There are a lot of benefits to enjoy from studying abroad. Being immersed in another culture will broaden your horizons and make you a more well-rounded person. There is also a huge benefit in that your experience could help you land your dream job. Many employers love to hire people who have lived or studied in another country.
A very popular destination for students who wish to study abroad is the UK. It is familiar enough to not be intimidating but different enough to realize that you’re in another country. To get the most out of going to university in the UK, you have to know what you’re getting into. In this article, we will cover some of the things that you need to know before you head over to the UK.
1 – You may need insurance
The UK has the NHS for its healthcare system. It is completely free at the point of delivery system that is beloved by the British citizens. They get excellent care and don’t ever get a bill for it.
The problem for foreign students is that they don’t get it since they haven’t been paying taxes into the system. You will need to find health insurance coverage if you are studying in the UK for less than six months. This means that as an exchange student you will not be covered for any medical expenses you incur while there.
Those that are attending university there and getting a degree will be covered under the NHS system.
2 – Know the costs
To make sure you can actually afford to study and live in the UK you will need to make a very detailed budget forecast. Take some time to do the research to understand exactly how much money it will cost for tuition and for your ongoing expenses.
University in the UK costs far less than the average tuition in the US, however, it isn’t affordable to everybody. How much it costs depends on the university and degree you are pursuing. The location plays a part in the costs, as well, since it costs more to go to university in London than in other areas. The tuition starts at around $10,000 and soars up to $35,000 per year.
The cost of living is also very variable and will be higher in London than elsewhere. Make sure to take the time to look into the average rent for the area where you plan to study as well as things like groceries and entertainment.
3 – There are cultural differences
Although both countries share a language, they don’t share a culture. There is going to be some culture shock that many people don’t expect. There are social expectations that you will not be aware so expect to make a few faux pas while you are there. Many people will brush it off since you are a foreigner, however.
Try to do your best to adapt to the culture and embrace it instead of fighting against it.
