With so many benefits available from studying abroad, the number of scholars taking up the chance is rising; 10 303 scholars studied abroad in 2007 / 08 compared to 7,235 in 2006 / 07. And with excellent reason, announces Aaron Porter NUS Vice President (further education).

Experience for work Studying abroad is an amazing opportunity for scholars and a great experience that’s increasingly being recognized by future companies. We’d encourage more scholars to study abroad and for institution’s to do more to push these possibilities.

Travel agreements

Spending time abroad is becoming more accessible for scholars and one of the best paths to do it is thru Erasmus, Western European Community Action Scheme for the Mobility of School Scholars.

The Erasmus program enables further education students in Great Britain to study or do a work placement for three to twelve months in one of thirty other Western European nations as a part of a degree course. You do not have to be studying a language degree either; many Western European varsities run their courses in English.

Why take part?

The Erasmus experience will reinforce your private development, your work openings, your confidence and your delight in life. Learning how to manage your life inside another culture brings maturity, confidence and self dependence – great life abilities. By proving you have lived, studied and worked in another environment, using another language, assists you to compete better in the EU job market. You can stick out from the group and bosses will spot you.

What does it cost?

Suitable scholars receive an Erasmus grant which contributes towards the additional costs arising from studying abroad. Erasmus grants are paid as well as the standard grants or loans to which you are titled. You don’t pay any university costs to the uni you are visiting and, usually, if you go for a full educational year, you don’t pay any UK tuition costs for that year either.