A year abroad is undoubtedly one of the best opportunities that is available to you during your undergraduate career. It is a privilege and an experience to be proud of and remember throughout your university and professional life.
The benefits from participating in a year abroad include:
You are eligible for a period of study abroad where this is permitted as part of your University of Birmingham degree programme, and you meet the criteria set out by your department.
If the degree programme does not carry a compulsory study abroad element then you must seek permission from your department before you apply.
If you are unsure if your degree programme permits you to study abroad then please seek advice from your department or the Exchanges Office.
Erasmus
Erasmus (European Community Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students) is the European Commission's educational programme for Higher Education students, teachers and institutions.
It was introduced in 1987 with the aim of increasing student mobility within the European Community, subsequently the European Economic Area countries, and the Candidate Country of Turkey. Erasmus provides funding for student and teacher mobility, language courses and the European Credit Transfer System. To find out more you can visit the Erasmus website at www.erasmus-uk.org.uk.
The International Exchange Programme
The International Exchange Programme is for those that wish to study at one of our partner universities outside the EU and Erasmus. The programme is run by the Exchanges Office at the University.
Where you can go very much depends on the course you are studying. Students studying a language must go to a country where the language of study is spoken. American and Canadian studies students will naturally go to the USA or Canada. Students not studying a language may be able to choose from other countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Singapore.
Secondly, you can only choose from a selection of institutions with whom we have a bilateral agreement. Most agreements are departmental specific so all students are not eligible for all destinations.
You should consult your departmental exchanges tutor to find out which universities you are able to apply for or download a copy of the agreement list.
All applications to study abroad are now made online. Please visit the preparing to go abroad pages for further details.
This Study Abroad and Exchanges office is located in the Aston Webb Building in the International Relations Reception. Here we have experienced advisors on hand to answer any queries you may have.
We also have a library of information on our exchange partners which you are welcome to use. We can also answer your questions via email at studyabroad@bham.ac.uk.
You should also try to visit our Exchanges Fair which is held in November. This is a great opportunity to ask questions to returned and incoming exchange students and also partner universities and other relevant organisations that have stands at the fair.
