Why TESOL in London?

"Rules Britannia rules the waves" is a quote from history and no one can deny the fact that a small isle on the western coast of Europe has been one of the most powerful nations in the world and has in fact shaped the course of world history in the last 500 years. The Industrial Revolution which originated in England had a profound influence on the world. This influence was felt in Asia, Africa, Australia and America. Apart from its interesting history, it is one of the few monarchies of the world; England has fascinated the world with its literature, architecture, trade and scientific pursuits. However what seem to draw people to England, one of the few chosen TESOL training locations, is its picturesque countryside and the English lifestyle, so often portrayed in the works of its authors.

What is in it for you?

London is the capital and largest urban area of both England and the United Kingdom. An important settlement for two millennia, London's history goes back to its founding by the Romans. Since its settlement, London has been part of many movements and phenomena throughout history, including the English Renaissance, the Industrial Revolution, and the Gothic Revival.

If you are not a history buff London has something for everyone. Be it entertainment; classical or contemporary, art, theatre, music, architecture, culture, cuisine, fashion or nightlife, it has been and remains a "happening" city.

What is the attraction?

"…..off to London to visit the Queen" is a refrain from a popular nursery rhyme. But being in London is never complete without the feel of royalty. Visiting the Buckingham Palace to see the change of guards or taking pictures outside the Kensington Palace is always on the tourist itinerary. London is synonymous with art, architecture, high fashion and style. Just being in London is an experience by itself.

London offers a great variety of cuisine as a result of its ethnically diverse population. Gastronomic centres include the Bangladeshi restaurants of Brick Lane and the Chinese food restaurants of Chinatown.

Europe's busiest shopping area is Oxford Street, a shopping street nearly 1 mile (1.6 km) long—which makes it the longest shopping street in the world—and home to many shops and department stores including Selfridges. Knightsbridge—home to the Harrods department store—lies just to the southwest. London is home to designers of international repute and is an international centre of fashion alongside Paris, Milan and New York.

On the tourist map

London boasts four World Heritage Sites: the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey and St. Margaret's Church; the Tower of London; the historic settlement of Greenwich; and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. The city is a major tourist destination both for domestic and overseas visitors.

The largest parks in the central area of London are the Royal Parks of Hyde Park and its neighbour Kensington Gardens at the western edge of central London and Regent's Park on the northern edge. This park contains London Zoo, the world's oldest scientific zoo, and is located near the tourist attraction of Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. Closer to central London are the smaller Royal Parks of Green Park and St. James's Park. Hyde Park in particular is popular for sports and sometimes hosts open-air concerts.

Within the City of Westminster, the entertainment district of the West End has its focus around Leicester Square, where London and world film premieres are held, and Piccadilly Circus, with its giant electronic advertisements. London's theatre district is here, as are many cinemas, bars, clubs and restaurants, including the city's Chinatown district, and just to the east is Covent Garden, an area housing specialty shops. The United Kingdom's Royal Ballet and the English National Ballet are based in London and perform at the Royal Opera House, the Coliseum, Sadler's Wells Theatre and the Royal Albert Hall.

Evening and Nightlife

London is one of the major classical and popular music capitals of the world and is home to major music corporations, such as EMI, Decca Records and Abbey Road Studios where The Beatles created many of their hits. Musicians such as Bob Marley,

Jimi Hendrix and Freddie Mercury have lived in London.

London is world famous for its parties and non-stop nightlife. The capital is known for its after-hours drinking and dancing dens of all shapes and sizes. From the dance floors of major nightclubs to the smaller DJ bars, London has something to offer both hardcore party animals and those looking for a quiet drink and conversation.

Weekend excursions

Hampstead is an escape from the London bustle. Quiet, village-like with miles and miles of lush greenery, it is therapeutic.

Some fifty miles from the center of London, and synonymous with excellence in academics, the cosmopolitan city of Oxford is also a romantic little town with centuries-old glorious buildings which are samples of the finest architecture in England.

Just twenty-one miles from London and very suitable for a day out, is Windsor. It is the official residence of the queen and is spread over thirteen acres. Medieval history spills over in the surroundings of the castle.

Brighton is mentioned in many English novels as a seaside town with a reputation to reckon.

Suffolk is just about two hours journey from London and is ideal for a weekend getaway. The coastline extends forty miles. The countryside is the most unexploited so far, and the hamlets and heritage towns offer ample recreation in walking, cycling, or just quiet relaxation in the best of company. Suffolk has the best of country food; farm fresh and healthy.

Day trips from London to Bath, Cambridge, Oxford, Winchester, Lake District, York and Edinburgh can be organized.

Weather

It's wise to remember London's weather is very fickle, a bright and sunny morning can turn into a wet afternoon. So always be prepared, you never know what may happen.

London's weather changes from cold and damp in winter to bright and warm in the summer.

Spring (Mar - May) and Autumn (Sep - Nov) are quite unpredictable with a good mixture of sun, rain and cloud. Temperatures average between 11°C and 15°C. Take a jacket when you go out.

Summers (Jun - Aug) are generally sunny, with the occasional rainstorm. Temperatures average around 20°C, but have been known to go as high as 37.9°C.

Winter (Dec - Feb) temperatures hover around 6°C and it's normally mild but damp. It rarely freezes or snows in London, but it would be wise to carry a hat and gloves when outdoors.