With an estimated 1.1 billion speakers, English is the most popular language on earth. But what truly set English apart from every other world language is that it is more popular as a second language than it is as a first. This means that more people choose to learn English than any other language.

The numbers tell us everything we need to know. At present, there are around 350 million people who learn English as a native language, while twice as many learn it as a second language. No other language is even close.

It is also a fact that the majority of the world's best colleges and universities are English language schools. Each year, millions of students who have learned English as a second language attend these schools. Why apply to an English Language school? (more...)

As the cost of a college education continues to skyrocket, more and more students are considering a more affordable alternative. We are speaking of course about online studies. In this article we will discuss the pros and cons of getting a degree on the internet.

According to a recent study, one in every four college students in the UK takes at least one class online. Of course, students who take all of their classes online are much rarer. Why would a student choose to never set foot in a classroom?

The number one reason is the cost. Living on campus and commuting to class can really add up. If the college or university is in a major city, the prices will be even higher. Though there is no average figure, most online students report saving between one and two thousand pounds a year on rent, food and petrol. Then there is the job centre online to consider. (more...)

After suffering through one of the worst recessions in its history, the UK is slowly returning to positive growth. According the latest economic report, second quarter GDP rose by 1.5 percent, more than most experts predicted. Of course, this does not mean that the economy is 100% healthy. Just last month, the unemployment rate rose to 7.9 percent, the highest on record.

And while the rise in GDP is auspicious, it is not nearly as important to the average person as the unemployment rate. For one thing, the unemployment numbers has a profound effect on education. As a general rule of thumb, when unemployment is low, students tend to study what they like, but when it is high, they tend to enter fields that offer greater job security.

Perhaps that is why colleges and universities all over the UK have reported an increase in the number of students applying to business schools. Thousands of students have even switched majors after they received special offers for these schools. (more...)

More and more students are choosing to take a gap year between school and university. It gives them some experience in life before they take on the task of another three years or more of study. Traditionally many students went far afield and for many years backpacking in Asia or South America was extremely popular.

However, there are many different types of gap year that students undertake. Some choose to go and live in a European city for the chance to learn the culture and language, so Long term lets Spain are very popular for some.

Others prefer the rugged outdoors and take up some sort of sport instructor lifestyle, such as skiing, snowboarding or windsurfing, although these tend to be more seasonal. It is a great idea though to make money and stay fit. (more...)

You are eighteen and have successfully passed your exams to get a university place. Your mum or dad is going to drive you up there, so you really need to start thinking about what to pack. But what do you take to college?

As an eighteen year old you may not have been used to fending for yourself so it is quite a dilemma deciding what to take. Space is limited depending on how big your car is, so here are a few pieces of advice.

First, there are the essentials – the entertainment and electricals! Don't forget the iPod, charger and all its related paraphernalia. Some glow sticks for messing about of course. And a stack of CDs. Although you have downloaded them all on your iPod it looks cooler to have CDs to rummage through. (more...)

Many students at college or university have signed up for their particular courses just because they find the course interesting and without having any specific idea of what they want to do as a career. This is not a problem, as it is a big decision to make at an early age and hopefully the course will help the student to choose which path he or she wants to take.

However, it is a mistake if they leave their job search until they have graduated – it is far better to decide as early on in the degree course which career they wish to pursue. There are so many opportunities at college that the earlier you decide the better as it is likely that you can take additional modules or courses to help you on your way to specialisation.

As an example, if you are a language student, then unless you want to interpret or translate, chances are you will need additional qualifications as this is not enough in itself. If you make a decision early enough that you want to combine your languages with business, then most colleges will be able to provide an additional business or economics module. (more...)

Most students would agree that in order to successfully complete your further education, you need to both work hard and play hard. It is a combination of both – and at the right times! – which ensures that you are paying attention to your education whilst at the same time receiving a good all round education on life and social skills. Most students get up to wacky things during their time such as putting traffic cones on their heads or dating on line; they would not be students if they did not!

It is fine to go to parties and enjoy yourselves with your friends as long as you ensure that it does not get out of hand. It is tempting to go too far down one route – either spending too much time partying or spending all your time studying; but too much of either if not a good thing.

If you are studying, make sure that you get regular breaks to get up and go for a walk or meet up with friends. If you concentrate too hard, too often, you will not be at your most productive. (more...)

There are basically three options available to teenagers when they leave school. Attending a local college can be seen as being much less of an upheaval for many young school leavers than to go away to University, due to students being able to return home after a day of studying, rather than having to stay in student accommodation in a different town or city.

Colleges will tend to have a more homely atmosphere - more similar in style to that of the school they have recently left. Although there will be no Nursery Pictures decorating the corridors, there will be plenty of welcoming touches to ensure that the students feel comfortable in their surroundings, such as trendy artistic prints and plenty of specimen plants.

Given the choice, most parents would prefer their offspring to stay on in the sixth form to study their A' levels and to ultimately continue their studies at University. The main disadvantage of progressing down this route, however, would be the expense incurred by the inevitable student loan requirements. (more...)

Despite these tougher economic times, when some people are struggling to find work, there are certain professions which are crying out for qualified people. One of these professions is that of dentistry. There are a severe lack of qualified and dedicated people in this field.

For example, there is a severe lack of dentists in London, and many practices are eager to take on qualified, competent dentists. Therefore, if you are considering which career to take, you may like to consider this one.

Leaving school before attending college, it can be hard to pick a career path, and so perhaps this is one option you may like to be considered. Although the study period during college will be hard, and there is much to learn, the rewards would be great. (more...)