<p>A friend is trying to decide whether to attend university in england or america, from the perspective of a foreigner to both countries, fluent in a few languages including english. What are the benefits/disadvantages of each, and is it easy or possible to transfer credits from a british school to an american school if one were to transfer after some time? Also, is it viable option to attend university in england and then go to grad school in the US?</p>
<p>thanks very much for the advice!</p>
<p>England.. more focused, America.. more broad based, liberal</p>
<p>So any answers to the specific questions? About transfering, etc.?</p>
<p>I noticed four main differences between American Universities and British universities...and that played a major role in chosing to attend an american university:</p>
<p>1) American universities have a greater sense of cummunity than British universities. American campuses are generally more lively, dynamic and spirited.</p>
<p>2) The American system is significantly more flexible, allowing students to double major and change majors anytime in the first 2 years.</p>
<p>3) American universities are generally better funded and have more recently renovated facilities and more recent and cutting edge technologies.</p>
<p>4) The British system generally approaches education in a more focused and more theoretical manner.</p>
<p>American universities are far more selective and, hence, admissions to these universities is more competitive. If you are applying from a British curriculum school, you will find it difficult to gain admission to top tier American colleges whilst you will, in all likelihood, get offers from most British universities.</p>
<p>I disagree with that. British universities appear less selective because their high school system standards are much higher than those in the US system. In effect, it is the British high school system that weeds out many candidates...rather than the admissions process as it is in the US. Bottom line, your typical Cambridge, Oxford, LSE, Imperial student is Ivy League material.</p>
<p>Go to <a href="http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk%5B/url%5D">www.thestudentroom.co.uk</a> for more details about Britsh education. </p>
<p>The UK is a lot better. Selectivity is just as high in the UK as the US, perhaps the only reason why individual international applicants may receive rejections at most US institutions while acceptances at most UK ones likely is because the US education system is heavily biased against international students. They make a FAR smaller proportion of the student population than UK ones.</p>
<p>Durham, Cambride, and Oxford all operate collegiate systems which offer very tight-knit communities that is superior to American university "school spirit." I'd say that much of what the above poster claimed as "school spirit and vibrancy" is simply attributable to cultural differences between Americans and Brits.</p>
<p>i am from england and one of my teacher at school went to oxford and said she had the most fantastic time, however she said herself that she was unlikly to get in (not saying that you won't) but as there are so few ivy schools in england places are competed for very hard (im am positive us is as well) i would say that there could well be a large class seperation in the english colleges as often extremly rich kids go to ivies so be aware of snobbiness if you get it ( and if u are looking for aid i would be careful the english governemnt are really tight)</p>
<p>Alexandre has made some excellent points with which i agree. The common opinion i encounter on this (oft repeated issue) is that English (which, for the love of god, is not the same as British any more than the USA = California ) higher education is better for undergrad level as it is more immediately focused while the USA is a better option for grad level.</p>
<p>
[QUOTE]
1) American universities have a greater sense of cummunity than British universities. American campuses are generally more lively, dynamic and spirited.
[/QUOTE]
I think this may well be true in the main but with regard to Oxford and Cambridge it certainly isnt - bearing in mind the intense intercollegiate rivalry which often stretches back centuries within, and between, each university and their respective colleges.</p>
<p>guys ....howz cardiff university for undergrad business?
im n international student from India.</p>
<p>"The common opinion i encounter on this (oft repeated issue) is that English (which, for the love of god, is not the same as British any more than the USA = California ) higher education is better for undergrad level as it is more immediately focused while the USA is a better option for grad level"</p>
<p>That seems to make sense if you're already SURE what you want to pursue for your life.. what if you're like most college-bound students and are undecided? do you really want to get locked in? or am i misunderstanding?</p>
<p>One thing I know for a fact is that here in Britain a lot of your social life at uni will revolve around booze. This is by no means bad (drinking age is 18), you get used to it VERY quickly and will have a whale of a time, but if you are a bit too conservative in your personality you would not find the community as close-knit. Day trips to Paris should be an advantage! I know am stressing the little things, but to me they add up to mean a lot.</p>
<p>from what i have understood from talking to my physics teacher (who, by the way is from england ), if a person is applying for undergraduate studies, then england is best cuz they have this program called sandwich program, where one can work in an industry related to their studies FOR PAY. and it is quite popular too. But if one is looking for admission in master's degree then US is best for them.</p>
<p>
[QUOTE]
they have this program called sandwich program, where one can work in an industry related to their studies FOR PAY. and it is quite popular too
[/QUOTE]
Yups. This type of program results in an MSci undergrad degree rather than a BSci in Scotland and i believe its the same in England. You spend a year in industry prior to your final year and earn an excellent amount of money (by student standards at least) An former peer of mine at Glasgow University is finishing the third year of his Biochemistry degree atm and assuming he gets the grades asked of him ( At least straight Bs) hel be taking up a placement year at Glaxo-Smith-Kline and earning approx £15,000/$30,000 during the year before returning to university to complete the final,honours year of his degree.</p>