Welcome to England!

If you have chosen to study in our beautiful country you will have a fantastic time.

England is a wonderful country but many things are different to your country. Here is some information about our country:

London, UK

The Weather

  • England has a temperate climate.
  • We do get sunny weather in the summer, but generally the temperature will not be higher than 25 degrees – on a very good day!.
  • It can be wet and windy, so bring appropriate clothing – and an umbrella!
  • We sometimes get snow in the winter – which can be very exciting for students from tropical climates.

Culture

  • ‘Please’ and ‘thank you’ are words that should be used a lot. In the UK we consider it rude if you do not use them. If you ask for something, say “please”. If somebody gives you something or helps you, say “thank you”
  • Smoking is prohibited by law in many public places…restaurants, cafes, bars, cinemas etc. If you smoke in these places you will have to pay a fine
  • Many people in Britain do not smoke or are trying to give up smoking. Even if they smoke, it is unusual for people to smoke inside their own house.
  • Most of our families do not smoke but they are happy for students to smoke outside - in their garden, for example.
  • British people love pets! If you go to a park it is likely that you will see many people walking their dogs. Dogs are generally domesticated and well behaved so there is no need to be afraid.
  • Queueing…..The British are well know for their love of queues! It is considered very rude to jump a queue. If there is a queue for something, please wait your turn.
  • The British have a great sense of humour. Join school staff for the weekly Social Programme for a chance to practise your English in a real and fun environment!

 

 

Living with a British Family

  • England is a multi cultural country with many people of different ethnic backgrounds.
  • Many of our host families are from other races and religions, and will often eat very different food to what some students may expect English people to eat. This is normal in England.
  • In England and at Shane Global we do not tolerate racial discrimination of any kind.
  • British families, love to have family pets such as a dog or cat living in the house. Animals are treated as part of the family and are friendly. There is no need to be afraid of dogs in England. However, if you are not happy living with animals, please tell us when you apply for your course and we will try to accommodate you in a family without pets.
  • Most British women go to work every day. They do not spend the day cooking and cleaning the house. As a result, food may be bought pre-prepared from supermarkets.
  • British peole tend to eat earlier in the evenings than some countries -  usually about 6.00 -7.00pm. If you will not be at home for dinner with your host family, please be courteous and arrange in advance for them to leave food for you for later - or tell them if you will not need food at all.
  • Our towns and cities are very old and so our houses may appear very small compared to houses in your home country.
  • British people do not generally have maids or cleaners. Housework is done by the family – women and men.
  • Because the houses Britain are generally smaller they usually only have one bathroom and this often contains the toilet also.
  • Most of the rooms in the house will be carpeted and this may include the bathroom.