With so many benefits to be had from studying abroad, the number of students taking up the opportunity is on the rise; 10, 303 students studied abroad in 2007/08 compared with 7,235 in 2006/07. And with good reason, says Aaron Porter NUS Vice President (Higher Education).
Experience for employment
“Studying abroad is a fantastic opportunity for students and a great experience that is increasingly being recognised by future employers. We would encourage more students to study abroad and for institution’s to do more to promote these possibilities.”
Travel arrangements
Spending time abroad is becoming more and more accessible for students and one of the easiest ways to do it is through Erasmus, European Community Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students.
The Erasmus programme enables higher education students in the UK to study or do a work placement for 3 to 12 months in one of 30 other European countries as part of a degree course. You don’t have to be studying a language degree either; many European universities run their courses in English.
Well over a million students have already taken part in the scheme, including Toby Hough, who studied at the l’Institut d’Etudes Politiques in Lyon, France. Toby is a final-year undergraduate student at the University of Edinburgh, studying Arabic and French. Read more about Toby’s Erasmus journey.
Who can take part?
You must be studying for a degree or other recognised Tertiary-level qualification and a national of one of the 31 participating countries.
Students from all subject areas can take part— it’s not just for language students. Although studying in another European country under Erasmus will involve foreign languages in some way, you do not necessarily have to speak another language as many a courses are taught in English.
However, learning the language will help you get the most out of your time abroad as well as being another skill to add to your CV.
Why take part?
The Erasmus experience will enhance your personal development, your job opportunities, your confidence and your enjoyment of life. Learning to manage your life within another culture brings maturity, confidence and self reliance - great life skills. By demonstrating that you have lived, studied and worked in another environment, using another language, enables you to compete more effectively in the European job market. You’ll stand out from the crowd and employers will notice you.
What does it cost?
Eligible students receive an Erasmus grant which contributes towards the extra costs arising from studying abroad. Erasmus grants are paid in addition to the standard grants or loans to which you are entitled. You do not pay any tuition fees to the university you are visiting and, in most cases, if you go for a full academic year, you do not pay any UK tuition fees for that year either.
What next?
If you have not yet chosen your institution of higher education, make sure you choose one that offers the Erasmus programme for the course you want to study. If you are already in higher education, then talk to your Erasmus Co-ordinator or International Office. Visit the Erasmus website for more details.