UK Student News and Events

English is a truly global language crossing many international boundaries. In fact, the English language is so popular; it is spoken in more than a hundred countries and has more than a million words. English has an inherent simplicity and flexibility allowing it to be learnt quickly, cementing English as a global language. As a great example, take the case of Indai. Hindi is the most widely spoken language, yet most people correspond in English. India plays host to many English speaking contact centres and 53% of Nigerians also speak English. English, as a global language, is very popular indeed, but why?

English began its development in Great Britain and was spread across the globe through the Commonwealth nations. It became so influential across the Commonwealth that countries adopted English above and beyond their own languages. Back to the case of India; with more than 22,000 languages and dialects it is perhaps clear why English became so popular and unifying. However, Hindi, being the most widely spoken language in India, never became the national language. Linguistic experts point out that the speed and depth with which the English language became so popular globally is unbelievable.

The major reason as to why the English language is so popular is down to its simplicity and flexibility.

Students already in the UK will be able to stay for an extra year – making it two years in total – after they graduate. This is soon to be announced by ministers and will be followed with legislation to clamp down on illegal colleges helping people enter the UK on the pretence of studying.

Since 2003, 1.6 million UK student visas have been issued and are by far the most common UK visa issued. 309,000 foreign students came to the UK in 2006, an increase of 9% from 2005. The number of students being granted full UK work permits after their studies has also doubled in recent years.

Under present UK visa rules, foreign students in the UK are allowed to work for 1 year after they graduate from their studies. The Immigration Minister, Liam Byrne, announced that UK foreign students will be allowed to work for 2 years from 2009. Liam Byrne unveiled the plans with Bill Rammell, the Further Education Minister, along with details on how to clamp down on bogus colleges. From 2009, all foreign students coming to the UK will need a certificate of sponsorship from their intended institution of study.

Financial institutions in the UK used to love students and would often go out of there way to sign them up. And why not? Students represent a fantastic opportunity for banks and credit card companies given their future earning potential and the fact most students tend to stay most their lives with the bank they had as a student. Banks used to spend millions in freebies trying to attract fickle students but are the days of student perks over?

The student financial market is seeing change, just like other areas of the economy. Freebies are disappearing as are added extras and favourable borrowing arrangements. Increasingly, you’d be lucky to be offered free cinema tickets along with your basic bank account – useful, eh? The credit crunch is hitting the student market just like others and the banks are seriously tightening their belts. No more iPods and cheap overdrafts. Sorry. There is of course another added risk for the bank which has shaken the very attractiveness of the student. With many students leaving university over £20,000 in debt and the credit crunch also harming the job market, there are worries that students may struggle to get those well paid jobs.

Do you need to learn English quickly and improve your communication skills? Maybe you’ve just seen the job of your dreams advertised and you need to brush up on your English fast. If you want to learn English quickly you will need a course that will focus strongly on the key areas of English: reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. The best way to learn English quick is to study a Language Link intensive general English course. To get the most out of any learn English quick programme you will need to be supported with great facilities and teachers. By studying a course at one of the most successful UK language organisations that’s fully focused on students’ needs and aims, you’ll be sure to learn English fast.

Language link is located in one of London’s most fabulous and trendy areas, South Kensington. Established in 1975 and with m ore than 30 years teaching experience, Language Link has an international reputation when it comes to intensive general English courses and many students have successfully learn English quickly. Language Link is a member of Education UK and is fully accredited by the British Council meaning that you will receive only the very best in teaching.

It was announced this week by the owners of the GMAT test – the Graduate Management Admissions Council – that high levels of security will be used in the fight against the cheats. Students taking the test will have their palms read by biometric technology to confirm the identity of the person taking the test.