Gap Year in England: Welcome!

Internships:

England has always been a popular tourist destination. Due to its rich history, diverse culture, and exciting current events (such as the London Olympics) England is now, more than ever, a premier destination for students looking to intern abroad. Internships can be found in a variety of fields such as business, economics, communications, and politics. Interning in London will gain you respect, earn unmatched experiences not accessible back home, and have meaningful contacts for life. A letter of recommendation and listing an international internship make interning in London all the more worthwhile.

Planning Your Gap Year in England

Cost of Living in England:

Living in England, particularly London, is very expensive when compared to many places in the World. While the strength of the pound has decreased in recent years, it's still around 1.6 times stronger than the U.S. Dollar. A single room in London can cost as much as 650 pounds. That's roughly $1040. The cost of living will of course depend on the situation (and tastes!) of each individual, but you should still plan effectively. It's important to be aware of the costs you will be facing as a traveler, but don't let it put you off! Plan carefully and think about cost-saving strategies. The cost of living in England shouldn't be too overwhelming if you are willing to make small sacrifices. While in England, look for shared housing and utilize the excellent public transport networks. You can also avoid excess fees from your bank by opening a UK Bank Account.

Buckingham Palace in London

Culture and Etiquette in England:

Politeness is highly valued. Always say "please" and "thank you" and "sorry". Touching is usually kept to a minimum and the English tend to keep a 2-3 feet distance while speaking. In a business environment, touching is very minimal and personal space should be respected much more than in a family setting. At a first meeting, both men and women generally shake hands. Work opportunities for women are varied and available, yet women still make less money on average. The English value being well dressed and nicely groomed. Make sure that you're prompt and ready to go, the term "time is money" is taken seriously in England.

England has stood as a beacon of democracy and a bastion of ideological freedom, and yet has maintained its ancient traditions. In a single day, a visitor can see the ancient ruins of an aqueduct, a medieval castle, and the Charles Darwin exhibit. England has a rich history of renaissance art and, of course, was home to the most influential writer in literature, William Shakespeare. The English are proud of their rich history of storytellers and social thinkers.

The Tower Bridge in London

Health and Safety in England:

England, a first world country, has strong health and safety regulations. The water is safe to drink and restaurants must adhere to strong health codes. Vaccinations are readily available, but England does not have widespread cases of disease to worry about.

Why Take a Gap Year in England?

From the ancient megaliths of Stonehenge, to the Magna Carta, to the space-age domes of the Eden Project in Cornwall, traveling through England is like taking a trip through history. Spending a gap year in England provides you with great resume building opportunities and also gives you the rare chance of gaining new perspectives on the evolution of western civilization.

Photo Credit: Big Ben - Buckingham Palace - Tower Bridge