School is out … summer fun is in! Whatever way you plan to spend your time during the
               warmer months, take a minute to check out our five recommended ways of spending the
               summer in the UK!




                    1.   Festivals, festivals, festivals- Whether music, art, or culture, the UK is known around the
                          world for its first-class festivals. Pinched for cash? Attend one or many of the free festivals
                          and events all over the UK this summer!
                          Start your festival search by reading about UK Art Festivals.

                    2.   Soak up the summer- Although the British Isles may not be best known for sunshine, even
                          on a cloudy day there is plenty to do outdoors in the summer! From great surfing along the
                          coasts, to parks, and national trust properties to explore - don’t find yourself cooped up inside!

                    3.   Head to “de Pool”- Europe’s Cultural Capital “de Pool,” as they say in Liverpool’s “Scouse”
                          speak is Europe’s cultural capital for 2008. What better time than this summer to check out
                          everything the city has to offer during its 12-month long celebration?

                    4.   Discover the unique- The Beijing Olympics in August will offer plenty of swimming, track and
                          gymnastics, but for those who enjoy something a little less mainstream, the UK plays host to
                          one-of-a-kind competitions like the World Black Pudding Throwing and World Bog Snorkelling
                          Championships. Can't wait for the Olympics? Check out Scotland's version - the 300-year-old
                          Highland Games - featuring competitions like the Caber toss and the Scottish hammer throw.

                    5.   Be a Lifelong Learner- Whether a student on “summer holiday” or a post grad, it’s never too
                          early or too late to consider studying in the UK. There are oodles of reasons to take time this
                          summer to think about heading across the pond to continue your education.

              Considering graduate school? Check out masters programs in Scotland, as all Scottish universities
              now offer USA Graduate Scholarships . Don’t delay, the application deadline for 2008/09 programs is
              July 1, 2008!

              Don’t miss the June 30th deadline for International students to apply to UK Undergraduate courses.
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Following its creation in Berlin, Transatlantic Network 2020 (TN2020)                launched in Washington DC last month with the help of UK Foreign                Secretary David Miliband. The program aims to bring new energy to                the transatlantic relationship by connecting young thought leaders                and entrepreneurs from North America and Europe. Foreign Secretary                Miliband gave the Network a resounding endorsement, calling it                "exactly the sort of project that will ensure the transatlantic relationship                remains strong." He also blogged about his meeting with the current                members! The network will expand from 30 to 100 later this year for its                inaugural summit in Northern Ireland and Ireland.                Get involved and talk to your peers about the global issues you care                about. Join in the conversation on the TN2020 Facebook Page

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Studying in the UK this fall? Entry clearance is required for US                citizens on courses longer than six months and those who wish                to work during their studies. In addition, all applicants must now                supply biometric data (10 finger scans and a digital photograph)                to gain entry clearance. Be sure to apply for clearance at least                three to four weeks prior to travelling, but not more than 90 days                before. Read more about the process in our helpful Visa FAQ                section.

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Don't just take our word for it- read what the critics are saying!                Belfast was voted the UK's second favorite city in the 2007                Guardian/Observer/Guardian Unlimited Travel Awards. Even                The Observer would agree that this is " ... proof that this lively,                welcoming city is starting to get the recognition it deserves."                Praised for its "welcoming attitude to strangers" and "deliciously                dark sense of humor," Northern Ireland was named as "the world's                friendliest country to visit" by Lonely Planet Bluelist: The Best in                Travel 2008. Previously, Lonely Planet named the Emerald Isle as                a "must-see" destination.                Find out what's on this summer in Northern Ireland.