LCEM :: Life In The UK
 Education 

The British education system has 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 check that general standards are high.

 Language
The UK is where the English language developed. There are more people using English as their first language in the UK than in any other country except the US (the countries with the most English speakers are the US: 230 million, the UK: 60 million, Canada: 20 million, Australia: 15 million, Ireland/New Zealand/South Africa: 3 million). British 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 buses and trains. 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 many countries of continental Europe. If you come to work or 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 Services

It is essential that you register with a GP early in the first term and preferably before you need the doctor's services.

International students attending courses lasting six months or more are entitled to free treatment under the UK's National Health Service. If you are attending courses of less than six months you have limited entitlement and it is essential that you arrange adequate insurance before leaving your home country. Regulations for countries classed as 'international', and other rules, are constantly under review.

 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 is very little risk of earthquakes, hurricanes or other natural disasters, although flooding sometimes occurs in low areas.
 Work

If you are given a student visa when you enter the UK, you are allowed to work part-time. The cost of living in the UK (for example, accommodation and food) is quite high, so many students want to find part-time or holiday jobs so that they can afford to stay longer. Employment opportunities exist: unemployment is quite low in many parts of the UK, and there are shortages in certain professions such as nurses and teachers. Voluntary work has a long history in the UK and is usually well-organized. The number of holidays people can take is quite high compared to some other countries, and members of staff are usually encouraged to take them.

With increasing number of students facing financial constraints these days, many will seek casual or part-time work. LOECM is able to help by offering various types of job opportunities- from assisting with conferences to working in our bars, cafés and restaurants - for students of all years and subject disciplines. Rates of pay are competitive with other local employers, and parents and students can rest assured that they will not be exposed to unsafe conditions, unreasonable hours or an unpleasant working environment.

 Food
A very wide variety of food are available (both traditional British food and international cuisine), especially in the bigger cities. There are many fresh ingredients which are delicious when cooked well. However, many busy people don't pay much attention to preparing food well and prefer instant meals.