Developing and proceeding from ideas of cultural immersion, this article intends to analyze the contribution that the study of contemporary socio-cultural and political realia can bring our students’ learning outcomes and to their academic achievements. With students gaining increasing exposure to English language sources and sites, as well as immersion in the life and culture of an English-speaking community, this article aims to explore and interrogate issues of English cultural continuity by addressing the consequences of the impact of recent socio-political events on British society such as Brexit and the COVID pandemic. A crucial consideration is how such circumstances will be factored into the English language teaching and learning process.