I’m a Teenager Moving from the US to England with My Family. What Should I Know?: A Complete Guide
That is because your parents have just informed you that you are moving from the United States to England. Depending on how you perceive this news, you may feel thrilled, scared, or confused. What you should understand is that you are not alone in this. Every year, thousands of American teenagers find themselves in the same situation. However, do not underestimate how hard it will be for you, especially since it involves saying goodbye to your friends, the place where you go to school, and all things you know. However, with proper preparation and expectations, this experience will be the most enriching one in your life.
The Culture Shock Is Real—And That's Okay
First off all, it will take time to get used to everything. The food and TV programs may vary greatly from the American experience. One of the Americans who had the experience of moving to Britain was astonished by the fact that police officers in the UK are very friendly while in the US they are usually cold. Moreover, he was shocked that children can walk to school even being small. In some areas in the US this phenomenon would never happen.
Here comes the truth: the food in the UK may not taste as sweet because there are no artificial components that are used in the USA in order to keep the food fresh. It doesn't mean it is "bad," it only means that it is "different."
Americans can also face a great surprise regarding the transport in Britain. There are lots of buses that can run even in such small areas as villages in the UK while they don't run in many villages in the USA. So if your family lives in an area of Watford in Hertfordshire, you must know that the Watford Taxi is a good alternative to buses.
The Education System: Get Ready for a Total Overhaul
Alright, let's talk about the big one: school. The US and UK education systems are not just different—they are fundamentally structured around entirely different philosophies .
Goodbye General Education, Hello Specialization
In America, you study eight subjects every day until you finish school. In the UK, particularly when you reach Year 10 and 11 (that is, when you’re about 14 and 16), you narrow down the number of subjects to 7-9 for your GCSEs, which will be your college entry requirements (in the UK, "college" is known as "university"). One American student remarked that where she used to get eight hours of classes per day, she now gets a maximum of four, while the other time is for individual study.
Beware the "Year 10 Trap"
But if you are at least 14, then it becomes essential how long you stay there because the educational system of the UK packs two years' worth of work into Years 10 and 11 in preparation for GCSEs. Starting Year 11 (ages 15-16) is described as "a nightmare," and you'll be in for a tough ride because you'll miss half of the course work. You may even need to repeat a year or go to an international school that teaches the American curriculum.
The Great Uniform Debate: Just Accept It
But if your family is in need of an institution without uniforms, then I guess your search is going to be endless. Most of the state schools insist on wearing uniform . Though it may seem embarrassing or confining, most of the parents and teenagers appreciate the idea of having one because you will not worry about wearing the “right” sneakers and there will be no “fashion race” . However, there are a few exceptions, which are non-uniform state schools (for instance, Cherwell School in Oxford), but they are not the norm . The vast majority of those people who relocate to the UK simply get used to the blazer and tie.
Finding a Home and Making Friends
Your location will define your experience. If your parents wish to live in a village, prepare for the experience to be extremely quiet and not very diverse—just the way it is in rural England. In case you would prefer diversity and not being an outsider, then suburbia or commuter towns around London should be what you seek.
Hertfordshire offers a lot of towns where many families choose to settle due to its proximity to London with a touch of locality. As far as traveling is concerned, especially when heading to the US, familiarity with local transportation is important. For instance, if the plan is to take a family trip from Watford and head to Luton or Heathrow airport, many families use local companies like Watford Airport Taxis to make their journey stress-free and hassle-free with all the luggage .
Making Social Connections
Clubs: Join clubs such as a sports team, drama team, or some other type of after-school activity. This is by far one of the quickest ways of meeting new people who share common interests.
The Accents: Don't worry if you don't understand everybody straight away. There are many different accents, which may sound like a totally different language to someone with an "untrained ear." Simply ask people to repeat what they said; they will not mind.
Language Barrier? Yes, you speak the same language, but there will be certain words that differ. Words such as "rubbish" for trash, "queue" for line, and "lift" for elevator.
Final Advice for the Transatlantic Teen
This decision will not be easy at the start. You will be nostalgic. You will be longing for your friends. However, many American teenagers have taken the same decision and loved it, making close friends and gaining an international outlook on things. Give yourself some time. The first three months will be very hard but once you get past the first year, you might find that England feels just like home.
