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5 Things US Students Should Expect | The UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

Not only is applying to university a big step but applying to a UK university is a larger one! You need to navigate the different admissions processes, obtain your visa and book a flight. Once you’ve hurdled all these steps and you’re done, what should you can you expect when you start this new, exciting life?

 

1. Flatmates vs. Roommates

Many UK universities offer students accommodation where they will have their own bedroom.  This means you do not have to worry whether or not you will vibe well with a roommate. Some university accommodations will even have an en-suite option where you will get your own bathroom with toilet and shower! That being said, instead of roommates you will have flatmates. Each flat may be compromised of 5-7 other students that you will share a kitchen and possible sitting room with. Therefore, it is important to understand boundaries and not make too much noise in the hallways.

 

2. Three Year Degrees

Most UK (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) courses are very subject focused, meaning that if you are studying a history degree you won’t be expected to take any math classes. Due to the lack of general education requirements UK degrees are only three years, rather than the 4 years you may be familiar with in the USA. If you wish to take classes outside of your chosen major many universities will have classes open for the public that students can take for free or at a reduced rate.

 

3. Takeaway, Meal Plans, Kitchens and More

You may be used to the concept of meal plans as many US universities require first year students to take out a meal plan. While available, they are not as common at UK universities. This is due to students having access to a kitchen in their accommodation. This allows you to start cook your own meals at your own time. If you don’t want to cook, no problem! The UK has a variety of places to order delivery, or takeaway, as it’s referred to here. Most universities will also have a variety of cafes, food halls or more to help ease the rumble in your stomach.

 

4. No Grades for Attendance

Academics works a bit different in the UK than it does in the US. For one, there are less things that you will be graded over. In the US you might expect to have 10% of your grade for attendance, 20% for participation, 20% for homework, 50% for exams or tests. In the UK many courses, or modules, will only grade you on your submitted work or seated exams. So, if you have 2 essays and one exam, your essays may be worth 25% each and your exam for 50% of your grade! While daunting, many departments will help to prepare you for each of your assignments and you will receive a personal tutor, similar to a US advisor, who can help answer any questions you may have.

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Another thing to prepare for is the grading scale. For an undergraduate course a failure is below 40% and below 50% for a postgraduate degree. You can then get an undergraduate degree that is labelled as a third-class degree (40-50%), 2.2 degree (50-60%), 2.1 degree (60-70%) or a first degree (anything over 70%).

 

5. Hundreds of Societies

Students in the UK are able to join a variety of societies that cater to their interests. This can range from sport societies, such as rugby, soccer and American football, to specific societies that relate to your course, hobbies, politics, beliefs and more! Most of these societies will allow you to go to the first meeting free of charge before you are expected to pay a smaller membership fee that goes to the students Union.

 

The students union is a common concept in the UK and is there to work or the student. They help to raise awareness of student issues at the university and work on improving student satisfaction. The students union will have a variety of student-elected full-time officers that serve as the student voice on campus. They may hold positions that focus on wellbeing, student opportunities, societies and more. The students union will also hold events on campus and hosts a variety of welcome activities during the first week of term to help introduce new students to student life.

 

Jackie Jarocki is a Regional Officer at Aberystwyth University. Jackie is a former international student from the USA who came to study in the UK in 2018 and never left! She has been working in the UK Higher Education in international student recruitment since 2019.

Student Support at UK Universities

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

Supporting our students in all areas of their life is one of the most important values to British universities and, as a result, we have plenty of options in place to make sure your time at university is as amazing as possible!

 

A lot of support actually starts before you even arrive in the UK. The universities you apply to will run pre-departure sessions, aimed at preparing you for both life and study in the UK, as well as more practical elements of moving across the pond. At University of Sussex, we run sessions covering Campus Life, Housing, Finance, Visa application, Life in the UK, and Moving to the UK in the months leading up to you leaving for university.

 

Academic support is obviously vital to you completing your degree successfully, and universities across the UK offer plenty of resources for you to maximize your learning potential. Most universities will allocate you an academic advisory, a member of teaching staff in your department who is there to help you out with any challenges you might be facing with your degree program. Also, don’t forget, all of your professors will have office hours to drop into and discuss content from each module you’re taking! We also run university-wide sessions on things like essay-writing, note-taking, and presentation skills- all things you’ll need throughout your degree.

 

If you are someone that might need extra support academically due to a disability, then universities have extra processes in place to support you. This can include working with you to provide an individual support plan, contact with our dedicated support workers, and working to support your academic life at a higher level, particularly with essays and exams.

 

Whilst the academic support we provide is essential, so is enhancing other areas of your life- after all, universities is a whole life experience! UK universities all have teams to help out with different issues you may run into in your day-to-day life. At Sussex, our student support options cover:

  • Student life: this can be pretty broad, covering anything from budgeting advice to homesickness to relationship advice

  • Mental health support: at Sussex, we offer free counseling to our students and can work with the on-campus doctors to support mental well-being

  • Residential life and housing: whether you’re living on or off campus

  • Careers and Employability: this is a service you can use throughout your degree and also 3-years post-graduation

  • International Student Support

  • Health

  • Religion and spirituality

 

Universities want you to have the best possible time, so these are all services we encourage you to reach out to if you feel you need it!

 

We also want our campus spaces to be a safe as possible. This will work differently depending on whether you’re at a campus or city-based university, but never doubt that there will be support available. At Sussex, we offer a 24/7 security team who patrol the campus, with security pick-up points across campus. We have a dedicated emergency line and phones across campus, and our Residential Life team are trained in crisis management.

 

There are also loads of other outlets for support at UK universities (sports clubs, societies, the Students’ Union, mentoring programs) but it’s safe to say that you’ll be well supported during your time at your chosen British university!

 

Kasia Symons is the International Officer for the Americas at University of Sussex.

An American Studying in Leeds

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

Ian is an American student in his second year of the BA (Hons) Filmmaking program at Leeds Beckett University in Leeds, England. As the third-largest city in the UK, Leeds is home to 70,000 students and three universities! It’s also known as the ‘financial capitol of the North’ and is an affordable yet cosmopolitan English city only 2.5 hours from London!

 

Ian is originally from California and was living in San Francisco before moving to the UK to study. We asked him 10 questions about what it’s like being a US student in Leeds.

 

What made you want to study in the UK?

To be honest, I had never really thought about it before, but I knew I wanted to be in another country. I wanted to travel around Europe due to its proximity to the UK – Covid soon put a stop to that, but I could still explore Leeds and the surrounding areas.

 

University tuition is much more affordable in the UK than in the US, and everyone speaks English of course, so there isn’t a language barrier – but you’re still able to gain a different cultural experience. The free healthcare through the NHS is also a huge bonus!

 

What do you like about the city of Leeds?

Leeds has some beautiful architecture, both old and new – and the university campuses really show that. Headingley Campus has beautiful old architecture and a lush campus surrounded by trees, whereas the City Campus is in practically in the middle of the city centre and has some brand-new modern buildings.

 

Leeds itself has so many things to do. I love going for a walk along the canal, checking out the culture and arts scene, and visiting all the shops. No matter what your interests are, there’s always so much to do in Leeds – and you can discover the city online to see what the experience will be like before you get here.

 

LeedsThe city of Leeds is renowned for its wealth of nightlife, entertainment, shopping and dining.

Leeds

The city of Leeds is renowned for its wealth of nightlife, entertainment, shopping and dining.

 

For my filmmaking degree, it was because the Northern Film School is based in Leeds. The school is industry leading with lots of top professors, plus the brand new £85 million Leeds School of Arts building with a built-in cinema is amazing!

Leeds School of ArtsThe new Leeds School of Arts opened in Spring 2021.

Leeds School of Arts

The new Leeds School of Arts opened in Spring 2021.

All courses are practical based, so I have unlimited access to software such as the Adobe Creative Suite, which usually costs a lot. Your classes are pre-selected too, which is totally different to the competition to secure a place in classes at universities in the States. It’s good to know that you are guaranteed those classes and it takes a lot of the pressure off! I could even try out specialisms in Year 1 and now focus on those in Year 2.

 

How are you finding your time in Leeds so far?

I’ll admit that arriving during a pandemic was tough. I would say I’m not as outspoken in a Zoom class as I would be in-person. I couldn’t meet my peers because I was studying online and when I arrived in Leeds, so lots of my classmates already knew each other. However, it surprised me just how nice they all were! I was slightly worried because I’m 26 and my peers are 18 but I get along with them well.

 

During the pandemic I started jogging, even when it was snowing, so that’s certainly a positive! Now that things have opened again here in the UK, I’ve been able to see more and there are more part-time jobs available. I work in a café and as a global ambassador for the university, which is really nice as I get to speak to lots of different people.

 

What were the most surprising things about Leeds?

Considering Leeds is one of the UK’s largest cities, the city centre is really compact, especially compared to US cities – so it’s surprisingly walkable. You don’t need to drive, and there is plenty of public transport.

 

You’re so close to nature as well as the city. I’m still wrapping my head around how green it all is! Even the trees at home in California are brown! That’s the best part of living in a city surrounded by countryside – it’s a nice mix between the two.

Yorkshire DalesThe green countryside of the Yorkshire Dales is only a short journey outside of Leeds.

Yorkshire Dales

The green countryside of the Yorkshire Dales is only a short journey outside of Leeds.

 

I also couldn’t believe that even though the UK is such a small country, there are so many different dialects from one region to the next. I’m still trying to learn the Yorkshire accent and sayings!

 

What do you enjoy doing outside of your studies?

I’m pretty boring so I don’t go clubbing but I can appreciate how many clubs and events there are for students. Personally, I love brunch. There are so many options in Leeds for breakfast and coffee.

 

I love bouldering, which I thought was quite a niche hobby, but I was pleasantly surprised to see there are so many facilities. And if you want a bit of retail therapy then there is the Corn Exchange, where there are some small, independent shops.

Corn ExchangeThe Leeds Corn Exchange was built in 1863, and is home to independent shops and cafes.

Corn Exchange

The Leeds Corn Exchange was built in 1863, and is home to independent shops and cafes.

My course has a secret cinema club where we have cinema showings every week and that’s built into the program. You will find a lot of courses have that. I’m really looking forward to doing that in-person now that things have opened up.

 

I didn’t join any societies because I wanted to make sure I was able to balance my course work with the social side of things, but there are so many available to join through the Leeds Beckett Students’ Union.

 

What are some differences between the UK and the US?

I would say there are huge cultural differences, mainly around the way people behave. In America, you don’t really hang out outside much, even if it’s sunny, but people always sit outside here when they’re eating or drinking – even when it’s cold! It’s very social. You even talk to people that you don’t know which is very different. I was sat at a table one time and someone asked me “Oh, what are you reading?” I was walking down the street when someone asked me “Are you alright?”- I wondered if there was something wrong with me or if I looked sick, but I soon realised they are just so friendly here and it’s simply a way of saying hello in the UK. I’m still getting used to it!

 

What words of advice would you give to Americans looking to study in the UK?

 

Do your research! As with any big leap, there will always be lots of surprises and just try to be prepared as much as you can. I would just say keep your mind open to the adventure. Some things will go right, and some things will go wrong – if you’re open to new experiences and challenges, you will have a great time.

 

Many new students ask about where to live and how to find housing. What would you recommend?

 

I would recommend living on campus if you can because it’s so convenient! The biggest issue with going for private housing is that landlords here will want you to pay a big chunk of rent up front, and that’s because overseas students don’t have a UK guarantor. Living on campus in university-managed housing solves that issue, and rent can be paid in instalments. Leeds Beckett has some fantastic university accommodation options, which you can check out on their website.

AccommodationLeeds Beckett offers a range of university-managed accommodation for every budget.

Accommodation

Leeds Beckett offers a range of university-managed accommodation for every budget.

Rent is so much cheaper in Leeds than in San Francisco. I was paying $1,500 per month in San Francisco for a 200 sq ft studio. If I wanted a big, modern studio flat in Leeds then I would pay something like £675 per month, which is so affordable in comparison. And you could still get great housing for much cheaper than that!

 

Do you think Leeds is an affordable place to live?

In my opinion, absolutely! Leeds is so cheap to live compared to what I’ve experienced and compared to other cities in the UK. Free healthcare is also astonishing as an American!

 

I couldn’t believe how cheap groceries and beer are. The fact that I can buy a loaf of bread for a few pence is staggering. Even eggs would be at least $12 in America but they’re £1.95 here. I’ll leave you with a small tip: if you are trying to find eggs in the grocery store, I would recommend looking next to the bread and not in the refrigerated section!

 

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Thank you to Ian for contributing to this blog about the student experience in the UK. If you are interested in learning more about Leeds Beckett University, please visit  www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/international.

 

You can also read student blogs from other international students in Leeds here: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/blogs/student-blog-squad/

Top 5 Reasons to Study in the UK | The UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

When I first announced my plans to come to the UK for university, the general consensus from my family and friends in the US was that they were supportive, but also confused. The idea of me going so far away for school shocked people for many reasons, and I found myself getting the question “but why England?” constantly. Despite the mixed reactions I received, I wouldn’t change anything about my decision to come to University of Sheffield, and here’s why.

 

1. It’s cheaper! (I’m not kidding)

If you’re reading this from the US, especially if you’re a high school student, you know how expensive university in the US can really be. When you think about people who go abroad for school, generally you think about how expensive it must be, but I chose University of Sheffield partially because of how affordable it is! The length of a normal bachelors course in the UK is 3 years, rather than 4 which is a whole year less of tuition! In addition, my tuition in the UK is £19,000/year ($21,000 USD). I ended up getting a merit scholarship from the school so I am only paying £8,800/year ($12,000 USD) for 3 years, which, in my opinion, is incredible considering that going out of state for university in the US generally costs more than $12,000/year.

 

2. You study what you want and ONLY what you want

One of the most refreshing things about the UK education system was that I was finally free from required subjects. Now, of course, there are still mandatory classes within the departments, but the days of taking math, science, and history when all I wanted to do was study philosophy and politics were finally over!

Being at a UK university really allowed me to immerse myself in my selected subjects. While I watched my friends struggle in their required university level physics and algebra classes, I was enjoying the classes I picked for myself, none of which included ANY equations.

 

3. Central location and international community

The UK, being a small island, is an amazing port of travel into Europe and other surrounding areas. Opportunities for travel, and a global perspective were the things that initially prompted me to look abroad for college, and the UK does travel and public transport very well. The train system in the UK is a breath of fresh air for someone who has no interest in driving in England. In addition, domestic and international flights can be found dirt cheap (compared to US prices) and the amazing community of international students allows for meaningful connections and exchanges which ultimately help broaden horizons and build trust and a global community.

 

4. The *aesthetic*

I wouldn’t be true to myself if I didn’t admit that part of why I chose England was the scenery. As a girl from the New Mexico desert, home was a place where greenery was rare and exciting, and rain was almost nonexistent. Because of this, when I arrived in the UK, even small things like seeing fog, forests, moss, etc. made me happy. The whole experience of being a student in England feels like I am permanently living in a cozy autumn movie, which I LOVE. And the green trees, gray skies, and rainy days are all part of that experience.

 

5. A new perspective

There’s nothing like picking up your life and moving to another country where you know no one to give you a new perspective on life. First off, it forces you out of your comfort zone. Everything is a new experience, from grocery shopping to school to trying to understand the man with a thick Yorkshire accent who just said something you couldn’t quite make out. If there’s one thing you can be sure of, choosing to study and/or complete your degree in another country will definitely change you for the better. Your plane ticket comes with a one way ticket to a new lease on life and a new understanding of the world, in my opinion, it’s 100% worth it.

 

Charlotte Flores is a current student at University of Sheffield originally from Las Cruces, New Mexico. She is currently studying BA Politics and Philosophy and plans to graduate in 2022.

 

 

All About Sport in the UK

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

Sport (singular, not plural in the UK!) plays a prominent role in British culture. England proudly claims to be the birthplace of football (which the US and a few other countries call soccer), and while ‘the beautiful game’ has certainly earned its title as most popular sport in the UK, there are so many other popular activities to enjoy as a spectator or an athlete.

 

With sports like American football increasing in popularity and Team Great Britain athletes claiming the spotlight in major international sporting events such as the recent Tokyo 2020 Olympics, it’s an exciting time to be a sport-lover in the UK. Keep reading to find out more about some of the most popular sports that you can get involved in across the pond!

 

Most Popular Team Sports in the UK

 

It almost goes without saying that football is by far the most popular national pastime, and for good reason. There’s evidence that football has been played in English schools since the 1500’s, and England is home to the oldest football clubs as well as the world’s oldest competition (the FA Cup was founded in 1871). For this reason, football is deeply embedded in UK culture. A regular season is played from August to May – although international tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup and European Championships mean that football lovers can get their fix throughout most of the calendar year!

 

However, there are so many other team sports which are hugely popular in the UK and throughout the world. Cricket became popular in the UK in the 17th century and is widely regarded as one of the national sports of England (it was invented here, after all!). It’s a popular recreational and summer sport in England, but if you’re interested in playing competitive cricket, there is no better place to do this than in Yorkshire, one of the historic cricketing counties of England.

 

Then there’s rugby – divided into Rugby Union and Rugby League due to different rules and regulations – which also holds a top spot as one of the most popular team sports in the UK. England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland all have their own national teams, which are collectively known as the Home Nations, and there are plenty of amateur leagues and university leagues to get involved in.

 

Top Individual Sports in the UK

 

Individual sports are also extremely popular in the UK, and there’s plenty of crossover between the most popular sports amongst American and British audiences. Tennis is the largest individual sport in the UK in terms of players and audiences – the world-renowned Wimbledon Championships take place in London each summer and attracts a huge global audience. And with rising stars like recent US Open Champion Emma Raducanu taking centre court by storm, it doesn’t look like tennis is fading from prominence anytime soon.

 

Another top individual sport is athletics (Americans know it as track and field), which has only grown in popularity as more and more successful British athletes step into the spotlight during the Olympics and other major international events.

 

Other individual sports, like golf, cycling and equestrian events also enjoy a large following and huge amount of popularity amongst recreational and competitive athletes alike. Sport lovers really are spoilt for choice in the UK!

 

Studying and playing sport in the UK

 

If you’re a student athlete thinking about studying in the UK, you’re in luck. The British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS – pronounced ‘Bucks’) is the governing body for higher education sport in the United Kingdom and is responsible for organising more than 52 inter-university sports, including all of those mentioned above!

 

Every year, student athletes from around the world come to the UK to earn an internationally recognised degree while also participating in their university BUCS league. One of the top sporting universities in the UK which consistently comes close to the top of the BUCS league table is Leeds Beckett University. The university has established close partnerships with the Premier League Leeds United Football Club, as well as the world-renowned Yorkshire County Cricket Club and Yorkshire Carnegie rugby club. These partnerships provide opportunities for students to receive professional coaching and training while studying a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

 

With shorter degree lengths (3 years for a bachelor’s and 1 year for master’s), UK degrees are especially appealing to American student athletes as a more affordable alternative to traditional 4-year degree programmes in the USA. The UK university schedule also allows for student athletes to maintain a healthy work-life balance (or study-and-train balance)!

 

So if you’re interested in pursuing a degree while playing your sport at a competitive level, there are plenty of options for you! Learn more by visiting the Team Beckett website to arrange a personal application consultation, and check out the latest blogs from American student athletes who have come across to play and study:

 

Vlog – A day in the life of an American football player at Leeds Beckett

Vlog – A day in the life of a tennis player at Leeds Beckett

 

About the author

Christine Pham Keaney is the International Marketing Manager at Leeds Beckett University, one of the top sporting universities in the UK.

 

5 Reasons to Study STEM in the UK

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

From Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin to major scientific discoveries such as penicillin and the structure of DNA, and engineering innovations including the steam locomotive, the jet engine and the World Wide Web, the UK has a long and proud history in science and technology. But why might studying a STEM degree in the UK today be a good option?

 

Here’s 5 reasons why it could be an excellent place for you to study a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics:

 

1.     Quality and style of university education

 

For a relatively small island, the UK really punches above its weight when it comes to academic quality. Our universities consistently feature strongly across a range of rankings, including in the QS Subject Rankings for Engineering and Technology, Life Sciences and Medicine, and Natural Sciences, as well four UK universities placing in the top 10 in the world over-all, and numerous others in the top 100.

 

But rankings are just a small part of the story. UK universities utilize a variety of innovative teaching techniques, designed to encourage independent and critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and self-motivation – all key qualities when it comes to the STEM fields. With access to practical labs, students will be working on real-world problems with many university programmes being designed with industry collaboration and STEM careers in mind.

 

2.     Research powerhouse

 

If you’re considering a degree in STEM, then access to research is often high on the list of priorities. Universities are at the heart of UK STEM research and our academic staff include some of the world’s most renowned scientists, medics, and engineers. The strength of this research has never been more evident than the work carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic – from epidemiologists advising national and international governments, to developing advanced technologies for rapid testing, as well vaccine development. UK universities were at the forefront of tackling the pandemic, with four UK universities collectively contributing to nearly one-third of all published papers on COVID-19.

 

Many of our university researchers are directly involved teaching so as a student you get to experience their expertise first-hand in your lecturers, seminars and reading materials. Hands on experience of research is also key to studying STEM in the UK with many degrees in this area involving a research project at both undergraduate and graduate level. Additionally some universities offer schemes such as the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme (UROP) or the International Research Opportunities Programme (IROP) as a chance to gain first-hand experience of life in a research lab under expert supervision.

 

3.     International outlook and experience

 

Innovations in science and technology do not lend themselves to working in isolation, and what better environment to learn to work collaboratively than one that is internationally diverse. When you study at a university in the UK, you won’t just be gaining a British perspective. The UK university sector is incredibly diverse with over 20% of our students and staff coming from overseas, providing you the opportunity to gain new outlooks from international academics and to tap into fresh thinking from your peers who represent some of the most talented minds from around the world.  The people you’ll meet and the connections you’ll make will become your global network well beyond your university years.

 

UK universities also pride themselves on international collaboration, whether that’s though partnerships, student exchanges or joint research projects, and this cooperation carries through into the wider research landscape. In 2018, 55% of UK publications were the result of international collaboration, compared to the world average of 21%.

 

4.     Specialized (and often shorter!) degrees

 

Mad about mathematics? Eager to be an engineer? Convinced science is for you? Well, the UK lets you dive straight into the subject you love from day without having to continue with the other subjects you don’t like so much. Applying to an undergrad programme in the UK means you apply directly to a major which you will study for the duration of your degree giving you a chance to delve deeper into the subject right from the start. Consequently, in England, Northern Ireland and Wales, Bachelor’s degrees are only three years in duration saving you time and most likely money.

 

Similarly for graduate students, a PhD in the UK is usually carried out in 3-4 years and Master’s degrees are usually only one year in duration allowing you to gain expertise in your field in a much shorter space of time and springboard you into your career….

 

5.     Employability and career options

 

And speaking of careers, taking that leap to study abroad will always look great on your resume but there are added opportunities available to give you a head start in your career with a UK degree. As an international student you are entitled to work off campus and this provides an excellent opportunity to gain experience and build professional networks through internships and placements particularly relevant to your chosen field – and be paid for it!

 

            And if you’re too busy enjoying all the other aspects of university life during your studies, international students who have successfully completed an undergraduate or graduate degree will be able to benefit from two (or three for PhDs) years’ work experience in the UK upon graduation, through the new Graduate Route.

 

 So, there’s some great reasons to start considering the UK as a destination to study a degree in STEM – now it’s just a question of which subject and where! With thousands of degree programmes ranging from the more general such as “Natural Sciences” to super specific like “Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering” and a range of universities across the country, you’re sure to find the right fit for you.

 

About the author

Catherine Eames is the International Student Recruitment Manager at Imperial College London, a global top 10 university and the only UK university to focus entirely on science, engineering, medicine and business. Catherine has been working in UK Higher Education and international student recruitment since 2008 and has been at Imperial College London for nine years.

 

Why Employers Value UK Degrees | The UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

Sipping tea at a quaint little English village cafe all morning or museum hopping for an afternoon in London are absolutely pivotal experiences when studying a degree in the UK, but are these the elements you want to highlight on your resume or talk about in interviews? Of course not! So let’s discuss four different reasons why employers admire Americans earning a degree in the UK:

 

#1: Personal and Language Skills

 

Even though you’re studying in a predominantly English speaking area of the world, that doesn’t mean it’s exclusively English. Major cities in the United Kingdom are massively multi-cultural and diverse and offer a unique opportunity to explore different languages and dialects.

 

Beyond learning a foreign language abroad, developing and improving your language skills also includes oral presentations, written communications such as essays, papers and emails as well as cross-cultural communication.

 

Cross-cultural communication is extra valuable to US employers as many American companies need to market and attract customers from all around the world and prefer employees who understand how to communicate with people from different cultural backgrounds.

 

Gaining international experience shows employers you’re adaptable and independent. According to the Erasmus Impact Study, 64 percent of employers consider study abroad experience to be important, and 92 percent of employers look for transferable skills that are typically gained from the experience, such as flexibility to new challenges.

 

#2: Expanding your Network

 

Pushing your boundaries physically leads to pushing your boundaries socially. If you read my story, you know I studied my master’s in London, England where I didn’t know a single soul. Being an international student in a big city, I had to push myself to meet people, get out of my comfort zone and connect with those around me more authentically than in previous academic experiences.

 

To this day, I talk and text with folks around the world I met from my time abroad. Be comfortable being uncomfortable- put yourself out there, meet people and build relationships when you study abroad. You never know when or how those relationships will evolve and could potentially turn into professional opportunities.

 

#3: Confidence 

 

As a full-time career coach, I work with many students who say their number one challenge to landing a job is a lack of confidence. Often, applicants meet the basic and preferred job qualifications on paper but when they get into an interview, they are shy, soft-spoken and lack the confidence to clearly and articulately advocate for themselves.

 

International experience can be overwhelming at times, but through this adversity, you grow and develop your confidence. An interview I did with HR recruiter Allison Walke explained “I’ll be more inclined to move forward with a candidate who has stronger soft skills. International experience can definitely be valuable in improving these soft skills”.

 

My very first study abroad was a summer program in Greece. I was the student that was 100% there for the beautiful beaches and crystal blue waters. I didn’t speak a word of Greek. Surviving in Athens for a summer in 2006 with no wifi and a guidebook I picked up at a Border’s Books (RIP big chain bookstores) was a challenge to say the least. I gained such confidence during my international experience, when I returned back to the US, I was already busy planning my next trip abroad.

 

#4: International Opportunities 

 

Employers always seek applicants who have international experience. Whether you’re in a field like international business and communications or engineering and education, studying abroad sets you apart from other applicants and might be the difference between getting or not getting an interview.

 

A NAFSA survey found nearly 40 percent of companies missed out on international business opportunities due to a lack of personnel with international experience. Employees with previous abroad experience are much more likely to be asked or assigned to international clients and projects because of their comfortability with travel and different cultures and languages. These are very beneficial qualities to bring up in interviews and a great way to show your value to potential employers.

 

Parting Words… 

 

I would highly encourage you to consider your professional goals before starting your study abroad in the UK. Think about what you’re trying to achieve with your degree from a professional standpoint and make a plan to get there. I went into my master’s with a very clear goal of networking in the international education industry in order to obtain a full-time job in study abroad when I returned to the US- and I did.

 

Be intentional with your time whilst abroad, because it’ll go by so quick. Gain international work and study experience, travel, meet new people, developing your willingness to try new things and learn to go with the flow. All these attributes are highly valued and positively viewed in the professional world.

 

About the Writer…

 

Hi! My name is Nadia and I help people design happy and fulfilling careers through authentic career coaching. My expertise includes career exploration guidance, resume writing, interview prep and LinkedIn profile optimization. My pronouns are She/ Her/ Hers and as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I focus on how diverse identities impact and influence folks holistically and professionally. Connect with on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/nadiaibrahim/ or visit me on Etsy as The Career Coach Shop!