Choosing to study abroad is a big step. For more adventurous students this is a wonderful opportunity and they enjoy the challenge. This independence helps you stand out in a crowd, it demonstrates your flexibility to future employers; it proves to them that you could easily make the transition to different surroundings, for example a posting abroad.

www.topuniversities.com international university rankings

www.qs.com ranks the world’s top institutions

Immersing yourself in different cultures, social and political structures and languages is often described as “CV gold”. You do not have to spend all your university time abroad. Many UK universities have campuses in the Middle East or the Far East, for example. Do your research.

Studying in Europe

This is an exciting and valuable opportunity for anybody with or without relevant language skills, as a great deal of the teaching at many European universities is conducted in English. You will gain greater confidence and maturity, which means you will be a good communicator. You will be very attractive to prospective employers who like to see this level of independence, this cultural awareness and world vision on your part.

Thousands of students will be able to study and do work placements across the world through a brand new scheme that replaces the UK’s participation in Erasmus+.

The Turing scheme will be backed by over £100 million, providing funding for around 35,000 students in universities, colleges and schools to go on placements and exchanges overseas, starting in September 2021.

The new scheme will also target students from disadvantaged backgrounds and areas which did not previously have many students benefiting from Erasmus+, making life-changing opportunities accessible to everyone across the country.

The programme will provide similar opportunities for students to study and work abroad as the Erasmus+ programme but it will include countries across the world and aims to deliver greater value for money to taxpayers.

The UK will reap the rewards from the investment, by boosting students’ skills and prospects, benefitting UK employers, and supporting Global Britain’s ties with international partners.

In addition, if you are an EU national you also have the right to live and study, and then work, full time in any other EU country. You will pay the same level of fees as their own nationals. Tuition fees in EU universities are much cheaper, if they exist at all, than in the UK. You will not be eligible for UK student loans and grants if you study abroad.

You should also consult

www.prospects.ac.uk

www.thestudentworld.com which showcases the study opportunities overseas and details funding, applying and pastoral care on a country by country basis.

www.astarfuture.co.uk links British students with international students.

www.eunicas.ie research European institutions by course, country or faculty

www.studyportals.eu look through programmes throughout Europe by the language of tuition.

www.thirdyearabroad.com a site designed for British students. Offers tips for studying or working abroad during your degree.

www.ukcisa.org.uk offers advice to British students re studying abroad.

For information on a particular country visit the relevant embassy website.