Thursday Sep 09


English may be useful for your work. Many companies trade internationally. English is one of the most common business languages.
If you have a job that is involved with dealing with people, English may be useful for communicating with foreign customers and clients.
English is the main language of the internet and the film industry so you can use English to obtain information on many subjects.
English is the Mandated International Language of Aviation and is the accepted International Maritime language.
Knowing English makes travel easier, and allows you to communicate with people from many parts of the world.

Why should I go abroad to study English?i

If you live in an English-speaking country, your English should improve more quickly. You can practice your English when you are not in classes,
as you will have many opportunities to hear, read and speak English in everyday life
When living abroad you can meet new people, experience new cultures, see new sights, and become more independent
Travelling abroad gives you the chance to develop new interests and friendships

UK

Here are some of the features of the UK which you may want to consider :

Culture: In the UK there are many regional variations in culture, particularly between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, however
there are some aspects of culture that are shared throughout the country. These include a sense of humour with an emphasis on word play,
self-deprecation; satire and irony; low expectations; understatement; eccentricity and a reluctance to complain or make a fuss.

Diversity:
There is a wide mix of cultures in the UK. In London there are communities from most parts of the world.

Tolerance:
British people are usually tolerant to foreigners, and respect their freedom to have different opinions and beliefs.

Freedom:
People usually feel free to express their own opinions and wear what they want. Don't expect people to agree with you all of the time.

Humour:
British people have a strong sense of humour, but it can be hard for foreigners to understand when someone is joking.

Cautiousness:
People often avoid talking to strangers until they have been introduced, partly to avoid any possible embarrassment.

Creativity:
Individual ideas are encouraged. Arts and music are creative.

Modesty: People are quite modest. They do not like to complain directly: life is peaceful, but when there is poor service it is not challenged and changed.

Language
The UK is where the English language developed. There are more people using English as their first language in the UK and the US
(US: 230 million, the UK: 60 million, Canada: 20 million, Australia: 15 million, Ireland/New Zealand/South Africa: 3 million).
English is easily understood in many parts of the world. Many people like British accents, although it can take some time for a foreigner to get used to some of the regional varieties.

Travel
It is easy to travel to the UK. There are flights to London from most parts of the world. You can travel around the UK by trains and bus. It is usually not necessary for a student to have a car. The country is quite small, so it is easy to make day-trips or to go on holiday to other parts of Britain. The UK is close to the many different countries of continental Europe. If you come to study in the UK, you may have the opportunity to experience a variety of different cultures of France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Scandinavia, Germany, Spain, Portugal and other countries.

Health
If you are on a course for more than 6 months, you should be able to obtain free health treatment if you become ill. However, there can be delays seeing a doctor or obtaining treatment (unless you are seriously ill).
It is very good practise to always have a valid travel insurance policy to cover you.

Safety
The UK is a relatively safe country. The police do not usually carry guns, and there are strict controls on the ownership of weapons. There are not many insects, snakes or dangerous animals in the UK.
There is very little risk of earthquakes, hurricanes or other natural disasters, although flooding sometimes occurs in low areas.

Education
The British educational system has a good reputation. Accredited qualifications obtained from British schools and universities are recognised in most parts of the world. There are courses in a wide variety of subjects, including many which are open to international students. Language teaching methods in the UK are well developed, although the quality of teaching at language schools can vary a lot. If a language school is recognised by the British Council, it is regularly checked to ensure that general standards are high.

Food
Despite its reputation overseas, there is in fact a very wide variety of food available. There is plenty of fresh fruit, fresh meats and cheeses.

Heritage
Britain has an interesting history and is good at preserving its traditions and old buildings and gardens. There are many museums and art galleries.

Environment
There are many green areas, including beautiful parks, gardens and public footpaths. There are many coastal areas.

Weather
The British weather is quite moderate. In general the Summers are not too hot, and the Winters are not too cold. Days are short in the middle of winter (it gets dark before 4pm in December), and long in the middle of summer (it remains light until after 10pm in June). There is usually more rain in the west of the country, and more sunshine in the south. The weather is pleasant enough for studying or working, especially in the Spring and Summer.