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Work in the United Kingdom – Country Profile

20th January 2017 by jobs.ac.uk 1 Comment

  • Facts
  • Education
  • Cost of Living
  • Travel
  • Working Practices
  • Business Etiquette

Jobs in the UK

Find your next role with jobs.ac.uk and work in the United Kingdom.  Whether you’re an academic looking to join top universities, a professional seeking a dynamic environment in support services, or a scholar aiming to pursue a PhD, the United Kingdom has something to offer. Search for your next role today. 

Find a job in the UK

CountryFact File

  • Capital city: London
  • Population: 67.8 million as of March 2024
  • Government: Unitary parliamentary democracy, constitutional monarchy
  • Currency: Pound sterling (GBP)
  • Main languages: English
  • Main religions: Christianity, Islam, Hinduism

Country profile

The United Kingdom is made up of Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) and Northern Ireland. Although geographically small, it has a long history and rich cultural heritage. In the colonial era, the British Empire stretched around the globe, and immigration from its former colonies and the European Union has made the UK an ethnically diverse nation.

Culture

‘British tradition’ is an often-used phrase, but in reality, the UK has a mix of genuinely old traditions and those adopted more recently. International visitors might immediately think of the British monarchy and its pageantry, but there are many more local customs and pastimes to explore.

Popular activities

Social life in the UK can be very varied, with friends coming together to socialise in many different environments. Popular activities include going out for a meal or drink, getting together to watch sport or see bands play, or even just going around to someone’s house for a cup of tea. Football is a particular national passion, with hundreds of thousands of people attending matches each week, but if sport isn’t your thing then there are plenty of other activities on offer all around the country.

Food and drink

Britain has long since shaken off its reputation for bad food, and now boasts over a hundred Michelin-starred restaurants serving all kinds of different cuisine. Along with classic dishes such as fish and chips, the full breakfast and the Sunday roast, the vibrant UK restaurant scene serves up dishes from every corner of the globe to suit any budget. Pubs in the UK have also evolved, but you can still find a huge selection of British ales – all served by the pint of course – and even some English wine too!

Languages

There is no official language in the UK, but the vast majority of people speak English. However, several minority languages are found around the country. Around 20% of the population of Wales speaks Welsh, and the language is used in some schools. Scotland also has its own Gaelic language, and many more languages are spoken within the various migrant communities.

Accents

The ‘British accent’ is a Hollywood staple, particularly when casting villains, but in reality, this isn’t quite so simple to define. The UK has huge variation in accents and dialects – even within the space of a few miles – a fact that often confuses visitors. But once you learn to tell your Cockney from your Scouse and your Geordie from your Brummie, you start to realise it’s all part of the British charm.

Weather

It’s fair to say that people in the UK are a bit obsessed with the weather. Changes in the weather regularly make the headlines and complaints about the heat, cold, rain or wind are great topics for small talk. The climate in the UK is pretty moderate, if changeable, but there is a lot of regional variation too.

Safety and security

Generally speaking, the UK is a relatively safe country to live and work in. However, it’s always advisable to be aware of your surroundings and avoid personal risk. The Crimestoppers charity offers useful information about staying safe in the UK, and many police forces offer local advice through their websites.

System structure

The UK system consists of four separate areas: primary, secondary, further and higher education. Primary and secondary education, for children aged between 5 and 16, are compulsory. The majority of pupils attend publicly-funded state schools, but there are also independent private schools and homeschooling options available.

The Scottish education system differs from the rest of the UK. It has its own legislative framework, curriculum and qualifications system. Education is still compulsory from ages 5 to 16, but once students have completed secondary school, they can study for the Scottish Certificate of Education which is an entry qualification for university.

Academic year

The academic year in the UK generally runs from around September to July and is usually split into three terms, although some schools – particularly in Scotland – opt for a four-term system. Term dates for universities are decided by the individual institution, but school and college terms are dictated by the local authority, which often results in slight regional variations.

Higher education

The UK is home to some of the oldest universities in the world, and with over 150 higher education establishments there is no shortage of choice for students or academics. All differ in terms of their location, facilities and atmosphere. Although these are not mutually exclusive, institutes are sometimes categorised as:

  • Campus universities – where the majority of the university buildings are located on one large site
  • City universities – where university facilities are spread out around various locations in a town or city
  • Collegiate universities – where different colleges of the university operate with varying degrees of independence

Other labels you may hear applied to universities in the UK are ‘red brick’, ‘plate glass’ and ‘post-1992’. These refer to particular groups of institutions by their age or design style. There are also various professional and research associations to which UK universities may belong, such as The Russell Group, University Alliance and million+. Institutions are ranked annually by The Times according to a range of criteria including teaching, research, influence and innovation.

Funding

The way that universities are funded in the UK has changed significantly in recent years. The amount of financial support that institutions receive directly from the state has dropped considerably. Instead, universities have been allowed to charge students tuition fees of up to £9,000 per year. Although socially and politically controversial, this move has seen universities challenged to innovate and become more successful commercial entities.

Courses

Degree courses in the UK are offered in a huge range of subjects and can take different lengths of time to complete. Typical full-time course lengths are:

  • Undergraduate degrees – three years
  • Postgraduate degrees (taught) – one year
  • Postgraduate degrees (research) – two years
  • Doctoral degrees – three years

Some students choose part-time courses to accommodate family commitments or work around their studies, making the duration longer. Undergraduate courses at most Scottish universities take four years instead of the usual three, and professional courses like medicine and veterinary science take more years to complete. However, some institutions have also begun to offer fast-track courses which take less time and offer students significant savings on tuition fees.

Research

UK institutions have a proud history in research, and as part of the university ranking criteria, it is a high priority for most. Funding for academic research is available from several sources but competition can be fierce.

Further education

Further education is optional learning that takes place in schools or colleges after the completion of compulsory education at the age of 16. It precedes entry to higher education, and a range of different types of further education qualifications are available.

Primary and secondary education

All state schools and many private schools in England, Wales and Northern Ireland follow the National Curriculum. The system is divided into four Key Stages and pupils are assessed at the end of each. Examinations taken at the age of 16 (Key Stage 4), represent a child’s first set of formal academic qualifications. These can dictate whether they continue on to further education.

In Scotland, there is no statutory curriculum and the qualifications obtained through primary and secondary education differ from those in the rest of the UK.

Preschool and childcare options

For people relocating with children below school age, there are many preschool and childcare options including:

  • Local authority (state-run) nursery schools
  • Nursery classes in independent schools
  • Children and family centres
  • Community childcare centres
  • Privately-run day nurseries
  • Workplace nurseries
  • Playgroups

Many of these are privately funded and can be very expensive for parents. The Free Early Education scheme can help with these costs by providing a certain amount of free childcare per week. Some employers may directly offer help and support with childcare. Others offer salary sacrifice schemes such as childcare vouchers to help parents who are paying for preschool education.

Geographical variation

The cost of living in the UK varies hugely depending on location. London is typically the most expensive place to live, and wages there tend to be higher to reflect this. Many people who work in London choose to live outside the city in so-called ‘commuter towns’ to save on costs and travel to work by public transport. Across the rest of the UK, living costs are generally lower in the north than the south, although there is still a degree of variation between cities and towns.

Accommodation

Finding accommodation can be a daunting prospect, with several options offering different cost bands. For academic jobs, many universities provide accommodation for international staff. Alternatively, you could arrange rental accommodation locally. Your employer may be able to suggest some areas to consider.

If you move to the UK on a long-term or permanent basis, you may want to consider buying a property. House prices are quite high compared to many countries, but there is a great choice of characterful older properties and modern new-builds. Whether you choose to rent or buy, you will also need to arrange home and contents insurance for your property.

Rental deposit

Most landlords and letting agencies in the UK require a deposit to be paid upfront. Typically this is one month’s rent, although there is no set rule. The deposit acts as insurance against minor damage to the property. Letting agencies may also charge administration fees for arranging the rent and preparing tenancy agreements. For more information and advice on renting property in the UK, consult the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Council tax

Most properties in the UK are subject to council tax. This charge is levied by local councils to pay for shared services, and is calculated based on the value of the property and the number of people living there. Students are exempt from the tax, but academics and other university staff are not.

Utilities

Utility bills you need to consider include water, electricity, gas, telephone and internet. Water bills are charged on either a metered or rated basis by the local provider in your area. Other utilities can be provided by a number of suppliers that compete on price. Websites such as uSwitch allow you to compare prices to find the best deal for these services. If you are renting a property, remember to check what utilities are included in the rent.

TV licence

If you own a TV in the UK, you must hold a valid TV licence for your property. The full colour licence currently costs £159 a year.

Healthcare and medical costs

Public sector healthcare in the UK is operated by the state-owned National Health Service (NHS). It covers medical operations including hospital care, dentists and doctors (known as general practitioners or GPs). The service was founded in 1948 with the aim of making good-quality healthcare available to all UK citizens, regardless of wealth.

Foreign nationals are also entitled to some free care on the NHS, but some services must be paid for. Your entitlement depends on the nature and duration of your stay in the UK. The Citizens Advice Bureau website provides information about what you are entitled to.

There are also several private healthcare providers in the UK. Some employers may offer private healthcare options as part of their pay and remuneration package.

Shopping

Shopping choice in the UK is vast, with big name chains and smaller independent retailers competing for business. For everyday items, supermarkets are usually cheapest although prices and quality differ between the premium and budget brands.

VAT

Value-Added Tax (VAT) is a tax charged on the majority of goods and services within the UK. Most day-to-day prices are quoted inclusive of VAT, however, some tradespeople and service providers may quote prices excluding VAT, so it’s always worth checking before accepting a quote.

Price guide

  • Rent on 1-bedroom apartment in city centre – £2,071.54 per month
  • Rent on 1-bedroom apartment outside city centre – £1,468.33 per month
  • Price of apartment in city centre – £13,305.40 per square metre
  • Price of apartment outside city centre – £7,795.14 per square metre
  • Loaf of bread – £1.41
  • Milk (1 litre) – £1.31
  • Bottled water (1.5 litre) – £1.17
  • Draught beer (0.5 litre) – £1.89
  • Packet of cigarettes – £14.00
  • Petrol (1 litre) – £1.64

Source: www.numbeo.com (accessed August 2023)

Budgeting and savings

Keeping track of your budget is really important, particularly if you are trying to save. For advice on budgeting, money saving tips and the best deals on living expenses, consult a consumer website like MoneySavingExpert.com.

 

Driving

There is a good network of motorways and main roads connecting all major cities and towns in the UK. To legally drive a UK-registered vehicle, you need a valid driving licence, road tax and insurance certificate for your use. Older vehicles also need an MOT certificate.

Driving licences are issued in the UK by the DVLA, and the minimum age to drive a car is 17. Foreign nationals living in the UK may be allowed to drive on non-British licences or exchange a non-British licence for a British one.

If you take your car with you to the UK for a visit, it does not need to be registered. However, if you stay for an extended period or become a UK resident, you must register your vehicle as imported.

Taxis and minicabs

Taxis are readily available in all major UK towns and cities and are usually metered. They can be pre-booked, hailed in the street or found at taxi ranks. Minicabs – also known as private hire vehicles – must be pre-booked. Journey costs vary depending on location and time of day, but they are generally more expensive in London and the south than elsewhere in the country.

Buses

Local bus services operate in all towns and cities, offering a relatively cheap and easy way of getting around. Be aware of the timetable though – many services are less frequent on evenings, weekends and bank holidays.

Coaches

A number of coach operators offer road transport between major cities across the UK. This is usually slightly cheaper than travelling by train, but journey times can be longer.

Trains

The UK rail network offers fast intercity connections between all major cities, and there are also regular local trains serving smaller cities and towns. Rail tickets are usually cheaper if bought in advance and there are a number of railcards and concessions available for discounts on rail travel. Many stations also offer car parking facilities, although costs vary quite a lot.

Trams and underground rail

Several UK cities have alternative public transport systems, the most famous being the London Underground, or the ‘Tube’ as it is known. Glasgow also has a subway system, while major cities including Manchester, Birmingham and Nottingham run light railway or tram services designed to relieve pressure on the roads.

Air travel

There are several international airports located in or near UK cities including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff, Belfast and Edinburgh. London Heathrow is among the world’s busiest airports, serving over 180 destinations in 85 countries worldwide. The large numbers of airlines operating flights within Europe mean that fares to most European destinations can be purchased relatively cheaply. Domestic flights also operate between major UK airports and are fairly inexpensive.

Planning a journey

The UK’s extensive public transport network offers various ways of getting around depending on your location. If you’re not sure what the best option will be, the Trainline website provides route planning for all modes of public transport.

Working hours

The normal working hours in the UK are typically Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. However, most organisations offer some movement within these times, and many operate systems of flexible working or variable hours to allow employees to work around other commitments.

Holidays

Most permanent employees who work five days a week are entitled to a minimum of 28 days of paid holiday (annual leave) each year, although this total includes bank holidays. Employers may offer more annual leave at their discretion. Holiday entitlement for temporary staff and contractors works differently, and should be discussed with the employer before you start the post. Self-employed workers are not entitled to annual leave.

Bank holidays

The UK has eight regular bank holidays. Many organisations close on some or all of these dates, although in certain sectors, such as leisure and hospitality, businesses may remain open.

Bank holiday dates:

  • 1 January – New Year’s Day
  • 29th March Good Friday
  • 1st April – Easter Monday
  • 6 May – Early May bank holiday
  • 27 May – Spring bank holiday
  • 26 August – Summer bank holiday
  • 25 December – Christmas Day
  • 26 December – Boxing Day

If a bank holiday is on a weekend, a ‘substitute’ weekday becomes a bank holiday, normally the following Monday.

Visas and eligibility to work

Depending on your nationality, the reason for your visit and the duration of your stay, you may be required to obtain a visa before entering the UK. Visas confirm your entitlement to live and/or work in the country. You can find out whether you need a visa by taking a short questionnaire on the GOV.UK website. However, this is a complex area and the rules on who can and cannot work in the UK change regularly. As a general guide, remember:

  • Never assume that you will be granted a visa
  • When your visa expires, you will not necessarily be granted an extension
  • Even if permission to work has been given, you cannot start work until a visa has been issued
  • Visas can still be refused even if permission to work has been granted
  • Your visa is your responsibility – if it lapses then your right to live and/or work in the UK may become invalid

For the latest advice, visit the UK Border Agency website.

Tax and National Insurance

To work in the UK, you must apply for a National Insurance number. This unique number will enable you to pay the tax and National Insurance that all workers in the UK contribute to. Tax rates vary depending on the amount that you earn, although not all earnings are subject to tax. Tax and National Insurance contributions are usually deducted directly from your pay through the PAYE (Pay As You Earn) system. More detailed information is available through the tax section on the GOV.UK website.

Pensions

As National Insurance contributions are compulsory in the UK, the payments you make help to build your entitlement to the State Pension when you retire. In the past, many UK employers operated optional workplace pension schemes. However, changes in the law in 2013 made it a requirement for employers to enrol the majority of their workforce in some kind of pension scheme. This system is called auto-enrolment and will be phased in between now and 2018. Speak to your employer to find out what kind of pension scheme they offer and how it applies to you.

Benefits

Some foreign nationals living in the UK are entitled to state benefits. This will depend on your work and social situation and may be means-tested. To find out what you are able to claim, consult the benefits section on the GOV.UK website.

Disability

UK law offers disabled workers significant protection from discrimination on the grounds of their disability. The Equality Act 2010 outlines the rights of disabled workers, including reasonable adjustments in the workplace. Most businesses are more than willing to make any such adjustments, so disabled workers should speak to their employer about their individual requirements before taking up their post.

Organisational structure

Although businesses in the UK generally maintain relatively flat organisational structures, decision-making usually takes place at the top. In the past, there was a very rigid segregation between the ranks in British business, with management and lower-level staff often sitting on separate floors. While far fewer companies operate this way today, senior managers still maintain a certain degree of authority and respect.

Management style

Loyalty and integrity are among the key values of British workers, and they also appreciate directness and honesty from their managers. However, understatement is also commonplace, particularly in group situations when diplomacy is called for. Business operations in the UK tend to stick to established rules, frameworks and procedures which can sometimes slow down developments and decision making.

Formality

The ‘stiff upper lip’ reputation may not be entirely deserved, but it’s fair to say that the British can be rather formal in business situations. Over-familiar behaviour such as backslapping or hugging is unusual, as are overt emotional displays. There is also a wariness of sales tactics, so always try to build rapport and relationships before trying to make deals.

Relationships

Many Brits prefer to work with organisations or people they already know, but this should be seen as an opportunity. Networking is vital to business success in the UK, but when you develop a good relationship it’s likely to last. Once you have a good rapport with your contacts, your UK business dealings will often become more informal and open, although still professional.

Correspondence

Business letters in the UK are written in a formal style and follow certain conventions. Email etiquette is less well-established, so it’s best to start off formal. Depending on how well you know a person, use their first name or their title and surname. Begin your first email with ‘Dear’, and end it with a friendly yet professional signoff like ‘Kind regards’. As the email exchange continues, you can drop some of the formality, particularly if the other person does too.

Dress code

Often the dress code for a meeting will be specified, but if in doubt it is better to be formal. Men usually wear a dark-coloured business suit with a shirt and tie, although more companies now allow open collars. Women normally select a business suit and blouse or a conservative dress. Some organisations allow people to dress more casually on Fridays, but this is by no means universal so it’s best to check before dressing down.

Greetings

The customary business greeting for both men and women in the UK is a firm handshake, and people usually shake hands on departure as well. First name terms are used in most face-to-face settings, although there may be some exceptions, such as in medical and academic environments. Business cards are usually exchanged during the meeting, but there is no formal process for this.

Punctuality

Punctuality is very important. Ensure that you book meetings well in advance and confirm the date, time and location by email. If you are running late, always call to advise someone – even if it’s only a few minutes.

Meetings

Although business meetings in the UK are usually structured with a clear agenda, small talk before and afterwards is customary. Negotiations are usually quite open, but it’s important to pay attention to what’s not said as well as what is said. In most cases the British favour an outcome that serves both parties well. Ensure that you have a sound argument backed up by facts and figures as the British like to be well-informed when it comes to decision-making.

Cultural sensitivity

It is important to remember that the UK has a strong anti-discrimination culture backed by law. It is illegal to discriminate against anyone on the grounds of age, gender, race, religious views, disability, sexual orientation or marital status. Bear this in mind when conducting business meetings or even during small talk.

Business language

Internationally, Brits are regarded as poor at learning languages. Although this is something of a generalisation, it’s true that business in the UK is almost always conducted in English. Most job applicants are expected to have a high standard of written and spoken English. Remember that British and American English can differ somewhat in spelling and vocabulary, and the UK is also well-known for its huge range of regional accents!

The United Kingdom is made up of Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) and Northern Ireland. Although geographically small, it has a long history and rich cultural heritage. In the colonial era the British Empire stretched around the globe, and immigration from its former colonies and the European Union has made the UK an ethnically diverse nation.

United States of America

Work in the United States of America – Country Profile

14th January 2017 by jobs.ac.uk 2 Comments

  • Facts
  • Education
  • Cost of Living
  • Travel
  • Working Practices
  • Business Etiquette

Careers in the United States of America

Explore new career opportunities in the United States of America with jobs.ac.uk – a range of roles are available from professional services to academic roles.

Find our more and apply today.

Country fact file

  • Capital city: Washington D.C.
  • Population: 341 million as of March 2024
  • Government: Federal republic, constitutional democracy
  • Currency: US dollar ($, USD)
  • Main languages: English, Spanish
  • Main religions: Christianity, Judaism, Islam

The United States of America, universally known as America or the USA, is made up of 50 states and several overseas territories. America declared independence from Britain in 1776 and was recognised as autonomous in 1783, leading to the adoption of its constitution four years later in 1787.

Since then, the USA has developed at an astonishing rate to become the world’s economic powerhouse and most influential political authority.

Culture

Founded on the principals of equality and individual rights, it is perhaps not surprising that America is traditionally viewed as the land of opportunity.

The promise of social mobility and classlessness has attracted huge inward migration and made the USA extremely ethnically diverse, although critics might argue that its different communities could be better integrated with each other.

Although officially secular, America maintains a strong religious identity with Christianity the dominant faith.

Popular activities

For such a large country, the USA has a fairly strong sense of national identity and many of its pastimes have a uniquely American feel.

Sports play a major part in people’s social lives, with baseball, American football, basketball and ice hockey drawing huge crowds to games.

Those who don’t attend matches often watch games with friends and enjoy food and drink together.

Geography also influences people’s activities – for example, rodeo and country music are popular in the Southern states while areas with cold winters enjoy a range of snow sports.

Food and drink

Think American food and you’re probably imagining hamburgers, fried chicken, pizza and donuts. While it’s true that the USA exported fast food chains to the rest of the world, its culinary heritage is in fact as diverse as its culture.

Every state has its own dishes based around its produce and the influences of its different communities, although common indigenous ingredients such as pumpkin, sweet potato and corn feature heavily in most regional menus.

Americans generally prefer coffee or iced tea to hot tea, and the country is also home to a huge range of soft drinks – usually known as sodas.

Languages

Although there is no official language in the USA, English is the majority language. However, Spanish is also widely spoken, particularly in the southern and western states where large numbers of Mexican migrants have settled.

Most official documentation is readily available in Spanish and it is the most widely taught foreign language in schools. There are also at least five other languages with over a million native speakers residing in the USA.

Accents

Despite its size and large population, America has relatively few regional accents. However, the sounds and dialects of each region can vary quite dramatically, with the differences between the East Coast, West Coast and Southern accents perhaps the most noticeable.

System structure

Compulsory education in the USA covers elementary school, middle school (sometimes known as junior high) and high school (or senior high). The ages of students who are required to attend school vary slightly from state to state, but generally children start school between the ages of 5 and 8, and finish between the ages of 16 and 18. State schools are free to attend and many students get free transportation and subsidised meals, while private schools are usually fee paying. After school, students may choose to continue to college or university.

Academic year

The academic year is determined by individual states so there is quite a lot of variation. However, schools typically work two semesters, the first from August or September to January, and the second from January to May or June. Many universities use the same system, and most allow students to start courses at the beginning of either semester.

Higher education

There are over 4,500 colleges and universities in the USA, ranging from the private Ivy League institutions to the public colleges and smaller liberal arts colleges. College in the USA has a particular character, with sports clubs, fraternities and sororities famously at the centre of social life on campus.

Most colleges require students to pass an entrance exam (usually the SAT or ACT) and college applicants are allowed to apply to as many institutions as they want to, although there is usually an application fee.

Funding

As in many countries, financial pressures have led American higher education institutions to increasingly seek commercial or corporate funding.

Colleges in the USA charge tuition fees depending on whether a student normally lives in-state, out-of-state or internationally relative to the institution. Students can apply for various types of funding including both loans and grants through the Federal Student Aid programme.

Some foreign nationals studying in the USA are eligible for funding depending on their visa status.

Courses

American universities offer both undergraduate and graduate degree courses, but undergraduate courses work differently than in many other countries. For most last four years – commonly referred to as freshman, sophomore, junior and senior years – and for the first two students take a broad range of subjects before choosing a ‘major’, their specialist subject for the final two years.

Some students choose a double major or take an additional ‘minor’ in a secondary field. Graduate qualifications usually last between one and three years, and most colleges also offer several non-degree qualifications.

Research

Research in the USA is very prestigious and competition for funding can be competitive. For more information, visit Grants.gov to find out about federal funding, or contact a specialist organisation in your research field.

Elementary, middle and high school education

Schools in America use a system known as K-12, which covers compulsory education from kindergarten through to twelfth grade. Although some schools run slightly different systems, the three levels of schooling are usually divided into:

  • Elementary school – kindergarten to fifth grade
  • Middle school – sixth grade to eighth grade
  • High school – ninth grade to twelfth grade

There is no federal curriculum, but most schools follow a structure outlined by local authorities in their area. At the end of high school, students hope to complete their High School Diploma. Although courses are not standardised, the diploma is a nationally recognised award and very important for employment prospects.

Preschool and childcare options

Preschool and childcare options for people moving to America with their families include:

  • Day care centres or crèches
  • Pre-kindergartens
  • Nannies
  • Au pairs

The cost of childcare can be very high, although some employers do have facilities on site to care for their employees’ children. In 2013, new plans were announced to make preschools more accessible, and these will continue to be phased in over the next few years.

Geographical variation

The cost of living in the USA varies hugely according to several factors. Wages for the same types of job often vary between states, meaning that the cost of living and quality of life is best viewed on a state by state level.

Within states, cities are usually more expensive to live in than smaller towns or rural areas, although the local economy and levels of self-sufficiency also have an impact on the cost of living, with prices of goods also higher in very remote areas.

Accommodation

Living options in the USA include properties to buy or rent as well as options to lodge, share accommodation or stay in hotels at relatively cheap rates. Most universities offer accommodation for foreign nationals taking academic jobs, and other employers should be able to offer advice on good areas to live in.

If you choose to rent a property in the USA, you will need to submit a lease application. At this point, your credit history will be checked too. Usually, you need to pay a deposit and the estate agent’s fees, but the process depends on state law.

If you move to America permanently and decide to buy a property, you’ll find that the process is relatively quick as long as you have proof of funds, with purchases typically completed in between 30 and 60 days.

For more information on property prices and housing issues in the USA, visit the National Association of Realtors website.

Rental deposit

Most property lettings will require a deposit. Some states limit the number of months’ rent that landlords can request as a deposit and set deadlines for them to return it after the lease ends, so check the law in your state before signing a lease.

Property tax

Local services in the USA are funded in part by a property tax, which is calculated based on the value of a property. Although it is the owner who is liable for the tax, some landlords may pass the cost on to their tenants, so always check the rate whether you are renting or buying.

Utilities

Utilities in the USA are regulated by public utility commissions and provided by a combination of publically-owned and private companies.

In some areas, you will have a choice of suppliers and may be able to change to get a better price on your water, electricity, gas, telephone and internet, but in other areas, you may be locked into a particular provider.

TV

There is no cost for owning a television in America, and five major national networks – NBC, CBS, ABC, Fox and The CW – show free-to-air channels. However, many people choose to pay for additional channels or regional services.

Healthcare and medical costs

Although the quality of healthcare in the USA is of a generally high standard, the costs are equally high. There are few publicly funded services, with the system largely paid for by private insurance.

Be aware that certain kinds of visas require you to arrange medical insurance before entering the country. The new health insurance marketplace is designed to help more people access insurance but is currently only available to US citizens.

There are also Medicare and Medicaid schemes, but again qualification is limited for foreign nationals so it’s best to arrange your insurance or take up an option through your employer.

Shopping

America is famed for its shopping, both on the high street and at out of town malls. Outlet malls offer attractive prices on clothing and household goods, but do your research first to spot genuine deals.

Supermarkets offer a comprehensive choice of groceries and are usually the cheapest option, while local produce is available at farmers’ markets and convenience stores.

Sales tax

There is no federal VAT (value-added tax) or GST (goods and services tax) in the USA. Instead, sales tax is levied at various rates in different states and sometimes even in different cities of the same state. Prices are usually quoted without sales tax, so be prepared to see the cost increase when you get to the checkout.

Price guide

  • Rent on 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre – $2,497.29 (≈£1,974.11) per month
  • Rent on 1-bedroom apartment outside the city centre – $8,512.91 (≈£6,729.46) per month
  • Price of apartment in city centre – $8,512.91 (≈£1,116.65) per square metre
  • Price of apartment outside city centre – $5,451.17 (≈£4,309.15) per square metre
  • Loaf of bread – $1.10 (≈£0.87)
  • Milk (1 litre) – $3.65 (≈£2.89)
  • Bottled water (1.5 litre) – $2.56 (≈£2.02)
  • Draught beer (0.5 litre) – $2.51 (≈£1.98)
  • Packet of cigarettes – $11.00 (≈£8.70)
  • Petrol (1 litre) – $1.00 (≈£0.79)
  • Cinema ticket – $15.00 (≈£11.86)

Source: www.numbeo.com (accessed August 2023)

Weather

Because of its size, the USA experiences the whole spectrum of climate conditions from tropical Hawaii to arctic Alaska. The overall climate could be described as temperate, but this doesn’t tell the whole story.

Summer temperatures in certain areas can pass 50°C (122°F), while winters can see -30°C (-22°) or even lower. However, these are the absolute extremes – to find out more about the climate in a particular state, visit the National Weather Service website.

Safety and security

Although the USA has a reputation for high levels of crime, it’s important to understand that this is not true across the board. Rates of gun crime and homicide are slightly higher than in some developed countries, but they remain significantly lower than in many places.

What you tend to find in the USA is that particular neighbourhoods have bad reputations for crime, so always listen to local advice and avoid these areas.

America can be prone to natural disasters, with earthquakes sometimes striking the west coast and hurricanes affecting the southern and eastern states between June and November each year.

Certain areas of the USA are also at risk from wildfires and tornados. If you move to a high risk area, familiarise yourself with safety recommendations and in the event of a natural disaster, follow any instructions given to you by emergency services.

Working hours

Employees in the USA typically work a 40-hour week. The normal hours are Monday to Friday from 9am to 5:30pm with 30 minutes allowed for lunch, however many organisations allow employees to work earlier or later than this provided they get their scheduled hours in.

Overtime is permitted and may be paid or unpaid at the discretion of your employer.

Holidays

Many foreign nationals who move to the USA to work are surprised to find that there is no provision in federal law for paid holiday (usually referred to as vacation). Larger companies may still offer good benefits packages to attract top quality staff, but this is not universal.

Employers typically offer between 10 and 20 days of vacation at their discretion. Be aware that other types of leave – including sick leave and maternity leave – may also be paid or unpaid at the employer’s discretion.

Public holidays

The USA has 11 officially recognised federal holidays. Ten of these occur annually and one, Inauguration Day, occurs every four years (in the year of a Presidential election).

Apart from Inauguration Day, which is usually observed only in counties affected by the election, federal holidays are observed by the majority of public offices and private businesses may also close.

Individual states sometimes observe additional holidays, so dates are best checked on the state government websites.

Federal holiday dates

  • New Year’s Day: 1st January
  • Birthday of Martin Luther King: 15th January
  • Memorial Day: 27th May
  • Independence Day: 4th July
  • Labor Day: 2nd September
  • Columbus Day: 14th October
  • Veterans’ Day: 11th November
  • Thanksgiving Day: 28th November
  • Christmas Day: 25th December

Visas and eligibility to work

The USA is a very desirable proposition for people seeking work abroad and attracts large numbers of migrants each year.

High levels of illegal immigration in the past have led to the famously strict border control system in operation today, and there are a large number of different visa types available.

Apart from those travelling under the Visa Waiver scheme, people of most nationalities require a visa to visit the country, and almost all foreign nationals will need a visa to work in the USA.

Your visa application is most likely to be successful if you already have a job offer from a company in the USA. The majority of jobs available to foreign nationals are specialist or skilled positions as labour laws require local workers to be given preferential access to jobs if they are available.

Remember that the US has some major restrictions on entry to the country so any criminal convictions, particularly relating to drug use, may lead to an application being rejected.

Tax

The tax system in the USA is complex as residents are taxed at both federal and state levels. To work in America you will need to apply for a Tax Identification Number, usually a Social Security Number.

The rules for international taxpayers vary, but generally speaking, employees can expect to pay federal income tax, state or city tax, social security tax and a Medicare levy.

The rate you are taxed at will depend on your earnings, social situation and residency status, and the majority of people will need to file tax returns annually.

For help with tax issues in the USA, contact your local IRS office.

Pensions

When you work in the USA and pay social security taxes, you accrue Social Security credits. These can later be used to claim retirement benefits.

The amount of credits you need to claim depends on your age, so if you only work in America for a short period before retiring you may not be eligible.

However, government incentives and tax breaks enable many companies to offer staff access to pension plans, so speak to your employer about your options.

Benefits

Depending on your residency, work and social status, you may be able to claim benefits in the USA as a foreign national.

Disability

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act it is unlawful for employers to discriminate against a qualified individual with a disability, and disabled people also hold several other rights defined by the law.

Organisational structure

The structure of American businesses depends on their size. Large corporations with multiple offices tend to maintain a hierarchical structure with lots of levels and sub-departments for operational practicality.

Smaller companies and smaller departments within big firms may have a flatter organisational structure.

Decision making is usually fast and will traditionally be top down in most businesses. Be aware that in such a large country, business practices may also vary by geographical location.

Management style

Management styles in the USA very much depend on the type of organisation and the nature of its work. Ambition is a key driver so individualism and independent work are highly valued by employees, who are expected to progress in the workplace and develop their skills.

Managers will be straight and direct with their staff and expect the same in return. Communication is explicit and mostly verbal, and it is acceptable to criticise people’s ideas candidly and in public without causing personal offence.

Formality

Americans are known for their forward nature and will often begin conversations with strangers. In business, people in the USA like to use first names from the start, and titles are rarely used.

Interactions may also be quite physical, with the backslapping and exaggerated handshakes of popular culture not far from the truth, however politeness and courtesy are also rewarded, so remember to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ and ‘you’re welcome’ upon being thanked by your American colleagues.

Relationships

Although Americans value and encourage equality, status is still significant so make sure you show respect to senior figures.

Networking is important to success as using connections and even dropping names can be a good way to secure meetings and introductions, but remember that in such a large country not all networking is face to face, so take advantage of telephone contacts, Skype meetings and social media to develop relationships too.

Correspondence

There are various styles of business letter in the USA. Although written in a relatively formal manner, there can be slight differences to British correspondence, for example, the signoff is normally ‘Sincerely’ or ‘Sincerely yours’ rather than ‘Yours sincerely’.

Emails can be much less formal, often beginning with ‘Hi’ and ending with a more personal line such as ‘Have a nice day’ or ‘Enjoy your weekend’, but if in doubt, keep it formal to begin with.

Dress code

The typical business dress consists of a dark-coloured business suit for men, usually with a shirt and tie or open collar. Women tend to wear suits or business dresses with conservative makeup and modest jewellery.

However, there is something of a geographical divide, with Western states generally allowing more casual clothing than their Eastern counterparts.

Casual Fridays are observed by some businesses, and summer dress codes may be different to account for warmer weather conditions.

Greetings

Business greetings in the USA can be more casual than elsewhere, so don’t be surprised to hear ‘Hi there’ or ‘How are you?’, even in a formal environment.

Always greet your American contacts with an enthusiastic handshake and a warm smile.

Business cards should be exchanged but there is no formal ritual for this, and cards may be accepted with no more than a cursory glance.

Punctuality

Make sure you arrive on time to appointments as lateness is considered disrespectful and unprofessional. Many Americans work a lot of overtime and will conduct business dealings outside normal working hours, so they don’t appreciate having their time wasted.

Meetings

Despite the informal greetings and customary small talk, business meetings are usually quite structured. Agendas will be followed throughout and action plans agreed upon before the meeting is adjourned.

Everyone attending is expected to understand the issues being discussed and actively contribute to a lively debate. People in the USA are not shy in asking questions, so always prepare to be challenged on your presentation or figures.

Meetings rarely finish open ended as Americans like to have a clear conclusion or plan in place by the end of a meeting.

Cultural sensitivity

The USA has a very diverse society, so always be aware that you may meet people from very different social backgrounds and cultures.

Although they can appear quite forward at times, Americans often prefer not to discuss topics like religion and politics in public, so keep your small talk to less controversial topics.

Business language

Most business dealings in the USA are conducted in English, although American English can differ in spelling and vocabulary from British English. However, there is a large Spanish-speaking minority, with well over 10% of the population regarding Spanish as their first language.

There are also large numbers of Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, French and German speakers, so on occasion, you may need to interact with someone whose native language is not English.

The United States of America, universally known as America or the USA, is made up of 50 states and several overseas territories. America declared independence from Britain in 1776 and was recognised as autonomous in 1783, leading to the adoption of its constitution four years later in 1787.

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