Reasons to Study in England
England, the land of the phlegmatic and tight upper lipped Englishman, may be a study in contrast, what with its monarchial as well as a democratic set up of governance, but if you look beneath the surface, there is a beautiful country where urban scenes of modern buildings merge effortlessly with medieval architecture and delicate landscapes.
Studying in England can have the potential of boosting your career as the qualifications are respected the world over due to the high quality standards of its universities.
England’s universities have developed intensive and short courses that may suit your plans for high school study abroad in terms of cost and time. More than three thousand educational institutions of UK offer three-year degree courses and one-year post graduate Masters Courses. This means that you save, not only on your tuition costs but also are ready to jump into the employment market much sooner.
While enjoying your high school study abroad you can expect yourself to get inevitably involved in the country’s cultural, economic and political center: London.
England, however, has much more to offer with its beautiful sceneries, superb countryside, camping and stunning coasts that can provide you welcome respites from your study abroad schedules.
Courses
Among the many options available, you can choose an academic study abroad program and university environment from among various institutions to best fit your needs. Some of the options that you can keep in mind are
• Select courses in hard to find subject areas,
• Internship programs in areas such as Law, Politics, and Criminal Justice
• Hands-on courses in theater and art, designed specifically for international students
• GET involved in British culture through on-campus clubs and societies, writing for the student newspaper, or volunteering
• Media universities for studying media arts and design
High School in England
If you are looking only at high school summer study abroad, England should be high on your priority list. England’s study abroad programs provide excellent avenues for international students seeking an English speaking system for high school study for a summer, semester or year abroad.
Best Universities in England for International Students
From Alnwick to York, you can find scores of study abroad programs throughout jolly old England. Most American exchange students opt to enrol in London though.
University College London is the most popular university by the number of international students, followed by The University of Manchester, and King’s College London.
There are programs that focus on a specialized area of study, such as:
Boston University’s London Music Program where you can study at London’s Royal College of Music
New York University’s NYU in London campus, which focuses on a general educational experience, like.
You can spend a summer study abroad program, a semester abroad, or even an entire year, but you must plan for differences that exist in the university system in England, as many schools operate on trimesters and not on semesters. In order to properly transfer credits, you may want to consider a yearlong study abroad program in England.
Two of the most prestigious universities in the world are located in England. You can study at:
The University of Oxford through a number of American university programs, including those offered by Boston University and Sarah Lawrence College.
Cambridge University, either directly or through Butler University’s Institute for Study Abroad Program.
Keep in mind that both schools are among the most competitive in the world, so if you’re selected, do not hesitate to enroll. You’ll never regret it.
Requirements
Admission requirements in most universities, for high school study abroad, include a score of 6 or above in International English Language Testing Service (IELTS), grade C in Cambridge Proficiency of English or Cambridge Advanced English; Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with score 550 or above; NEAB University Entrance Test in English for speakers of other languages at Grade 3. For Master’s Degree, however, an equivalent of a first or second class Honors Bachelors degree from an accredited university is mandatory.
Important Information for Studying Abroad in England
Be sure to make a list of important phone numbers and information may come in handy as you study abroad in England. Check with your school or program for any additional information you might need.
Visa
A valid student’s visa is mandatory for all, barring citizens of a few countries who have simply need to satisfy the immigration authorities of their eligibility, upon arrival in England.
If you are not from such a country then you will have to carry the following documents to the embassy or British Mission in your country for getting a visa for study abroad in the UK.
• Valid passport
• Completed IM2A and IM2B application forms
• 2 passport sized-photos
• Letter of acceptance from the university you are joining
• Evidence of financial resources for living and lodging without having to apply to a job or local public scholarship
• Evidence of accommodation arrangements for duration of trip
• Letter of intent for post-course period to be presented on arrival (applicable to non visa students also)
Scholarships
The cost of education in England is really high, among the most expensive in the world and unfortunately, for Americans who study abroad in the UK, the U.S. dollar hasn’t fared well against the pound in recent history. But if you need help to finance a study abroad program in England there is help available.
The government of England offers lots of scholarships and bursaries every year, for international students. The best way to obtain one is to approach the Education Department or the British Council in your country for details and mode of obtaining one.
To avoid last minute emergencies, it will be a good policy if you start your enquiries well in time, say, about a year before the tentative date for the study abroad program. This should give you enough time for research of a study abroad scholarship that are offered by foundations, trusts, and universities and completion of documents required for admission and visa.
Jobs for Students
A change in the work regulations in England gives an additional benefit for your study abroad plans. Some international students can now work in the UK for twenty hours a week when studying. Check latest information online as visa regulations are becoming more strict.
Travel and Free Time
There is no shortage of things to see and do while you study abroad in England:
• Visit ancient ruins that provide clues into civilizations long gone, such as Stonehenge and the Druid Ruins in nearby Wales.
• Tour museums dedicated to England’s literary giants Shakespeare and Jane Austen.
• Watch a live performance at Shakespeare’s Globe Museum.
• If politics and world affairs are of more interest to you, you can pay homage to Sir Winston Churchill at the Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms.
• If you attend a summer abroad program you can take a guided tour of the Houses of Parliament.
There are so many places to go and interesting Brits to meet when you study abroad in England, so there will never be a shortage of fun!