<p>What are the pros and cons of studying abroad in England as opposed to a non English speaking country, in terms of experiencing different cultures, meeting new people, enjoyment, etc?<br>
In terms of other languages, is it better to study somewhere where you have studied the language? In my case that would be Spanish, but since my foreign language skills are sub par my Spanish would be mediocre at best. What about programs in say Africa that focus on research or learning on environmental issues or other specific topics? Are those best suited to summer trips?
How about the difference between a semester and year long trip? Are the different time spans best suited to different countries (foreign language vs English speaking)?
Sorry for all the questions.</p>
<p>It is not England, it is the UK. Get it right, it really annoys British people, if you can’t then go elsewhere.</p>
<p>^ Actually, it doesn’t really annoy 99.9% of British people (unless you use ‘England’ to mean the UK as a whole, that’s ignorance).</p>
<p>Studying abroad in London, Nottingham or Manchester is studying abroad in England. Deal with it.</p>
<p>Would you get so annoyed if a Brit asked, ‘should I study abroad in New York or in a non-English speaking country’?</p>
<p>keepittoyourself</p>
<p>^ Technically perhaps, but it is common courtesy to use a countries proper name in an international context. I wouldn’t be so picky about it if it were an infrequent faux pas, but just last week I heard a reporter on ABC news refer to the Queen as the ‘Queen of England’, a title which hasn’t been used since before the US was founded.</p>
<p>It depends on what your program is like. Are you just going to be ghettoized with a bunch of other Americans, with profs from your school? In that case, it doesn’t really matter where you go! If you come to England, maybe with a direct admit to an English university, you will be halls with British students, study local classes, socialise with local students. This can be as meaningful in England or in Spain - you really need to embed yourself in the local culture. In Spain, for example, you might get to stay with a host family, which would be really great. You could also go to Argentina or Chile with Spanish. I went to Chile - INCREDIBLE place!</p>
<p>Keepittoyourself. It ****es off a lot of British people. Also from the list of Universities the OP included it was clear that he meant the Uk when he talked about England. It is just Ignorant to do it. Truthfully if you do not know the proper name of the country you want to study in I do not know why you would bother to go there.</p>
<p>I’m English. I’m not British.</p>
<p>Well you clearly do not understand your own country. You are, within the set of British a member of the subset of English, as it were. You are both, you come from the part of the United Kingdom called England, but one that is, overall, on the island of Great Britain, in the United Kingdom. As one who is British you can assert, if you wish, an identity as English within the sphere of British, however, what you are not, is someone who is not British getting the name of another country incorrect. Here endeth the lesson.</p>
<p>You claimed it annoyed “British” people to be called English. You’re wrong. 100% wrong.</p>
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<p>If this was the case, study abroad would be cut by 95%.</p>
<p>Dreaming32 it does, most British people I know are annoyed, not obviously in a serious away but nonetheless in a niggling fashion…it annoys me too. I just feel that foreigners should get the name of a country correct. Your attempt to dilute the idea of Britishness is foolish.</p>
<p>Don’t go to the UK. EVERYONE is like this over there. They argue about stuff that doesn’t matter at all just because they want to hate Americans so much, even though we’re awesome people.
As an American, I don’t care whether you call my country the United States or America, even though those are both technically incorrect. Because I’m not a petty Brit. But that’s just me.
But to answer your question, definitely go to a country where you don’t speak the language. You’ll learn so much so fast, I was able to carry on a conversation in French after one class and two weeks in the country. It’s not as hard as it seems. Plus you get fewer Americans who are just over there to party, you’ll actually make friends with the people who live there instead of hanging out with people you share a bond with.
If nothing else you’ll become super skilled at charades.</p>
<p>Ahhh looks like you made that account to make that post. Do you feel good about yourself now? </p>
<p>
This is also very true, a sample size of 3 brits is an accurate depiction of a place with 61 million people. Regardless, I don’t see a problem with their line of thought. If someone called you a New Yorker if you’re from another state, wouldn’t this bother you? Heck, I get ****ed when I tell people that I’m studying in the UK and they say “LIKE OMG I LOVE LONDON” or “LIKE OMG IS THAT IN ENGLAND?!!?!?!!?!”</p>
<p>And when you say something like
It further perpetuates why
</p>
<p>yours truly,
adam0302
a patriotic american</p>
<p>Doublemold, sad ■■■■■, get a life, and an education.</p>
<p>Yeah, I’m aware I’m wrong, I just thought that it might be nice if people actually gave advice instead of jumping on the OP for an admittedly incorrect statement that doesn’t matter. When people around me say stupid stuff I don’t correct them, I just smile and feel superior without making a scene.</p>
<p>I was just in England to visit friends. They used “British” and “English” rather interchangeably but I hear more “English” than “British,” definitely “British” when it came to politics because as one pointed out Britain is made up of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.</p>
<p>Just be conscious of the context that you’re talking about. It is similar to how the United States of America ought to be defined. “America” historically has been referred to the lifestyle, culture, and the society. “The United States” is more political and economical. That’s what I’ve heard during my times abroad.</p>