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?
