Why Learn English in Scotland?
Tuesday, 10th March 2009
London is still the most popular location for studying English, and places such as Oxford, Brighton and Manchester aren’t far behind.
Maybe some people think that they are more likely to learn the ‘Queen’s English’ in these types of places, or that they will get a true taste of Britain, but there are lots of other fantastic cities to consider, which will give you a very different and unique experience…such as the Scottish cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, for example.
Scotland is a beautiful country that is full of history. It is sparsely populated in comparison to England, especially in the northern most parts (known as the Highlands), and is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the UK. Scotland is great for anyone who likes the countryside, and outdoor pursuits such as hiking, biking and even skiing in the winter!
Scottish people are considered to be very friendly, and are very proud of their own identity. Despite being a relatively small country, the east and west coasts are quite different from each other not only in terms of the people who live there, but also with regard to the history and current-day activities of the principal cities that they house.
Glasgow
Glasgow is widely considered to be Scotland’s commercial capital. Glaswegians (the local population) enjoy a reputation for being hard-working and down to earth, but are also extremely welcoming and will take pride in teaching you about their city and their traditions.
Situated half way up the country on the west coast, Glasgow was traditionally a centre for shipbuilding and trade, but in more recent times has added art, culture and, via its universities, academia to its accolades.
It is also famous for having a fantastic selection of nightlife options, and excellent shopping opportunities!
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is one of Europe’s most captivating destinations. With one million visitors each year, it is the second most visited destination in the UK after London.
With its spectacular setting, on the edge of a loch and surrounded by hills, there is a lot more to Scotland’s capital city than bagpipes and kilts. It is a World Heritage Site, boasting beautiful and well-preserved Medieval and Georgian architecture; it is the seat of Scottish Parliament; and it is rightly proud of its arts and entertainment scene which culminates in the colourful Edinburgh Festival each August.
Whether you come for the history or the culture – or even the people, who are extremely friendly and softly-spoken – you would be advised to coincide your visit with one of Edinburgh’s legendary events such as Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve) or Burns Night (January), when the city turns into one joyous street party.
More about English courses in Glasgow
More about English courses in Edinburgh
Tags: english, culture, new year, festival, location, course, london, brighton, history
Posted by Laura Harrison under Experience Cultures,
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