Study in London – The Joys of Study Abroad

College is a time for students to explore their potential, and one way to learn more about themselves and the world around them is to consider studying aboard. Moving away from the environment where they have grown comfortable to a place where they are constantly in the middle of new and exciting things is something that forces them to grow, learn and change, and for many people, it is the experience of a lifetime. When considering study abroad programs, London provides students with opportunities for a unique, international and urban experience.
One important thing to think about when considering going to study in a foreign country is how to prevent the habits of home from slowing progress. When students come to a foreign country, their first impulse is to stick with the students that share their culture and their language. In London, which hosts students from all over the world, this is particularly easy. However, one of the most important parts of a study abroad program is how it encourages people to reach out past themselves, towards people who are different from them. Make an effort to move away from the people from home and to embrace what local culture has to offer.
Remember that the city that where the program is taking place is not the only place to see. While London has enough sites to satisfy a visitor for ages, it is also within striking distance of some of the largest and liveliest cities in Europe. Whether a student wants to head for Paris or Glasgow, there are student fares available and plenty of free weekends to explore. Make the time to consider what destinations are pertinent to the course of study being pursued and also consider how they can be integrated into the course work. In some cases, a fun visit to an alternate location can be expanded into an independent study.
When preparing for a trip to study abroad, remember to have all paperwork accounted for as early as possible. For example, when coming to the UK, a student visa is required if the student intends to stay in the country for more than 18 weeks. The student visa allows the holder to attend classes and to reside in the country in question legally. This document can be procured up to 120 days prior to arrival in the host country from the UK embassy.
When preparing for travel, do set up times to contact friends and family at home. While studying abroad is exciting, there are also times when it can feel intensely lonely. Set up times to call, especially when the time difference is going to be large, and make sure that international calling has been set up prior to departure.
Studying abroad can be the experience of a lifetime, and there are many opportunities that are waiting for students of every discipline. While the class work itself is going to be challenging and intense, the memories made from simply living in a foreign country will follow the student for a lifetime.

Study Abroad – Applying For A Student Visa

A study abroad program in England is a great way to see another country while gaining college credit. However, there are a lot of preparations that you must make before you can get into the United Kingdome. Applying for a student visa is one of these tasks. The visa is a stamp on your passport that will allow you into the UK. Once you are in the UK, you might need to prove that you are there legally for your study abroad program. Here is how you obtain your student visa.
Keep the formal acceptance letter from the university that you are going to study at. When you get accepted into the study abroad program, the university will send you the acceptance letter. This is your proof that you will be attending a university in the UK and you will need for the visa application process.
Determine whether or not the university is registered with the Department for Education and Skill’s Register of Education and Training Providers. Almost every university in the UK is registered with this department, but it is essential to double check. If the school is not registered, you might not be able to legally enter the country as a student.
Complete the application form on visa4UK. This can be found online. The application is extensive so make sure that you have all of the paperwork and time needed to complete it. One you have completed the application, submit it through the website. There is a fee to submit your application so be prepared to pay it with a credit card.
Send a completed application to the British Consulate in your country. If you live in the United States, there are British Embassies in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles. Wait for your approval from the embassy. Response times can vary so be sure to get your application in early. If you have not heard from the embassy in a month, send a letter of inquiry to make sure that they got your application.
Have all of your paperwork and approved application ready when you arrive at the airport. This is proofe that you are eligible for a student visa stamp. Go to the customs counter and present your paperwork for the customs agent. There is usually a fee for this stamp so be prepared. You can usually pay for your stamp through a credit card, but having cash on you is the best bet to getting through the process quickly. This fee is normally $25 for student visas.
A study abroad program is something that can give you insight to a new culture while you are gaining college credit. However, being prepared to enter the United Kingdom is essential for making the change smooth. A student visa is the only legal way to enter the UK for a study abroad program. If you follow these guidelines, you will be able to enter the country and get to the university without concern.