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Student e-news - December 2007


British Council E-Update: December 2007.

Clockwise from top: Deep snow in Glencoe, Highland, Scotland. Image credit: www.britainonview.com.; Oxford Street, Christmas Lights, 1999, West End, London, England.  Image credit: www.britainonview.com.; Performance at the Chinese New Year celebrations 2004, Trafalgar Square, London, England.  Image credit: britainonview/Grant Pritchard; Entrance of the iconic Wales Millennium Centre with Christmas Tree at twilight, Cardiff, Wales.  Image credit: britainonview/ David Angel; Red telephone box covered in snow in the historic town of Winchelsea, East Sussex, England.  Image credit: britainonview/ David Sellman; Belgrave Neigbourhood Centre, Leicester, decorated with lights to celebrate Diwali, the Sikh and Hindu Festival of Lights.  Leicester, Leicestershire, England. Image credit: Britainonview/Leicester Shire Pr.

               What a year! 2007 saw the UK once again notch a top spot as a study abroad
               destination, as well as rise in world university rankings. Look to the New Year with an
               eye across the Pond and consider studying abroad in 2008 - there's sure to be a campus
               in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland that would suit you!

                For now, wherever you are, with the snow falling or the sun shining outside your window
                this December, enjoy the days off with a cup of tea and these five ways to have a very
                British winter.

                    1.   It's a Winter Wonderland. There may not be snow everywhere, but there will
                          definitely be lights! You'll feel a warm toasty glow when you see the silhouettes of
                          many a city and village across the UK strung with the lights of the season.
                    2.   Save that pocket money. The UK is famous for its January sales, when upmarket
                          department stores and high street shops alike sell their stylish wares at
                          significantly reduced prices. Not Britain bound? Enjoy post-holidy sales at a shop
                          near you.
                    3.   Celebrate. There are a host of multicultural festivities and no shortage of reasons
                          to celebrate in the UK all winter long.
                    4.   Save room for dessert. Figgy pudding has a storied history that dates back to
                          17th century England. It is famously referenced in the carol "We Wish You a Merry
                          Christmas" and is a great way to end your holiday dinner.
                    5.   Sing a song. Christmas caroling began as an old English custom called Wassailing -
                          toasting neighbors to a long and healthy life. Why not start the tradition?

               In the meantime, send a smile to your nearest and dearest with wishes for a peaceful
               and festive season with a British Council e-card.

               Happy Holidays and see you in 2008!

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               EV115-073| RF| © Image Source/Corbis  International Network.                 
            
               In addition to being your official source of information about
               studying in the UK, the British Council develops initiatives
               that connect young Americans to their counterparts in the
               UK and around the world. Learn how to make sure your voice
               is heard on the issues that make a difference, from climate
               change and devolution to the impact of slavery and the
               future of higher education. Our programs need your input and
               active participation to broker partnerships that will spark
               debate, encourage progress, and inspire real change. 

               --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

            
               Consider what it really means to go green this season: it's
               not just about the Earth getting warmer. Climage change is
               also responsible for a host of other ill effects, like less fresh
               water and modified migration patterns. Species that depend
               on one another may become out of sync, with plants
               blooming earlier than their pollinating insects become active.
               Explore the issue with our Climate Change program, which
               engages young scientists, environmental journalists, and the
               public to raise awareness about energy issues and to
               consider solutions to a problem impacting communities around
               the globe. 
               Close up of frost on fallen leaves near the River Rother in the East Sussex countryside, England. Image credit: britainonview/David Sellman. 

               --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



               Biometrics Requirement. 
           
               Studying in the UK in 2008? Don't forget that as of December
               3, 2007 all UK visa applicants, including those applying for
               entry clearance to study, are required to provide their
               biometric data (10 finger scans and a digital photograph) as
               part of their application. For more information, please visit
               the website of the British government in the USA, where you
               can learn how to apply for a UK visa and submit the required
               biometric information.
               
               The British government is introducing biometric data
               collection as part of a worldwide biometric identification
               process, designed to protect an individual's identity,
               facilitate future entry to the UK, and combat visa fraud and
               abuse of the UK's immigration and asylum systems. 

               --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

           
               We're looking forward to introducing our latest batch of
               Student Bloggers in 2008 - American students writing from
               the UK who will decode the big and little mysteries of
               studying in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland,
               from making sure your Federal Aid money crosses the Pond in
               time, to the color of a perfectly brewed cup of tea. Want
               some visuals to go with all those entries? We'll also be
               launching video tours of UK campuses in the new year, so
               you can get a 360 degree view of what it's like to live and
               study at some of the best universities in the world. Watch
               this space! 
               New in 2008. 

                


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