Moving to England for college?

Question

I'm pretty sure everyone knows about the economic state of the US. My family wants me to the go to the UK (specifically England) to seek out my education. Is this a good idea? How do British citizens feel about Americans living there? What about my accent? The Britons have negative opinions about the Americans, so I'm having doubts!

Answer 1

Peace, you will enjoy yourself here from the fashion to people, life is what you make it- do not worry you will have a ball. London is expensive so just think about where in England you want to go- please just relax and enjoy the ride.

Answer 2

There isn't really an anti American feeling here, I think we all dislike Bush but not your people. You are fluent in English reading and writing, you shouldnt have too many problems providing you can find a suitable College/University and finance it.

Answer 3

Most of the UK is pretty open and tolerate to all nationalities, especially in the south. Americans in general do not get a hard time - most of us appreciate the links between the UK and the USA now and in the past.

To get by, all you need is to respect other peoples privacy (the english hate deep questions from people until they really know them) Also, get used to the English sense of humour. Teasing someone is often a way of expressing affection or indicating that you like someone and you accept them. (Yep, even gentle mocking of the American accent!) The Brits just do not do gushy "I really like you" type speeches. Anything is good for making a joke out of, it's in the English psyche!

Answer 4

Im english and I don't have a negative opinion about americans and as far as I know I dont think other people do either.

But as with everywhere in the world there are a few people who dont like other people based on where they come from and those people are not worth worrying over anyway.

And as for your accent.... I love the american accent.

Answer 5

no one care, every week 2 million people enter to this country

Answer 6

Being American will be no problem. Getting a student/ work visa, paying  college fees, accommodation, etc., will not be cheap, or easy.

http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/immigra...

Answer 7

I'll back up what other people have said about not just going for London; do research the unis because there are so many other fantastic (and cheaper) cities in England/Britain.

Good luck if you do decide to make the move, and please don't worry - at my uni we had loads of American exchange students coming over for a term or a year, and we loved meeting them and chatting about their lives.

Answer 8

i don't know anyone who hates americans, though there are several million muslims in england & some of those probably don't,also the usual suspects (upper middle class types who just want to be right on).you'll be fine though in england,but please call us english rather than british.

Answer 9

British people are very lovely people and very open to foreign people. Plus its education system is great, pounds is still strong, salary are higher than in most of west European countries, and u can get to visit the rest of Europe with little money  (yes, its true...). It can just be great...Good luck!!!

Answer 10

I think if you don't have a problem with us (and preferably didn't vote for/support Bush), then we won't have a problem with you. I know at my boyfriend's uni there are quite a lot of american students and no-one really has a problem with them. We're nice here - honest!

Answer 11

haha we're nice really lol just dont act too american

if your nice to us we're nice to you =]

Answer 12

Many Brits have negative opinions about American policies especially military ones so these negative feelings are aimed at political leaders such as George Bush not at the average American visitor.

In general most of us like Americans, your accent will not be a problem to us but you might find some of the British accents difficult to understand until you get used to them.

Living and studying in a foreign county is a wonderful experience and you should take the opportunity if you can.  Over 30000 US students come to the UK to study every year.

The website below is a good place to start finding out about studying in the UK

Answer 13

My best friend and godmother to my son is an American, and we met up whilst she was over here in uni. We have visited each other's homes and kept in touch as we have married, grown up and become mothers over 20 years!!!

You will be warmly welcomed in the UK, though some Brits prefer the 'toned down' less 'brash' type Americans. Our teens love the US culture and will find you a rare curiosity! They may take the mic out of your accent, but it will not be meant in malice.

I agree with other posters that Bush is not well liked by most, neither is our own ridiculous decision to join in the Iraq war.

The Uk has many great unis - don't just think London - do your research and pick somewhere that will give you the opportunity to find out what we are all about.

PS I dont know if your family know that the economic situiation here isnt too rosy at the moment! Despite earlier comments the Euro is much stronger, but dont let that put you off.

Answer 14

You will be fine, just don't act like a typical American. You will obtain a good education.