Studying abroad is one of the most exciting and liberating things you can do as a young student. Not only do you get to live and breathe the culture of the city you move to, you get to make a whole new bunch of friends and learn about life outside the Emerald Isle.
But you might be wondering how you can study abroad as an Irish student. Where do you begin and how can you apply? We've got all the answers.
You might have heard of Erasmus+ which is an EU organisation that helps students do exchanges across the world whether it's in the EU or even as far away as Australia or China.
There's now even a change to combine your study overseas with a traineeship so you can get work experience.
Here's some answers to the most common questions about studying abroad
1. Who can study abroad?
Eramus+ helps students at Bachelor and Master levels and Doctoral candidates in Ireland. To study abroad with Erasmus+, you must be registered in a higher education institution such as a college and enrolled in studies leading to a recognised degree or tertiary-level qualification. For students in a Bachelor degree program, you need to be at least in the second year of your studies.
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2. How long can I study abroad?
Your study period abroad can last from a minimum of 3 months (or 1 academic term or trimester) to a maximum of 12 months.
3. Can I study abroad more than once?
You can study abroad either as a student or as a trainee, but your total time abroad (study abroad periods included) may not exceed 12 months within one degree.
4. What can I study abroad?
Your study abroad must be relevant for your degree-related learning and be part of the study programme that you are following. Most importantly, your home college and the overseas college must have an inter-institutional agreement between them for you to study there with Erasmus+.
5. What happens before you go and study abroad?
Everyone involved (you and your sending and receiving higher education institutions must sign a Learning Agreement for Studies). You'll also get an Erasmus+ Student Charter, explaining your rights and obligations with respect to your period of study abroad.
6. What happens when you get back from studying abroad?
The overseas college or university must provide you and your home college with a transcript of records confirming that the agreed programme has been completed and acknowledge the results.
7. Can I get a grant to study abroad?
You can get an Erasmus+ grant as a contribution to your travel and living costs. Find out more about that here: Erasmus+ Programme Guide.
8. How can I apply?
You can apply through the international or Erasmus+ office of your college.
9. Where can I do an exchange?
You can do an exchange almost anywhere in the world, including Austria, France, Sweden, Israel, India, China, Brazil, Peru, South Africa, Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, USA and Canada.
For some more Frequently Asked Questions about the Eramus+ program, click here.
