Study Abroad

Claire Dignon, International Officer,
University of Birmingham

The university experience can open more doors of opportunity than one might first imagine. Most universities are extremely culturally diverse and all students can benefit from the international perspective this can lend to their studies and social life. However, for those wishing to venture beyond the UK as part of a university experience, there is ample opportunity.

Traditionally, students who have studied abroad for a period of their degree course have done so within the context of a language degree. Increasingly, however, there are options available to students from any subject area, such as Business, Engineering, Science and Law - most of whom choose degree programmes with an integral study abroad element. Often, Medical Science degrees encourage students to take 'electives' overseas which can provide an alternative dimension to these very career orientated disciplines.

The period of time spent abroad can vary in length from a few months to a full academic year. Departments acknowledge the relevance of study abroad and will normally assess the work that is completed abroad as part of the overall degree programme. Universities will provide support during the various stages of the study abroad experience through specifically assigned study abroad tutors or a central International or Study Abroad Office.

Through the Socrates-Erasmus programme many students choose to study in universities within the EU or its associated countries, such as Poland and Hungary.

This European born initiative promotes student mobility in Higher Education and is based on joint agreements between all types of universities in the eligible countries. One of the major advantages of this scheme for student participants is that fees do not have to be paid to the host institution and, in most cases, the home tuition fees are also waived. In addition, students are given a grant which helps off-set the additional expense of travelling and living away from home. The home and host institutions will usually impose minimum language requirements to participate in this scheme although there are increasing opportunities in European universities to undertake academic courses in the English language.

Europe is, of course, not the only option. Many universities, such as Birmingham, also operate exchanges which allow for study abroad in North America, Latin America, Australia and Asia.

To benefit fully from these programmes, advanced planning is fundamental. Careers libraries are a good starting point as are university prospectuses and web sites. These should be able to provide comprehensive information about study abroad opportunities linked to particular degree disciplines, the destinations available and the requirements.

Leaving the UK to study overseas can seem daunting at first but the experience is always unforgettable and enriching from both an academic and personal perspective. Future career prospects will be greatly enhanced given that employers consistently value candidates who have demonstrated initiative, who can operate in an international climate and who can, perhaps, even offer additional language skills.