Studying abroad has always been a dream of many people, but before really going abroad to study, pressure often comes along with excitement, not knowing if the UK would be like the way we imagine. Therefore, we carefully sorted out the information about studying abroad in the UK here, so that you can be more prepared to make one of the most important decisions in a clearer and more meticulous manner. In the meantime, using these information to re-evaluate if studying in the UK is the choice you want to make.
1. Getting to Know the UK
The United Kingdom(UK) consists of four regions including England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Each region has its own unique qualities. In addition, due to the highly international nature of the UK, its characteristics, long history and cultural heritage, which are composed of many ethnic groups from different backgrounds, mean that you can experience different religions, cultures, cuisines and traditions here. The rich music and theater performances, museums and art galleries, and gorgeous architecture are resources that most countries can’t compare with. People who enjoy sports can also visit the cradleland of cricket, football and rugby.
In addition to the social aspect, the British legal system also has many stories and valuable aspects that we can learn from. Beside retaining the royal family, as the origin of modern democracy, the cabinet system and the upper and lower house system are also fascinating to many people who study politics and law. In terms of humanities, history and geography, Britain, as one of the oldest countries in Europe, also has a rich history and literature for the world to explore. As one of the birthplaces of geographical discoveries, industrial reforms and international trade, its development in science and technology are also extremely important. In addition, in response to the development of the four different regions, there are also many diversified developments in the financial sector.
2. The High Quality Education in the UK
As one of the few countries in Europe that can use English to communicate for almost everything in daily life, the United Kingdom is the first choice for many Taiwanese students when choosing to study abroad. As an English-speaking country, the UK has a richer history and cultural heritage than the United States. Although the UK has already left the European Union, its geographical relationship still allows the students studying in the UK to experience the customs of different European countries in ways that students in the United States can’t compare with. In terms of geographical location and language, the UK has advantages that many countries do not have.
In terms of the quality of education, British universities are also well-known internationally. Among the top 10 universities in the world, British universities alone account for four. British educational institutions not only have a long history, but also have strict inspection standards and high-quality equipment and teachers. Its academic system has produced nearly a hundred Nobel Prize winners. According to different world university ranking systems, UK universities are among the best in terms of departmental scores and overall university scores. His academic qualifications are not only recognized in various countries, but also highly competitive in the workplace.
When it comes to science and research and development, the United Kingdom is also at the top of its game. The United Kingdom is the country with the second largest number of Nobel Prize winners in the world. Having such impressive results also means that students engaged in academic research here have a higher chance of doing research with the world's top scholars.
3. Working Part-time in the UK
Basically, there will be a 20 working hour limit for Tier 4 student Visa which means you can work 1 to 2 days in a week. Students can choose intern jobs as part of the school assignment. This can not only improve language and work skills, but also serve as a chance to experience local culture. Most of the universities in the UK even have the so-called “sandwich style learning”which allows the students to add one more year of internship when studying for a degree. It gives students not just the degree but also work experiences before graduating.
One thing to keep in mind is that universities in the UK are mostly three year and one year for master degrees. Therefore, if you’re a full-time student, it is important for you to keep track of your time and energy management. That way, you can make sure that you can get “Merit” on your diploma (there are four categories on the UK’s diploma: fail, pass, merit, distinction), which will benefit you when finding jobs in the futrure.
4. Well-rounded Welfare System
If you’re sick and want to go to the clinic in the UK, you have to make an appointment with the General practitioner(GP) first via the Internet, phone, or in person. Then, you’ll have to wait for one to two weeks for them to transfer you to specific doctors to get your final treatment. Therefore, when people in England catch a cold, they normally choose to get their medicines from the pharmacy, rather than going to the doctor straight forward like we do in Taiwan. However, the National Health Service(NHS) provides free medical services for any students studying in the UK for over half a year with a mere 470 GBP additional medical fee.
You may have heard of the urban legend that the British do not shower before bed at night, but this is actually a common thing in the UK! Since the air here in the UK is dry, which won’t cause too much sweat, the weather here won’t be as hot and humid throughout the day as that of tropical areas like Taiwan. In addition, students who like to drink cold drinks may have to start adapting to the culture of drinking hot tea because usually only soft drinks, juices, beer and energy drinks are cold in the UK supermarket refrigerators. What about mineral water with ice? In the UK, you don’t actually have to buy water. You can drink it simply by turning on the tap.
5. Easy Visa Application
Since 07/04, 2011, any Taiwanese student wishing to get a degree in the UK doesn't have to provide proof of financial status and certificate of degree when applying for a Visa. This greatly reduces the time for applying, making Taiwanese students’ application for universities in the UK more convenient. In the meantime, the prime minister of the UK, Borris Johnson has announced the re-opening of post-study work(PSW) visas which already took effect in 2021. This visa allows students studying in the UK abroad to gain a visa to work in the UK, which undoubtedly makes it a lot easier for foreigners to get a job since most employers are discouraged from employing foreigners due to visa problems which create a great deal of cost compared to employing a local.
As for the pandemic that affects entry into the UK to study, the number of people who have received the second dose of vaccine in the UK has exceeded 42 million (as of the end of August 2021). As long as Taiwan remains in the list of "green light" (COVID-19 risk signal of a country and an area), all passengers entering England by direct flight from Taiwan do not need to be quarantined. However, they must have a negative COVID-19 test result within 3 days before departure, fill in the passenger locator form, and make an appointment for a COVID-19 test that is scheduled within 2 days upon their arrival in the UK before departure; however, Taiwanese passengers transiting to the UK from a yellow light country or territory must undergo quarantine. In addition, please note that the relevant regulations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are slightly different from those in England. Please refer to the Consular Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for detailed information.
If you have any questions regarding studying in the UK after reading this article, our top tutor will conduct a free one-on-one consultation to answer your questions and share more details with you! Book a free trial course now!
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