Friday, January 30, 2009

Studies Abroad, in England - an Article

The expedition for people with passion...
means studies abroad for adventures’ eagers

Do you think you are one of those talented people ready to do everything? Are you convinced you possess the right organisational and language skills? And most importantly – are you ready for the challenges, adventure in the multinational group of people and living in new, not known country? If this sounds to you like an invitation for an expedition, then it’s great, because this is, in short version, what your studies in the UK will be like.

To go or not to go? That is the question!

If you have ever wondered how it could be to study abroad, then you most likely know how difficult it is to make the final decision. The fear from new, not known territory, the care of your dearest ones and yours if you going to make it, those desperate calculations in a hope you will have enough money for everything, and sometimes even a sound of resignation in your voice after analyzing all ‘pros’ and ‘cons’.

In a few days, only few days you will take your bag and guitar…

The organization is the key, so in deciding all the doubts you will find useful to get to know all the facts related to the preparation of your big expedition. One of those are the costs of studying and living in the UK. In terms of the first ones, you are in a quite privileged position, as the British government is quite keen on giving the loans (also these non-refundable) to students who wish to start studies in the country of tea and ‘fish ‘n ‘chips’. The costs of studies start from around 3000 pounds per year (it’s best to check out the exact sums on the University’s website pages), but with a little help from Her Majesty, The Queen government, you will have them easily covered: easy-peasy. The other thing you need to consider is where, on Earth, you will be living, my dear student. The costs of student accommodation or renting the apartment are unpredictable like the amount of rain in England this time of year – from moderate to astronomical. It’s always good to check them out by googling keywords like: ‘rent apartment Manchester’.

Now is the right time to make the decision regarding form of your studies. Surely, you now now wthat interests you the most. English universities are bursting at the seams from the variety of options to choose from. You can even study such specific subject like ‘artificial intelligence’, ‘astrophysics’ or ‘dental surgery’. Also the number of study’s forms are endless: from the traditional path, where you start your studies straight after receiving your maturity diploma (‘Matura’ - final exam after high school, similar to GCSE) and various exchange programs to the option called ‘tuition fee, two diplomas’, where you can study in England and continue your Polish studies at the same time (and you will be awarded for your hard work by receiving two high education diplomas).

Let’s assume now you have everything ‘signed and sealed’ – necessary information: collected, documents for studies: submitted, accommodation: sorted, the flight: booked and all your belongings that will help you reminding of your home: already packed. Like with every expedition to the unknown places, same here, there will be lots of surprises and unexpected situations. But this is the essence of travelling abroad – the ability to discover new things. And you are just about to realized that yourself!

England? Great Britain? United Kingdom?

In the eyes of a student, England is very specific and unique country; it differs considerably from that one known from tourism guides or that one from stories of your friends who had gone there on, so called ‘saksy’ (popular term used to describe additional, holiday or part time job usually undertaken by young people). England in the yeas of a student is much more colourful and multinational with multi languages. Even its name causes problems. Well-trained trip guide, pure English (British?) guy, like the one I had, will explain it to you at the beginning of your expedition that England means something different for everyone. Hence, the confusion with its names (not to mention the geographical and bureaucratic issues, I might add).

One thing you can be sure, though – the university you will be attending will be, without any doubt, a real multicultural place (written with a capital letter M). There is no place for racism, prejudice, or lack of tolerance. It’s like a trip to a completely New World. Every single day you will spend in the international company, within people just like you; everyone is unbelievably nice and keen on having new friends. Just think about it – these friendships could last for life and be full of memories!

Hey, ho steer boldly!

Studies, on the other hand, are the time of real science. Quickly you will find out what that actually means – for me it is like being in a stat flux of discovering new islands of real knowledge in the ocean of meaningless information. But for you, it could mean something completely different! Also, as every grave traveler, you will also realize that reaching out for books is something natural, every day activity. Like maps serve for the true adventurer, same the books will serve for you as a guide and they will be guiding you across new lands and waters of knowledge. It might sound trivial but from my experience I know, books usually do not disturb
Polish students in their studies.

In England studies are considered a time of finding your own answers and developing opinions and judgments. That is why they are really focused on the individual activity of each student and on a preparation of individual assignments (essays, reports and projects). Here you are a master and commander of your ship (of course being under an alert eye of your first officer – your tutor). Of course, it requires more engagement from you, but just imagine that actually first time in your life you can finally be market for YOUR opinions and ideas, not measured by the amount of material you managed to mug up during the night. Sounds good, doesn’t it?

Apart from the traditional classes, you will also have the chance to participate in one of the countless number of student organizations. For example The University of Salford (Manchester) gives you the opportunity to develop your entrepreneurial and business interests. Organizations, such as Student Entrepreneurs Network or Student In Free Enterprise (SIFE) are the best places to be active in you passion and enhance skills needed so much when entering the job market.

The life has different taste there!

But there is so much more to do than studying in England. Living there, you will suddenly get to pubs and bars’ heaven. Just as an example, Manchester, in its centre only has over 500 pubs and bars (!) and all of them vivid, energetic, full of students, youngsters and employees who work in the city and who strive to find some ‘peace’ and something different then office routine. It’s almost like getting to some village full of autochthons, where a special event or ceremony takes place – this is the right way to get to know the local culture, customs, language and culinary specialties.

Studies abroad, in England cannot be and never are boring. Those, who know that sometimes stay here to continue their education, start an internship (in my case) or a career (as previously). Everyone will find something interesting here. The most important thing, above all, is however, that you, my ear student. will discover yourself – will get to know something more about life, the world and you will become more reliable, responsible, persistent and aware of your own strengths person.

That will be an unforgettable adventure, so steer boldly and let the propitious winds blow in your sail!

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