Some good reasons for studying

English in the UK:

1. Best way to learn the English language (especially modern and natural English) Visiting the UK provides students with the opportunity to learn modern English as spoken by native speakers. Students are immersed in English, forced to adapt and learn how to communicate effectively. If they stay with a local homestay, they will be exposed to English at all times which improves confidence and promotes understanding. 2. Students who study English in the UK are more employable Students need to be linguistically competent to meet the challenges of today's workplace. Employers value students who have taken the time and effort to travel, live and study abroad and immerse themselves in a new language (especially by living in the country it is spoken in!); the social skills learnt by studying abroad (such as the need to collaborate and network with new people) are especially important in the workplace. 3. Students who study abroad are often more resourceful Travelling and living abroad for any period of time means students are forced to learn to cope with life and new situations on their own, relying on their own skills and judgment. This encourages personal development and growth and provides opportunities for resolving challenges which may not have been experienced if students stayed at home. 4. Improve educational prospects, outcomes & lifelong learning The British educational ethos focuses on leaner autonomy and encourages students to take an active part in their learning throughout the whole of their life. Many English language schools choose to be inspected by external organisations such as Accreditation UK* and ISI** to ensure that teaching standards and the quality of education is constantly evolving and improving. *Accreditation UK is a quality assurance scheme for schools, colleges, and universities which offer courses in English as a Foreign Language (EFL). The scheme gives an assurance of quality to international students who are taking or are planning to take an English language course in the UK. . **ISI inspects private further education colleges and English language schools on behalf of the UK Home Office. Inspection is for the benefit of the pupils and students, and seeks to improve the quality and effectiveness of their education and care. 5. Expanded world view & international networking A natural consequence of learning English, is that students are exposed to a variety of subjects areas (political, economic, social, cultural, technological and environmental topics) and will learn to consider how best to communicate opinions in another language. They will also learn alongside many other nationalities and gain life-long friendships and a more open, tolerant view of the world. 6. Fosters independence & discovery of new strengths Studying abroad involves being faced with new situations and operating outside the ‘comfort zone’ by having to adapt and navigate daily life in a foreign country. As a result this builds confidence and self-worth which are invaluable in so many situations throughout life. 7. Living with a host family improves ‘real’ communication Living with a local homestay is a great introduction to examining first hand a new culture and way of life. Students who live with a local family are often more open to different cultures and customs, leading to increased tolerance and enhanced social skills. The classroom is a controlled language environment but living with a local family helps students to be exposed to unpredictable language content; this improves real communication in the language and also fosters resourcefulness and self- reliance. 8. The opportunity to travel and explore It may seem obvious, but taking part in a study abroad programme will encourage students to travel locally, nationally and internationally (often students are more adventurous and get to see more of the area than the locals!) but this commitment to travel and explore will continue throughout life. 9. Inspiration, memories, creativity, zest for life, new ideas, energy … After an extended period of study aboard students often write to us telling us that they feel inspired to make a change in their lives. Living abroad, meeting new friends creates new memories and students report feeling refreshed, optimistic and more open minded following their experience.