Education abroad

2011-12-19T00:49:00.000-08:00

There are 46 universities in Britain. Good "A" Level results in at least two subjects are necessary to enter one. However, good exam passes alone are not enough. Universities choose their students after interviews, and competition for places at university is fierce. For all British citizens a place at university brings with it a grant from their Local Education authority.

The grants cover tuition fees and some of the living expenses.
When the time comes to pick a college, 18 and 19 year-olds usually choose one as far away from home as possible! So, many students in northern and Scottish universities come from the south of England and vice versa. It is very unusual for university students to live at home.

Although parents may be a little sad to see this happen, they usually approve of the move, and see it as a necessary part of becoming an adult.

Anyway, the three university terms are only ten weeks each, and during vacation times families are reunited.

When they first arrive at college, first year students are called "freshers". A fresher's life can be exciting but terrifying for the first week, because many freshers feel homesick for the first week.

During the first week, all the clubs and societies try to persuade the new students to join their society. The freshers are told that it is important for them to come into contact with many activities during their time at university.

At college students have lectures and seminars. Once or twice a term, students have a tutorial. This means that they see a tutor alone to discuss their work and their progress. In Oxford and Cambridge, and some other universities, the study system is based entirely around such tutorials which take place once a week. Attending lectures is optional for "Oxbridge" students!

Sayings about sport

2010-07-19T00:43:00.000-07:00

From cricket

on a sticky wicket: in a difficult situation on oil easy wicket: in a fortunate situation
play with a straight bet: do something in an honest and straight¬forward way
it's not cricket: it is not the proper or fair way of doing something (cricket is supposed to be the perfect example of the concept of "fair play")
off one's own bat: without help from anyone else

From boxing

saved by the bell: saved from a bad or dangerous situation by a sudden event
on the ropes: in a weak position; close to defeat or failure floored: defeated or confused in an argument or discussion throw in the towel: admit defeat

From horse-racing and riding

first past the post: the winner
to be given free rein: to be allowed to do exactly what one wants, without restrictions
in the saddle: in control (in modern times, the expression "in the driving seat" is often used instead)

From other sports or sport in general

team player: somebody who is good at co-operating with other people in groups
run with the pack: have no individual principles but just blindly
follow the majority
win hands down: win easily
go to the dogs: start to lead an aimless and self-destructive life a safe pair of hands: a reliable person

Spanish in Beijing

Education abroad

Sayings about sport