Year Abroad

Im thinking of taking a year abroad in my 3rd year of studies. I was wondering if anyone knows what it's like,

-Is it an extra year of study? Like just additional stuff to learn? Extra content? Or is it more like a placement year but abroad where you get a job?

- Do you have to sort your own accommodation and living or will you have the chance to apply for accommodation hols in chosen country?

- I thinking this depends on the university, but can you do just a semester instead of a whole year?

- what are the benefits? e.g increased graduate pay, more experience?

For reference im thinking of Australia and I go to uni of reading. I study business HR.

Reply 1

McGinger

Original post

by Kayamarie1

Im thinking of taking a year abroad in my 3rd year of studies. I was wondering if anyone knows what it's like,
-Is it an extra year of study? Like just additional stuff to learn? Extra content? Or is it more like a placement year but abroad where you get a job?
- Do you have to sort your own accommodation and living or will you have the chance to apply for accommodation hols in chosen country?
- I thinking this depends on the university, but can you do just a semester instead of a whole year?
- what are the benefits? e.g increased graduate pay, more experience?
For reference im thinking of Australia and I go to uni of reading. I study business HR.

Every Uni does this differently so you need to check each website - and contact details for the relevant staff to email etc. Once a student, you will probably be offered presentations on how your Uni organises this and the options on offer - and this usually includes a chance to chat to other students who have done it. Yes, it adds enormously to your graduate CV - and is an experience that you will remember for the rest of your life.

Examples :
Study or work abroad | Undergraduate study | Loughborough University
Study abroad as a Sussex student : Undergraduate : Study with us : University of Sussex
Where you can go - University of Birmingham

Reply 2

YSJstudents

Official Rep

Original post

by Kayamarie1

Im thinking of taking a year abroad in my 3rd year of studies. I was wondering if anyone knows what it's like,
-Is it an extra year of study? Like just additional stuff to learn? Extra content? Or is it more like a placement year but abroad where you get a job?
- Do you have to sort your own accommodation and living or will you have the chance to apply for accommodation hols in chosen country?
- I thinking this depends on the university, but can you do just a semester instead of a whole year?
- what are the benefits? e.g increased graduate pay, more experience?
For reference im thinking of Australia and I go to uni of reading. I study business HR.

Hi!

Obviously this will differ from university to university, and I can only speak for my university from my experience.

•

Yes it is an extra period of study, I was able to choose what modules I wanted to study as long as they relate to my course.

•

The exchange programme had a process for applying for housing that made it very straightforward. The international coordinator from my abroad university walked me through the entire process.

•

Yes, you can complete just a semester instead (this is what I did) and the credits count towards your grade at your home university.

•

There are so many benefits - it looks great on your CV, employers find it a very interesting talking point for interviews. I learnt so much about independence and different education systems. I was able to access modules that aren't available at my home university that have set me up really well for my masters degree.

Hope this helps! Faye 🙂

Reply 3

Chester Student

Original post

by Kayamarie1

Im thinking of taking a year abroad in my 3rd year of studies. I was wondering if anyone knows what it's like,
-Is it an extra year of study? Like just additional stuff to learn? Extra content? Or is it more like a placement year but abroad where you get a job?
- Do you have to sort your own accommodation and living or will you have the chance to apply for accommodation hols in chosen country?
- I thinking this depends on the university, but can you do just a semester instead of a whole year?
- what are the benefits? e.g increased graduate pay, more experience?
For reference im thinking of Australia and I go to uni of reading. I study business HR.

Hi there,

It definitely differs, but here is my experience:

•

Yes, it's an additional year. I was enrolled in one module at Chester, where I would send an essay a month, as well as completing a number of classes in my host country. I am now in my fourth (what would've been my third) and final year.

•

I was able to apply to live in the student dorms on campus, and it appeared to be that way with many of my potential host options. This will definitely differ depending on where you go, but the support with each step of the process is likely to be fantastic.

•

Yes, you do have the opportunity to do a semester. I have many friends that did, and I also know so many people who did a full year. I was also told you can do a semester in one place, and another in a different place (do let me know if I'm wrong!), so that might be something to inquire about too.

•

There are endless benefits! I had the best time, made so many friends and connections, and developed a lot personally. It may also provide clarity on what you'd like to do in the future. It looks great on your resume, and is something recruiters will look for!

I've linked a little blog I wrote about my experience here, which might be of interest to you.

I hope this helps,

Isabella
Fourth-Year Geography with a Year Abroad Student