United Kingdom

Why Study In UK

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• Apart from the exuberant lifestyle, there are many reasons why studying in the UK is considered as one of the top notch study destinations by many students. UK has earned itself the reputation of providing high and quality education. UK universities and colleges offer more than 1000 courses, besides great flexibility in the way in which a subject can be studied. One of the biggest advantages of studying in UK is the option of combining work placements with academic study, such as sandwich courses at the undergraduate level and work internships at the post graduate level.
• If work is a component as part of the study programme, then the students enjoy the benefit of cutting edge knowledge and expertise as well as hands on experience in their field of study, thereby strengthening chances of obtaining suitable employment later on. Besides this, students can choose from studying a full academic year to a semester or just a summer programme, based on their criteria. The range of programmes, whether contemporary or government does not fall short, whichever option you choose, both geographically or academically.
• Studying is not just about courses and assignments. You learn a lot from your surroundings also. And UK is blessed with it - England, Scotland, Wales and the province of Northern Ireland. Each has its own distinctive history, landscape and modern culture. And, because they're all within easy reach of one another, they're easy to explore. Europe is also geographically very close.
• All said and done, it comes down to money. Contrary to the usual belief, studying in the UK is quite inexpensive. Plus, students enjoy a lot of perks like completing a Master's degree in 1 year, eligibility for a 2 years work permit (according to the New Point Based System) after you complete your course, provision of part-time work upto 20 hours/week during studies and full time during vacation and free Health insurance for students studying in UK for 6 months or more
• Degrees and qualifications from UK higher education institutions are known around the world as high quality and world class. This standard of excellence is set by some of the older universities with recognizable names, such as Oxford and Cambridge, but the tradition carries through to many of the universities and colleges throughout the UK. When looking for work in the future, this can be a great selling point in your favour!

UK Education System

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• The education system in the UK is divided into four main parts, primary education, secondary education, further education and higher education. Children in the UK have to legally attend primary and secondary education which runs from about 5 years old until the student is 16 years old.
• Generally key stages 1 and 2 will be undertaken at primary school and at 11 years old a student will move onto secondary school and finish key stages 3 and 4.
• Students are assessed at the end of each stage. The most important assessment occurs at age 16 when students pursue their GCSE's or General Certificate of Secondary Education. Once students complete their GCSE's they have the choice to go onto further education and then potential higher education, or finish school and go into the working world.
• Primary Education : Primary education begins in the UK at age 5 and continues until age 11, comprising key stages one and two under the UK educational system. Please visit the British Council page for more information on primary education.
• Secondary Education : From age 11 to 16, students will enter secondary school for key stages three and four and to start their move towards taking the GCSE's - learn more about secondary education in the UK and what it will involve. Primary and secondary education is mandatory in the UK; after age 16, education is optional.
• Further Education : Once a student finishes secondary education they have the option to extend into further education to take their A-Levels, GNVQ's, BTEC's or other such qualifications. UK students planning to go to college or university must complete further education.
• Higher Education : Probably the most important subject area on this site, this explains more about the higher education system in the UK and how it works for international students. Most international students will enter directly into the UK higher education system, after completing their home country's equivalent to the UK's "further education"?

Life In UK

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Faith / Religion - The UK has one of the most religiously diverse populations in Europe, and the right to religious freedom is embraced. Communities and individuals are free to practice their faith without hindrance and encouraged to openly celebrate it. It is illegal in the UK for anyone to discriminate against you because of your faith or religion. If they do you must report it.

Discrimination - It is illegal in the UK to discriminate against people because of their colour, race, ethnic or national origins, age, gender, sex or sexual orientation. If you have been discriminated against for any of these reasons, you must report it. If you have been found to have discriminated against someone you could be prosecuted.Smoking - In the UK smoking is forbidden in all enclosed public places such as pubs, restaurants, nightclubs, shops, offices, government buildings, factories, private members' clubs, in cinemas and on public transport.

• You are allowed to smoke outdoors, at home or in provided smoking rooms in prisons, care homes and hotels. Certain outdoor locations such as sports arenas and railway platforms could have a smoking ban.
• If you are unsure about whether you can smoke somewhere, look for signs or ask somebody before you light your cigarette. If you are caught smoking in a banned area you could be fined £50.
• Alcohol - It is illegal to drink alcohol in some public areas in the UK. If you are caught drinking alcohol in a public place where drinking is not permitted, it will be confiscated from you. Excessive drinking can lead to public order offences for which you can be arrested and prosecuted.
• Remember it is illegal to drive any vehicle whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Spitting in Public - Whilst it is not illegal to spit in public, many people will find it offensive. If you need to sneeze or blow your nose, use a tissue or handkerchief so you don't cause offence.
• Appointments - It is important to arrive on time for meetings and appointments. In places such as hospitals and doctor's surgeries you are advised to arrive 10 minutes early. This will help to keep waiting times down. If you know that you are going to be late or unable to attend a meeting or appointment, you should let the person know in advance.
• Visiting Friends - If you are invited to someone's home for a meal, you may wish to take a small gift (such as flowers, chocolates or a bottle of wine) or you could invite them to your home in return. People from the UK will be interested to hear about your home country, so you might like to bring some photographs or small items to show your friends or guests.
• Greeting People - In the UK it is polite to say 'please' when you ask for something and 'thank you' when you receive something, or if someone is kind to you. If you meet somebody you know say 'hello', or if you want make a more formal greeting you can shake hands. In the UK you do this with your right hand.
• Queues - Wait in a queue (or line) for buses, at supermarket checkouts and other public places. People will be offended and think that you are rude if you do not.
• Social Activities - If you take part in social activities you will find it easier to make friends. You can visit your local community centre to find out what social activities they arrange. Going to a public house (pub) is a common social activity for people in the UK. Pubs do sell non-alcoholic drinks and often hold special events in which you can get involved in.
• Remember, if you feel uncomfortable about taking part in something you have been invited to do, just say no, you will not cause offence.
• Seasons / Weather The weather in the UK is often unpredictable; this makes it a great conversation starter! Generally, UK weather follows four distinct seasonal changes. Below is an indication of seasonal characteristics during the course of a year.