A year abroad can be a memorable and beneficial part of your higher education. Many students describe the experience as one of their best from their time at university. Learning a new language, adapting to a new culture, forging friendships and international connections – the potential benefits of a year abroad make them an attractive option for students.
Different kinds of year abroad
For some degrees, such as languages, a year abroad will be a compulsory part of your degree, and thus something that you can anticipate and plan for before taking up your place at university.
In many cases universities offer an exchange program. The Erasmus scheme was set up to encourage the movement of students and staff between universities in the EU. The rate of participation is very high – nine out of every ten higher education establishments in Europe are members of the scheme. And the European credit scheme means that modules completed while abroad will still count towards your degree.
Not everyone takes a year abroad to study. A year of work experience is an option or even a requirement for many qualifications – in some cases it may be possible to do this training abroad.
Study further afield, in America for example, is an option at many universities. Again, this can also be an upfront part of the degree – the University of Essex has a BA in English with study in North America which includes final year spent at an American university.
Why take a year abroad?
Aside from the opportunity to learn a language and study at a foreign university, living abroad can offer profound opportunities for personal growth. A year abroad can nurture self-reliance, independence and confidence. You can forge friendships and international connections that will remain valuable throughout your life.
A foreign university may offer a broader range of subjects, allowing you to sample other disciplines whilst still gaining credits for your degree.
A year abroad may provide an edge in job markets, of if applying for further study. Interpersonal skills are highly regarded by employers: surmounting the challenges of living abroad may develop these skills.
As for postgraduate study, a year abroad may help you stand out amongst other candidates, particularly if it was an option you pursued while at university. Competition for exchange spots is fierce, so it will further establish your academic credentials.
Applying For A Year Abroad
Requirements will vary from university to university and subject to subject. The department or subject pages – English, Physics, – of a university’s website should list these requirements; if not, give the department a call and they will clarify the available options.
Relationships between universities are not uniform – different universities will have different links. Again, if there’s a particular country and university combo that appeals to you, extra research will be required to discover which institution has the right connection, while still offering you the degree you want.
Whether its work experience or a year of study, you will need to demonstrate a high level of competence with the target language.
If you are intending to apply for a year abroad when you get to university, i.e. it’s not an upfront, compulsory aspect of your degree, then a strong academic and extra-curricular record will be crucial.
Competition for these spots is will be fierce, particularly in universities which have scholarships to help with the financial side of moving to another country.
Further information
A year abroad can be a great addition to your studies. It’s a big decision but not one that you have to make right away. Deadlines for applications are going to be towards the end of the first year. Many universities employ advisers specifically geared towards this option and there are great resources online like www.thirdyearabroad.com – a site run by and for those studying abroad.