Finding Your Way

Tag: education

  • Understanding the UK School System for American Families

    When I came to the UK, one of the things that I did not expect to be different from the US when I came here was the schooling system. For those who are coming here with dependents, such as children of their own, I figured it could be helpful for me to lay out the schooling system.

    Education in the UK is split into a few different blocks so to speak: Primary, Secondary, and Post-Secondary Education (further education, higher education).

    Primary education in the UK typically consists of the following years:

    • Foundation Stage (Reception Year): Age 4-5
    • Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2): Age 5-7
      • Year 1: Age 5-6
      • Year 2: Age 6-7
    • Key Stage 2 (Years 3 to 6): Age 7-11
      • Year 3: Age 7-8
      • Year 4: Age 8-9
      • Year 5: Age 9-10
      • Year 6: Age 10-11

    This structure forms the basis of primary education in the UK before moving on to secondary education.

    Secondary education in the UK typically consists of the following stages and years:

    • Key Stage 3 (Years 7 to 9): Age 11-14
      • Year 7: Age 11-12
      • Year 8: Age 12-13
      • Year 9: Age 13-14
    • Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11): Age 14-16
      • Year 10: Age 14-15
      • Year 11: Age 15-16

    Post Secondary-Education in the UK consists of Further Education and Higher Education. The biggest surprise to me personally was learning that College and University were completely different in the UK, unlike in America where they are one in the same.

    • Further Education (College)
      • Post compulsory
      • includes courses and classes similar to those taught in universities
    • Higher Education (University)
      • Pretty much the same as in America. With Undergraduate and Graduate degrees that can be pursued, alongside PHDs.

    The education system in the UK is not as hard to get a grasp on but I hope this post helps those who need help navigating some of the differences.

  • Do Brands Matter? A Contrasting View from the UK

    Some people have favourite brands. There are the infamous “Disney adults” who swear up and down to the House of Mouse, there are the weirdo “Tesla bros”, in the UK there is not as much of a culture around brands as far as I have seen. I could be completely wrong but it seems to me that unlike back home in America “brand fever” is less prevalent here. Everyone just uses whatever fits their needs and moves on; which is the way it should be. I cannot fathom having loyalty as a consumer to a product brand, it is pure dystopian nightmare fuel to me when I see people lining up out the door to buy products on release day such as Pokémon cards, or people who brag about only buying Apple products.

    This is just my old man perspective I guess.

    Daily writing prompt
    What are your favorite brands and why?
    View all responses

  • Why Coming to the UK Was Worth the Risk

    When it comes to taking risks, moving to the UK was a significant gamble for me. Relocating to a new country, even one with many cultural similarities to the United States, is not as easy or seamless as I initially expected.

    However, I am genuinely grateful for my decision to come here. The laid-back culture in the UK offers a nice balance of relaxation and engagement, making it easy to connect with the locals. Additionally, I’ve discovered that the food in the UK is significantly healthier compared to what I used to consume during my college days in America.

    Building a new life in the UK has provided me with unique opportunities for personal growth that I never could have experienced otherwise. While taking risks may not be suitable for everyone, I encourage you to embrace the possibility of change. If I had allowed my doubts to guide my decision, I would be in a much less fulfilling situation today.

    Moving to the UK was a risk, but it’s one that I am thankful I took. If you’re considering a move to this vibrant country, don’t let doubts and fears hold you back. Embrace the adventure and discover the rewards that await you!

    Daily writing prompt
    When is the last time you took a risk? How did it work out?
    View all responses

  • Why I Avoid Visiting Texas: A Personal Take

    As an American currently residing in the United Kingdom, I must admit that I have never had a desire to visit the state of Texas. I’ve heard negative things about the weather from locals, and as someone who dislikes hot climates, that plays a significant role in my aversion. Even if there were other attractions that appealed to me, the culture of Texas seems to be the complete opposite of what I enjoy. Consequently, I cannot envision myself visiting the Lone Star State anytime in the future.

    Daily writing prompt
    What place in the world do you never want to visit? Why?
    View all responses

  • Understanding the UK Student Visa: A Complete Guide

    Hello, one of the biggest challenges of deciding to move to the UK is understanding the visa rules and determining which visa is the best fit for your situation. This topic is quite complex, so I’m going to break it down into several posts, dedicating more time to each visa type.

    Let’s start with, arguably, the simplest visa available: the Student Visa. If you’re considering studying in the UK, the Student Visa is essential for international students. In this post, we’ll explore the application process, eligibility requirements, and tips for securing your Student Visa efficiently. Understanding these critical aspects will pave the way for a successful educational journey in the UK.

    To obtain a student visa, you must be accepted by a recognized UK university. The UK hosts a diverse range of universities, each with unique advantages and disadvantages, similar to any education system globally. I have compiled valuable resources to assist prospective students in identifying which universities to apply to in the UK.

    https://www.ukscholarships.uk/blog/45-cheap-universities-in-uk-for-international-students

    https://amberstudent.com/blog/post/best-universities-in-uk-for-international-students

    https://www.wayupabroad.com/blog/list-of-uk-universities

    Now, once you have gotten the student visa, you have to understand what it allows you to do and what it doesn’t. It does:

    -Allow you to access the NHS services (you did pay the health surcharge, after all)

    -Enter and leave the UK

    -Work part time in conjunction with your studies as an international student in the UK. THIS PART IS CRUCIAL: YOU CAN WORK UP TO 20 HOURS PER WEEK DURING TERM TIME. They mean by the minute, as in: exceeding this time limit for any reason could jeopardize your visa status or even lead to revocation. DO NOT TRY TO OUTSMART THE SYSTEM. During university break periods like Christmas and Spring Break, the work hours limit is lifted, but you must provide your employer with a confirmation from your university granting permission to work full-time. This emphasis is necessary due to ongoing political discourse in the UK where concerns have been raised that some foreign students may prioritize employment over their studies, thereby taking job opportunities away from local residents. While I won’t delve into the political implications of this topic, it’s worth noting that both the previous Tory government and the Labour party have expressed similar concerns. Regardless of merit, the rules have to be followed by all those on a Student Visa: no exceptions unless otherwise stated by your university.

    The student visa, once you complete your Masters Degree, can then be changed into a Graduate Visa. I might make a short post on that one but it will be quite short as the Graduate Visa is kind of straightforward.

    Let me know if you have any questions on the student visa. It is relatively straightforward, but if you have the funds and adhere to the requirements to apply, it is not too complicated.

    Thanks for reading.

  • Essential Languages for Moving to the UK

    In the United Kingdom, a diverse array of languages are spoken, with many originating from immigrants and tourists. While each language is beautiful and valuable to learn, it is essential to focus on two key languages for anyone considering a move to the UK, depending on the desired location. Knowing these primary languages can significantly enhance your experience and opportunities within this multicultural society.

    The primary language in the UK is English, and it’s important to acknowledge a challenge that many face. In certain areas, not speaking English can lead to discomfort or even hostility from locals. While this reaction is unfair and at odds with the UK’s proud multiculturalism, it is crucial to inform newcomers about this reality. As someone from America, where English is the dominant language, I recognize the privilege I had in not needing to learn it as a non-native speaker. Therefore, I aim to provide valuable resources for those looking to learn English, as proficiency is essential for obtaining a visa to the UK.

    Here are some source you can learn English from:

    https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/online-courses/live-online-classes

    https://www.ihlondon.com/online-english

    There are also a litany of apps, such as Duolingo and Drops. English is a tough language to learn as I have been told by those who speak it as a second language, so apps and classes to help learn it I feel are worth knowing about.

    The second language that might be worth knowing, depending on where you plan to end up in the UK, is Welsh. Welsh is a protected language in Wales, despite it being spoken almost exclusively in Wales and not in many other parts of the UK. North Wales and South Wales have different dialects, so if you learn the Southern dialect and go to North Wales you might notice some differences. Welsh, being a protected language, has plenty of resources for you to learn it.

    This is where I recommend as a resource hub to learn both dialects, North and South.

    https://learnwelsh.cymru/

    Now, if you want to learn Scottish Gaelic, the native language of Scotland, out of pure curiosity of cultural roots, there are some sources to help you learn it but to find a job or live there it is not really necessary. Here is the premiere place I would recommend.

    https://learngaelic.scot/

    Honestly, I would suggest the primary language, if English is not your first language that you have to learn beyond the exams to acquire the visa, is English. You cannot simply memorise it and then promptly forget about it once you get here, it is used in every aspect everywhere. But it a barrier that can be overcome, with patience. Easier said than done, I suppose.