Study Abroad Guide – England
Several Great Programs in England
Understanding and Surviving English Culture
England, occupying most of the landmass of the United Kingdom and with a population of about 51 million, has been one of the most influential countries throughout history. Home of the English language, fish and chips, and once an empire so large that the saying was “The sun never sets on the British Empire”, England is truly an amazing place.
Thinking about studying abroad in England? If so, why? Well there are plenty of reasons that make England the number one destination in the world for study abroad students. The first of course is the quality academics you will get while abroad there on your overseas program. England is consistently ranked elite when it comes to depth of academics. This is why if you are studying abroad in England because you think the classes will be easier since they are in English, you are sorely mistaken. Often, your classes in England will be graded on one paper and one exam, which is a big difference from turning in work over the course of the semester which is what most students are used to in America.
The second reason to study abroad in England is the rich history that it possesses. We learn how to act in the future by learning from the past. England has been the center of Western civilization for the past couple hundred years and a vital part of history. While studying abroad in England you can almost time travel through the ages, go back to the Neolithic ages by visiting the mysterious Stonehenge, then up to the Roman era by hiking alongside Hadrian’s Wall, and finally arrive in the Middle Ages by visiting one of the numerous castles littering the countryside.
On GoAbroad’s blog, one of the writers points out three surprises that a student might find himself while abroad in England. However the biggest shock that will come as a surprise to Americans, is the difference in culture. Yes, American culture is somewhat derived from British culture, however over the years there have been many different influences on the respective cultures that have let them evolve into two completely separate entities. For example, in England, their humor is typically very dry, intelligent and can bite a bit. Also, Americans usually will go to a bar with friends to watch a sporting event, however, Brits have a local pub where everyone knows each other and they can socialize over a pint or two. Also, the main sport in England of course is football, or soccer. With thousands upon thousands of clubs, football is the life and soul of many Brits. You could compare this obsession to that of American football in the states, however there is no such thing as hooligans in the U.S.A.
Experience the amazing Stonehenge that is just one of the many fascinating parts of England's history.
Overall, England is the number one destination for study abroad for a reason; it’s an amazing place. Any student that decides to study abroad in England will not be disappointed. Great academics, a well-rounded cultural experience, and friends for a lifetime will be the result of any study abroad experience in England.
Since England is the most popular destination in the world to study abroad at, there are quite a few programs from which to choose from. However on Goabroad’s study abroad search engine, you can narrow down the choices according to what you are looking for based on academics, time of the year, and city. For example, if you are looking for a summer program in Barcelona, go to the study abroad search page click on Summer under the Term drop down and England under the country drop down. Then once you’re at the list of programs for England during the summer, you can narrow it down even more to Barcelona. However, there is more to finding the right program for you than just using Goabroad.com.
Is Studying Abroad for you? Can you commit to 4 to 16 weeks in a foreign country where you know no one and adapt to dry English culture and humour? Can you live in a shared apartment with other international students? Make sure that the program you choose provides adequate support and accommodation.
Where does your money go? Usually, the money you pay goes towards accommodation, along the activities that the program provides and excursions to other cities. For example, if you do a summer program in London, the program could offer day trips to other cities or sites. Also, some programs offer cultural activities such as cooking classes and guided excursions through the city. However, one of the most important items your program price pays for is accommodation, which you should look into before deciding on an option.
Is the study abroad program reputable? When selecting your program, make sure that they are a reputable organization. On Goabroad’s search feature, you can see which programs have been stamped with a check ++. This means that their business registration has been submitted, they’ve responded positively to test email inquiries, a member of a professional organization, and they have positive participant testimonials. After checking that Goabroad verified the program, testimonials are another great way to see how good the program is to its students.
How quality are the academics? What kind of credit are you looking to get back from this program? Do all of the professors have the degrees that you need in order to get credit back at your home university? Have you completed all the paperwork back at your home university to make sure you get credit for it? Does the program provide syllabi before arrival? Just some things to make sure you have done before you leave on the program.
What kind of support does the program provide? Some programs will provide airport pick up if you arrive on certain days. Also, you should check to see that the program provides orientation upon arrival. Almost 100% of programs do, but it’s good to see anyways. Some other questions might be what kind of accommodation programs provide along with what happens if it the accommodation proves to be inhospitable. No matter what the student should try to adapt to his/her accommodation, but there’s always a case where it’s too much. That’s when the program should step in. Just research what kind of support your program provides.
Several Great Programs in England
• Study Abroad in Oxford with ASA!
Oxford Brookes University offers ASA students an ideal environment for their study abroad experience. Currently, Oxford Brookes is home to 19,000 students, 73% of whom are at the undergraduate level, and offers undergraduate classes (called “modules”) in over 145 subject areas. Not only does Oxford Brookes have the top-notch academics, facilities, and opportunities that one would expect from any large U.S. university, but it is also located in one of the most historically and intellectually rich cities in the world.
• Arcadia University at St. Mary’s University College in London
Design a course curriculum that works with your major, allowing you the pleasure of taking courses that count while enjoying all that London has to offer. Small enough, with just under 4,000 students, yet large enough to provide unique course offerings and a vibrant campus life, St Mary’s University College is a great option for those who want to experience a mix of the city and suburbia. Students can visit London when they choose, yet focus on their studies on the suburban campus-based environment. With academic strengths in communications, drama, education, sports, and tourism, to name a few, students can design their own semester to meet the needs of their major as well as general education requirements.
• University of Portsmouth Study Abroad Programme
They provide study opportunities of the highest quality, as well as offering a friendly and supportive environment to meet your wider interests. Portsmouth is a vibrant waterfront location, and a great place to both live and learn.
The University of Portsmouth has a strong reputation for teaching and student support. This support is recognised by our students, as we have ranked highly in the National Student Survey for the third year in a row.
The University offers excellent facilities. Contemporary buildings and state-of-the-art learning facilities provide students with an exceptional learning environment.
The historic city of Portsmouth lies on the south coast of England, just 90 minutes by train to central London. In this lively seafront city, students benefit from a unique mixture of the historic and the modern. The University Campus lies in the heart of this dynamic coastal city.
You can choose to study at Portsmouth for one semester or one academic year. You will study in classes alongside full time British and international students. Learning is not only through lectures but also smaller seminar and tutorial classes giving you an opportunity to work closely with, and get to know, other students on your course.
Courses are weighted with either 10 credits (2.5 US / 5 ETCS) or 20 credits (5 US / 10 ECTS), so the number of classes you take will vary depending on your choices. You can expect to study in the classroom for 12-15 hours per week, with another 12-15 hours of independent study.
• Study Abroad in London South Bank University
With a student body as diverse as the city itself, London South Bank University reflects the true face of multicultural London. Our central London campus is located just a short ten-minute walk to the Southbank area, home to many world-class attractions like the London Eye, Globe Theatre and Tate Modern.
They offer a truly integrated study abroad experience, studying side-by-side with our 23,000 international and UK students. In addition, our volunteering and internship opportunities, central accommodation and approachable faculty ensure an outstanding experience. They offer semester and yearlong coursework in Arts & Media, Business, Engineering, International Politics, Sociology and Sustainability, among others.
• Study in England with the University of Greenwich
The University of Greenwich Study Abroad program provides international and EU students with the opportunity to study at Greenwich for a semester or academic year.
During your time in England, you will earn academic credit that meets the degree requirements of your home institution while being fully integrated into Greenwich’s vibrant academic and student community and immersing yourself in British life and culture.
Whether you are looking to fulfill major, minor or general education requirements, they offer courses from a wide range of academic disciplines.
The course is worth 15 UK credits (equivalent to 4 US credits or 7.5 ECTS) and comprises 3 hours’ classroom time per week and a work placement. The work placement will run for up to 20 hours per week for 10 weeks.
Class time will focus on leadership skills and provide students with a chance to reflect upon their work placements and how to apply relevant theory and concepts to their roles.
Diverse Culture. Because of England’s history and the influence throughout the world via the British Empire, many different cultures have come into England and influenced its culture. For example, curry, which is an Indian dish, has become an essential part of English cuisine. Also, London is one of the centers of the world which attracts cultures from around the world. It would not be a leap to say that along with the United States, England is also a melting pot of cultures from which students learn and excel.
Top Academics. England has a long tradition of top ranked schools and higher education. Thus any student studying abroad there has to live up to a high standard of learning. As mentioned before, many classes are graded on one paper or exam and thus are a bit more challenging to American students whom are more used to being graded throughout the whole semester.
Proximity to Europe/Cheap Travel. London’s Heathrow airport is one of the world major airports and has more international passenger traffic than any other airport in the world. As such, it is possible to get very cheap flights from England to most other countries in Europe. Airlines such as RyanAir offer very affordable flights however be warned to not pack much at all because they will charge you for every single kilo/pound that you take along. Also, there is great railway travel throughout the United Kingdom and to continental Europe. Thus, studying abroad in England will give you a chance to see the rest of Europe with convenient and affordable travel.
Amazing Heritage Sites. There is no doubt that because of England’s history, it is also home to some of the most interesting and beautiful historical sites in the world. Any history student studying abroad there will be fascinated by the likes of Stonehenge, Hadrian’s Wall, Windsor Castle, etc…
Nightlife. London, one of the most fashion aware cities in the world, is also home to some of the best nightlife in the world. Not to mention the other major English cities which also possess vibrant locales to have fun at! However, the most important and vital part of England’s nightlife of course, is the pub. Where everyone can meet up to choose from dozens upon dozens of beers and just have fun in general.
Performing Arts. It goes without saying that the homeland of Shakespeare would be a performing arts major wonderland. England has also created some of the best theater, music, and dance in the world. From London to Leeds, English universities will offer top performing arts options.
2012 Olympics. Next summer, the 2012 Olympics will be held in London, and throughout England matches will be held at stadiums in major cities such as Manchester. It will be a moment of intense national pride for the British and a once in a lifetime experience for any student living there at the time.
Understanding and Surviving English Culture
Dry Humor. Known round the world for their dry, or sarcastic humor, be prepared for some authentic British banter with your friends and to not take any of the jokes personally.
American Accent. As mentioned in Goabroad’s blog, American accents sound like exaggerated cartoon characters to the Brits and as an American student just be ready for the teasing. Americans do the same thing to the English in the United States, you just have to be the brunt of it this time in England. And again, don’t take it personally, it’s all in good fun!
Rainy Days. This is not so much a part of British culture as it is the climate but just know that a large majority of days in England will be filled by rain, or as one Brit termed it, liquid sunshine.
Football. Many, but not all English weekends are centered around the obsession of the country, football (soccer). Saturdays and Sundays can be spent watching matches around England and Europe, whether it is on a tele screen at home or out with your friends at the local pub.
Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding
Fish and Chips
Shepherd’s Pie
Steak and Kidney Pie
Curry
Sausage and Mash
British Fry Up (sausages, bacon, eggs, tomato all for breakfast)
Rhubarb and Custard
Fish Pie
Trifle
Lake District
Buckingham Palace
The Tower of London and the Crown Jewels
Stonehenge
Alton Towers
Roman Baths and Pump Room, Bath
York
Stratford-upon-Avon
Windsor Castle