Prospects Postgrad UK 2007/2008 - (Page 6) 6 ADVICE AND INFORMATION www.prospects.ac.uk/PostgradUK SPONSORED BY STUDY IN THE UK? The history of higher education in Britain is one of competition on an international scale. Take, for example, the University of Oxford, the oldest English-speaking university in the world. Opinion is divided on when exactly it was founded, but everyone agrees that academic activity really took off in 1167 when a grumpy King Henry II banned English students from attending the University of Paris. The rest, as they say, is history. A lively tradition of rivalry continues in the UK to this day and it is the source of an unparalleled vibrancy. This tradition of competition has resulted in a reputation for quality that brings students from across the globe to study in Britain. SUPPORT AND VALUE WHY UK universities consider that the level of professional support given to students is just as important as the academic quality they strive for. Universities UK argue convincingly that Britain offers more support to international students than any other country, whether it is help with your study skills or assistance with your visa application. For example, almost 80% of visiting postgraduates attend an induction or orientation session when they arrive in Britain. In Australia, the equivalent number is only 58% and in Canada, 44%. The two issues that international students are most concerned about before they arrive in Britain are accommodation and finances. Three quarters of international students are now offered accommodation when they arrive, and there are advisers available who can help you navigate the British banking system. The British government is also doing its bit. International students are now allowed to work up to 20 hours a week during term time. UKCOSA provides more information on who is eligible for this, at www.ukcosa.org.uk/ images/workduring.pdf International students are a real asset and advantage to higher education in Britain, and universities and colleges across the country, not to mention individual students and staff, work very hard to welcome visiting students. The UK offers international students the opportunity to access world class education and internationally recognised qualifications through intensive courses that are often shorter (students can complete a Masters in one year in the UK) than those offered by the USA or Australia, making a UK education excellent value for money. http://www.prospects.ac.uk/PostgradUK http://www.ukcosa.org.uk/images/workduring.pdf http://www.ukcosa.org.uk/images/workduring.pdf
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