| LCEM :: Life In The UK |
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| Education |
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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.
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| Language |
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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. |
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| Travel |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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| 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. |
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