Studying abroad is an experience that many students dream of. If you too would like to experience this international adventure, discover the 5 possible options for studying abroad. Bear in mind that you need a minimum of 6 months or even 1 year to prepare. You’ll need to take all the necessary steps into account: student visa, bank account, insurance for your studies abroad, plane ticket, student accommodation, etc.
1. Applying directly to a foreign university
To enroll directly in a foreign university, start by looking for a country that matches your expectations. Find out more about universities, their levels, education systems and languages of instruction. Here’s a list of Europeans’ favorite countries to study abroad:
- Canada
- Belgium
- United Kingdom and Northern Ireland
- Switzerland
- Spain
- Germany
- United States of America
- Romania
- Portugal
- Italy
If you’ve already selected a destination, this will simplify the process. Then choose a program and a university in line with your academic goals. Check the admission criteria, the required documents such as transcripts and various certificates, then submit your application online. If proof of language proficiency is required, pass the necessary tests, such as :
- IELTS for the UK
- TOEFL and TOEIC for the United States
- SIELE for Spain
- CILS for Italy
- TestDaf for Germany
- HSK for China
- DELE for Latin American countries, except Brazil
- JLPT for Japan
- NT2-II for the Netherlands and certain universities in Belgium
- Etc…
Once you’ve been accepted, follow the instructions to confirm your admission, obtain a student visa and arrange your accommodation. Then take out a good international student insurance policy to avoid unforeseen expenses.
2. Carry out an exchange program
Opting for a university exchange program abroad gives you a unique opportunity to enrich both your academic and cultural perspectives. Among the choices available to you, two stand out: the Erasmus program and bilateral exchanges.
Who can go abroad with Erasmus?
The Erasmus program enables you to spend a semester or academic year in another country. It is open to anyone involved in studies, work-study schemes, apprenticeships, teaching, training, job-seeking or voluntary work. The only requirement is that their stay abroad is for the purpose of learning, sharing experience or knowledge.
Which countries participate in Erasmus?
The Erasmus program is open to EU member states and certain non-EU countries associated with the program. These countries are :
- EU members
- Norway
- Iceland
- Liechtenstein
- The Republic of Northern Macedonia
- The Republic of Turkey
- The Republic of Serbia
Since 2014, Switzerland has no longer been a participating country in the Erasmus program, but has become a partner country. Following the Brexit, the UK has also adopted partner country status in the Erasmus program. This means that you can still study in these countries under the Erasmus program.
Bilateral exchanges :
Bilateral exchanges, on the other hand, are agreements between universities around the world. These exchanges generally encompass a variety of academic fields.
Here are a few exchange programs that enable students to pursue their studies abroad:
- The BCI program enables French students to study in Quebec for a semester or a year, under certain conditions.
- ISEP is a network of some 300 universities, enabling students from French member universities to exchange with students from other universities around the world.
- MICEFA facilitates student exchanges between 16 universities in the Paris region and 65 American and Canadian universities.
- TASSEP, a consortium of European, American and Canadian universities, enables students to study at partner institutions in North America.
Check with your university or school to find out whether you can take part in an exchange program, and what administrative steps you need to take to do so.
3. Leaving as part of an integrated curriculum
Thanks to agreements between international schools and universities, you can obtain a double-diploma. Most educational establishments in France offer integrated programs in English, German, Spanish or Italian. To seize this opportunity, all you need to do is pay close attention to the application dates and specific prerequisites.
Here’s an example from the prestigious “Sciencepo” institution, which offers various integrated programs such as :
- The JD Master’s Programme
- Bachelor’s/Master’s degree programs in collaboration with Johns Hopkins
- ITAM Bachelor’s/Master’s courses
- Universidad Torcuato di Tella
- Pontifica Universidade Católica de São Paulo
- Pontifica Universidad Católica de Chile
- Università Luigi Bocconi
- Columbia Journalism School
- Waseda University
- Keio University, Barnard’s College
- Strathmore University
- Ashesi University
4. Join a Summer School
Summer School is an excellent way to consider studying abroad. This is an educational offer that universities put in place during the summer vacation. As a student, graduate, professional or high school senior, you can immerse yourself in a variety of fields for a few weeks. You’ll learn new skills, fill academic gaps and interact with experts.
Which universities offer Summer School?
Over 800 universities worldwide offer Summer School programs. Renowned institutions such as :
- Oxford University
- Cambridge University, Harvard, Stanford
- Sorbonne University
- University of Tokyo
- University of Sydney
- University of Toronto
How much does a Summer School cost?
The cost of Summer School programs depends on factors such as the school’s reputation, demand, duration and courses offered. Prices generally range from a few hundred to several thousand euros. This does not include additional costs such as airfares, accommodation and extras.
For example, a Summer School at an Ivy League university can cost between 3,000 and 4,000 euros for a month’s tuition, not including travel costs.
However, this option only lasts for a few months, so it’s likely that you won’t have access to health cover in your host country. That’s why it’s crucial to have international health insurance. This will ensure that your period of exploration and enrichment doesn’t turn into a financial burden. Get a free quote for your health insurance!
5. Visiting students
You can take courses at certain universities without being registered as an ordinary student. As a visiting student, you will not receive a diploma at the end of your studies. However, it is an opportunity for students who have not been accepted to certain universities to study there anyway. One of the universities offering this kind of program is the prestigious Yale University.
How can I apply to be a Visiting Student at Yale University?
Deadlines :
- Registration deadline for autumn term: June 1
- Registration deadline for spring term: October 1
Application requirements :
- Proof of bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- Motivational essay of 500 to 1000 words describing your background and your preparation for study and/or research at Yale.
- History of all previous higher education institutions.
- Transcripts from each institution mentioned. (translated into English)
- TOEFL (or IELTS) results for non-English speakers.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Name of your academic advisor at Yale.
- Proof of medical coverage.
- Application fee of $105.00, plus $25.00 document processing fee for international applicants.
- International applicants: proof of sufficient funding to cover living expenses and tuition at Yale. At least 50% of financial support must come from an external grant to be eligible for a J-1 student visa.
Take the opportunity to discover all our tips for studying abroad.
Study abroad with peace of mind
Studying abroad can be an ordeal for some and an adventure for others. To avoid unpleasant surprises, be sure to take out international health insurance. This insurance will guarantee you medical coverage during your studies abroad.
In some countries, the social security system is not as comprehensive as in France. This can result in considerable international medical costs. Certain institutions, such as American universities, are often very demanding when it comes to health insurance for foreign students. They require international students to take out medical cover before entering university.
