Study Abroad UK blog
Voted the best Exchange Programme in the UK 2023
Wednesday 21st June 2023
We are very proud to announce that our Exchange Programme In the UK is award-winning. We believe we do a brilliant job for every young person that joins our High School Experience program. We have a dedicated Student Support team who are there to offer help guidance and support to each and every young person. A fantastic Family Support team who are there to answer any questions or concerns about participants. We have a very knowledgeable tour guide team who make sure that every free trip we run is fun, interesting, and steeped with history. Our school team works tirelessly to secure educational placements and our drivers are there to welcome exchange students at the airport and say goodbye and…
Behind the Scenes at Study Abroad UK
Thursday 23rd June 2022
Kerry Ferguson Director of Global Citizenship
This time of year we Study Abroad UK is very very busy. We are right in the middle of what we call "placement season". Applications are flying in and everyone is working flat out to meet the deadline of the end of July. All educational places have to be done and dusted as schools in the UK close for summer. The main problem we have is that schools/colleges are equally super busy and sometimes getting a response can take weeks. We like each profile to be read and accepted individually. So we have the inboud admin team reviewing and accepting new students, the school team are phoning, emailing and contacting schools/colleges, the family team are interviewing and screening…
The Study Abroad UK Edinburgh Trip
Wednesday 18th May 2022
Kerry Ferguson
Our students tell us this is famous and everyone wants to join our trip to Edinburgh so I thought it was about time that I told you what it is about. Firstly as young people do not get up early we depart at 10 am. Our tour director Mark Reeves and his assistant welcome everyone on the coach. During the journey to our first stop, our guides talk about Edinburgh and we have a quiz. Our first stop is Gretna Green. Gretna Green is amazing and famous for people eloping to get married. Arriving in Edinburgh late afternoon we take a guided tour around Edinburgh taking in all the points of interest. After settling in our accommodation we head out…
Free trip to Chester March 2022
Wednesday 30th March 2022
Mark - Tour Director - Study Abroad UK
All students were welcomed to coach at the various pick-up points. Covid test results were checked. Safety announcements were made after each pick-up about safety belts and remaining seated. Leaving the final pick-up point at 10am we made the short journey to Chester. During this part of the journey, we made announcements about the day ahead and we gave a presentation of interesting facts about Chester. We also informed the students If anyone had any problems or would like to talk to me or Lisa in private that they were more than welcome to come and have a chat with us at any time during the day (this was repeated on the journey home). Arriving in Chester at 11.30am we started…
Student Exchange Birmingham
Monday 2nd March 2020
We often get asked about a student exchange program alternative to London. Most foreign students coming to England have already seen London and want to study somewhere other than London. Student exchange in Birmingham is very popular. The High School Experience in Birmingham means that Study Abroad exchange students have access to the vibrant and lively city of Birmingham without an expensive commute by tube. Our Birmingham host families are mostly based on the outskirts of Birmingham in safe family neighborhoods. The city centre is easy to reach with a short journey by bus. Bus travel is a very safe and popular travel method in and around Birmingham. Birmingham local government even provides seniors with a free local travel…
Study Abroad UK Facebook
Monday 17th February 2020
One thing that always tugs our heart strings is the messages we see on Facebook. We love to see how we make such a difference to young peoples lives. Its so true what our students say. When you are leaving your home country to come to Great Britain you know that you will always come back but when you leave England you just don't know if you will have the chance to come to back again. We wanted to share this Facebook post with you. Today exactly one year ago, I was on the flight to England! ✈️ A great exchange 😋 despite everything I went through. I met too many nice people of different nationalities. Going to exchange is to know…
Visit England High School Experience after Brexit
Tuesday 4th February 2020
Nothing will change for EU students until 2021. You can still expect to have freedom of movement in the UK. Click read more Read to watch video
Study Abroad in London experience
Monday 3rd February 2020
We recently took Some of our UK High School Experience students to London. Everybody loves this trip to the capital. Usually its an early start so the first coach pick is at 6.25 am. It's takes around 3 hours from Central England to get into London. We always stop off halfway down to stretch our legs and usually have a quiz about London and share interesting stories on the way there. When we arrive in London our first stop is the Tower Bridge. You can actually walk right across the top of the bridge. It is quite safe as its all enclosed. There is also a glass floor to walk across. Once we have seen the Tower Bridge, we take…
Christmas in English host family
Thursday 12th December 2019
If you choose to spend your Study Abroad Experience in the winter semester then your in for a treat. We love to decorate our homes, our towns well just about everywhere you turn you will see pretty lights and Christmas tree. Generally as most of our students stay in host families. We will tell you what to expect. On or around the 1st December we will retrieve our artificial Christmas tree from our attic. They are mostly green but popular colours are white, silver and black. Size varies but a popular size is 6ft. Few homes in the UK have real trees because they loose needles quickly.They can also be expensive. The Christmas tree tends to be placed in the…
Vegan Host Family UK
Tuesday 28th May 2019
We get asked this question a lot, can I live with a vegan host family in England? The answer is yes of course you can we have lots of vegan and vegetarian host families in the UK. Being a vegan or vegetarian is easy in England. We have many "fake meat" products here and they taste amazing. Our Director of Exchange Kerry Ferguson is a vegetarian and she knows how important it is for a vegetarian or vegan student to live with a host family that can understand and provide a vegetarian or vegan diet. So what do vegan and vegetarian students eat in England? In the picture you can see a vegan breakfast. This is a vegan version of…
How to Apply to Study in the UK?
Monday 13th May 2019
Its is easy to apply to Study Abroad in the UK. We really do try to keep the process very easy and simple. All of our programs use the same forms. We call this a student profile. One the first page you provide basic information about yourself, then we ask what sort of host family you would like. We find out if your a veggie, vegan or have any allergies etc. If you can adjust to a smoking home or home with pets, you then tell us about your interests and hobbies and your favourite foods. We have an academic transcript, a medical form and ask you to write an introductions to your host family and your placement. Thats…
Host Family in London
Monday 8th April 2019
If you would like a host family in London then we can help. A Study Abroad host family in London provides affordable accommodation for over 18's. Also in a Study Abroad host family we can offer you a home from home in London that has been vetted unlike Air B and B who do not vet their homes. Every homestay in London we offer has been visited by our staff. We also perform criminal background checks so you know you have safe accommodation in London. We also guarantee free wi-fi in the host family. Please get in touch if we can help you find an affordable host family
WHAT DOES BREXIT MEAN FOR STUDENT EXCHANGE
Tuesday 2nd April 2019
Are we worrying about Brexit, no we are not! The UK remains open for student exchange. Whether or not we remain in the EU young people from all over the world we be able to visit England to take part in all our programmes and projects. This year we will welcome young people from North America, South America, Central America, Europe, Africa Asia and Australasia. Every nationality is welcome to apply. Applying is free and we do not make any charges to review your application. Visiting England is as exiting as ever. All our major cities have received huge investment to keep them vibrant and interesting and great time for you spend some "me time" We look forward to…
MEET REAL UK EXCHANGE STUDENTS
Wednesday 17th October 2018
YOU WANT TO MEET REAL EXCHNAGE STUDENTS... DO IT HERE
How old do you have to be to an exchange student in the uk
Monday 1st October 2018
We get asked this question quite a lot so we thought we would put it in our blog. Most exchange students are aged between 16 and 18 but occasionally we get requests from 15 year olds and 18+ If you have not reached your 19th birthday by the time you land we can offer you a place. What if you are under 16? Everything will proceed as normal if you are 15 years and 11 months when you land. If you are younger it becomes a little more tricky. If you are aged under 15 and 11 months when you land your host family status must change. In the UK if you are 15 you are considered to be a child. Therefore the…
10 Reasons to Study Abroad in England
Monday 23rd April 2018
[1] Our students describe visiting the UK as one of the best periods of their lives. [2] It gives you the opportunity to experience different subjects that you do not experience in the United States and other parts of the world. *[3]*It gives you the chance to improve your English skills, while also being immersed in the British culture. It makes it easier to learn a language. *[4]*It gives you the opportunity to be exposed to new tastes, new music, new people and new attitudes to build your new well travelled self. *[5]*You learn life skills to become self-sufficient and independent. *[6]*Future employers and friends will be impressed by your Study Abroad UK experience, as most people only get the chance to travel…
Fully Refundable Deposit for Study Abroad Programmes
Monday 12th March 2018
There is no application fee to join our study abroad programmes. The application process is completely free. We provide you with a free application form which you can send back via email. You don't even have to pay for the postage. Its that simple. You application form will be viewed by our admission team then Dr. Ashmore, Director of Management. Once you receive your official offer of a place we request a deposit so we can begin work to secure your education, volunteer or work placement. If we are unsuccessful, if we can't find you a place to work, study or exchange then you receive your money back. It is a simple as that.
UK High School International Project
Thursday 23rd November 2017
When you become an high school exchange student, part of the experience is sharing your culture. Our teenagers love to hear all about your home country. Very often British teenagers are no so well travelled as you, so finding about your life is very interesting. Last week one of our students from Guatemala gave a presentation about her home country. She put a lovely presentation together to talk about life in Guatemala. It was interesting for UK teens to learn the differences between the UK and Guatemala culture
STUDY ABROAD UK SCHOOL
Tuesday 31st October 2017
Do you ever wonder what UK high school is really like? Well now you can just see for yourself. Here are some of our students introducing themselves in the school news broadcasts. Well done everyone
WELCOME TO ENGLAND EVERYONE
Monday 11th September 2017
We would just like to stay a big welcome to all our academic students and exchange students who have arrived or will arrive shortly. As usual we are an over subscribed programme and have tried our best to accommodate as many students as possible. Especially we have tried to help those who have been let down at the last minute by other organisations who are unable to find host families. We have lots of host families in the UK. Please contact us if you want to come to England to study or as an exchange student our next academic intake is January.
Study Abroad Team Member Walks Again
Wednesday 15th February 2017
We have great pleasure in announcing that our lovely team member Nicki through hard work and determination has found her feet once again. Nicki, a dedicated former police officer was seriously hurt in the line of duty. As well as other numerous injuries Nicki was paralysed from the waist down. Now with the help of technology Nicki is able to walk again. We are so proud of what Nicki has achieved and know how hard she has had to work to be able to walk once more. Please read Nicki's story
Travel the world with costing the earth
Monday 9th May 2016
Great program, great prices. Looking for a low cost study abroad program, well you have found it. We do our very best to keep prices down so that more young people can take part in student exchange. Our prices are like you have won a study abroad scholarship. We never compromise on quality, we offer the best student programme in the world
Study Abroad Resources
Monday 23rd March 2015
To help you choose your Study Abroad program in England we are going to be uploading free student resources. Thing we think will help you Study in the UK, understand more about UK host families, student exchange in England and how Study Abroad UK works. We can not put everything up here at once. But web helper Matthew Adams is working hard behind the scenes to bring you and easy to use page. Study Abroad UK does everything it can to help its students prepare to study in Britain. If you can think of a student resource you would like immediately then please do contact us by email. For now check out our Studying Abroad resource page as it starts to…
Study Abroad UK Free Excursions
Thursday 19th February 2015
We know that if you study in England you want to explore. The Study Abroad High School program offers free excursions to all students placed in Central England. We take you to the best places in the UK so that you can see the best tourist attraction We want you to have a great time and we want to showcase our country. All our tours are fully escorted with our own staff on board the coach. They provide a fun and informative day for you to remember. Put your photos on Facebook We love them ! Here is a typical list of our Study Abroad excursions Study Abroad Bath trip We visit the famous UNESCO world heritage site and see the Roman baths Study…
Share a host Family- Make friends around the world
Wednesday 14th January 2015
Study Abroad UK Buddy Program- Make friends around the world Going overseas by yourself can be a big deal by yourself. No need to worry, we can help you. A Study Abroad buddy means you share a host family with another student with a different nationality. You choose to stay in a host family who will be hosting another student. Your student buddy will be from a different country and on the same program as you. So you can improve your English, go to college together, visit the UK together. You will make friends with another student from a different part of the world on day one. So not only do you make friends with English students you make friends with…
The best student exchange program in the world
Tuesday 22nd July 2014
We need your vote. We believe we do a great job for our students. We always go the extra mile to help any young person whether they travel with us or not. We believe that we do everything possible to make sure that every student who travels with us has a great time on program. We have lots of staff in the field to help students, there is always someone you can call on day or night. We care about young people your never just a number or a file. We give personal attention to everyone who takes part in a Study Abroad UK. Young people are our number one. We create memories and stories for life. Please take a…
UK Host Family just for Christmas and holidays
Monday 21st July 2014
If you need a UK host family for Christmas and holidays we can help! We have hundreds of families through Britain. We have host families available during the holiday period to host you. Arrival date is negotiable. We will meet you at the local airport or train station. If you are currently in a UK boarding school, we can collect you in person from school and drive you to your host family. During the festive holidays expect to join in with Christmas atmosphere or if you don't want to you can request a family that does not celebrate. We have families for everyone. All you have to do is ask
Programs for special needs students
Monday 7th July 2014
Finding a program for physically challenged or special needs students may prove difficult. But,we want to help students with challenges. We have programs for wheelchair users. We have programs for mobility issues. Most UK schools and UK colleges are adapted to help with mobility. There is no reason why a physically challenged student can not come to Britain. The Study Abroad UK has a good record for helping students with mobility issues. In Britain most places like shopping centres, tourist attractions, restaurants, cinemas and theatres also have special facilities to assist wheelchair users and those students who are less able. Please do not think that because you have a challenge you can not come here. You can. You will be…
Study Abroad UK Bus Pass
Friday 20th June 2014
We always provide a travel pass for Study Abroad students. Students often wonder how the Study Abroad UK travel pass works? In the UK we do not have one public transport provider we have several. Students travel around the local area by bus. Buses in urban areas in the UK are frequent and often. In cities there is information at the bus stop telling you when the next bus will arrive. You can pay for your journey in cash to the driver or you can use a travel card. Study Abroad UK provides a travel card. The Study Abroad UK bus pass can vary. We always do our best to buy you a pass that is valid for the entire length of…
UK Host Families
Tuesday 10th June 2014
We have hundreds of host families in the UK. We often get asked about the type of host family you will be placed in? When you complete your application form you can choose the type of host family. We offer host families with teenagers, host families with children and host families with no children. In your host family you can stay with another exchange student or you can stay by yourself. If you stay with another exchange student they will be from another country so you will speak in English. You can also choose a host family who has pets or a host family with no pets. We can even find you a family where you can bring your own…
Study Abroad UK cell phone
Monday 19th May 2014
On some programmes we provide a free UK cell phone. In England we call these mobile phones. In the UK mobile phones can be on a "contract" or on "pay as you go" If you on a contract then you pay a set amount every month to the telecoms provider. They usually give you so many free minutes, free text messages and free internet time. After you use this time you have to pay. There are some exceptions if you have an "unlimited" phone contract. With "pay as you go" you pay for what you use. You can top up your phone with credit and you usually receive a text message to tell you if you are low on…
No Application Deadlines at Study Abroad UK
Monday 12th May 2014
We do not have deadlines. The is no application deadline for Study Abroad UK. We know that some organisations can let you down. They can not find you a UK host family or they can not find you a UK study placement. We do our best to help you whatever your circumstances. If you need help contact us. We will try even harder help you study abroad. We never shut our doors to any young person who needs help. We want you to have a trip of a lifetime with Study Abroad UK and we know you can not always make an application for a deadline. We understand we are dealing with people so we go the extra mile Please…
Study Abroad UK Information Pack
Wednesday 30th April 2014
Study Abroad UK has launched a new study abroad information pack. The information pack is available for all study abroad programs. How to get a Study Abroad UK information pack? All you need to do is to send us an email to request the pack and which Study Abroad UK information pack you require. We have the following available. High School Exchange Information Pack Study Abroad Information Pack Volunteer Abroad Information Pack Group Programs Information Pack Work Placement Information Pack Student Exchange Information Pack Intensive English Information Pack University preparation Information Pack Summer short stay Information Pack Host families for groups information pack
Exchange programs for 19 year old students
Wednesday 23rd April 2014
Study Abroad UK is the only program in the world to offer High School Exchange to 19 year old students. We try to help as many young people to visit England as possible. As long as you are 19 years old or younger you can do a UK High School Exchange Program. 19 year old UK exchange students are treated as adults in Great Britain. We place you in an English host family so that get help and support you need. Even though you are a 19 year old exchange we do work with some British High School who are willing to accept student exchanges for 19 year old exchange students
Cheap train tickets for UK students
Monday 7th April 2014
A lot of people ask us how to get cheap train tickets for UK students? Here are some ideas to get cheap tickets Tip 1: Sign up for train company newsletters. UK train companies are eager to get UK students to travel. Train offers will be in your inbox in no time. Tip 2: Buy on-line where possible. Search for companies like Trainline, mytrainticket, national rail or red spotted hanky. Tip 3: Check single and return tickets, singles might be cheaper. Tip 4: Book well in advance, tickets get more expensive nearer the time Tip 5: Don't travel in peak times 7am-9.30am. Tickets are more expensive Tip 6: Try splitting your ticket. Book your journey in stages rather than all at once so if you are…
How to choose an exchange progam Advice for exchange students
Friday 4th April 2014
Choosing a student exchange organization to travel with can be difficult. Just because a study abroad organization has a flashy website don't assume the service is good or meets any particular standards. Any reputable study abroad organization will have a contactable phone number with a real person to talk to or if there are significant time differences a real person should be readily available to call you back at a time to suit you. If you are travelling to a different country, the person who deals with you should be very knowledgeable about customs, education systems, host families, transportation etc. If the questions you ask are not answered extensively walk away. Any reputable student organization will want to put your…
Transfer of Credits for USA students in England
Friday 28th March 2014
Many US teens have travelled England and successfully transferred their educational credits. If you want your study in the UK to be useful when you return home, it is strongly recommended that you explore options to transfer credits. To obtain credits back home for work done in England, we recommend students contact their guidance counsellor. Ask about a written policy for transferring credits. Get your guidance counsellor to make a special written document that states exactly what you have achieve whilst you are in England. Make sure they write down what you need to do for them to be able to transfer your credits. Your guidance counsellor might ask you to select and study the same or similar subjects when in…
Exchange Student Blog England
Wednesday 19th March 2014
Real student real experience. Student from Argentina tells Facebook about his UK student exchange story 66 days ago that I am in England, half of this beautiful experience. These 2 and a half months that pass here were some of the best in my life, I met spectacular places, friends that I made is that I'll never forget, I got a family more than 10,000 kilometres from my house, I have a new brother who seems that we knew for years and also learned a lot about other cultures apart from mine as others see us to us and also to see that they are not such as to as everyone says it is. Being an exchange student can change your life,…
Scholarship for Study Abroad Programs
Friday 14th March 2014
Study Abroad UK Scholarship The British American Foundation of Texas (BAFTX) was established to help provide financial assistance and educational opportunities to academically-gifted students in the United Kingdom and the United States who otherwise might not be able to pursue their education due to financial constraints. BAFTX is able to offer students four levels of scholarship awards, from middle school through the undergraduate and graduate level of education. Several of the awards include the opportunity to attend classes in the United Kingdom or the United States where the students are also able to experience a different culture. BAFTX and the Board of Directors are committed to assisting these bright, hard-working students reach their academic potential. Through the generosity of our amazing…
Football Players Wanted for UK Academy
Tuesday 4th March 2014
Looking to improve your football technique. Study Abroad UK is searching for two players to join our football academy student exchange programme. A fantastic course focusing on football where you can gain a qualification in Sport. Must be prepared to stay from September to Easter and already be playing in a school team Apply now!
Study Abroad UK January start dates
Tuesday 28th January 2014
Welcome to every student who arrived during January. January arrivals are proving more and more popular especially with Visa and non Visa nationals. (Everyone who doesn't have EU residence. If you arrive in January for a Study Abroad Programme then you can enter the UK for 6 months a visitor. You can enter either as a Child Visitor (under 18) or as a Adult Visitor (18+) You get a six month stamp in your passport. Once you arrive we meet you at the airport then take you to your host family
News update
Tuesday 13th August 2013
The last six weeks have been that hectic we have not had time to post a blog. Here is our latest news. All students arriving in September are placed by the end of July.Welcome packs sent out during the 1st two weeks of August.Applications open for January intake.
UK Postal Service Study Abroad UK Applications
Thursday 6th June 2013
We are happy to accept UK High School Exchange applications and Study Abroad applications through the postal service, you do not need to use a courier. We recommend you check with your mail service the length of time an application will take to get to England. You can always send your application to our office but we think your Study Abroad and High School Exchange application will be safer if you send it to PO Box 95, Sandown PO36 6AU as the application does not leave the the mail system until someone from our office team collects in person. The UK postal service is excellent. There are postal boxes everywhere and you can buy stamps from convenience stores, major supermarkets…
Additional Places on High School Programme
Monday 3rd June 2013
Our UK student exchange program is always over subscribed. We want to help as many students as possible so we have created even more places to cope with an unexpected amount of applications. Study Abroad UK is a great organisation and we try to find more ways to accept more students. We work tirelessly to help students who want to study in the UK. We have extended our deadline to help students who are let down by other organisations and those students who decide at the last minute. We always do our best to help you. Our advice is free.
UK Host Family
Friday 31st May 2013
Hello Everyone This time of year the office is really busy. We are all working hard to match host families with students. We have hundreds of host families and hundreds of students to match. Everyone arriving in September has to be placed in a family and in a school before the end of July. We know all our families very well as we spend time in host family homes talking about hosting, we have to make careful checks to make sure that Study Abroad UK host families offer a safe and welcoming environment. Also we want to make sure the area is good. We do not place students in a rural area unless we are asked to so you will…
Bank Holiday
Tuesday 28th May 2013
So sorry if it haven't heard from us for a while we are having a break for the Bank Holiday. Originally, introduced by the Bank of England, it was a way of observing 33 saint days. Now there are 8 Bank Holidays a year in the UK. On a Bank holiday financial institutions such as banks, post offices and building societies are closed and generally offices, and factories close too. Exchange students are happy as schools do not open during a bank holiday either This bank holiday (Spring bank holiday) has been really good as most of the UK saw sunshine. During a bank holiday, it is typical that British people will visit the seaside, do some DIY…
Study Abroad UK V UKBA
Friday 24th May 2013
Study Abroad UK has been challenging the UKBA about exchange student immigration for years. In 2008 the UK government introduced a new system and along with this UK government omitted the special immigration concession for young people coming to the UK as exchange students. An exchange student is a young person usually aged between 16-18 arriving in the UK to experience life and education. Exchange students are not necessarily coming to the UK for formal studies but as a cultural visitor exercise. Exchange students were allowed to enter Britain for up to 10 months. And now, if they are visa or non visa nationals they are not. We are pleading with ministers to put this concession back. Micheal Gove said…
Study Abroad UK visits Bath
Monday 20th May 2013
If you are an exchange student and you have opted for Central England then more than likely you will join our excursion program. One of the places we take you to is Bath. Bath is one of the worlds most beautiful cities, with stunning architecture and lots to see and do. Our excursion to Bath takes place in September or January.We like to make sure that we take you to best destinations in England. Therefore we went on an inspection visit to be sure Bath is still popular. we saw lots of people and students roaming around. We want you to enjoy yourself and see as much of England as possible. Please click the link for more information on…
Lots of exchange student applications arrive
Wednesday 15th May 2013
In the office we are as busy as ever. This time of year we are inundated with applications for new UK student exchange programmes staring in September. The photocopier never stops. It works tirelessly churning out vast quantities of copies. When an exchange student application is approved we need to make a copy for the education establishment, a copy for the Support Worker, a copy for the UK host family and a copy for the file. Before any placement is agreed it is important that everyone taking part knows as much as possible about the exchange student except contact details which are confidential. Today we received another 30 applications for UK student exchange, we received apps…
Study Abroad UK starts a blog
Monday 13th May 2013
Welcome to Study Abroad UK blog. Here you get the chance to read about what we are doing behind the scenes. Today we have a massive job today. Our Study Abroad UK High School exchange program comes to an end for the majority of our students this week. Lots of exchange students will say a tearful goodbye to their UK host family, their UK High School and British friends. Everyone now speaks fluent English and will return home with a new outlook on life. We asked our students what they would miss the most. Here is what a few students said Staring school later in the day. Roberto, Italy Choosing what to wear in school. Orange, China Mrs…