EXPERIENCING new a culture, enhancing your education and learning from a different perspective: studying abroad is exactly what it sounds like.
It’s the chance to study what you want in a foreign country, either for the whole duration of your degree or just for a small part of it, all while having the time of your life. Studying abroad is an opportunity open to almost every university student, and there are multiple ways to go about it. Here’s our short guide to what studying abroad means and the 4 paths you can take to do it.
Semester/year exchanges
Every university will have exchange partnerships with other institutions across the world. This basically means that, if your course allows you to, you can study for either one semester or a whole year of your degree in one of these partnered universities, and the credits that you earn will transfer over back home.
Studying on an exchange programme is exactly the same as studying in your own country - you will study the same subject, have the same amount of lectures and you can even join their societies. However, you also get the opportunity to try out new modules, meet people from all over the world and learn a new language. Certain degrees such a medicine and dentistry may not allow you to take part in an exchange programme so it’s best to double check if you are eligible with your course convener.
Students from EU countries who study abroad within the EU for a semester or year are eligible for Erasmus funding. Erasmus is a government organisation that works with European universities to help fund international students.
Most exchange study placements will take place in your second year (if your degree is 3 years in total) or your third year (if your degree is 4 or more years in total). Your university will contact you and advise you on the application process the year before.
Third party provider
Non-profit organisations such as IFSA Butler, ISA and CIEE provide programmes allowing you to study abroad for a period of time. This is ideal for students who want to go abroad, but whose universities don’t offer exchange programmes that suit them. For example, if you have a desire to study in Barcelona, but your university only has a partnership with Madrid, then you’re a little stuck. These third party providers (and there are many of them out there) give you a lot more choice in regard to universities and countries. Depending on your degree, they will even allow you to transfer some credits back home, so you don’t have to worry about retaking the year or semester that you spend abroad.
Third party organizations are also ideal for students who don’t want to spend part of the academic year abroad, as they also offer you the opportunity and support to undertake summer programmes and internships in a country of your choice.
The only downside to these programmes is that they can be slightly costly. You can expect to shell out around $10,000 for a semester. However, this does include accommodation, excursions, insurance and sometimes even food. Many scholarships are also available, meaning that you’ll probably not have to pay the full price in the end.
A full degree abroad
If you’re looking to complete your whole degree abroad, then you have the opportunity to apply directly to the university of your choice. All universities accept a certain amount of international students every year. The application process is extremely similar to that of every other student who applies to that particular university, and will therefore differ from country to country, but you will normally have to fill out an application and maybe attend an interview. Depending on the university you may also have to prove your language skills and arrange a visa if necessary. All this can be done independently or with help from an advisor - someone from your school or an advisory agency that will help provide you with information.
Applying directly to the university is a great way to study abroad as you can really immerse yourself into another culture and language, while studying at world-renowned universities. You are also more likely to make friends with natives, as you won’t have the typical “Erasmus semester” stereotype (yes - unfortunately there is one!).
Language schools
One final way to study abroad is by enrolling in a language school in a country of your choice. Language schools are not affiliated with universities and you will probably not gain any credits for your work, but they are a great way to improve your language, while having the opportunity to study abroad – especially ideal for students whose courses don’t allow you study abroad during the academic year. Generally a lot smaller than universities, language schools only teach language classes and a course will generally have 20 hours a week throughout the summer. Studying at a language school has a very similar process to third party providers, where you will be expected to pay a fee, but the school will generally provide you (or at least help you) with accommodation and excursions. Websites such as Course Finders and Language Learning Portal can help you find language schools across the world.
What is it like to study abroad?
No two people will have the same experience studying abroad. However, everyone will agree that it’s the best time of your life. Making friends is easy, especially with other international students who are going through the same experience as you and your courses will more than likely be more relaxed that what you’re used to. Free time will be aplenty, giving you the opportunity to travel to other countries and cities, and to truly live the cultural experience.
Think you'd like to study abroad? Check out our article Should I Study Abroad to get a further insight into what studying abroad is really like, or start researching destinations here!
