Is Study Abroad a passport to employment? Jane Atkinson, Head of Study Abroad Lancaster University

Transcription

1 Is Study Abroad a passport to employment? Jane Atkinson, Head of Study Abroad Lancaster University

2 Today s presentation Study Abroad in UK Higher Education What are employers looking for? What Study Abroad opportunities are available? How much does it cost? How do students apply? Where can you find further information?

3 Recent developments Mobility Strategy 2020 for the European H E Area (EHEA) - Bologna Process established in 1999 to foster student mobility and employability - Target: 20% graduating students in EHEA mobile by 2020 (study or training) - All member countries to have internationalisation and mobilisation strategies - Measures to support mobility remove barriers, improve quality of experience, more funding - Mobility within and outside EU - Internationalisation of HE - Erasmus Programme

4 UK Strategy for Outward mobility Adopted in December 2013 to - enable UK graduates to work across different cultures and within a diverse workforce, in the UK and internationally; - facilitate collaboration between higher education institutions and business to increase the number of work placements; - contribute to the academic outcomes and employability of UK domiciled students; - reiterate the UK s commitment to the EHEA mobility target Its vision - to facilitate an increase in the number of UK domiciled students who undertake international placements and help to address institutional barriers to participation in outward mobility in UK higher education

5 What are employers looking for? Global mindset Communication skills esp intercultural Positive attitude Problem solving skills Ability to use initiative Interpersonal skills Flexibility Planning and organisational abilities

6 Reasons to Study Abroad Stand out from the crowd Develop soft skills such as problem solving, working in a team, be adaptable and flexible Unique experience for CV and job interview Go on an adventure Opportunities exist worldwide Immerse yourself in another culture Employers value experience of other cultures Discover yourself Become more independent and confident And it doesn t cost the earth! Choose destination carefully

7 UK students studying abroad in 2014/ /15 student cohort going abroad Total UK domiciled students Of whom mobile % England 1,380,225 17, % Scotland 168,375 2, % Wales 101,425 1, % Northern Ireland 47,120 1, % Total UK 1,697,150 22, % Source: HESA/GO International

8 What, where, when? Credit bearing or non credit bearing One year or one semester work or study or a combination Erasmus+ Which country opportunities worldwide Short term study, work or volunteer Term time or vacation Funding support

9 Top 10 destinations in 2013/14 Country Mobilities France 4,230 Spain 3,270 USA 2,680 Germany 1,960 Australia 1,185 Italy 1,065 Canada 940 China 660 Netherlands 655 Russia 370 Source: HESA/GO International: Gone International: the value of mobility. Report on the 2013/14 graduating cohort

10 One semester or one year Different options depending on university - 3 year degrees: usually year 2 abroad - 4 year degrees: usually year 3 abroad - often extends length of degree One semester abroad - may be in second or third year of 3 year degree Credits gained/courses taken when abroad may count towards degree - pass/fail basis - combined single mark - all courses/marks count - reflective journal, dissertation

11 Summer Schools and short placements (work, study and volunteering) Summer Study options Established Summer Schools at University partners worldwide Most degree related subjects available Language and culture options British Council Generation UK study placements in India Summer work & volunteering options Research internships eg CERN Work placements eg Camp America, IAESTE, BC Generation UK: China Bespoke short term visits developed by university accompanied by staff field trips related to degree at overseas campuses

12 How to choose a placement (work, study and volunteering) Student s personal circumstances - degree, time available, finances Length of programme - term time or vacation Environment - city, country, campus? - English speaking country or taught in English? - accompanied by University staff? - how much do they want to be challenged? Type of placement - academic, cultural, language focus, practical Reputable partner/organisation/university approved Support from university and in country

13 How much does it cost? Tuition fees Accommodation Subsistence & other living costs Passport & visas Flights Insurance Travel in country during weekends and vacations Exchange rate

14 Tuition Fees Tuition fees are paid to the UK university; none to host university 15% tuition fees (Home/EU students) maximum for the full academic year (study abroad) in 2016/17 = 1350 Overseas students fees set by individual university 100% tuition fees can be charged if studying abroad for one term/semester

15 Financial proof outside EU Documentary evidence of funds may be required by host university at application stage not including vacation travel - USA: 7,500-13,000 May be required for visa application - Australia: 9,500 + return airfare, Canada: 5,500 Documentary evidence required - can be from different sources - not all in one bank account

16 Sources of funding Student Loans - can be used for year or semester abroad - can apply for an enhanced loan - maximum 6984 ( ) UK university scholarships and grants - subject specific - may be available for Summer placements External providers - BUTEX scholarships (8 500) Scholarships for Excellence - Hong Kong 3000)

17 Sources of funding continued Partner Scholarships Erasmus+ grants - apply to home university Other Sources - means tested financial support for travel, medical insurance, visas, via Student Loan Company - parents & family - can work as a student overseas (some restrictions) - be creative eg Rotary Clubs

18 Erasmus+ Programme Student and staff mobility for individuals - established in million+ students participated - 33 Programme countries (EU + Iceland, Norway, former Yugoslavia, Liechtenstein, Turkey) - International credit mobility Partner countries Minimum placement length - 3 months study - 2 months work Grants available for eligible students (2016/17 rates) per month for study (depends on country) - additional 80 per month for disadvantaged students/work placements - maximum 12 months funding 159 UK universities had Erasmus funding in 2013/14

19 How to apply Apply through UCAS for integrated year abroad - Linguistics (Study Abroad), Biomedicine (Study Abroad), Geology with Study Abroad, International Business Apply after registration at university - one semester and short term programmes - optional year abroad (4 year model) Check with individual universities - ask about process at Open Days - search university website - support from Department and Study Abroad team

20 Other issues to consider Fear factor Peer pressure Availability of places Health Relationships Exam results Insurance Culture shock/transition Safety and security Coming home

21 Resources and further information Erasmus+ UK National Agency (also vocational training and schools opportunities) - Go international - & British Council: Study Work Create rd year abroad.com - Student loans - Travel grants - University websites Unistats - Erasmus Impact study - Attainment in HE: Erasmus and placement students - Culture at Work report -

22 Study Abroad Competition photos

23 What students say For me, being on exchange in Bangkok led to the best five months of my life. If you get this opportunity please don t pass it up; you ll never look back. CJ (Management), Chulalongkorn, Thailand Studying Abroad was the highlight of my degree and I would do it all again tomorrow if I had the chance! SW (Biology), QUT, Australia