Good morning.
A very common error for Spanish-speaking English students is to use the word
college to mean "colegio." However,
college does not have this meaning in English AND there are differences between the use of
college in UK and US English.
In UK English College usually means: a school where students over 18 are trained in a particular subject or skill, earning a qualification that is not usually an academic degree (art, agriculture, music, etc.).
Example 1
When my sister finishes secondary school, she would like to go to secretarial
college.
Example 2
My friend Donny is such a good saxophone player that he has been accepted to the Royal
College of Music.
Sometimes
college is used in the names of British PRIVATE SCHOOLS.
Example 3
I'm going to send my son to Eton
College.
In US English College usually means: a place where students, after secondary school, study for their bachelor's degree (sometimes called a
junior college).
College is also used to refer to universities that offer advanced degrees.
Example 4
After I finish secondary school, I want to go to
college; I have applied to Stanford University because I think it's an excellent place to study.
In the US, when a person says that he/she wishes to go to
college they are referring to attending a university. In the UK they are most likely referring to a post-secondary school professional qualification.
"
Colegio" is usually translated into English as a
primary school or
private secondary school NOT a
college.
If you have any questions about today's Daily Vitamin, please feel free to
contact me.
Have an excellent day!