The last week of December is a big holiday period in Britain. It is actually two festivals: Christmas comes first, on December 25, with the New Year celebrations a few days later.

It can be great fun staying in the UK at this time. It is useful to know a little about both holidays. For information on Christmas, click here. This article will tell you about the New Year.

Season's Greetings from English UK! We wish you all the best for 2010.

N.B. The English UK office will be closed for the holidays from Wednesday 23 December 2009 until Monday 4 January 2010.

Get up-to-date with British news and culture with English UK!

Every week, we summarise the news to give you some insight into what is happening in Britain, and what people are talking about.

The English Language Promotions Group (ELPG) has launched its 2010 overseas fairs:
The Dubrovnik Fair Working for Central, Eastern and Southeast Europe / March 2010
The Hanoi Fair Working for the Asia Pacific / November 2010

We are inviting all study abroad agents and educational consultants to complete the English UK survey on the agent experience. Complete this questionnaire before Midnight Thursday 31 December 2009, Greenwich Mean Time, to be entered into a free prize draw.

Are you an international student who is making the most of your time in the UK? If so, simply sharing your experiences here could put you in line for a prestigious award and up to £2000 in prize money!

If you are staying in Britain during December you will be aware of Christmas. This is the biggest festival of the year in Britain, and can be a very special time. So what do you need to know about Christmas?

Get up-to-date with British news and culture with English UK!

Every week, we summarise the news to give you some insight into what is happening in Britain, and what people are talking about.

As you may be aware, the government plans to hold a major review of the Points Based System for Visas in December. Many of the proposals could have a significant and detrimental effect on education providers across all sectors. An English UK member has created an e-petition, which is available for all to sign to demonstrate support for the sector.

Get up-to-date with British news and culture with English UK!

Every week, we summarise the news to give you some insight into what is happening in Britain, and what people are talking about.

New computer-based measure of English language ability available to test takers

Pearson, one of the worldwide global leaders in technology and assessment for education, has launched Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic), the company’s new computer-based academic test of English language proficiency. To celebrate the launch, Pearson are offering English UK member centres the chance to win some fantastic prizes. Students also have the chance to win a PTE Academic test.

People from other countries often think it rains all the time in the UK. That’s not true. But some parts of the country are wetter than others. Here are ten things to do in the UK if it does rain when you are staying.

Most students coming to the UK to improve their English head for the big cities and well-known places. That is great for some students. But others are looking for something different, which is where schools like the Bury Language School are perfect.