Why Study Abroad?
The serious and not so serious reasons why you
should study abroad...
 "...The
School strongly encourages both undergraduates and postgraduates to go on
exchange. Whether they go to Europe, the United States or Australia, they
have a great time and return to us more mature personally and academically.
They also have something to put on their C.V. that distinguishes them from
the great majority of students when it comes to applying for jobs..."
Dr Robert McKeever,
Head of School of Sociology, Politics and
International Relations
"... It was fantastic; I watched
a blue whale, saw the vivid maple tree autumn colours, visited the country's
Parliament, learned some French (and Canadian English), cycled on the right hand
side of the road, met generous and interesting people, and in some of my spare
time even developed my academic skills and knowledge! I have developed in
unexpected ways, including thinking that winter time here is not that cold!..."
Helen Saunderson BA Fine Art
 "... I went to a research station in Sweden
connected to Uppsala University to do my final year project. It was a really
good experience and I met loads of people from around the world. Everyone spoke
English so there were no language barriers. My project itself was really
interesting and I tracked wolves and lynx for three weeks. Also the facilities
for research were excellent, I had full computer and internet access and there
was an extensive library. The atmosphere was great because there were so many
research projects going on throughout the station and everybody was interested
in each others work. I also got to experience a moose hunt which was very
different from anything I've ever done before and left me with mixed feelings at
the end! I would strongly recommend taking part in the Erasmus scheme as my
experience was all good..."
Hannah Windsor, BSc Biology
"... Apart from enjoying the
weather here in the Med', getting a tan, becoming at one with the beach... this
year has been wonderful for me in so many ways. Living abroad has given me new
perspectives on things, allowed me to discover a new culture first hand, has
improved my language skills in a way that no classes back home could, and given
me the pleasure of meeting and making new friends. I'll be glad to come back to
the UK (home cooking!) but sad to leave behind such a nice town and so many
happy experiences..."
Alain Barbasiewicz., BA French
(Single Honours).
"...Studying abroad at another
University provides a wealth of diverse opportunities. Learning to live in a
different environment is a major achievement and builds character which can
be drawn on for the rest of their lives. It is a huge boost to a students CV
because it is a clear indication that they are not afraid of challenges and
new opportunities to broaden their horizons. In terms of future employment,
it also provides a competitive advantage for students seeking jobs where
they may required to travel to other countries, demonstrating that they can
accomplish tasks in a foreign environment. The ERASMUS scheme also allows
students to experience a different educational culture culture and broadens
their experience of academia..."
Dr Chris Stokes, Department of
Geography (former Erasmus student at The University of Reading)
"... The year
abroad offers the chance to experience something completely new and to expand
your mind and interests outside of what you have become used to previously. It
gives you the chance to meet people who have had a very different life than you
up to this point and in most cases you can also improve on one (or more) of your
languages..."
Garrett Phelan,
International Management and Banking
"... The ERASMUS experience
is definitely one which should experienced. I've met so many new people and had
a great deal of fun whilst doing it and would recommend studying abroad to
anyone! Am currently in Göttingen in Germany and having a fabulous time!..."
Sadie Young, BA (hons) French and German
"... My Erasmus
year has been the best year, not only has my French improved but Dauphine has
taught me so much about marketing and advertising. Also, living in Paris is
definitely a plus. There's so much to do on any given day. I would would
definitely encourage more students
to go on a year abroad!..."
Caroline Koch, BA
French and Management
"...
The semester I spent abroad was such a valuable
experience- as
well as the academic benefits, the trip helped
me to become more outgoing and independent. There were so many opportunities to
take, and even though it was only America, the culture was surprisingly new and
exciting..."
Lindsey Barnett, BA (hons) America Studies
"... I spent
one year at the University of Maastricht. During this year I have learnt a lot
not only about Dutch but also about many other cultures, since I lived in the
university accommodation together with other exchange students from all over the
world. We had a truly fantastic time one of the reasons being that we travelled
a lot. If anyone gets a chance to go to Maastricht, take it! I am sure you will
not regret it..."
Daniela Däubler, BA
(hons) Law
"...I spent last term at Lund
University in Sweden. It was a bit daunting at first as I had never been to
a foreign country by myself before but after a couple of weeks I wanted to
stay forever. The best thing about my stay there was the opportunity to
meet and mix with other students from across the world. The whole
experience really broadened my outlook on the world and increased my
confidence. I cannot wait to go travelling once I have finished my
degree..."
Joanne Hardy, BA Archaeology and
History of Art
 "... I went to Aarhus, Denmark in the Autumn semester 2003
- and it was, without doubt, one of the best choices that I have ever made. I
had an absolutely fantastic time - meeting so many new people and arranging
parties and dinners all the time. The university campus was really nice and the
work that I was able to do over there was completely different and interesting.
I would recommend the ERASMUS exchange to any student - if I could do the
semester again, I would (in fact, I wish that we had had the opportunity to stay
out there for one year)..."
Lorna Linch, BSc Physical Geography
"... Studying abroad gives
you the opportunity to meet people from all over the world, experience new
cultures, traditions and ways of life. It enables you to study a subject of your
course in any country you choose and experience a different education system
abroad. A truly worthwhile and valuable
experience and encourages personal development..."
Nina Weightman, BA Law with Legal Studies in Europe
"... Living in France had always
been a dream of mine, now it has become a never-ending passion: the food, the
wine, the arts, the culture. It's always illuminating to see that people can
think and live totally differently from what we are used to, to hate it in the
beginning, to find some sense in it afterwards and finally to find it attractive
in realizing that in the end everybody is right in his own way! I also met a
lovely French boy, and he was kind enough to show me his country and his life
and his family from the inside...so now I'm proud to say I lived in depth the
Erasmus experience! And I'm sure i would do it again and again and again if I
had the chance!..."
Ivi Lagoumidi, BA English and French
Interested ???
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why study abroad?
