A high school education is the foundation of success in either theUnited States or the United Kingdom. However, the two countries observe very different standards when it comes to highschool education. It is therefore important for students to understand the regulations of the country that they are in.

International Students: High School Education in the United States

A high school diploma in the United States is a benchmark forstudents entering the professional world. It demonstrates basic proficiencies and knowledge to employers and is standardized across the country. Most students will receive their high school diploma in a traditional school setting. However, online study also exists as an option in the United States.

A high school diploma can be awarded through distance education provided that the institution is accredited or is governed by state laws that declare homeschooling to be a separate entity that governs itself. Students should always check local state laws to ensure that their online high school diploma will be recognized as legitimate and socially acceptable. Students interested in pursuing further studies after high school can attend online colleges and even pursue online MBA programs or online PhD programs.

International Students: High School Education in the United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, students do not receive a full highschool diploma. Instead, students receive a transcript of credits that are full awards of themselves. These credits are known as “GCSE” or General Certificate of Secondary Education. Being awarded a GCSE means that a student has displayed age appropriate academic understanding of fundamental concepts in a specific subject, which could be GCSE English or GCSE Mathematics. A GCSE is available through both campus study, which are locally available to adults through “colleges”, and online study.

A lot of our members at MyHappyPlanet, esp. those learning English, are interested in learning the language to pursue further studies in an English-speaking country, such as the US or the UK. But with the visa regulations getting tighter and tighter, studying abroad may not be the best option.

The good news is that online education has become an accepted method of obtaining a degree. For example, online MBA’s have become increasingly popular in the last decade. While onlinedegrees are not for everyone, they certainly offer a number of benefits, especially for foreign students who want to earn an American or British education.

The first advantage is cost. A two-year full-time on-campus MBA program at Harvard University can cost up to $150,000. But the average online MBA costs only $32,000, one-fifth of the price. And that does not even take into account the salary you’re foregoing by leaving your job to pursue a full-time MBA. If you’re looking to enhance your career without disrupting your personal life, then obtaining a degree online is a great option.

The second advantage is that you don’t need to apply for a student visa to obtain an online degree. The global political situation has made it increasingly difficult to obtain a visa to study abroad. The UK, for example, recently tightened its visa regulations. To apply for a General Student Visa (GSV), students now need to show proof that their English level is intermediate according to the Common European Framework of Reference.

While there are a lot of advantages, there are disadvantages too andonline degrees are not for everyone. For example, others stress the importance of face-to-face learning. Networking and teamwork are critical factors that can be lost in online education. On the plus side,online students report they learn greater networking and teamwork skills because they are not limited geographically.

In the end, the most important thing is to ensure that you pick the right program for you. Unfortunately you can’t depend on name recognition or price to determine which program suits your needs. You can begin by checking a program’s accreditation, or browse the rankings of online programs.

Preparing to study a language abroad is an exciting yet sometimes daunting feat. From friendly waiters at the cafe around the corner to deciphering labels at the grocery store, everything will seem unique and new. With classes to choose, languages to learn and anticipation coursing through your bones, it’s hard to make sure everything is in order, especially when it comes to your housing.

It’s natural to have tons of questions on your mind. Where to stay?How much is it going to cost? Some schools may offer housing for studya-abroad students, which is often a toss up. On one hand it makes the process a bit easier but at what price? Are you going to be surrounded by other students who are also studying abroad? If so, wouldn’t it be more authentic to immerse yourself in the culture you’re there to learn.

Short-term property rentals are a great way to become apart of the heartbeat of a foreign culture, while having a place to truly call your home. These properties are rented by individual owners and offer the privacy and amenities of home without breaking the bank.FlipKey.com is a great resource with property listings all over the world that are reviewed by past guests to help you find the right place. Book your home and get yourself one step closer to life abroad.

Interested in studying English in Boston, USA? Boston is the intellectual capital of USA and is one of the most popular places in the United States to study English. There are a total of 70 universities and colleges in the Boston area. More importantly, the world’s most famous institutions of higher learning, Harvard University and MIT, are both located around Boston.

MyHappyPlanet’s office is also located in the Boston area, just a few steps away from MIT. Having lived and worked here for a few years, I can say that the vibe here is unique; the environment, conducive to learning. No wonder there are tens of thousands of full-time students in Boston. And no wonder Boston has emerged as a popular destination for international students seeking to improve theirEnglish language skills!

For those interested in studying English in Boston, here’s a link to see popular English courses in Boston.

For those of you looking for English courses in USA this summer, here are three tips to find the best English courses here in the United States.

First, pick the right location. English courses in New York andEnglish courses in Boston are the most popular choices for international students. For those looking to study in a bustling city with lots of things going on all the time, then New York is the perfect choice. But for those looking to be close to the most prestigious universities in USA (Harvard and MIT), then Boston is the best choice for you.

Second, choose the right course. If your main goal is to advance your English skills in the shortest amount of time, then an intensiveEnglish course is the right one for you. But if you’re looking to have fun and enjoy your vacation, then take a part-time course instead. If you’re a business executive, many English schools in the US also offer executive English courses for professionals.

Third, select the right housing option. You can choose to stay in an apartment or a hotel or a student residence. But if you are looking to improve your English skills, then consider living with a host family. That way, you can practice your English skills even when you’re outside the classroom. To find a host family to stay at, consider asking one of your language partners here at MyHappyPlanet.com who lives in the city where you want to study in.

There is no better time to come and take English courses here in the US than in the summer, especially here in the Northeast (New York and Boston particularly) where the summer is a lot nicer and warmer compared to the winter. No wonder we see so many international students here from June – August!