Section 3 – Questions 25- 39

Questions 25 – 39 apply to the reading passage 11Studyingin the UK”

Studying in the UK – Why is Britain now home to over a quarter of a million international students?

a) Students come to study in the UK from all over the world, from over 180 countries–the European Union, Australia and New Zealand, the USA, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Far East, South America… Some British universities have students from 100 countries. There are currently more than 270,000 international students in the UK. Of that number, about 75 per cent are education courses, with 130,500 (almost equal numbers of men and women) studying full-time undergraduate courses.

b) Why do they come to UK universities? First, because they gain a high-quality qualification that is recognised worldwide. Thousands of international students have used their UK qualifications to get a good job. Second, if English is not their mother tongue, they will probably be completely fluent by the time they graduate! One other reason for studying in Britain is the ease of the UK application system. Instead of applying to several different universities or colleges, taking their admissions tests and paying their application fees, students can do it all on one form. They may choose up to six courses by sending the form to the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) whose staff deals with the applications for them. If the students’ schools, college or nearest British Council offices have access to the system, they can even complete the form electronically through the Internet.

c) It’s a big decision to study a long way from home. But students can be sure of plenty of support in the UK. Universities and colleges look after their students. There are personal tutors, counsellors, study skills counsellors and financial advisers to help with any problems. There are also chaplains or representatives of major religions. In addition, there are medical services, and if a course lasts for more than six months, students are entitled to free medical care under the National Health Service. All students may use these services. However, many institutions also have international student advisers. Students can contact them with any questions before you come; they will probably arrange a transport service from major airports for arriving students and will organise welcoming events. International students can also go to see them at any time during their courses. For students with families, child-care facilities are often provided at reasonable cost. It’s not compulsory to use any of these services. If a student is independent and has no problems, they won’t come knocking on his or her door! But it can be comforting to know that they are there.

d) Campuses are safe places to live, as in general are most UK towns. As with anywhere else, there are areas in some cities best avoided after dark but you will be advised on this. Universities and colleges make sure student residences are secure, and at most places transport is provided at night for women students.

e) Students will be able to take part in a range of social and sporting activities. There are team and individual sports at all levels; and clubs and societies to cover any interest from drama to politics, water sports to backgammon, debating to voluntary social work. The students unions arrange discos and gigs, and run pubs, bars and eating places. Clubs are run by students for students and are always well advertised at the beginning of the academic year. Joining one or two societies is a great way to meet other students from Britain and other countries.

f) There are thousands of courses to choose from. Some students choose a vocational one. Agriculture and related subjects, engineering, law and business studies are popular with international students. Others choose an academic subject such as history or politics. The choice is virtually unlimited. And what do international students do at the end of their courses? Some stay on to do postgraduate work. (20 per cent of students on UK postgraduate courses are from overseas.) The majority return home, armed with their UK qualifications. If a student’s English is not yet quite good enough to enrol in a degree course, he or she might like to spend some time first on an English language course. There are plenty to choose from–some held in universities and colleges, some in private language.    The British Council can offer advice on choosing the right one. Some students may need some additional academic qualifications. In such cases a student can consider taking a foundation or access course, run by many of Britain’s higher education institutions.

g) Fees may look  high  at  first,  but  when  one  takes  the  following  points  into account, costs at UK universities and colleges compare well with costs in other English–speaking countries. Most UK courses are at least one year shorter than those in other countries. Included in the course fee are: All tuition (except books and equipment); normally, free use of computing facilities, e-mail and Internet; language tuition if one wants to learn another language (and English-language support if needed); use of free or cheap sports facilities; and a student would not be paying simply to attend lectures. Much teaching will be done in small groups. In addition, teaching staff is willing to provide extra help if a student needs it and the student can go to see them outside timetabled course hours.

h) In conclusion, there are several key benefits to studying in the UK. Firstly, standards in UK higher institutions are generally higher than others, and a student will gain an internationally recognised qualification. Secondly, a student will meet students from all over the world, and get a head start in building international connections. Thirdly, most universities and colleges provide accommodation for first-year international students and a variety of other services that are not provided to international students in many other English–speaking countries. Finally, the application system is simple, saving the cumbersome processes required by many other countries.

Questions 25 – 33

The following statements are made by a student in the UK.

Find the paragraph in which the following statements would be supported. You are advised to spend 10 minutes. The first one is done for you as an example. MORE THAN ONE PARAGRAPH MAY BE USED as an answer.

25. “Expensive? Well maybe it seems that way, but you have to consider the full range of benefits when comparing the costs of UK institutions to those of other universities.”
26. “No, it is not complicated at all. In fact, UK universities save you a lot of unnecessary work when applying.”
27. “You shouldn’t be surprised that there are so many overseas students in the UK! There are good reasons why that many go there.”
28. “Worried about not having an international environment? That is no concern in Britain.”
29. “Can you do anything there besides study? Don’t worry there are plenty of opportunities to do other things.”
30. “Don’t worry! Finding a suitable course for yourself will be the least of your worries!”
31. “At a British university you can always get help and advice when you need it, unlike a lot of places that just leave you alone.”
32. “Well that’s the good thing about the UK. They can help you get yourself prepared if you think your English is not yet good enough or you still think you’re not academically ready.”
33. “Oh don’t worry about that! You just need to be careful about a few places. UK colleges and universities do a good job of protecting you.”

Questions 34 – 39

Look at the following statements.

In boxes 34 – 39 on your answer sheet write

T if the answer is True

F if the answer is False

NG if the answer is Not Given in the passage

34. Students must choose 6 courses at a British university.
35. There are 270,000 international students studying at universities in Britain.
36. Most international students return home after they’re finished.
37. Child-care facilities are provided free, unlike in many other countries.
38. The crime rate in Britain is lower than in other countries.
39. Students can go to see teachers during course hours.
40. Students unions arrange social events