Why the UK? "The UK" means "The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland" and, just to confuse you even more, "Great Britain", or just "Britain", consists of England, Scotland and Wales! So, now you know why we just say "The UK" - it is easier!!! What do you think of when you think of The UK? Quality? History? Tradition? Inventions? Conservatism? The Royal Family? The English Premier League? Well, whatever you think of there is sure to be a connection with Thailand. Historically and traditionally, Thailand and the UK are linked in many ways. Both have long and interesting histories with Royal Families leading the way. Other native English speaking countries just do not have the same historical links with Thailand that the UK does.You only have to look at all the important things that have come from the UK, both in the past and now, to realise how much our World has benefitted from it. Even something as basic as telling the time has its roots in the UK - Greenwich Mean Time (or GMT) is the base for all world time and Greenwich is a district of London. The UK established its reputation for excellence a very long time ago in the fields of science and arts. From Sir Isaac Newton's laws of motions to William Shakespeare's English, UK thinking has influenced the world. As an international student from Thailand, like those first sent there by King Chulalongkorn, you will gain from the many fine institutions that make up the UK education system. The worldwide reputation in the fields of films, the arts and media, international law and social sciences is also exceptional. British Education is synonymous with top quality and this may, at first, appear to be very expensive. However, in terms of value for money, an investment in British Education is very worthwhile and beneficial. In 1999, A.S. Nielson, the world's leading market research organisation, conducted a survey in Singapore and they discovered that 7 out 10 multinational companies preferred graduates from UK universities! Of course, the best quality cannot be the cheapest. However, please remember that although annual course fees may look a little higher than annual fees in other countries, in the UK the total cost of your course can still be less because some courses are shorter and more intensive than elsewhere. This means you will have a shorter period of time for fees and living expenses. In the UK Undergraduate Honours Degrees are only 3 years compared to 4 years in the USA and Australia. Similarly, Master's Degrees are only 1 year compared to normally 2 years in the USA.Fees for boarding schools are more expensive than average high schools and boarding schools in the USA, New Zealand and Australia. However, if you want the best for your children, there is absolutely no doubt that the quality in the UK is far superior. A British qualified student can enter the second year of most American universities, whereas an American student would have to take A.P. courses to even get in the FIRST year of a top UK university! Top UK boarding schools each regularly get as many as 15-20 students into Oxford and Cambridge every year, which no Australian, New Zealand or American school could possibly achieve. Costs also vary in the UK and, in fact, studying can often be cheaper than in other countries. International students in the UK also enjoy free medical care and treatment from the famous National Health Service (NHS). Hopefully, you will not need to use the NHS, but you will certainly want to enjoy the large range of really good discounts available to you, as a student, through membership of the National Union of Students. Quite simply, if you decide to study in the UK, you will become part of a tradition dedicated to excellence and innovation, as well as enjoying the benefits of living in a country where there are so many activities to do. It is the richest possible resource for the English language. In the following pages of this guide, you will find lots of interesting information about the wonderful range of opportunities available to you. You will find out that studying in the UK is not all serious work; it really can be a great chance to have fun and enjoy unforgettable experiences as well as just learning. As the saying goes - UK …OK!! Reasons to Study in the UK The Best Quality Interesting Long Traditions and History (Oxford dates back nearly 1000 years to the 11th Century, Harrow School to 1550) Thai Royal Family connections Value for Money (e.g. ONE Year University Master's Degree) Free Health Care· Academic Excellence· Highest International Reputation· Follow other Thai VIPs (e.g. Mr. Anand    Panyarachun studied with distinction at Dulwich College and Oxford) Great Discounts on Shopping, Travel, etc. Forward Thinking and Innovative· The Home of the English Language International Leader in Politics, Law and Social Sciences The Highest Quality Television Programmes in the World Has a Royal Family Safe - the Police do not carry guns! Beautiful Scenery, Fascinating Cities and Towns Drive on the Left - the same as in Thailand A Convenient Centre for Travel to European Countries· Cheap International Airfares· Variety of Food (It's a lot more than    just Fish and Chips!) Rich in Culture, Art, Theatre, Music and Museums· Wonderful Variety of Sports British Sense of Humour!! (*!*!) … perhaps not a good reason!