ABOUT THE COUNTRY
Great Britain comprises four countries united under one government, a union of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Also referred to as `United Kingdom' this island country is in north Western Europe. It is a small country but a very important one as it was the British who founded the largest Empire in History. With less than 27% of world's people and meager natural resources, they have contributed some great scientists, explorers, artists and leaders to this world.
English is the official language and is spoken throughout the country except in Wales where Welsh is also spoken and taught.
Most of England has vast expanse of plains, fields and meadows with the coastline having steep cliffs, clear beaches and fishing towns. Northern Scotland is a windswept region with the sea cutting deep into the landmass. Northern Ireland has low mountains and sprawling fields, while Wales has rugged mountains and lush green valleys.
Britain has eight land regions and seven of these are on the island of Great Britain. The Scottish highlands made up of mountain ranges, deep valleys and plateaus lie in Northern Scotland. Very few people stay here as it is like a wasteland with coarse grass and shrubs. The Central lowlands are vast plains and excellent farmland. It is rich in coal deposits and most Scottish people stay here. The Southern uplands are green plains used for sheep rearing. The Pennines lie south of this and are mountain chains running halfway through England. West of this are the famous lakes and tourist attractions. Wales is covered by the Cambrian Mountains and to its south is vast plateau land cut by deep river valleys. The south west peninsula is a plateau with sharp cliffs. This region has fishing villages. The English lowlands have agricultural farm land and industry. Midland are grasslands to the south of which is the valley of river Thames. On the banks of the Thames is London, Britain's capital.
Climate
The climate in Great Britain is mild, though in the north it is extremely cold. The winter temperature is a minimum of -12oC and in summer it goes up to 32oC. In south (London) average temperature ranges below 2oC in January and above 15oC in July.
EMPLOYMENT AS A STUDENT
It is not possible to earn one's living as a full time student in Britain or to work one's way through college. Due to unemployment in the UK and restrictions on employment for overseas students, it is very difficult to find even part time employment. Some students do manage to get permission to work but it is not advisable to rely on this kind of income support. There are 3 categories of rules regarding employment (I) Students from European Council countries can work without permission. (II) While students from other countries, including India, find on arrival in UK that their passport bears a stamp or two restricting freedom to work or prohibiting it completely.
The stamp may read: "Leave to remain in the UK on condition that the holder does not engage in employment paid or unpaid without the consent of the Secretary of State for Employment and does not engage in any business or profession without the consent of the Secretary of State for the Home Office" then you may work during your free time or vacations. This must not exceed 20 hours per week during the term. However, this is subject to the consent of the local office of the Department of Employment. In Northern Ireland permission is granted by the Department of Manpower Services in Belfast, for which the application is made by the prospective employer. The Department grants permission only when there is no suitable resident labor for the post. Your college must also submit a letter stating that the job will not affect your studies.
Prohibition for employment
If the stamp on your passport reads: "Leave to enter the UK on condition that the holder does not enter employment paid or unpaid and does not engage in any business or profession is hereby given until ....” you may not work at all. The prohibition stamp can be changed to restriction stamp if your college advisor recommends this change.
Working without permission is a criminal offence, and a breach of your immigration conditions. The penalty for such an offence is usually deportation and fine.
Work opportunities when you have employment restrictions - For part time and vacation work through employment department, Form OSSI should be filled in all its 3 parts. This form is available with job centres. The 1st part of the form is filled in by the student, the 2nd by the employer and the 3rd by the college. Acceptance of the application is communicated to the employer if there is no local worker available and if the work involves less than 20 hours of work per week. Job centres monitor all such allocations and must be approached for job change also.
Practical training in `Sandwich courses'
Placement for practical or work experience while enrolled in a full time sandwich course is not your responsibility. It is the college which applies for the student. However, you should check with your college that you have permission to work before undertaking employment. The college should write to the Employment Department asking for permission for you to do practical training. The application gives details of the course indicating that the practical training is an integral part of the course.
Some students wish to get work experience after graduation. There is a training and work experience scheme which enables overseas nationals to get work experience or to undertake training. Work experience and training are two different categories and the permission for any does not transfer to the other. The work permit scheme is for those who have 2 years of work experience abroad.
Training is intended for those who are looking for recognized professional qualification, e.g., architects, lawyers, civil and construction engineers, accountants, etc.
Work experience is granted for 12 months and the conditions are as follows:
- Your age should be in the range 18-35 years
- You do not get a regular position but are surplus to the organization
- You have the necessary qualification or experience
- You work for the stipulated duration
- Work for 30 hours a week besides academic work
- Work experience is at the managerial or equivalent level at least NVQ level 4
- You accept a token payment
To get access to training and work experience, you must
- Find an employer ;
- Ensure that your employer fills Form WP2 ;
- See that the form is sent to the Department of Employment ;
- Wait for 2 months for a decision.
INSURANCE AND TAX REGULATIONS
International students need to pay national insurance contributions if they are working. Before taking up employment it is necessary to get national insurance number. Generally this takes a little over 2 months to get. However, you can begin work once you have applied. If your passport prohibits you from working you don't need a National Insurance number.
International students on a part time and vacation employment fall in the same category as UK residents. Exceptions are made for students who are on an exchange programme.
SCOPE FOR WORK AFTER COMPLETING STUDIES
Immigration rules are strict and do not permit international students to stay on after their studies are over. It is only under the work permit scheme that you can stay on. There are certain exceptional circumstances when the Home Office and the Employment Department consider allowing you to remain in UK for employment. Two categories are prominently acceptable (1) highly qualified and experienced professionals (2) those who have specialized knowledge and experience of languages and cultures not readily available in the UK. The employer, however, has to make an appeal on a WP1 form.
Address for contact which provides information and necessary guidance in this matter: Department of Employment; Overseas Labor Section, Block C; Porter Brook; House c/o Moor foot; Sheffield S1 4PQ.
ACCOMMODATION:
It is advisable for an international student to arrange accommodation, temporary or permanent before leaving the home country.
There are two main types of accommodations: (a) accommodation of the college or managed by the college, and (b) private accommodation (a place you have to arrange by yourself)
Accommodation provided by school, college or university is the most popular option taken by more than half the international students on degree courses in UK and around 30% who study in FE colleges.
College accommodation
Halls of residence - These are generally shared rooms. Bathrooms and other facilities are common. Halls of residence may be for males and females and they usually provide breakfast and an evening meal. It is like a typical hostel as in India with basic facilities of international standards. Cost £260 - £320 per month.
Self-catering halls - This accommodation gives you the freedom to buy and cook your own food. While being similar to the halls of residence, international students prefer this type of accommodation.
When you apply for college accommodation you must enquire about the type, duration, cost, facilities provided and whether you can retain it during vacations.
Private or self-arranged accommodation
Hostels - There are students’ hostels which are generally very convenient for the international student. Hostels have cooking facilities and alternatively provide meals. These hostels have generally a student population hence there is more likelihood of your getting acclimatized to the place faster. Booking in these hostels is made by paying an initial deposit. British Council offices have a list of hostels which you could ask for.
Lodgings - Lodgings are rented rooms very much akin to the paying guest concept in our country. You will be living, perhaps eating or cooking with them and keep company of the landlord/landlady. It, however, will not allow you absolute freedom. Cost £300 - £350 per month.
Bedsits - There are blocks with single room. Each room has living and sleeping space. Cooking area may also be provided in the room or for a set of rooms elsewhere in the block. Bathrooms too are shared and cleaning and laundry is your responsibility. This kind of accommodation may vary both in quality and size. You should really see it before hiring it.
Hired flats/houses - After staying for some time in Britain you could hire a flat with friends. This is a shared accommodation managed entirely by you and your friends. It is advisable that before signing any documents pertaining to accommodation seek the advice of your college welfare office. Cost £180-£200.
Temporary accommodation
Many international students who have not ensured an accommodation before leaving their country live in temporary or transit accommodation. Temporary accommodation could be either Hotels or guest houses. Though slightly expensive, these can be reserved from India. If you have to travel further and halt in London you could request such a transit accommodation through the British Council Study Fellows at Victoria Station in London.
Useful information about accommodation can be accessed from:
Student Officer, Indian High Commission in Britain who could be contacted for accommodation
Legal advice can be taken from a Law Centre or Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)
For transit accommodation you may contact the London Tourist Board located at Victoria Station, Liverpool Street Station, London Heathrow Airport in London or the British Council Arrival Cell, Victoria Station, London
For calling accommodation service, you may call the London Tourist Board at 071 824 8844 during working hours
Lodgings are arranged by Experiment in International Living, Otesaga; West Malvern Road, Worcestershire WR14 4EN, Tel.: 068 456 2577
For hostel accommodation, you may contact the following:
- YMCA, 640 Forest Road, London E17 3DZ Tel.: 081 520 5599
- YWCA, 16 Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3LR, Tel.: 071 580 4827
- Youth Hostels Association, Trevelyan House, 8 St. Stephens Hill, Hertfordshire AL1 2DY, Tel.: 072 785 5215
- London Hostels Association Ltd., 54 Ecclestan Square, London SW1V 1PG, Tel.: 071 834 1545
ESSENTIAL FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS
Before embarking for study you need to ensure that you have enough money for your course fee and living expenses. Fees are generally revised each year, e.g., Arts course in universities and higher education establishments costed £5500 in 93-94 and £400 more in 95. Science courses went up from £7360 to £ 7400 and Clinical courses £13550 to £ 14,150. You must ask for the latest fee structure. Private institutions are likely to cost more. For food and accommodation your expenses could range from £6000 to £10000 per annum.
FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESTRICTIONS
Our country imposes foreign exchange restrictions on those travelling abroad. When a student has to privately fund his education he needs an RBI clearance. When this clearance is received you can deposit the money in a national bank and get the amount transferred to UK.
HEALTH CARE
Another area of concern for most International students is concerning illness and medical care. Britain has a National Health Service (NHS) which is financed and run by the Government. Treatment under the NHS is free for permanent resident of UK while emergency, accident and community service is free for everyone. Hospitalization is not covered.
If you go for a course which is of more than 6 months duration you are eligible for free treatment. When you are eligible for NHS treatment you have to register with a doctor. You will have to do this soon after reaching.
If you are not entitled and register with a doctor under the NHS you have to pay as a private patient. Award holders may get medical sponsorship for emergency condition. Medical insurance scheme covers all necessary medical expenditure for those not entitled to the NHS.
