The big decision – UK or USA?

Making the decision to study abroad is one thing. Deciding where in the world you want to go is another. For many students who want a globally recognised qualification, the choice comes down to the top two international education providers: the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

But which really is number one? Here, we explore the pluses and minuses of both. And you can take our quick quizto see what might work best for you.

The recent StudentPulse survey found that the UK is about to take over from the USA as the most popular study destination for international students – despite perceptions that it is more expensive. The main criteria students used to make their decision were (in order of importance):

• Personal safety and security
• Reputation of the country’s qualifications
• Cost of education
• Ease of obtaining a student visa

But there are many other factors which affect your overall study experience. So, let’s take a look at how these countries really compare…

Prestige and reputation

Both countries have their fair share of prestigious, or ‘Ivy League’, universities and colleges, as well as globally recognised qualifications. Where do you want to work after you study? An American company may be more impressed by a US qualification, and a European or British company by a British one. But that’s not always the case – reputation also varies between qualifications and individual institutions.

Study style

There is a real difference in the way you are taught. In the USA, undergraduate students experience a more general education, often studying academic subjects outside their intended major or field of study. You may find a historian taking a course in astrophysics, for example. You’ll get a broader education – but you may also have less depth in your chosen area.

In the US, you are also able to change colleges during the course of your study – so if you’re not really sure what you want to study there is a lot of flexibility.

In the UK, students are expected to specialise as soon as they start their higher education (less so in Scotland). If you’re not sure what you really want to study, it can sometimes be difficult to change later on, or to change universities. However, there is an enormous range of choice in terms of study options. If you know what you want, you are bound to find exactly what you are looking for.

Also, the US offers a more structured style of education, where students are expected to hand in work regularly. The UK has intensive periods of assessment work and exams or final dissertations, with frequent less busy periods. This is quickly filled by social activities – the driving force behind British university life.

The true cost of education

In general, the cost of tuition is reasonably similar. Overseas student fees in the UK vary between £4000 and £18,000 per year. US student fees (which are similar to the fees paid by local students), vary between US$5000 and US$35,000 a year.

The cost of living is generally higher in the UK, especially when you compare living in London with living in a smaller city in the US. Petrol, transport, food and clothing are certainly more expensive in the UK. But you may find it more affordable to live in a smaller, rural town in the UK – which could also only be a short train journey from London or another major city.

Most undergraduate degrees take three years to complete in the UK – compared with four in the US. So you can save a year’s tuition (and start earning sooner). However, many students in the UK choose to stay and complete their Masters qualification in that fourth year.

Don’t forget to budget for health insurance when you study in the US. In the UK, you get free medical care under the UK National Health Service if you are studying for more than 6 months.

Scholarships and other funding options are available in both countries.

You can use this handy study costs calculator to work out what you would spend on education in either country.

Work opportunities

To help cover those higher costs of living, it is easier to work in the UK while you study. Your student visa allows you to work up to 20 hours per week during term time, and full time during the holidays. In the US you can work for up to 20 hours per week on campus, which places restrictions on the type of work you can do – and therefore your potential earnings.

Once you graduate with a UK degree, you should qualify for the new Tier 1 Post-Study Work Visa, which lets you to work in the UK for 2 years once you graduate. To stay on and work in the US, you’ll need your employer to sponsor your visa – so you need to get that job first, and prove to them you’re worth the effort!

Location, location, location

Both countries offer a vast range of lifestyle choices. From the hustle and bustle of London or New York, to the relaxed rural charm of the English countryside or Virginia. In both countries, campuses are located in big cities and small towns, and the real decision may be which of those choices appeals to you more.

There are different cultural opportunities while you are there. While studying in the UK, you may find yourself listening to a different dialect (or language, which is the case in some parts of Wales) just one county away, exploring castles that are over 1000 years old, or going across the channel to Europe.

The US itself is so big, you may never leave the state you study in – and that in itself may have enough to see and do. Or you can take up some of the many outdoor adventures available – skiing in Colorado, learning to surf in Malibu, or hiking through the Grand Canyon.

Find out more about study opportunities in the UK and the USA on the StudyLink website. Or email one of our StudyLink student counsellors for more specific information.

Still not sure? Take our quick quiz and see where you should go…

Quick Quiz – UK or USA?

1. Which of these is the main reason you want to study overseas?

a) To meet people from all over the world
b) To travel as much as I possibly can
c) To get a job in a major multinational company
d) To learn English in an English-speaking country

2. What would you rather do on a free weekend?

a) Meet friends at a pub for a few drinks and a meal
b) Fly or catch a train to a place I’ve never been before
c) Go to Disneyland
d) Watch a sporting match

3. What is your favourite time of year?

a) Winter – I prefer being cosy indoors
b) Spring – seeing the promise of new life in nature
c) Summer – I love swimming and soaking up the sun
d) Autumn – the change of seasons is beautiful to watch

4. Where would you most like to work when you graduate?

a) Somewhere in the UK
b) Somewhere in Europe
c) Somewhere in the US – or for an American company
d) In my home country

5. What is your favourite food?

a) Indian curry
b) Fish and chips
c) An enormous hamburger and chips
d) I always like to try new things!

6. And what do you most like to drink?

a) beer
b) a nice cup of tea
c) a strong cup of coffee
d) any kind of soft drink or juice

7. Finally, what describes you best as a student?

a) I know exactly what I want to study, and what I want to do in my career
b) I enjoy learning and can motivate myself to study
c) I like to learn about different kinds of things and challenge myself in different fields
d) I’m not sure what I want to major in or what work I want to do – but I know what interests me most right now.

Ready? Now add up your score for each letter.

If you answered mostly a)s and b)s, the UK may be the best place for you to study. If you answered mostly c)s you should explore your options in the USA. If you answered mostly d)s, either would suit you – so go with your instinct, and let us know what you decide!

Have you had any experience studying in the UK or the US that you would like to share? Post your comments below, we’d love to hear from you.

UK: New film focus at Bangor

Interested in taking on the world of film-making… and maybe one day winning an Oscar? Bangor University, in Wales, is now offering a full honours degree in Film Studies.

Dr Nathan Abrams, who was appointed Lecturer in Film Studies in 2006, says the course will “offer study options for all tastes, covering all periods and areas of the globe.” Students learn both practical and theoretical skills in media production, and will choose from modules such as:

• animation
• film history
• writing for film
• East Asian film and culture

The Film Studies program is offered through the National Institute for Excellence in Creative Industries, part of the University’s College of Arts and Humanities.

The University has a good reputation for research and teaching in this area, and degrees can be combined with other schools.

Bangor University is consistently rated highly amongst British universities, especially for its low cost of living, helpful staff and support, and great student experiences. The campus is located in a safe, friendly, small city near the Snowdonia Mountains and the sea. There are plenty of outdoor activities on offer.

There is a thriving international community there, as Hong Liu found when he began his banking and finance degrees at Bangor. Originally from Wuhan in China, Hong was recently awarded runner up in the Wales International Student of the Year Competition.

The competition recognises students who have made a difference. Hong worked as a Housing Officer at the Student’s Union and as a part-time house-keeper for a retired British couple, which gave him unique insights into the British way of life. He also helped with University administration and international social events – all helping him get the most from his 5 years at the university.

“Bangor is one of the best choices from a cost-benefit perspective,” Hong says. “Everything is very convenient, and… we can get help from both an academic and university life perspective. The local people are always nice and smiling, making you feel at home. This is the most important impressions an international student feels here.”

Want to find out more about course options at Bangor University. Chat with one of our StudyLink student counsellors today. They can advise you on the best choice for your needs.

UK: What the new points system means for you

In February 2008 the British Government announced plans to introduce a points-based immigration system for highly skilled foreign workers who want to move to the UK. The system started on 29 February 2008 for foreign nationals working in Britain who want to extend their stay. From April 2008 the system will be rolled out overseas, commencing in India.

There has already been much debate on how it will impact the opportunities for foreign students in the UK, and for post-graduation work. Here we explore what the changes are all about, and how they will affect your ability to study and work in the UK.

Until now, the UK immigration system has been very complicated. With 80 different options for work, training or study in the UK, assessments have been up to the individual case officer and sometimes based on subjective decisions.

Now, all this will be swept away. These 80 different routes will become five simple categories - with a clear points system for each. It is very similar to the system already used in Australia, which is seen as one of the simplest and most efficient in the world.

The UK wants to make sure that only people with the skills most in need will gain entry into the UK. It’s a way of ensuring the needs of their labour market are met. But that doesn’t mean you’ll have to switch your studies to plumbing just to get in! Points are also awarded on your age (the younger the better), your qualifications (the higher the better), your English ability, your current income and your ability to support yourself financially.

So, you can gain an advantage in the points system through further study in the UK, especially if it’s postgraduate study. And you’ll still have the opportunity to work in the UK once you graduate, through the new Tier 1 Post-Study Work sub-category.

Based on the current Home Office guidelines (which are still open to change), here is how it will now work.

There are five ‘tiers’ within the new system:

Tier 1: Highly Skilled – includes entrepreneurs, business people, and top scientists. You won’t need a job offer, and you’ll have the greatest opportunity to settle in the UK permanently.

Tier 2: Skilled with job offer – if your points don’t reach the required amount for Tier 1, you’ll need a job offer in an area where the UK is short of labour (such as nursing).

Tier 3: Low skilled – this category will now favour migrants from the EU.

Tier 4: Students – a simpler and more transparent system for student visas.

Tier 5: Temporary workers, youth mobility – covers sports people, musicians, cultural exchanges or working holidays.

The tiers most relevant to international students are Tier 4 and Tier 1. Requirements for student visas will not change significantly when this new tier is rolled out in 2009.

The main difference is that once you have accepted an offer from an accredited university or college, this will be enough proof that you intend to study. An entry clearance officer will no longer make an educational judgement about the suitability of your course.

Your institution will be known as your ‘sponsor’ under this system, even though there is (usually) no financial support involved. You can change courses once you have arrived, as long as you stay with the same institution – otherwise you’ll have to re-apply for your visa.

Under a Tier 4 Student visa, you’ll still be able to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week, and you can still bring dependents with you.

Once you graduate in the UK, you may be able to apply for a Tier 1 visa. This replaces the current International Graduates Scheme and Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme. The Post-Study Work sub-category of this scheme allows the brightest foreign students (who have studied in the UK) to work after graduation, without having a sponsor. This visa will be valid for 2 years, at which point you may be able to switch into another sub-category or tier to remain in the UK.

Ultimately, the new scheme should be a fairer and less bureaucratic way to study and work in the UK. Because the points system is simple, you can easily calculate whether you have enough, or what you can do (such as further English study) to improve your chances of a successful application. The Home Office expects that they will be able to assess applications more quickly, and reject less, under the new scheme.

With extra points awarded for post-graduate study, you’ll have an even better chance for success if you take the opportunity to increase your qualifications. What do you think? Has the new system put you off the idea of studying in the UK? Or do you think it will be a fairer system? You can share your thoughts with our readers in the comment box below.

If you are unsure about any visa issues, whether it’s for the UK or any other study destinations, just talk with one of our StudyLink student counsellors. Their advice is free, and they can help you make the best decision about where to study and how to apply.

Destination UK

Our recent StudentPulse survey showed that the UK is about to overtake the US as the most desired destination for international students. What makes a UK education so attractive? In this article, we explore what it’s really like to study, and live, in Britain.

Kanayo Enwemadu is studying a Master of Public Health at the University of Glasgow. “I wanted to study in the UK as the UK education is recognized, respected and highly valued all over the world. I immediately knew it was the right choice because of the efficiency displayed by all the staff: they are nice, friendly and approachable.” She was surprised by how beautiful the Scottish city is. “Glasgow is breathtaking; it’s a beautiful, cosmopolitan place to live.”

A qualification from a prestigious UK institution can help you fast track your international career. But there are many other benefits to studying in England, Scotland, Wales or Ireland:

Practice makes perfect: you’ll have opportunities to practice your English language skills beyond the classroom. This is the home of the English language, so it’s no surprise that every year over 600,000 international students study English in the UK.

Traditional or state-of-the-art: From the prestige of universities like Oxford or Cambridge, to high-tech facilities at many purpose-built campuses. With over 3000 educational institutions in the UK, you’ll find the right course and location for you.

Earn while you learn: Did you know you can work for up to 20 hours per week during term-time, and full-time during the holidays? This means you can add to your student funds with the extra income – and also gain valuable work experience in your chosen field.

And earn once you’ve learned: Plus, the new International Graduates Scheme allows all international students to work for up to 12 months after graduation.  In February 2008, the British Government announced plans to introduce an 'Australian-style', points-based immigration system for highly-skilled foreign workers who want to move to the UK. The system started on 29 February 2008 for foreign nationals working in Britain who want to extend their stay. From April 2008 the system will be rolled out overseas.

Discover Europe: There are so many places to explore, and travelling from the UK to Europe is easy. The channel tunnel train links London directly to Paris and Brussels, or you can fly to cities like Rome, Madrid or Lisbon in just a few hours.

Or discover the UK: For such a small nation, the UK is extremely diverse. 60 million people live in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and each region has its own distinct culture and history. Some even have their own language.

Your home away from home: The UK has many multicultural communities. You’ll find shops selling all your favourite foods from home, in every major city. You’ll also find many people who speak your language, and places of worship for all major religions.

It’s no wonder that the latest survey by UKCOSA (the Council for International Education) found that nearly 90% of international students in the UK were satisfied with their experience. But, like any study abroad opportunity, there will be some differences to adjust to.

Tomono, from Japan, studied English at a language school in Brighton. “At first it took me a while to adjust to the strange food and the public transport system. I was really homesick. But as my confidence in speaking English improved, I met more people and really enjoyed myself.”

Studying in the UK will develop your independence, creativity, and self-reliance – and these qualities will make you even more attractive to employers around the world.

There is still time to apply for September intake in the UK. To find out more about the huge range of courses available in the UK, contact one of our student counsellors today.

UK: Swansea University - a students perspective

Swansea law student Tim Sculthorpe recently shared his view of life at Swansea University with Times Online.

Saying “it’s a wonderful place to spend three years”, Tim cited the location as the universities biggest draw. But in addition to its seafront location next to Britain’s first designated “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty”, the Gower Peninsula, Swansea has also been voted “Best Student Experience” in the UK (THES 2005).

Swansea is a vibrant city just 35 miles from Cardiff, capital of Wales. It has regular direct rail links to London and other major cities in the UK. The cost of living is markedly lower than in other areas of the UK. Accommodation is guaranteed for all first year students, with on campus accommodation a mix of catered and self-catering in hall blocks. A nearby student village, 20 minutes walk from campus, also offers affordable living. In second and third year, expect to pay rents of £45-55 per week in private accommodation.

A campus wireless network is active in every building across campus, and allows access to high-speed broadband for registered laptop owners. Laptops are also available for loan and there are computers available in the library and the Student Union building computer lab.

The student union operates a bar and nightclub on campus. The bar operates as a coffee bar by day, and is a great place to study by day and have fun at night. There are many other great venues in Swansea, including the Money Bar nightclub (or café during the day). Many students also enjoy the vibrant fishing village of Mumbles, with its famous pubs and also delis, boutiques and surf shops.

International students at Swansea benefit from a specialist international careers advisor, with regular workshops and counselling sessions, and a variety of community based social activities such as a monthly International Night in Llanelli, 10 miles from campus.

For more information about courses at the University of Swansea, ask a StudyLink counsellor today.

Global: IBT paves the way to university success

If you are looking for pre-university preparation, a university pathway program, or English language qualifications, then IBT Education may be able to help you.

IBT Education is a leading provider of these services, in Australia, the UK and Canada. A wide range of programs and locations is offered in partnership with leading universities in these countries. Their unique on-campus location ensures the best preparation for your further education and future career.

In Australia, locations cover all major capital cities. For example, the Sydney Institute of Business & Technology (SIBT), in conjunction with Macquarie University, offers university foundation studies and diplomas in a variety of subjects from arts to computing. All SIBT graduates are guaranteed a place in the second year of a Macquarie University undergraduate degree.

IBT locations in the UK include London and Hertfordshire. In Canada, Fraser International College operates in association with Simon Fraser University in Vancouver.

IBT also offer full and part scholarships for selected international students. Up to 100% of tuition fees can be covered, or the equivalent of the first year of a bachelor degree program at selected universities. To be considered for an IBT Education Academic Merit Scholarship, you must:

1. Have achieved a minimum of 80% in the last 12 months of your most recent studies, and
2. Have achieved a minimum English language proficiency of IELTS 5.5 or equivalent, and
3. Be a new applicant with no conditions in your Letter of Offer from an IBT Education institution.

For the next intake dates, scholarship application deadlines are:
Australia (October/November intake) – September 16th, 2007
United Kingdom (September intake) – August 12th, 2007
Canada (September intake) – August 5th, 2007

For more information on studying with IBT, contact one of our student counsellors today.

Don’t miss out on your course of choice: Important deadlines for your application

Australia – Apply now to start in July/August 2007. You should submit your application and supporting documents by mid-April. We encourage you to apply early for best consideration. Keep in mind that you do not need to scan and attach your documents, a counsellor can do this for you. Contact a counsellor for assistance with selecting a course or completing your applications.

USA – The main term starts in September 2007 for most institutions. English language schools and some other institutions allow students to start throughout the year. Application deadlines vary and we encourage you to apply well in advance for best consideration and to allow time to apply for a visa (for example, apply by early March to start in September 2007). Keep in mind that you do not need to scan and attach your documents, a counsellor can do this for you. Contact a counsellor for assistance with selecting a course or completing your applications.

UK – Apply now to start in September 2007. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible for best consideration. Applications should be submitted to StudyLink by the end of June. Our counsellors are happy to help you find a course and institution to meet your background and interests. Contact a counsellor to discuss your study plans.

Destination UK

Offering a world-class education system and a rich history, the UK could give your career that global edge.

The UK has a large number of universities which rank among the best in the world and offer a wide range of courses. Whatever career you wish to pursue, the UK will have a course to help you achieve it. Colleges and universities offer many different subjects, ranging from accountancy through to zoology.

Whether you’re looking to study a foundation programme to help you gain entry into university or a PhD, you’ll find an institution to suit your needs. In most institutions classes are small and you will have access to up-to-date computing facilities, science and language laboratories and good libraries. You’ll also find there are people readily available to assist you with your academic progress and offer you counselling and advice should you need it.

In addition to academic support, most universities and colleges offer careers services, assistance in finding part-time jobs, help searching for accommodation and welcome orientations. Your institution will also have a dedicated International Student Office with staff who understand your requirements as a student new to the UK.

As an international student, you will be in good company. UK institutions attract students from all over the world. Looking at postgraduate qualifications alone, for every 100 full-time postgraduate degrees awarded in the UK in 2002-03, 44 went to UK citizens, 17 went to people from the rest of the European Union and 39 went to people from further afield, according to the Higher Education Statistics Agency.

The UK is a great place to live as well as study. It’s a vibrant, multicultural country. In every major city, you’ll find shops selling every imaginable type of food from around the world, places of worship for all major religions and speakers of many of the world’s languages.

The UK offers plenty to do in your spare time. With beautiful scenery, historic sights and some of the best museums and art galleries, you’ll never be short of things to do.

All UK universities and colleges have their different strengths. To help you find the institution whose strengths match your needs, contact a counsellor.

Swansea’s research-led growth to create 500 new jobs

Five hundred new jobs are expected to be created at Swansea University over three years due to its receipt of more than _30 million in new research funding.

This growth is planned in the face of fierce national and international competition for research funding.
Swansea University pro vice-chancellor (research) Professor Nigel Weatherill said: “This is a reflection of the quality of staff at Swansea. They have extensive knowledge of their fields of interest and are able to put forward proposals for research projects that meet the requirements of funding agencies, such as the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).”

Research funding has been obtained from the UK Research Councils, Government departments, the Welsh Assembly Government, the European Union, and the numerous commercial and industrial partners whose collaborative work with the university leads to innovative solutions and new products.

Swansea University vice-chancellor Professor Richard B Davies said the university had ambitious plans to help transform Swansea into a modern science city. “These 500 new jobs are an impressive start but we will not be resting on our laurels.”

The university’s planned growth follows hot on the heels of its success winning the Best Student Experience award in 2005. Over 10,000 undergraduates assessed their universities in the Times Higher Education Supplement survey and Swansea emerged the overall winner with high ratings for its facilities, prospects and social life. Swansea University was again one of The Sunday Times University Guide's Top 20 academic institutions in the UK for the quality of its teaching. The university was rated 16th for 'Teaching Satisfaction' in the 2005 Guide.

If you’d like to study Swansea, the UK’s largest Further and Higher Education College, contact a counsellor.

UWIC has been ranked Wales’s leading new university three years in a row

Cardiff is more than an affordable, student-friendly city. It is home to the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff (UWIC) which was ranked the top new university in the UK in 2004* and has been independently acclaimed as the leading new university in Wales for the last three years.

UWIC also rates well in terms of graduates’ career prospects. Graduate employment statistics show 95 per cent of UWIC students have found employment or have enrolled for higher-level courses within three months of completing their studies. This reflects the close links that UWIC has with industry and employers and makes UWIC one of the premier universities in the UK in terms of career prospects.

These ties with industry and employers are reflected in the courses which are career-based and have a practical emphasis. Courses are offered full-time and part-time at levels from higher national certificates and diplomas, through to bachelor degrees, masters and PhD. Subject areas cover everything from accountancy and biomedical sciences to wine studies and waste management. The UWIC also offers a professional doctorate — a qualification that includes taught, experiential and research elements and results in an original contribution to learning or to the workplace. All UWIC degrees are validated by the University of Wales so they have an independent seal of approval.

UIWC has around 9000 students from all parts of the UK and from across the world. Forty different countries are represented within the student body and the International Student Welfare Office is well equipped to provide counselling, assistance with accommodation problems and advice on general issues ranging from immigration to finance. A full social program is organised for international students: It includes trips to places like London, Bath and Paris, and regular international student social evenings. Further offerings for international students include an induction program, free English language and study skills support and accommodation options.

Indian MBA student Ankur Sharma said the UWIC staff and students were really helpful. "You get to meet other students of so many different nationalities and there is so much to do and see that you just don't miss home at all," Ankur said.

Wales is a country with a great deal of history and has more castles per square mile than any other country in Western Europe. Wales also has many areas of outstanding natural beauty with spectacular coastlines and rugged mountains. Located only two hours from London, Cardiff is an excellent base from which to travel with road, rail and air links to the UK and Europe.

To find out more about what UWIC has to offer, contact a counsellor.

*The Times Newspaper's 'Good University Guide 2004' ranked UWIC as the top new university in the UK.