Outstanding universities
Britain has one of the most highly developed higher-education sectors in the developed, both in terms of the quality and quantity of its academic institutions. There are close to two hundred universities spread across the country, offering thousands of study options to overseas undergraduates and postgraduates. Dozens of these crop up time and time again in the lists of the world’s top universities. Aside from the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge–quite probably the two most famous universities in the world–international students could also equally study at LSE, UCL, Imperial, Nottingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, Bristol or any one of the many other institutions of an international standing. While other countries also have a few stellar academic names, few have as many as the UK.
A huge range of subjects to choose from
British universities are famous for their innovation in both research and teaching. Many courses that are now staples of the offerings of universities across the world were first pioneered in the United Kingdom. And every year new undergraduate and postgraduate courses are added to the selection. If there’s one country that is going to be able to provide a degree to suit anyone’s intellectual or career ambitions, it’s Britain. Whether you want to become a business leader, a scientist or immerse yourself into the weighty philosophical questions posed by an arts degree, there will undoubtedly be several British universities that can offer you a course that you’ll love.
Both a British and an international experience
Due to the combination of the vibrant student culture in Britain and the huge efforts made by the country’s universities to welcome and accommodate international students Britain offers a unique student experience to people from overseas.
With the fantastic entertainment facilities offered in their student unions, British universities are famous for being places where young people make new friends and have a great time. While students in most countries like to party and have fun, in Britain the native students can take it to an entirely different level due to the fact that there are so many facilities set up specifically for them.
On the other hand, British universities are also perfect for those who want to retain close links with other students from their home country, meaning if you do choose to study there you won’t feel homesick. International students usually have the option to live with other international students, and each university also has clubs and social facilities that are dedicated to making international students feel welcome. You’ll have a network of like-minded international students from the moment you arrive, not to mention contacts with other students who speak your language.
Universities that understand the study needs of international students
But its not just in providing first-class social facilities and opportunities to international students that British universities excel. They also fully understand and appreciate that international students often come from entirely different academic cultures and in many cases have never studied in English before. And knowing this they have put facilities in place to give international students comprehensive support throughout their degrees.
If you need to brush up on your English before you begin studying, they offer pre-sessional English courses that focus on the language skills you’ll need for studying and living in the UK. They also make sure that international students have the opportunity to gain the academic skills they’ll need for academic success. This can take the form of ongoing training sessions throughout your degree, or alternatively it’s possible to spend a year studying specialist foundation programmes for international students before proceeding to your degree-level studies.
An opportunity to perfect your English
If there’s one way to improve your language skills, it’s to simultaneously study in English and live in an English-speaking country. The immersion in English and the need to use it in completing your studies will ensure that you develop a much higher level of English than your friends who simply continue to attend the odd English class back home. And, as pretty much everyone knows, when the time comes to start your career being able to demonstrate your mastery of English will help you massively.
Great career prospects
The career boost you’ll get from studying in Britain will go far beyond the language skills you gain, however. With British universities being respected around the world, your British degree certificate will be worth its weight in gold several times over and will be viewed as a badge of excellence and competence in whichever country you decide to go to as you pursue your career ambitions.