For many students, the idea of studying abroad is tempting for a whole host of reasons. Often, international study is a necessary part of a qualification, languages courses being the obvious example, but also some business or IT courses require it too. Studying abroad allows students something more than the typical UK student experience and perhaps encourages a level of independence that wouldn’t otherwise be found.
In these competitive times, some people feel a degree is just not enough and that additional experience gained through studying abroad can help individuals to stand out when it comes to applying for jobs. It can also help when it comes to applications for post-graduate study, or to prove that a person is willing to go the extra-mile to broaden their horizons and gain an international perspective on their specialist subject area. Time spent abroad can also show cultural awareness – something that many employers with international connections would view very favourably.
Students who take opportunities to study abroad are typically more confident and rate their university experience and its subsequent value to be higher than those who don’t. It also grants access to a wider range of courses than those offered in the UK. Some students even find that it is cheaper for them to study abroad, as living costs in many places in Europe are lower than in the UK, not to mention the fact that students with international experience typically go on to earn a higher wage than those who remain UK-based.
And if that hasn’t swayed you, then how about the statistic that claims 1 in 10 international students meet their lifelong partner during their studies abroad?!
Most universities now offer the opportunity to study abroad, either as an essential part of an undergraduate programme (notably language courses), or through a specialist scheme. This might be for one semester, a year, or for the duration of the course. It may also be part of an exchange programme with a foreign university.
Erasmus Scheme
One well-known scheme that helps European Union students study abroad is the Erasmus Scheme, which is offered as part of their Lifelong Learning Programme. The EU pays eligible students a grant and UK students who stay abroad for a year do not have to pay tuition fees for that year, which is a definite bonus.
Being part of an EU-wide scheme means that Erasmus students have a good selection of countries to choose from. The most popular are France, Spain, Italy and Germany, but Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Malta, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Slovak Republic and Turkey are all alternative options.
International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience
IAESTE can assist students of science, engineering and architecture who wish to study abroad. Established at Imperial College, London, in 1948, IAESTE is ran by the British Council and covers a much broader range of locations than Erasmus, currently having partnerships with over 80 countries. The programme works on a reciprocal exchange basis, so as well as sending participants each country plays host to students too.
The Travel Grant
There is a range of scholarships and other financial assistance available to students from the UK wishing to study abroad. Firstly, the Travel Grant can be paid to people who study abroad and is used to claim back some of the travel costs associated with their education, although the first £303 of these costs do have to be paid by the student themselves. This fund also covers dental and medical students who are studying within the UK, to help cover their clinical training transport costs.
Some students who study abroad are also eligible for help with additional costs, such as vaccinations, visas, or medical insurance. Student Finance will send applications out directly to eligible students.