The UK’s European university
GO ABROAD! Degrees with a year or term abroad
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www.kent.ac.uk/goabroad
CONTENTS Why go abroad? What our students say Which degrees offer time abroad? Do I need any language skills? Where can I go? What support do I get? How to apply, fees and funding
“This year has really flown by. I have made some fantastic lifelong friends and studying here has really been a wonderful, cultural experience – I cannot believe my year abroad is nearly over.” Sarah Popplewell English and German Law
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WHY GO ABROAD? The University of Kent has many prestigious partners around the world, both in academia and in business. As a Kent student, why not tap into this global network by going abroad as part of your degree? Going abroad as part of a Kent degree is an amazing opportunity. The fact that you’ve spent time abroad is also a distinct advantage when you leave Kent and look for a job. You are likely to develop many skills and attributes that will enhance your CV. For instance, being in a new environment allows you to develop your problem-solving and communication skills. You are also likely to make huge gains in terms of your self-awareness and confidence. In addition, you develop the ability to adapt to new situations: the chance to live in another country and possibly develop your language skills can give you a broader cultural awareness. Those who are aiming to work abroad will also gain numerous professional skills. Or, if you are thinking of studying abroad, the time spent in another university is a great way to broaden your view of your subject.
Many of our degrees offer an option to go abroad, either on a work placement or by studying at another university. But even if you haven’t registered on one of those degrees, a placement abroad may still be possible; please ask us for more details of the options available (see the website, below, for contact details). We make sure that you receive excellent support in finding the right place. For general details on what type of placements you can choose from, or where you can go, see pages 8-11. There’s a whole world within your reach!
www.kent.ac.uk/goabroad
DID YOU KNOW? In a recent survey of graduates undertaken by ThirdYearAbroad.com, 86% of respondents regarded the year abroad as ‘the most valuable part of their degree’ and 66% believed that it had been ‘a significant factor in getting their first and subsequent jobs’. Source: Valuing the Year Abroad
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WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY…
Work placement in Hong Kong
Studying in Virginia, USA
Language assistant in Colombia
“I spent my year in Hong Kong working for HSBC. I was part of a development and support team and worked closely with traders and database control teams in Hong Kong, China and France. I really enjoyed my time there. I learnt a lot and it was awesome to use my knowledge to solve real-life problems. Not only did I improve my programming skills, I also picked up valuable information on the business aspects of my work. “I loved living in Hong Kong too. It is an amazing place to be, constantly moving. I went wake-boarding at the beaches, ventured on roller-coasters at Ocean Park, went hiking across the mountains and ate in the most amazing restaurants. I only cooked twice in my year there!”
“I chose to come to Kent because I thought the course in American Studies sounded fantastic. It offers students the chance to study in the States and I really wanted to do that. “There are many interesting modules at Kent, but in your year abroad you have the chance to take some amazing classes that wouldn’t be available in the UK. It is the most challenging part of the course, but you get so much out of it. I found that in American universities, the volume of work is higher, but it’s not as difficult. There’s not as much independent study as in the UK so if you keep on top of it, it’s fine. I also worked as an undergraduate teaching assistant in my second semester and led some classes, which was good fun. I made sure that I took advantage of being in the States; I went to Philadelphia and Baltimore and travelled in my holidays.”
“To be honest one of the reasons I chose my course was because it had a year abroad. I chose to apply for a language assistantship with the British Council as I really wanted to go to Colombia. It’s a great way to gain experience and integrate into a community. Colombia is such a wonderful country full of amazingly friendly people and beautiful landscapes. I really enjoyed teaching and plan on applying with the British Council once I graduate. “My Spanish improved dramatically, and socially, I’m more confident now. I realise that it doesn’t really matter if you arrive somewhere alone, you’ll end up leaving with mates for life. “I would recommend working – you become less of a visitor and more of a contributing member of society. Who knows, you might just find a career path out of it.”
Alex Alferovs Computer Science with a Year in Industry
Vicki Nixon American Studies
Sam O’Dwyer English and American Literature and Hispanic Studies
www.kent.ac.uk/goabroad
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Studying in France
Studying in Vienna, Austria
Studying in California, USA
“As a French student at Kent you get a year abroad, which is so important. Without a doubt, I loved it. It was a fantastic experience. When you come back, you feel as though you can tackle anything; it’s very character building. More importantly, it absolutely helps your language skills – you come back much more confident in speaking the language and this motivates you to read and listen to French and go out with French students, because there are so many on the Kent campus. “The Erasmus Team had a hand to play in that because they can sort out a mentoring arrangement, which allows you to buddy-up with native French speakers at Kent. One day you’ll be sitting in a bar, speaking French fluently, and you’ll wonder how you got there!”
“It was really scary at first because it was such an ‘unknown’. But after a while curiosity and excitement far outweigh the initial uncertainty of the unknown. It wasn’t long before I felt completely settled and knew my way around the city. I miss Vienna so much, I fell completely in love with it. “I definitely got a lot out of the year academically. It gave me a thirst for legal knowledge. It improved my independent research skills on a much broader range of subjects. Socially, I’m much more confident talking to new people. Personally, I feel more mature, more balanced. It’s something different to put on your CV as well, as it broadens your practical skill set – and it’s a great talking point. My understanding of law as a whole is much more grounded now and I feel I can do better in my fourth year, than if I’d gone straight into a third.”
“California was my goal. I saw it on the list and thought: ‘I absolutely have to go there.’ And, luckily, I got the chance to go to Berkeley, which was extremely exciting. “While I was there, I got an acting role in their main stage play. I also did some directing and an acting class to get a picture of how the Americans approach that. We had a theatre and we could design and do whatever we wanted to do. The directors, nine times out of ten, were the professors who were marking you but, because it was such a professional environment, you forgot about being marked. I took so many units, it was ridiculous – I actually qualified for a minor, so I now have that qualification from the University of California, Berkeley.”
Jonathan Kasstan French
Emily Perkins European Legal Studies
Holli Dillon Drama and Theatre Studies
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www.kent.ac.uk/goabroad
WHICH DEGREES OFFER TIME ABROAD? If you want to spend time abroad, Kent has a wide range of degrees for you to choose from. Some allow you to study abroad; others allow you to go on an international work placement. Within the Faculty of Humanities, any programme offers you the option to apply for a year or term abroad.
A Year Abroad Degrees with a ‘Year Abroad’ in the title allow you to spend a full academic year at one of our partner universities. All the universities are chosen for their academic standards and for their courses, which will complement your studies at Kent. Our partners include highly prestigious universities such as École Normale Supérieure (Paris), Paris Sorbonne University, the University of Amsterdam, the University of Copenhagen, Heidelberg University, Waseda University (Japan), the University of Hong Kong, and the University of California, Berkeley.
A Year in Industry Taking a degree that offers a year in industry means you gain work experience for a year. This can often offer you the chance to apply for a placement outside the UK. Kent has good links with international businesses and Kent students who have taken a work placement outside the UK have worked for companies such as IBM, Microsoft, Intel, HSBC and British Airways.
Studying Abroad in the Faculty of Humanities Within the Faculty of Humanities, any student may apply to spend time abroad and to graduate with a ‘Year Abroad’, or ‘Term Abroad’. To be eligible, you need to have achieved an average of 60 or above in your first year of studies and to be supported by at least two of your tutors.You usually spend your third year abroad and then return to Kent for the final year of your degree. For the term abroad, you may opt to
spend either Term 2 of Year 2, or Term 1 of Year 3 abroad – note that not all options may be available in every degree programme and, for some destinations, only a full academic exchange year is possible. Speak to your School Internationalisation Study Adviser.
Language degrees Time spent in another country is an integral part of a degree course in French, German, Italian or Hispanic Studies. (Those taking Hispanic Studies have the option to go to Spain or South America).This time abroad allows you to develop fluency skills in the language you are studying and gain first-hand knowledge of the country’s culture. Some students choose to study at a partner university. Others choose to take a work placement; a popular option is to work as a language assistant, teaching English in a school.
More details For details of degrees that offer the option to work or study abroad, see our website.
DID YOU KNOW? Another option open to some overseas students is to take a work placement in their home country. This allows them to work in their native language.
www.kent.ac.uk/goabroad
DO I NEED ANY LANGUAGE SKILLS? Not necessarily… the language skills needed depend on the kind of placement you choose. Some placements only require English; others develop language skills built during the first two years of your degree. Most placements last for a year, which means you study on a fouryear degree programme.
Work or study in English You don’t need to speak another language in order to go abroad. We have placements in Englishspeaking countries such as the USA and Canada. Other courses allow you to study at universities in, for example, Finland, the Netherlands, China, Hong Kong or Japan, which all provide their tuition in English. English-speaking employees are in demand all over the world and some overseas employers offer work placements where English is the only language you will need. Bear in mind that you often pick up quite a lot of the local language, even if you are studying or working in English. To help this process, you may be able to take classes in the local language (such as Japanese and Mandarin) before the placement or while you are there.
Work or study in another language Language degrees at Kent allow you to reach a level of fluency that enables you to work or study abroad in the local language. Please bear in mind that to apply for a language degree at Kent, you need to have an A level or a GCSE in the chosen language or a related European language. Entry requirements vary – see www.kent.ac.uk/ug for details.
“I love living in Madrid. I’ve made lots of new friends and it’s such an enjoyable experience. It can be scary at first, but after the first month you settle into your new home and start to enjoy this great year.” Claire Daniels Drama and Spanish
DID YOU KNOW? A recent survey by Eurobarometer looked at companies with significant international dealings. It found that almost 50% of them rated language skills as being the most important for the future.
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www.kent.ac.uk/goabroad
WHERE CAN I GO? Kent has many prestigious partners, both commercial and academic. They are based in Europe, the Americas and Asia.
Studying abroad Kent already has links with many partner universities and is continually adding new partnerships. We only choose universities that have an excellent reputation with courses that can complement your studies at Kent. These universities are based in a wide range of countries: see our map (overleaf) or check our website for the latest details.
Working abroad
The Erasmus scheme
If you are taking a work placement – usually called a ‘Year in Industry’ or a ‘Sandwich Year’, you may be able to do this placement outside the UK. Many schools at Kent have links with international companies. For language students, Kent can also help you find a placement as a teaching assistant. For details of which courses have study and work abroad opportunities, see www.kent.ac.uk/go abroad
The Erasmus scheme, funded by the European Union, can offer financial support to students participating in an Erasmus study or work placement. Kent students can choose to study or work in the Erasmus countries marked on the map. See p14 for more details of the funding available.
It is possible to take a work placement anywhere in the world (providing you can fulfil the visa requirements). For more details, please contact your chosen academic school.
CONTINUED OVERLEAF
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WHERE CAN I GO? (CONT)
SWEDEN NETHERLANDS
F NORWAY
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
CANADA
UNITED KINGDOM FRANCE BELGIUM
ITALY
SPAIN
USA PORTUGAL
SWITZERLAND MALTA
PERU
ARGENTINA SOUTH AFRICA URUGUAY
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FINLAND
DENMARK GERMANY POLAND CZECH REPUBLIC
AUSTRIA
TURKEY CHINA JAPAN GREECE
HONG KONG SOUTH KOREA THAILAND
MALAYSIA
AUSTRALIA
Study or work destinations covered by the Erasmus scheme Study or work destinations not covered by the Erasmus scheme
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WHAT SUPPORT DO I GET? Kent offers excellent support in finding a work or study placement. But our help doesn’t stop there. While you are away, you can stay in contact with your academic school at Kent and can get practical support from International Development staff.
Finding a placement If you are taking a year in industry, the Student Placement Officer within your academic school provides support in finding a placement. Placements abroad are highly sought after and this support gives you a greater chance of success. Support can range from putting you in touch with Kent’s industry contacts to helping you with the application process or by improving your interview technique. If you are aiming to study abroad as part of your degree, International Development staff can provide information on partner universities and set up preparatory meetings. They can also advise you on how to apply for a place.
Visas and work permits Nationals of non-EU countries, or those wishing to work in a non-EU country, should investigate the visa and work permit requirements of the appropriate country. International Development staff can advise you on this process.
Preparing to go
During your stay
International Development staff produce guides that give you the basic information regarding your stay abroad. They can also advise you on practical matters, such as finance, accommodation and travel arrangements.
Support is provided by staff at your host university, or by your supervisor if you are taking a work placement. You are also able to contact International Development staff with any practical queries. In addition, your academic school will keep in touch to ensure you are gaining the maximum benefit from your time abroad.
If you are on a work placement abroad, Student Placement Officers within your school can advise you on how to make the most of your placement and other practical and financial matters. You often have the chance to meet and talk to students from your chosen destination before you travel and practise your language skills.
Developing employability skills A study or work placement overseas offers a unique chance to develop skills that are of value to potential employers. If you are planning to work abroad, your Student Placement Officer can advise you on how to choose a placement that is likely to improve
www.kent.ac.uk/goabroad
your professional prospects. If you are planning to study abroad, your academic co-ordinator can advise you on how to broaden your knowledge and skills via your study experience. During your placement it is useful to take time to reflect on and record the skills and attributes you are gaining, perhaps by using a ‘skills diary’ to answer the following questions of your time abroad. • How is it increasing your confidence and your ability to interact effectively with others? • How is it enhancing your problem-solving skills? • How is it enhancing your communication skills?
• How is it enabling you to operate in an context that is different from your familiar cultural environment? • How is it improving your cultural awareness or language skills? • In what other ways is your time abroad improving your personal or professional skills? This information may then be used to enhance your CV and improve your career prospects. For more advice on creating a CV, please contact the Careers and Employability Service. For general information on developing your employability skills, see www.kent.ac.uk/employability
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“If you’re interested in gaining new experiences, open to new things, living abroad and generally having an amazing year, I definitely, definitely recommend it! You’ll gain experiences, friends and memories that will stay with you for the rest of your life.” Emma Welch Social Anthropology
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www.kent.ac.uk/goabroad
HOW TO APPLY, FEES AND FUNDING Many of the degrees at Kent allow you to spend some time abroad. There are several funding options, including Kent’s own scholarship scheme.
How to apply If your degree includes a Year/Term Abroad or is a language degree, you are contacted by your academic school during your first or second year of study. You are then given guidance and support to help you choose a work or study placement. If your degree includes a Year in Industry or a Sandwich Year, you should contact your Placement Co-ordinator in your academic school during your first or second year. For more information see www.kent.ac.uk/enterprise Students within the Faculty of Humanities wishing to apply for the Humanities year or term abroad scheme should speak with their School Internationalisation Study Adviser about the options available for their programme. Students who study for a cross-faculty degree where only one part is situated within the Faculty of Humanities, should discuss the availability of options with their School Internationalisation Study Adviser. Even if your degree title does not include a Year in Industry or a Year/Term Abroad, you are welcome to contact the Go Abroad team to discuss your options. As long as you
don’t want to change the subject of your degree, adding a work or study abroad option may be straightforward and you’ll get plenty of support. See www.kent.ac.uk/goabroad for contact details. Remember – this option is not possible on all programmes.
Fees and funding Kent’s Study Abroad Scholarship The University’s Study Abroad Scholarship is open to all UK and EU students applying to Kent for a full-time degree course that includes a Year Abroad. The Scholarship is worth £2,000 during the Year Abroad (or pro rata for the period of time spent abroad). To qualify, students must be making their university application through UCAS and gain a minimum of 320 tariff points (from 3.5 A levels
or equivalent) as well as the normal entry requirements for their subject. Applicants also submit an essay. For more information on university scholarships for undergraduates, see www.kent.ac.uk/ugfunding
Year abroad: Erasmus programmes Erasmus is a scheme funded by the European Union to promote student mobility across Europe. Eligible students spending a year abroad on a study or work placement can receive some financial help. Under current arrangements, funding is as follows: • UK and other EU students who study abroad for an academic year under the Erasmus scheme pay no tuition fees for that year to Kent or the host university. They also receive a grant.
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• Students who normally pay overseas fees, and are studying abroad under the Erasmus scheme for a full academic year, pay reduced tuition fees to Kent for that year. They pay no tuition fees to the host university. These students also receive a grant. • Students on a year’s work placement under the Erasmus scheme do not pay tuition fees for their year abroad. They also receive a grant and the employer often offers a salary.
Year abroad: non-Erasmus programmes • Students studying abroad on non-Erasmus programmes pay reduced tuition fees to Kent for their year abroad. They do not pay any tuition fees to the host university.
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• Students on non-Erasmus work placements abroad pay reduced tuition fees to Kent for their year abroad. Also the employer often offers a salary.
Semester abroad • Students taking a term (semester) abroad pay the normal tuition fees to Kent. They do not pay any tuition fees to the host university.
The University of Kent is pleased to acknowledge the support of the European Commission under the Lifelong Learning Programme for its Erasmus activities.
More information Please note that Erasmus grants are subject to eligibility and all funding arrangements are subject to change. Information is correct at the time of going to press; for the latest details check our website, www.kent.ac.uk/goabroad
Terms and conditions: the University reserves the right to make variations to the content and delivery of courses and other services, or to discontinue courses and other services, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. If the University discontinues any course, it will endeavour to provide a suitable alternative. To register for a programme of study, all students must agree to abide by the University Regulations (available online at: www.kent.ac.uk/regulations). The information in this booklet is correct at time of going to press. The University reserves the right to modify or cancel any statement in it and accepts no responsibility for the consequences of such changes. Data protection: For administrative, academic and health and safety reasons, the University needs to process information about its students. Full registration as a student of the University is subject to your consent to process such information.
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