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Thinking of studying abroad?

Studying abroad could give you a whole new perspective on your subject – and on life in general.

Making a success of it might also give you an edge in the job market. Showing you are adaptable and can rise to meet a challenge will too. Employers are increasingly looking for people who have international experience and language skills.

The prospect of leaving friends and family behind can seem daunting. For students however, who want to work in another country when they are older, a year abroad can be a valuable test-run.

It is also a great opportunity to get to know people from all over the world. You can find out what it would be like to really live in a different country without having to permanently relocate.

Planning to do your degree at a UK university?

Many UK universities take part in schemes allowing students to study or work abroad for part of their course, like the Erasmus scheme.

One of these schemes could be a good option if you want to do part of your course abroad, rather than the whole thing. For more information on such opportunities, see ‘Spending part of your degree course abroad'.

• Spending part of your degree course abroad (education and learning section)

Planning to do a degree with an overseas university?

If you want to do your degree with a university based overseas, you should start planning well in advance. In most cases, 12 to 18 months. You’ll need to:

• research possible countries and courses
• check whether the institution – and the qualification you’ll get – is recognised
• think about practical issues, such as visas and course entrance requirements (for example, some universities might ask you to take a language test)
• consider how you’ll fund your studies

Before you make any decisions about whether or where to apply, follow the links below to get an idea of some the issues.

• Studying at an overseas university: doing your research

• Studying at an overseas university: funding