The United Kingdom is comprised of Northern Ireland and the three countries that make up Great Britain: England, Scotland and Wales.

England needs little introduction, so well-known are its scenic green countryside dotted with castles, cathedrals, abbeys and historic homes, its charming small towns and villages, and its capital London, one of the world’s great cities and a leader in modern fashion, shopping and nightlife. The rich traditions of theater and literature are very much alive in England, and those interested in the humanities in general will delight in England’s literary culture and history. The British Museum in London is one of the most prestigious and contains some of the world’s greatest treasures.

The mention of Scotland evokes ancient monuments, quaint seaside villages and resorts, and breathtaking countryside punctuated by forested mountains and lakes. Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh is considered one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. The romance and beauty of the majestic Highlands with their gothic castle ruins are hard to resist.

The charms of Wales are less well known outside of Europe than those of its more high-profile neighbors, but this small country to the west of England will surprise and delight you with all it has to offer. Wales’ landscape includes scenic coastal areas, historic medieval castles, rugged mountains and peaks, and beautiful green rolling hills amid lakes, valleys and rivers. The Welsh are warm and friendly people who welcome visitors.

The British tend to be somewhat reserved and place a high value on manners. Loud, boisterous behavior is generally met with disapproval, and very demonstrative, physically affectionate behavior in public is avoided except among close friends. Families tend to be small. Most British families have only one or two children. Most families enjoy a comfortable standard of living, and it is more common to live in a house than an apartment (or “flat”) except in larger cities.

Programs in the UK:

Internships (20+)

Independent Homestay (16+)

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