1. Studying abroad: “Studying abroad vs studying in the UK.”
1.1 Why study abroad?
Studying abroad enables you to learn a new language, or improve your existing language knowledge, immerse yourself in the culture of another country and acquire a set of useful transferable skills to add to your CV.
By studying abroad, you will make new friends, have daily access to native speakers of the language you are learning and develop your skills of cross-cultural communication. Your teachers will be native speakers. Additionally, you may find the cost of living to be lower in the country you wish to study in than it is in the UK.
1.2 Type of courses
There are a number of options for those considering studying abroad. It is now fairly common for UK students to spend part of their degree studying abroad on Erasmus or similar exchange schemes. UK educational institutions often have bilateral agreements with foreign educational institutions enabling students from the UK University to study for a period in an overseas establishment. There are also summer school programmes on offer at various institutions. It is more unusual but certainly possible to take an entire degree abroad.
Studying abroad is also becoming increasingly common for those wishing to take higher qualifications. Postgraduate programmes overseas are often a lot longer than in UK. Studying abroad at postgraduate level is particularly popular in management and business related courses (i.e. MBAs).
1.3 Difficulties
Choosing which country to study in will involve considerable research. The availability, quality and range of courses differs across the world. Many students chose a country in Europe when studying abroad. Others opt to study in the USA, Canada or Australia. In general, European Union and English speaking countries have similar qualifications to the UK. However, it is important to bear in mind that the similarity may prove superficial. Across countries, similar sounding degree courses might differ considerably in respect of content, entry qualifications, duration and funding. Furthermore, studying abroad at postgraduate level may involve more work for the university department than you would be expected to do while studying for your equivalent qualification in the UK.
Working out the cost of moving to and studying abroad is an essential part of the preparation required to make the venture a success. It can be very expensive. In the USA, for example, international students must prove they can support themselves for the first year at least to be eligible for a student visa. As well as tuition fees, you will need to budget for living expenses, books, travel to and from the UK and health insurance. A further consideration when studying abroad is that some qualifications may not be recognised in UK so check beforehand. Likewise, check you meet the eligibility requirements. UK first degrees tend to be shorter than many overseas undergraduate courses. A first degree from the UK may not, therefore, be sufficient for entry onto certain postgraduate courses abroad.
Finally, adapting to a new culture when studying abroad can be challenging. It is important to allow yourself time to adapt. Many universities encourage (or require) their foreign students to start the academic term a few weeks early. Pre-sessional language courses may be offered along with the opportunity to meet fellow overseas students, learn about the local lifestyle and the educational norms and values of the particular institution.
2 Studying abroad: Preparation.
2.1 Visas and documentation
Start researching 12-18 months before you plan to begin studying abroad. You will need to apply early for your passport and any necessary visa. Allow sufficient time for filling in the application forms (usually completed a year in advance), the undertaking of any requisite tests and completing funding applications. If you are an EU national, you have the right to live and study in any other EU country on the same basis as a national of that country. Studying abroad in a non-EU country may require you to apply for a student visa.
2.2 Funding
Financial assistance for studying abroad is available from local, national and international organisations. This aid ranges from full scholarships to reduced tuition fees or loans. Competition is likely to be fierce and most international students have to fund their own study. While it may be possible to work while studying abroad, it is important to check whether you are permitted to do so, and the availability of work as it may be a condition of entry that you are able to support yourself.
Students studying abroad on the Erasmus scheme pay no fees to the host institution. If you study abroad for the whole year, you pay no fees to your own university either. Studying abroad for less than the full academic year, on this scheme, you pay the UK tuition fees. UK Erasmus students receive an Erasmus grant to help with the extra costs in studying abroad.
Some universities offer scholarships for overseas students.
A small number of grants are available from UK research councils and professional bodies for postgraduate overseas students.
Find out about funding opportunities from the country’s Embassy.
Before studying abroad, take out medical and travel insurance.
2.3 Language and Culture
You will need some knowledge of the language, when studying abroad, for day-to-day living. In some cases, you will have had to demonstrate proficiency in the language to gain a place at your university of choice. However, speaking the language before you leave the UK isn’t always necessary. An increasing number of higher educational institutions throughout Europe are offering study programmes, including whole degrees, with English as the main language.
3 Studying abroad: Further Information.
3.1 Checklist
• Thoroughly research both the country and institution where you are considering studying.
• Enquire about funding opportunities for studying abroad: Embassies, Ministries of Education, Universities, Internet searches, national and international educational organisations, charities.
• Refresh existing language skills or attend a beginner’s class before studying abroad.
• Check you have all the documents you need before travelling: passport, visa, medical and travel insurance, proof of qualifications.
• Find out from past students what studying in that country/ institution is really like.
3.2 Websites
• www.erasmus.ac.uk
• www.leonardo.org.uk
• www.europass-uk.co.uk
• http://ec.europa.eu/unitedkingdom
• www.eurodesk.org.uk
• www.ploteus.net
• www.naric.org.uk (provides advice on how foreign qualifications are likely to be viewed in UK.)
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