Help! Does this sound like a solid plan?

Submitted by Anonymous on Sun, 07/24/2011 - 21:12
General Information
Your Name: 
Anna Prozorov
Where do you want to go?: 
Wales
When are you planning to go?: 
2012
What field are you interested in?: 
Teach Abroad
Study Abroad
Volunteer Abroad
Additional Details: 

Alright...I feel like I need some serious advice from experienced abroad-ers.

Currently, my plan is as follows: starting in July 2012, I plan to volunteer in Wales for either 3 months or 6 months, depending on what the project is. Afterwords, I plan to stay there with a working permit and try to find a job (I may be able to stay with someone.) After that, I'll try to apply for a fine arts college in the UK...

Or so it goes in my head.

My question is this: Realistically, can I achieve this plan? And, if so, what should I be doing to seriously prepare for this? I'm currently 17, still in high school/secondary school, and going to graduate in May of 2012. Afterwards, my plans are wide open. I want to eventually find permanent residence in the United Kingdom, but I honestly don't know the expenses or the wiseness of this choice. As of now, I am a dual citizen of both United States and Israel, and am fluent in both English and Russian (though I don't know how that helps...)

Please...help? ):

Kate Thomas's picture

Hi Anna, This all sounds very

Submitted by Kate Thomas on Mon, 07/25/2011 - 09:16.

Hi Anna,

This all sounds very exciting and you can do what ever you put your mind to so remember that.

It is really important for you you to get accepted onto your course and have your Visa set before you leave the USA otherwise you will have to come back to the states to get it. You cannot get a Visa for the UK in the UK. As far as I am aware you can only come into the UK on your Visa three or four months before your course begins so you could volunteer in that period of time. If you want it to be longer then you may have to come in on a tourist visa and then leave and re-enter the UK on your student visa.

As for work permits, it is really difficult to get a work visa just for a short period of time, especially if you are not sponsored by a company. After you complete your course it is easier to stay in the UK but it will be difficult before.

Hope this helps and good luck - I have done it the other way around and moved from the UK to California - If I can do it so can you!

Take care

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