ENGLAND

England, in other words the United Kingdom, has represented an empire where the sun never sets for many years. It is one of the countries that left its mark on the whole world with its politics, economy and development. On the other hand, it has certainly pioneered the widespread use of English in the world. Its capital is London. Its population is around 67 million.

England is one of the most preferred language destinations for people who want to learn English in the world. British culture, architecture, history and social structure always appear as an impressive factor on people. In addition, world-famous football teams (Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Everton,… etc) are also one of the biggest factors in increasing the interest. Of course, we should not forget the Wimbeldon Tennis Tournament and tennis, as well. 😊

ECONOMY 

The UK economy contributes greatly to the welfare of the country with the presence of a wide range of strong sectors. In particular, the industry and finance sectors take the lead in economy, and the recent developments in the IT and informatics sectors have also contributed significantly to the country’s economy. If we compare the UK in terms of economy with other English-speaking countries, we can say that the UK has a serious industrial infrastructure. The fact that the presence of world-important port cities, the country’s very active and world-class trading infrastructure in exports, could be one of the answers to why England is called the empire where the sun never sets.

In short, we can list the world-famous British origin car brands as Aston Martin, Land Rover, Lotus, Jaguar, Rolls-Royce and Bently.

A situation of uncertainty for more than 4 years has come to an end with the emergence of the UK’s decision to leave the European Union with a referendum (BREXIT) in 2016. It will certainly help to make England stronger in the medium range, although it may seem negative. Developed countries such as the UK are very successful in adapting to the challenging processes they face in the medium term.

In addition, the service sector in the UK is also quite developed. England has an economic size of approximately 3 trillion dollars. Education and tourism also create a serious demand in the country.

The currency is the pound. It is also known as sterling.

1 GBP : 11 TL

1 GBP :  1,32 USD

CLIMATE

The climate in the United Kingdom is defined as a temperate oceanic climate. Since England receives abundant rainfall throughout the year, you can see that greenery is as widespread as the eye can see. The main influence on the climate of the UK is the warm ocean current of the Gulf Stream.

GOVERNEMENT

The UK’s system of government is a constitutional monarchy. United Kingdom (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland); is a state made up of four constituent countries: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The term Great Britain comprises only England, Scotland and Wales.

There is a political structure based on devolution in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, which are the founding countries of the United Kingdom. Pursuant to devolution, some of the legislative and executive powers held by the sovereign state have been delegated by the United Kingdom Parliament (“Westminster”) to the national parliaments and their elected executive bodies in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. In this system, the unitary state feature is legally preserved and the right of the central parliament to revoke or amend its power is preserved. The constituent countries benefiting from devolution do not have their own sovereignty.

In terms of its main lines; issues such as constitution, defence, national security, foreign policy, citizenship and immigration are under the responsibility of the UK Parliament in the capital, London; Local parliaments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland can legislate in devolved areas outside of these matters.

SECURITY

England is generally a safe country when compared to other countries. the UK has been trying to provide a safe environment to its citizens, incoming tourists and students at the highest level. Of course, as we always say, you should always keep in mind that you are in a foreign country. Being careful always protects you against unexpected situations 😊. As long as you comply with these minimum requirements and comply with the general social structure and laws of the country you are visiting, you will not encounter any problems.  

ACCOMODATION

Many of our students always have the following questions in their minds: “Where will I stay in the city where I go ? , How will it be ? , Is my host family safe ?” The families selected for accommodation are those that are accredited by the country’s ministry of education and have been carefully selected by a school and have certain conditions. Therefore, you do not need to worry about the safety of the host families. Since the host families have been doing this job professionally for many years, they attach importance to student satisfaction and sensitivity. Our student’s expectations will be met at a high rate since we inform the school about the situations that are important to him during his stay (not wanting the host family with children, not having a pet, etc.) before he leaves

You need to pay attention to some issues about accommodation in the United Kingdom. Students who study in a foreign country generally prefer homestay, schools’ dormitories or private dormitories. Dormitory is more expensive than homestay. Students who want to take a language course in England generally prefer to stay with a host family. Host families provide morning and evening meals to the student so it is one of the most important advantages of homestay. Moreover, students improve their English by interacting with people from that culture. Spending time and interacting with a British family will provide you with a tremendous opportunity to improve yourself.

Dormitory

Dormitory is another accommodation option. Staying in a dormitory can be in a single or a double room. There is usually a bathroom and toilet in the room. Unlike homestay, meals are not included in dormitory accommodation. Students can cook their own meals in the dormitory kitchen. In the dormitory room, the student can share the room with someone else or stay alone. Average dormitory prices are 160-280 GBP per week. It varies according to the location of the dormitory, the student’s choice of stay and the length of stay.

• WORKING IN ENGLAND

   

  Unfortunately, you will not have the legal right to work while taking a language course in the UK.

   

  LANGUAGE SCHOOLS

  England is called the capital of English. Being close to Turkey, this country is one of the most important destinations for language learning. The inseparable unity of English and British culture has always been a center of attraction for students.

  In general, if we talk about the pros about English Language Schools in the UK :

  • It is the most popular destination for students who want to learn English
  • Turkey is approximately 4.5 hours by plane.
  • England hosts numerous historical buildings
  • England is a multicultural society
  • British accent is the most attractive English accent in the world
  • Due to its wide geography, there are language education opportunities in almost every city.
  • It is close to European countries
  • The UK’s transport system is quite good
  • There arewide range of English language courses
  • Since the university education period is shorter than in other countries, it hosts foreign students from many different countries.
  It has unique historical and social heritage

The most preferred destinations for language schools are in the cities such as London, Brighton, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and Cambridge. As in every country, the first destinations that students think of are usually capitals or cities with the highest population density. For England, London is the most preferred city because it is the capital city.

While choosing among these cities; the right choice should be made by considering the living costs, climate, social structure and school prices.

While choosing a city, you and your advisor can evaluate your own situation and make the appropriate choice that will meet your expectations.

HEALTH AND HOSPITALS

First of all, let’s get it started with the GP. What is a GP? GP means General Practitioner. GPs are the equivalent of Family Doctors, whose numbers have increased in Turkey in recent years. One of the first things you will do when you move to a new place is to register with a GP. You must present proof of your residence and your passport. There may be more than one GP in the area where you want to register. Use the link to decide which one you want to sign up for.

 http://www.nhs.uk/Service-Search/GP/LocationSearch/4

GPs are the first contact if you have a health problem. Unfortunately, you do not have a chance to see a specialist doctor directly to be examined here. First you go to the GP and tell him your problem. He can also order blood tests. There are simple medical equipments in GPs’ clinics. GPs refer you to the hospital for urgent and specialist treatment. Your appointment day and time at the hospital will be sent to your home by letter and it can usually happen within 1-2 weeks of your visit to the GP. Appointment day and time may be 3-5 months later, depending on the intensity of the hospital.

The only situation where you can go directly to the hospital is an emergency. Not every hospital has an emergency department, so you can check which hospitals are in the place where you are moving and which departments have emergency services here. When you go to an emergency department, if you aren’t bleeding, you wait between 4 and 6 hours just to see a doctor. If examinations, x-rays,… etc. are to be done after seeing the doctor, you can wait 4 – 5 hours more, so your emergency visit may cost you a lot of time, and you will be sent home with a painkiller most of the time.

We strongly recommend that you take out an internationally valid health insurance before you go to the UK.

BRITISH CULTURE AND LIFE

Irish, Scottish, Welsh and British differ in traditions, temperament and even language. The mentalities of people are not similar.  The British stereotype of harshness and indifference has a reason. Indeed, they know how to hide emotions and take an equal attitude to everything that is happening. The locals are extremely punctual and polite; They try to avoid controversial issues and conflicts. There are Brits who are incredibly self-controlled. From childhood they are taught how to manage all possible difficulties.

They are very calm and patient in all areas of life, especially in traffic – sometimes they can be insanely patient for those who are always in a hurry like us. They give way to those who want a way, even at the busiest hours (if you are in a hurry, you will go crazy in the back; but there is nothing to do!). They certainly don’t go through a red light. They drink outside (often in pubs) on Friday and Saturday, and relax at home on Sundays. Those who are rich/elite go to restaurants more often. Football, Rugby and Cricket are their favorite sports. They also follow tennis when the Wimbledon tournament starts. However, they try to raise important athletes in every field and seek/find talented children (in all fields) in school age. The most common sports among the elderly are Bowls and Golf.

• Law is above everything. People have internalized that they should not go beyond the law. They also care about nature. It is possible to see very large parks in the most expensive parts of the country/cities (such as Hyde Park).
• They like different/unusual people. They do not like mediocrity/ordinary people; It is very difficult for such people to reach important places in the public, business and/or academic world.
• People avoid talking about things they don’t know/haven’t researched.
• They like simplicity; they absolutely avoid conspicuous luxury (expensive car, gold bracelet, etc.). Many of those whose home is not far away come to work by bike or on foot – and there are not a few

• They eat out during the week: they try a different cuisine every day (Chinese, Italian, Turkish/kebab, Indian cuisine are their favourites).
• The police take racism, sexism, homophobia, islamophobia/anti-Semitism and hate speech very seriously; When you call, they are at your door instantly. They don’t even care about accidents and theft that much
• Although they are generally ‘Patriotic’ (patriotic), you will not see many flags hanging in front of their houses/buildings. The Flag (Union Jack) is definitely not something sacred like ours. You may also see people wearing their flags as clothing (even underwear and socks). People who hang the St George’s Cross in front of their house are often racist Brits (eg members/sympathizers of groups like the English Defense League).

• People who want to tell their troubles/problems/ideas value only those who speak concretely; sentimentality doesn’t work on them. They do not particularly value “I fly like this, I run like this”.
• Companies/governments take complaints seriously. That’s why people complain about everything.
• There are many neighbors who have lived side by side for years and do not know each other.
• Emotionality has no place in their lives. Reason/logic is more important in every aspect of their lives.
• They also like people who are passionate about what they do. For example, they always praise Gascoigne, one of their favorite football players.
• They use a lot of terms like “not bad”, “interesting”; and they often use these terms in the opposite sense of their literal meaning.
• Their standards are very high. To please a British with your work, you must have thought of every detail.
• Even in a long queue, people wait patiently for hours.
•  They use one-word terms such as “Please”, “Thanks”, “Sorry”, “All right” a lot. I would not be exaggerating if I said that especially the first two are used before and after each sentence.
• They do not ask personal questions such as “where are you from?”, “how is your family?” “where are you originally from?”  especially to a foreign national (with the thought that he may misunderstand)

SHOPPING

There will be many chain supermarkets as well as local shops and markets. You can shop from many big markets such as Tesco, Carrefour, Aldi.