Northumbria Students Studying Abroad Outside of the European Union

Should I Apply for Exchange?

In theory any undergraduate may apply to go on the exchange programme.  It is usual for students to go for a semester in their second or third year of study - year three for four-year courses.  Please note with our Australian partners, if you are applying to go on exchange in your second year and are taking yearlong modules in your first year at Northumbria, the earliest that you can expect to go on exchange would be the February semester of your second year. 

A particular group of students, who may find difficulty in partaking in exchange programmes, are those taking courses where professional accreditation or exemptions depend on the completion of certain units or course structures - teaching and accountancy for example.

Undergraduate students usually exchange for one semester for which time you will earn 60 credits towards your degree from Northumbria.  The usual number of courses taken on exchange is 4; this is a full semester's equivalent.

Why Go On Exchange?

The opportunity to genuinely immerse yourself in another culture and be more than just a visitor in a particular country is a rare one. This opportunity provides you with not only unforgettable experiences and memories, but also personal contacts that you can benefit from for years to come.

The decision to go on exchange is an important one, not least because of the increased financial demands of living abroad. It is important to make the decision with a clear idea of the individual benefits to you personally. Each individual student will have a different set of priorities, these priorities will help in making the decision of whether going on an exchange is right for them.

For some students the opportunity to study their subject in a different academic environment is key, and for others the opportunity to live in another culture and interact with students of different nationalities is the real attraction. Being able to travel at the weekend and explore the host country after a hard week of lectures is another benefit to studying abroad. Most students return from their time abroad as more mature, focused individuals. Evidence suggests that their renewed motivation helps them achieve good marks in their final degree.

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Studying Abroad with Northumbria University

Making the Decision to Study Abroad

Take time to think carefully about the available exchange options, the individual institutions, and the courses you want to register for during your time abroad. Bear in mind that while institutions abroad may operate in a similar way to those in the UK there will inevitably be distinct differences.

Often a greater degree of independence is expected of students in other countries and you should not expect to receive the kind of personal tutorial guidance provided here at Northumbria.  Classes may be large and anonymous with little, if any, contact with teaching staff.

Think about what you hope to achieve during your time abroad and how this relates to your academic and personal development. Identifying priorities before making a decision is a key element in any planning process and will assist you in making the right decision for you.

Some ideas to think about:

• Would I prefer to be in a large or small town?
• Will I be happy being the only Northumbria student at the institution?
• Do I enjoy a challenge?
• Am I able to adjust to situations outside my comfort zone/normal routine?