
If this is the case with you, you will find that a great number
of English language schools offer a variety of qualifications for
you to take, such as IELTS or Cambridge certificates, both of which
are important to University and College Admissions Officers. You
may find that the college itself has an English Language department
where you could take these lessons and exams, but you will have
a greater choice from the English Language Schools in Britain.
Other people come to England to study Britain for self-development,
better job opportunities, or just for fun. Whatever your reason,
you will find a school to satisfy your needs, whether it be a school
of English, a college of Further Education, a University, a one-to-one
Homestay company, or a private teacher. Teaching styles are varied,
too, so you are bound to find that your own needs are catered for
and that your English is improved. Accommodation varies from place
to place, too, with the options of staying with host families, in
a hotel, in a dormitory, in halls of residence, or in apartments.
To be sure of a school’s credibility there are a number of
organisations governing English teaching and student welfare quality.
These include The British Council by which a school may be recognised,
or membership of ARELS, BASCELT, or ABLS. These ‘stamps of
approval’ will help you to be sure that the place you chose
to go to is good and the service they provide is creditable.
If you are still not sure if the UK is the place for you,
think about these
- British countryside
- British cultures - English, Scottish, Welsh, and Irish
- British music
- British traditions and history
- Galleries, museums, and architecture with buildings build
hundreds of years ago.
- Busy nightlife
- Heritage and The Royalty
- Shops
- European visits closeby
- Excellent English language teaching leading to just what you
want
Now, how could you go anywhere but the UK?
The Author: Alison Hayley, Regency School of English U.K.
This article first appeared in Educational Courses in Britain
