10 top tips for planning your year abroad
Historian and study abroad coordinator John Gallagher reveals his advice for undergraduates thinking of taking their studies overseas
For many students, a year abroad is F one of the most memorable and enjoyable experiences of their university career. And for students of history, a year abroad offers you the opportunity to discover a new country and its culture while adding a huge amount of value to your degree.
The chance to explore new subjects with new teachers, to delve into a country’s history while living and studying there, to learn a language that will supercharge your own research and set you up for your future career – there are so many good reasons to consider a year abroad. Here are some tips for making the most of the opportunity.
1. Decide if a study abroad year is right for you
This is the most important question to ask yourself. A study abroad year is a great adventure, but it’s a big undertaking too. Will you be comfortable travelling and living independently, managing your studies and making new friends a long way from home?
If you’re unsure, talk to people who’ve done it before. Ask yourself what you want to get out of it, and that will help you decide if studying abroad is for you – and get you thinking about where you might want to go.
2. Choose a university
It’s worth taking the time to find the country and the university for you. Well in advance of decision time, set aside a few hours to do your own research. Don’t forget to consult the study abroad team or coordinator in your university or department, who will be happy to chat to you about your options.
When you’re thinking about potential destinations, don’t just consider the weather and the nightlife (even if they are important!) – have a look at the kind of modules you want to take and the people you’d like to study with. Does the university offer great history modules for you to sink your teeth into? Is it in a historic setting, where you’ll be able to observe the influence of the past on the present? Be flexible: some destinations are really popular and very competitive, so be prepared to think about
options that might not have occurred to you straight away.
3. Prepare for your move
The more you plan for your year overseas, the easier you’ll find settling in and getting to know your new host country. Get thinking early about the practicalities of life abroad. Many universities will offer you a place to stay in student accommodation, which can be a great way to meet fellow students (and avoid a long commute to lectures).
Think about medication, insurance, everyday security – even clothing. How do you plan to cover costs when you’re out there? You’ll need a budget and you’ll probably need to save up carefully.
4. Take time to settle in
Make sure you’ve booked travel well in advance, and that both your home institution and your host university are aware of your travel details. This way, they’ll be more easily able to support you if anything goes wrong.
The first few days of a year abroad can be bewildering. Take the time to register at your host university and get to know the campus. Map out your routes to lectures and classes, register with a doctor, and start getting to know your host city. Remember to be aware of cultural differences – do your research in advance and avoid getting into sticky situations.
Why not read up on the history of your new host country before you arrive? That way, things will start making sense more quickly.
5. Select your modules
A study abroad year is a great chance to explore topics that might not be offered at
your home university. Many host universities will offer modules on the history or culture of the host country. These are a great way of getting under the skin of the place and can also set you up for a really original dissertation or final year project.
Maybe there’s an opportunity to do some in-depth study that will feed into your own research, or to visit sites, libraries or archives that will make your work shine. Take advantage of the expertise and opportunities available at your host university.
6. Learn the language
If you’re spending a year in a country where the main language isn’t English (even if you’re studying in English), you’ll likely have the opportunity to study some of the local language. This is a brilliant idea: it enriches your cultural experience while you’re abroad, it helps you develop deep and long-lasting relationships with your host country and its people, and it’ll leave you with the ability to get by in a whole variety of new situations after your year away. Plus, as a history student, it’s the first step to accessing a rich array of foreign sources!
Don’t worry if it seems daunting: a little language goes a long way, and a year of beginner’s classes will still leave you with some impressive abilities – and maybe the motivation to carry your studies further or use them in your university work or your career.
7. Get to know the people
You’ve come all this way on your own: now it’s time to get to know new people. You’ll likely make great international friends who are also studying abroad at your host university.
Sports, volunteering, language exchanges – these can all be great ways of building an international network. And when the year is up, don’t forget to keep in touch – you never know when a couch in Colorado or a futon in Frankfurt might come in useful.
8. Travel and discover
Don’t think you have to spend the entirety of your year chained up in the library. Cheap student travel deals can put historic sites and exciting trips well within reach. Practice thinking like a historian as you travel around: what do the landscape, the people, the places tell you about the past?
And remember, reading lists aren’t just for the classroom. Why not dive into the culture and history of your host country by picking up some reading for pleasure that gives you a sense of place?
9. ... but don’t forget to study!
There’s so much exciting stuff to do during a year abroad, but it’s still important to keep on top of your academic work. Make sure you’re clear on what your host and home universities require of you.
Remember that different countries have different academic approaches, and you may encounter very different styles of writing and assessment, from research papers to oral exams. The key to handling this is to always ask for advice.
10. Bring something back
Your year abroad doesn’t finish when you step on the plane home. You will return with new experiences and understanding, with greater knowledge of a country’s history and culture, and maybe even with a new language. As your year abroad comes to an end, think about ways to put your new knowledge to use, in your university career and beyond. You’re a citizen of the world now – what are you going to do next?