Have a question about this school or want us to help you?
18 November 2024
by Ferdinand Steinbeis
by Ferdinand Steinbeis
—
A Year Abroad in England - A Transformative Experience!
The Key Points at a Glance
- Academic Excellence: A year at England’s boarding schools offers rigorous lessons tailored to GCSEs and A-Levels, with teachers and tutors providing individual support without unnecessary pressure.
- Unique Everyday Culture: Whether staying with a host family or at a boarding school, your child will experience British life firsthand, developing fluent language skills in the process.
- Recreation and Sports: Beyond academics, schools provide a vast range of activities—from rugby to robotics—encouraging interests and talents.
- International Community: Students live and learn with peers from around the globe, gaining experiences that extend far beyond academics.
- Maturity and Responsibility: Life at an English boarding school fosters not just academic learning but also personal growth, self-confidence, and discipline.
Seen at beautiful Worth School, south of London
Hello from Richmond!
A year abroad in England is much more than just a traditional school epxerience. Think about the small, meaningful moments that shape the everyday experience: sharing breakfast with your host family, lively debates with classmates from across the world at your boarding school, or weekly rugby practice. These are the memories that stay with you for a lifetime.And it’s not all about sports either — England seamlessly combines academic excellence with a multitude of extracurricular activities. Whether art, music, or theatre is your child’s passion, there’s something for everyone. The country provides the perfect balance of academic discipline and cultural diversity. If you want to make the most of a high school year, England is the place to be.
Sports galore: most UK boarding schools offer excellent hockey
A Year Abroad in England: Completely Unique Experiences
England offers more than excellent schools; it’s the atmosphere that creates a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Here, it’s not just about academic progress but also about everyday living. Whether it’s casual hallway chats, studying with international friends, or sharing dinner with a host family, your child will experience English language and culture in ways no textbook can teach.
The challenges of adapting to a new environment build confidence and broaden your child’s worldview. Along the way, they’ll likely pick up a fondness for British humor—perhaps even laughing out loud at the famously dry jokes!
England itself offers a fascinating mix of tradition and modernity. Historic cities meet vibrant urban centers, and teachers go beyond merely imparting knowledge—they ignite genuine passion for learning.
The sports are a cornerstone of English school life. From rugby and hockey to track and field, students can engage in quintessentially British sports. If these aren’t appealing, schools offer alternatives like football, yoga, street dance, rowing, martial arts, and much more. Exceptional athletes might even earn the coveted “Sports Tie,” a symbol of commitment and team spirit. Additionally, the distinctive designs and rank badges of English school uniforms foster a sense of community and structure.
Seen at Sevenoaks School: yes learning, but in a fun way!
A Year Abroad in England: More Than Just Learning
Spending a year abroad in England is not just about perfecting the English language—it’s about creating unforgettable experiences. Within weeks, your child will adapt to British customs, from mastering small talk (“Lovely weather today, isn’t it?”) to appreciating witty, tongue-in-cheek jokes.Parents often tell us their children come back transformed. Daily routines like organizing schedules, doing laundry, and waking up early become second nature. A year abroad in England fosters not just linguistic improvement but also maturity and independence.
Chapel and Cadet Forces: Between Reflection and Adventure
While the idea of marching across school grounds in uniform or crawling through English woods might seem unusual, Cadet Forces are a common part of school life in England. They’re about more than just training in uniform; they teach leadership and teamwork. Regular outdoor activities promote responsibility and collaboration, blending learning with fun.The chapel is often a central part of boarding school life. For example, the Lancing College Chapel, which resembles a cathedral, hosts moments of reflection and community gatherings. These experiences nurture values such as respect, empathy, and understanding, all in a serene atmosphere.
Pastoral care is a key part of English boarding schools. Emotional and mental well-being are prioritized, with teachers, house parents, counselors, chaplains, and medical staff providing constant support. Students have a safe space to express concerns or simply chat with a trusted adult.
Extracurricular Activities During a Year Abroad in England
English boarding schools offer a remarkable variety of extracurricular activities, from clay pigeon shooting to robotics. At the [Scarborough College](https://www.englischeinternate.com/schools/scarborough-college), for instance, students can try surfing, canoeing, swimming, climbing, dancing, football, netball, tennis, golf, athletics, yoga, and Zumba. Other opportunities include theater groups, music ensembles, debate teams, and tech clubs. For those seeking challenges, the Cricket Centre of Excellence offers specialized training programs.The St. Lawrence College provides equally exciting options. Creative students can participate in art, music, and drama, join theatrical productions, or contribute to orchestras, choirs, and music groups. Sports like football, swimming, golf, taekwondo, fencing, archery, table tennis, and volleyball are also available. Even Quidditch is on offer—albeit for younger students! Clubs such as film, street dance, and musical theatre provide additional outlets, with quirky highlights like the Pudding Club focusing on desserts and camaraderie.
Amazing art at Clayesmore!
Stay Options in England: Host Family or Boarding School?
Staying with a host family lets your child immerse himself/herself in daily British life — perhaps by watching *The Great British Bake Off* together or enjoying their first taste of crumpets. Boarding schools, on the other hand, offer a vibrant community of students from around the world, daily activities, and lifelong friendships.Amazing sports amid phenomenal landscapes: Sedbergh School
A Year Abroad in England or Somewhere Else?
New Zealand – High School and Hobbits
New Zealand, though far away, is an exciting option. Known for stunning landscapes and a plethora of outdoor activities, it’s perfect for adventurous students. From climbing and hiking to water sports, it’s an ideal place to combine academics with adventure. Plus, it’s a dream destination for fans of *The Lord of the Rings* and *The Hobbit*!USA – Sports and Competitive Spirit
The USA is a haven for sports enthusiasts. Elite sports schools prioritize training as much as academics, offering exceptional opportunities in basketball, American football, and track and field. Athletes can even pave the way to professional careers through these programs.Canada – Nature Meets Education
Canada combines vibrant cities with breathtaking natural scenery. Students can enjoy top-notch education alongside unforgettable experiences. Whether it’s ice hockey, theatre, or skiing, the possibilities are endless. In certain regions, students can enhance their English skills while also polishing their French.Great Britain as the Top Choice
England remains the top destination for students seeking academic excellence. But let’s not overlook Scotland and Northern Ireland! Scotland enchants with its vast landscapes and unique cultural identity. Many Scottish boarding schools have long traditions of providing exceptional education.Northern Ireland offers a close-knit, tradition-rich community, while Ireland, though outside the UK educational system, has its own excellent schools with distinct curricula and certifications.
A different point of view: seen at Uppingham School
Summer School: A Short-Term Abroad Experience in England
For students unsure about committing to a full year abroad, many English boarding schools, such as Gordonstoun, Stonyhurst, and Malvern, offer shorter programs like Summer Schools. These programs last a few weeks and provide an excellent introduction to the British school experience without the commitment of a full year.
Art frocks seen at TASIS School
Career Preparation and Internships in England
For older students with specific career aspirations, many English schools and organizations offer specialized courses in fields like journalism, business, or medicine. For example, Cheltenham College provides tailored programs for Oxbridge preparation and medical careers. These hands-on programs emphasize practical learning, allowing students to tackle real-world scenarios.Many programs also facilitate internships in England, offering invaluable exposure to the English work culture and early career experience. These internships improve not only language skills but also provide a standout element for resumes, making candidates highly attractive to future employers.
Not just in the US - Lacrosse can be played here, too!
...And Finally
Since Brexit, the visa requirements for studying in England have changed. For stays longer than six months, a visa is now mandatory. It’s essential to apply well in advance to avoid any travel complications.—
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter
Interested in our insights, opinions and stories related to English boarding schools? Then why not sign up!
von Bülow Education
Holbrooke House
34 - 38 Hill Rise
Richmond
TW10 6UA
Tel: +44 (0) 203 9534063
Email: info@buloweducation.com
Holbrooke House
34 - 38 Hill Rise
Richmond
TW10 6UA
Tel: +44 (0) 203 9534063
Email: info@buloweducation.com