Fanny Bois-Berlioz

Whether you are in your first or second year of university you may be able to apply for a placement in a university abroad in Europe. If your course allows you to do a semester abroad, have a look at the specific conditions and what classes you will follow then as well as the key due dates and forms to fill in. 

Cover letter / Personal statement 

For most placement or study abroad, you will be asked to write a statement that explains your specific interest in the classes offered. 

The website may give you specific sections for your short statement such as describing your interest in your current course at Manchester, why you are looking to travel abroad, and what you could bring to the community you wish to join. 

Prepare this statement long in advance just like you did to enter university a few years ago. You can ask your current year leader to read it or ask friends to give you advice.

Resume 

Having a well-done resume with all your certifications, language qualifications and previous professional experiences can really help your application to stand out. Not only are you joining a new university, but you will also need to adapt to the new culture and community so speaking another language or being familiar with a different culture can be helpful and show that you are willing to meet new people. This will show the university that you are a curious student who is open to new experiences.

Getting to know with the course 

Looking up the course specifications is essential. Is this course going to help you grow in your career? Do you meet the requirements for the course or is it too advanced? Have a look at the website and the exam period as well. If you need to retake exams in the University abroad you might want to extend your journey. 

Getting to know the university 

Before the application process, it is important to look at the university you want to join. Even if it is only for 6 months or a year you may want to read the reviews of previous students who did an exchange. Try to find how welcoming they were, if they were able to find support for any administration matters (health, financial, living etc).

Getting to know the location 

The location of your university does not simply impact the language that the people speak or the weather, but most importantly there are administration matters that you should consider. Depending if you are an EU, international or UK resident you may need different preparations such as applying for a student VISA, getting a GP in the country, get a healthcare insurance, and a new student bank account. Most countries in Europe have a lot of options for international students and EU students in general, but you should check that everything can be done easily or without having to spend too much money. 

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