Go Global International Opportunities Guide 2024-5
International Opportunities with Go Global 2024/25
Start your conversation with the world
This guide is designed to direct you through the initial steps of deciding on the right international opportunity for you, and how to apply. With this guide, you can start to discover what our international opportunities can do for you. It might be something you’ve been planning for a long time or never considered, either way we’re here to support you along the journey. You will experience unforgettable times in a different country and gain valuable life skills, including confidence, resilience, and problem solving abilities. Your experiences will also help you stand out in job interviews and help to improve your career prospects. There are a several funding options available to help with travel and accommodation, and in most cases you don’t even need foreign language skills.
Ben Hooper, Business and Management (International), Aarhus University Summer School (Denmark)
Nathan Beudin, Business and Management (International), Huron University College (Canada)
Who we are
The Go Global Team provides opportunities to study, work, and undertake research worldwide throughout your time at the University. We are here to provide support from start to finish!
▶ LULU RICHARDS COTTELL (SHE/THEY)
Send your pictures and postcards to Lulu from your time abroad.
Lulu
Bet hany
BETHANY YATES (SHE/HER)
Chat with Bethany about Semester Abroad and Turing funding.
◀ GIN DARCY (THEY/THEM)
Speak with Gin about Global Citizenship, Summer Schools, and funding opportunities.
Lizzie
Where to find us
Go Global Office G02
◀ ANDY BOYNS (HE/HIM)
Pop in and see Andy if you are an inbound exchange student.
Andy
◀ LIZZIE BRYANT (SHE/HER)
Talk to Lizzie about our Partner Universities and anything Go Global!
The Go Global Office is in Main House, room G02, on Newton Park Campus. We are open Monday - Friday from 10am to 4pm, no appointment required!
There will also be a member of the team at Locksbrook each Monday 10am-4pm in either the Café or The Street to chat with.
Alternatively, if you would prefer to arrange a set time, just email us to book a one-toone meeting on either campus!
Semester Abroad, Summer Schools and general enquires BSUexchange@bathspa.ac.uk
Global Citizenship globalcitizenship@bathspa.ac.uk
Global Academy of Liberal Arts GALA@bathspa.ac.uk
Look for our stickers in the West Wing windows, under the clock
Go Global's International Opportunities Fair 2024 Dates for your diary
Meet the Go Global Team, speak to other students, and learn more about the international opportunities available!
THURSDAY 21 NOVEMBER 10AM – 2PM Commons Atrium, Newton Park Campus
MONDAY 25 NOVEMBER 10AM – 2PM
The Street, Locksbrook Campus
Carla-Jay Watson, Journalism and Publishing with PPY, Oklahoma City University (USA)
Xavier Lock, Fine Art, ABK Stuttgart (Germany)
Global Citizenship is a co-curricular course that runs alongside your undergraduate degree. It includes:
Global Citizenship Programme Deadline to apply
If you are interested in other countries and cultures, the global economy and politics, aid and development, sustainability, and international business, then the Certificate in Global Citizenship is for you.
This year is Global Citizenship’s 10-year anniversary, and we will be marking this with celebratory events throughout, including a special alumni panel. Previous graduates will return to speak about their experiences and share their thoughts with current students.
SOPHIE HALL, PSYCHOLOGY
GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP LANGUAGE PLACEMENT IN SPAIN
• several lectures throughout the year from guest speakers on a variety of international topics
• a forum debate in teams
• a grant of up to £1000 per student to undertake an international placement relating to your degree
All students, no matter your degree subject, are invited to apply. Join the course and gain transferable skills to complement your degree, an international perspective, and the chance to make your CV stand out from the crowd.
Application forms can be found here: www.bathspa.ac.uk/courses/intl-global-citizenship globalcitizenship@bathspa.ac.uk
WEDNESDAY 2 OCTOBER 2024 AT MIDDAY
Please note that only first year undergraduate students are eligible to apply.
Apply in five simple steps!
TALK TO THE GO GLOBAL TEAM
Look out for Gin Darcy and the Go Global Team during Welcome Week and your course inductions.
"I was apprehensive about travelling on my own and was worried that I wouldn't meet anyone while I was in Spain. My experience was completely the opposite of what I thought, and I had the most incredible time.”
FILL IN THE APPLICATION FORM
SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION BY THE DEADLINE
MIDDAY WEDNESDAY 2 OCTOBER 2024 (email as a Word or PDF document)
FIND OUT IF YOU'RE THROUGH
We'll let you know about the success of your application via your Bath Spa email address.
ATTEND THE WELCOME SESSION IN OCTOBER This is for applicantssuccessful and returning Global Citizenship students.
Semester Abroad
Bath Spa University is partnered with over 40 different universities worldwide. During your second year as an undergraduate student, you could spend one semester studying at a partner university.
A semester abroad doesn’t add any additional time to your degree and is completed either in Semester 1 or Semester 2 of your second year. You will take classes which match the degree you are taking at Bath Spa.
Eligibility criteria:
• You need to be averaging a grade of 2:1 in your first year.
• Have maintained good attendance throughout the first year of your undergraduate studies.
• Apply by the February deadline in your first year.
What support is available to me?
To help you with the process, our Go Global Team will:
• Advise on accommodation options
• Offer pre-departure and returners sessions
• Offer continuous one-to-one coaching and advice, should you need it
• Run regular drop-in sessions
Do I need to speak another language?
Most partner universities teach in English. However, in some countries, such as Mexico, Japan, and Taiwan you’ll be expected to have some knowledge of the local language. Additional language classes are usually provided by our partner universities.
Will the placement impact my final grade?
The placement will not impact on your final grade, however, students who go abroad are more likely to earn higher degrees. You’ll need to complete the equivalent of 60 Bath Spa University credits during your semester abroad, but no actual grades will be transferred – the placement is pass or fail. Students are responsible for obtaining official transcripts and ensuring they are received by the Go Global Team before credits can be successfully transferred.
Complete and submit your application by Friday 21 February 2025 at midday
Attend an interview withearlytheGoGlobalTeam March2025
Meet other students taking part in a Semester Abroad at our Go Global mixer on 18 March 2025
predeparture session with the Go Global Team Completeyour risk assessment and other mandatory paperwork
Attend returners session and Go Global social, relive your experience with other students, and provide advice and guidance for future exchange students
Semester Abroad: where you could go!
To study abroad, you must apply for one of Bath Spa's approved partner universities. While we have over 40 university partners worldwide, this doesn’t mean they are all available to you as it depends on your subject area. You can only apply to the ones that offer your subject area.
Please note that the exchange partners listed are subject to change and cannot be guaranteed. For more information on our partner universities and where you can go for your subject, read through Go Global’s Semester Abroad Guide which can be found online, or you can pick one up from our office in Main House!
Get in touch and we will be happy to advise you further!
BSUexchange@bathspa.ac.uk
Our partners
AUSTRALIA
• The University of Adelaide
• Queensland University of Technology
• University of Technology Sydney
AUSTRIA
• University of Art and Design Linz
• The Paris Lodron University of Salzburg
CANADA
• Concordia University
• Huron University College
CHINA
• Shanghai Lixin University of Accounting and Finance
DENMARK
• Aarhus University
• Roskilde University
• University of Southern Denmark
FINLAND
• University of Eastern Finland
• University of Turku
GERMANY
• Kassel University
• ABK Stuttgart
IRELAND
• Maynooth University
ITALY
• Nuova Accademia Di Belle Arti
• University of Rome Tor Vergata
JAPAN
• Shinshu University
• Seian University of Art and Design
MEXICO
• Tecnológico de Monterrey
NAMIBIA
• University of Namibia
THE NETHERLANDS
• Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences
• Radboud University
NORWAY
• Volda University
POLAND
• SWPS University
SPAIN
• Escuela de Arte 10
• Rovira i Virgili University
• University of Vic – Central University of Catalonia
SWEDEN
• Stockholm University
• Linnaeus University
SWITZERLAND
• St. Gallen University of Teacher Education
• Thurgau University of Teacher Education
TAIWAN
• National Taiwan University of Arts
• Taipei National University of the Arts
USA
• Bennington College
• Columbia College Chicago
• Montana State University Billings
• SUNY Geneseo
• Oklahoma City University
• Penn State Dickinson Law
Global Academy of Liberal Arts
With 15 partners in 13 countries, the Global Academy of Liberal Arts is a global network of universities. Established in 2014 by Bath Spa University in the UK, it is managed by a team led by Professor Ian Gadd and Professor Rebecca McGuire-Snieckus, with administrative support from Gin Darcy.
GALA's vision is to be an international community of diverse, innovative, and socially responsible universities and colleges, whose aims are to transform lives and to enhance global understanding through interdisciplinary collaboration in teaching and research. It does this by bringing staff and students together from around the world for teaching and research collaborations.
The GALA Outreach Fund has supported over 120 students at Bath Spa University to travel to universities across the GALA network for one to four week trips - for summer schools, research, creative practice projects, and so on. You don’t need to have a specific place in mind - all you need is an idea of how an international trip might benefit you. Contact the GALA team at gala@bathspa.ac.uk for a chat!
In 2024, GALA celebrates its 10-year anniversary with celebratory events at each of our partners as well as a threeday conference in Bath.
The network includes:
• Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
• Bath Spa University, UK
• Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Kenya
• Claremont Graduate University, USA
• Columbia College Chicago, USA
• Concordia University, Canada
• National Institute of Design, India
• SWPS University, Poland
• Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel), Brazil
• University of Adelaide, Australia
• University of Namibia, Namibia
• University of Parma, Italy
• University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
• University of Udine, Italy
• University of Utrecht, the Netherlands
www.gala.network
@gala_network
@gala_network
JOHN STONE CREATIVE COMPUTING
GALA PLACEMENT IN AUSTRALIA
"The trip to Adelaide was a fantastic time that not only exposed me to a new culture but also a variety of invaluable experiences. This opportunity allowed me to gain new skills in 3D modelling and VR development, areas I had little experience in, to produce a VR game as the end product."
HERITAGE MANAGEMENT
GALA PLACEMENT IN USA
"GALA has helped me to conduct in-person field work that is critical to the final data which will be in included within my PhD Thesis.
Carrying out my research in practice has ensured that my work can have real effect on the organisations and communities that I aim to serve."
Shorter opportunities: Summer Schools
If you'd like to gain enriching international experience, but would rather go abroad for a shorter period of time, then attending a summer school is the perfect choice for you.
Summer schools provide the opportunity to engage with your subject area in a fun and different way, while experiencing a new culture and learning environment.
A summer school placement does not have to take place at one of our partner universities. Your options are flexible, limited only by your own choices and circumstances. Look for universities in a country or a city that you have always wanted to visit or live in for a short time, and check to see if they offer a summer school programme in your subject area.
Where can I go to do a summer school?
In the past, our students have taken part in summer schools organised by our partners in China, Denmark, Hong Kong, Mexico, Sweden, and others. Our suggestions for 2025 summer schools will be announced during the spring semester through the student email newsletter and on social media. You can also come and talk to us in the Go Global Office in Main House G02.
Go Global have also had agreements in the past with Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico, and SUNY Geneseo in USA. These agreements enabled Bath Spa to nominate students to attend summer schools with no tuition fees. We may have similar opportunities available for Summer KATY WARD
SUMMER SCHOOL IN MEXICO (HUMAN RIGHTS AND CORRUPTION)
“I gained so much experience and life skills from this placement.This was my first time flying and being away from home on my own, in a completely different time zone, with no Internet at the airport and a huge language barrier. It showed me how I can be independent. I gained a lot from this experience, but most of all I fell in love with Mexico.”
Shorter opportunities: work placements
Are you interested in expanding your professional experience beyond the UK? An international work placement will make your CV shine, granting you valuable exposure to different workplace environments and giving you an unrivalled awareness of other cultures.
What are your options?
You might want to go abroad as part of a team with a placement provider we’ve recommended, or you might use connections you already have or are building to find something unique. Ask your tutors for advice on how to reach out within your industry, or for any contacts they can pass on. Speak to students on your course who have already gone abroad and ask what they did.
When can you go?
The best time for a work placement is during the summer, either after your first or second year of studies. After your final year, you are a Bath Spa alumnus, not a student, so your opportunities have changed!
Alternatively, you can do a work placement as part of your Professional Placement Year (PPY). You could work abroad on one long placement or two or more shorter placements – whichever works best for you.
See pages 19-20 for our finance information to see what funding is available for work placements.
“One of the most surprising and key things that I’ve learnt from my experience is the power that personality and passion have in building networks and opening up opportunities.”
LEA ROSE KARA FINE ART
VENICE (ITALY)
Shorter opportunities: international research
Your placement timeline
Spring / Summer term of your second year
Talk to your subject academics; they may need to arrange an early assignment of a dissertation supervisor. Discuss with them what international options your topic might have. They might also have connections you could use to secure a placement abroad, and will make sure that your ethics as well as risk assessments have been carried out.
Talk to Go Global about funding opportunities, and how your dissertation topic might be translated into a global setting. Depending on your proposal, you may need to have this additionally signed off by an ethics committee. Your academic tutor will be able to advise you.
3. Reach out to potential hosts – companies or organisations who you are planning to conduct research with.
4. Apply for funding to support your placements. Go Global will reach out to your subject academics to lend their support for the placement.
5. Attend a pre-departure session with the Go Global Team.
Many degrees include a project or dissertation in the final year which you may need to undertake research for. If you're interested in doing this research abroad, talk to the Go Global Team and your tutors to get this process started for the summer before your final year begins. Students in the past have visited partners in Europe, Africa, and South America to visit archives, take part in workshops, and collect data for their work.
Go on your research placement and send us a
Autumn term of your final year
Return to the UK and attend a returners session with Go Global – these are designed to help you communicate your experiences to a wider audience and on into your career.
8. Use your research to inform your final year projects or dissertation.
"When the opportunity to undertake an internship came through I decided to pick the one titled ‘Best Water Management Practices’. I used the data I collected for my internship and dissertation.
My interest in water management led to me to pick the River Management module in my third year, which I am thoroughly enjoying, and I am considering volunteering for a local rivers trust potentially over summer."
GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP RESEARCH PLACEMENT IN CANADA
Money matters
Just like when you are living and studying here at Bath Spa, daily costs will still exist when you are abroad. These costs will vary depending on where you are going, what you are doing, and how long you are there for.
ISABEL HENSBY CREATIVE WRITING AND DRAMA
STOCKHOLM UNIVERSITY
As a starting point we recommend that you include in your budget:
• Cost of insurance
• Visa fees
• Flights, trains, ferries etc. – how you are initially getting to and returning from your placement
• Accommodation
• Living costs – including food, daily transport (bus passes, bike/scooter hire, train tickets etc.)
• Social events, extra trips, or excursions you may be considering in your downtime
Tuition Fees
If your placement is part of our Semester Abroad scheme then you are not charged tuition fees by your host institution, you will pay your tuition fees to Bath Spa as usual. Students do typically pay Tuition Fees for Summer Schools.
Student Finance
You are still eligible for your usual Tuition Fee and Maintenance Loans from Student Finance. Depending on your placement you may also be eligible for additional funding through their Travel Grant .
Turing Funding
Turing Scheme funding is provided to Semester Abroad, Summer Schools and work placements as a contribution towards the costs of living while you are undertaking the placement. It is not intended to cover all expenses. The Go Global Team bid for this funding from the government on behalf of the university each year.
Global Horizons Award
Bath Spa’s Global Horizons Award (formally Outward Mobility Award) was established to assist students wishing to embark on international placements, research, or study trips that are related to their undergraduate degree course.
Other Bath Spa Awards for current students:
There are a variety of funds available for Bath Spa students to apply for while they are studying with us at Bath Spa. To investigate what is on offer to support both your international placement and other aspects of your time here, please see ‘Scholarships and Bursaries’ on our webpage and scroll down to ‘Awards for students travelling abroad'. ou should research and apply for external funding independently, the Go Global Team and happy to give advice where we can.
Outside of Bath Spa:
There are also funding pots available outside of the university itself such as through BUTEX and The Royal Commonwealth Society. You should research and apply for external funding independently, the Go Global Team are happy to give advice where we can.
Double Funding
“This experience has been amazing, have learnt so much in three weeks than I ever would have learnt in a year. I have made lifelong friendship with a couple of the Chinese students. have visited and tried so many new things. Overall, this trip would not have been possible without the scholarship I received from Bath Spa."
Please be careful not to double fund your trip, for example covering the same expense twice out of two different funding pots. For instance, students who are in receipt of SFE Travel Grants will not be eligible for the Turing Scheme’s WP Travel Uplift or the additional ‘Readiness to Travel’ funding. This is because any travel, visa or insurance expenses could be covered by both funding examples. If you’re unsure, reach out to the Go Global Team and we can talk you through it.
Sustainable Travel and Accommodation Information for parents and supporters
Accommodation
Accommodation is a key consideration when undertaking an international placement.
For our Semester Abroad students your host institution will help guide you in finding accommodation.
If you are out on a self-found placement your host will often assist or guide you, but where they are not able to do so here are some options to consider:
Sustainable Travel
Many placements, whether they are work, travel, or research-based are accessible by sustainable travel routes. We encourage our students to consider how they travel.
There are many webpages which can help you navigate the complicated world of flightless travel, highlighting destinations and routes that can be undertaken by train or ferry and list the CO2 footprint of the journey compared to flights.
For countries that require air travel some sites have features allowing travelers to filter out high emissions routes and identify carbon savings.
Don’t forget about daily commutes – bus, bike, or walk!
How can parents/supporters help students on their Go Global experience? Going abroad to study, work, or carry out research can be simultaneously a daunting and confidenceboosting experience. Students often feel like they have left their comfort zone, and while Bath Spa’s Go Global Team will be there to help students through the process, additional support from elsewhere is invaluable. You can guide them to prepare thoroughly and remind them to ask the Go Global Team when they have questions. We encourage the students to research their placement and the area/country they are going to as much as possible. Good preparation leads to a great experience!
Is it academically challenging? This depends on which Go Global experience you choose, where you go, and what your natural academic style is. Some students go abroad and excel in a new environment with different academic styles and others find it harder to adapt. Our partner universities have support in place to help students to settle into the new styles of working. And while students are away, they still have full access to everything at Bath Spa. In short, students who are studying abroad have access to two university support systems at the same time.
As a parent/supporter, who can I speak to?
you are supporting is over 18, we are not allowed to talk to you about them without them first providing us with permission to speak with you, in writing, from their Bath Spa email address. Once we have received that permission, we are more than happy to talk through the placements with you and address any concerns that you might have, working with you to support the student in question.
Does a Go Global opportunity add any extra time onto a degree? No, all the Go Global opportunities are carried out either alongside the degree programme, or embedded as a part of the degree.
Does it count towards a degree?
are extra-curricular enhancement opportunities that can be undertaken during the holidays. However, for the Semester Abroad, students will study, and the credits they achieve abroad will be added to their degree back at Bath Spa.
Does Bath Spa offer a year abroad? No, if you would like to study at one of our partner universities, we only send students out for a semester during their second year. During the other semester of that year, the students will study their degree at Bath Spa as usual.
Is it expensive? Finances are a big consideration when applying for any international opportunity. The Go Global Team is here to help students understand the costs and how they can apply for financial support. Check out Money Matters on page 19 in this brochure for more details.
Is additional insurance required? Yes. Students travelling for university business, i.e. a Go Global placement, are automatically covered by Bath Spa University’s insurance. Please note that this insurance only covers the university business element of the trip, and if students want to undertake activities
