Why study for a UK qualification?
You may not be able to travel halfway round the world and spend three years in another country at this stage of your life, but that doesn't mean you wont be able to gain an internationally respected UK education. Every year, more than 200,000 students study for UK qualifications in their own country, either by attending a local college or university where UK qualifications are taught, or by distance learning, using the internet, email, CD-ROMs and other audiovisual material to study in their own time. This allows you to study in the way that suits your lifestyle and your budget. It means that you don't have to leave your job, or disrupt your family, or spend a long time away from your own country. It also means that you improve your job prospects, immerse yourself in modern and innovative learning techniques and give yourself a fabulous start to whatever career or further study you decide to go on to next.
You'll gain recognised and respected qualifications
UK qualifications, including A-levels, BTECs, HNDs, degrees from UK universities and professional qualifications are respected all over the world. All UK qualifications have to meet rigorous standards, and this applies just as much to ones you study in your own country as those you'd take in the UK. You'll be expected to meet the same standards as students studying in the UK and your work will be checked regularly to make sure that this is the case. Your UK qualification is a mark of quality, proving to future employers that you're up to whatever task they set.
Your institution will really support you
UK colleges and universities have a long history of providing education to students based overseas. Virtually all UK universities are involved in some form of overseas delivery of their qualifications, and they may have twinning arrangements with institutions in your own country, who will let you use their facilities, libraries and other resources.
Of course, the biggest advantage of studying for a UK qualification in your own country is the cost. Many students are unable to come to the UK for their studies because they can't afford to leave their job, because they have a family to support, or because the cost of living in the UK is much higher than in their own country. If you're in this position it doesn't mean you'll lose out. You will still benefit from top-rate support throughout your study. You'll have access to lecturers and tutors by email and telephone and will be able to chat to other students and share your experiences with them, via internet chatrooms. It'll be the next best thing to campus life.
Make the best use of your time
If you choose to study in your own country, you'll be able to plan your own timetable, fitting your studies around your other commitments. If you're a busy manager, working full time, you may prefer a course that involves little or no contact with teaching staff, so that you work entirely at your own pace, or you may prefer a part-time course that's delivered through a local college, where you can meet lecturers and tutors face-to-face to discuss your studies. If you don't have other commitments, you may prefer to go into college every day, giving you virtually the same experience that you'd have if you were a student in the UK.
Gain the skills and qualities employers want
UK qualifications let employers know at a glance that you've got the skills they're looking for, putting you on the right track for a great job and a great salary. This applies to qualifications studied in your own country, as well as ones you gained in the UK. A degree from a UK institution will let employers know that you're capable of independent thought, able to undertake research and analysis and that you're prepared to work hard. In fact, the resourcefulness required to track down your own research materials when you're not a few minutes' walk away from the university library can be a real feather in your cap when you're looking for a job.
Practise your English
You might not have to speak English every day, but your language skills are bound to improve during your studies as you'll be communicating with UK academics over the telephone or by email. Presenting your essays and research in English will have a great effect on your written communication skills and you'll be amazed at how much you pick up about UK teaching methods and culture. You may also have access to the online language resources your institution would make available to students in the UK, as well. All of this means that you'll finish your course with a good understanding of UK language and culture that will give you a good start in your search for a new or improved international career.
