New Here...with some Questions.

I am a university student in the US. I am going to be finishing in May. Now, I may be accepted to Peace Corps soon after that. However, if I do not get accepted, I would like to move to the UK. (In fact I'd like to move to the UK even if I got accepted, but then, of course, after my Term of Service). I guess my questions are these:

I have absolutely no idea where to begin. I would like to move to the UK but somehow still be able to come here. I would love to spend the rest of my life in the UK but, you know, things happen. I just have no idea of where to begin- so much to read! So overwhelming, it seems!

Also, I'd like to be an elementary-level (art, in particular) school teacher and I was wondering if anyone knew about how to go about doing that in the UK. Would it be easier to go to school there and get certification? I mean I understand I need to be certified in the UK, of course. Again, just another subject I have no idea where to start with.

Any kind of help on this would be greatly appreciated. I'm also reading up on the site here, and others.

Thanks so much!

BUNAC.  Definitely BUNAC.

Yep, BUNAC sounds like a good idea for you.  That way, you can spend some time here and work a little...get the feel of the place to decide if you want to go to school here.

As for teaching, it would be best to get your teaching certification here.  Otherwise, you'll have to go through what equates to another (much longer) student-teaching experience.  And, in my opinion, it's difficult to find a place as a teacher without a UK teaching qualfication.....though you may find a school willing to sponsor you while you're working on getting your qualification.  Really depends on where you'll be living in the UK.

They also do teacher exchanges quite often and one of those might work for you as well. 

Aside from working you can also consider going for a Masters or PhD.  If you go the Peace Corps route they have great educational benefits for when you finish so that might be an option.

In the meantime I wish you the best of luck and just wanted to say WELCOME to the site!

Hi Halcyon82,

I'm afraid I don't have any advice but I did want to say hi and welcome to the boards-we're always pleased to see new people!

Another option is to apply for a teaching internship at the American School in London.  They have two internships each year - you don't get payed much but they help you find housing and the like.  I know our two current teachers love it and are having a great time.  It'd also get you some good experience.

You can apply for it online:  www.asl.org  (under employment)