Why spend time abroad?

Many students find their time abroad to be a life-changing and rewarding experience. It’s a time for self-discovery as well as personal development. There are a number of different opportunities to choose from and it’s all about finding the right one for you.

Spending time abroad is an option that's available in many of our undergraduate courses. Check the Where Can I Go? webpages to see what destinations are available by subject area. 

Which year will I go?

If you are on a three-year degree, you can apply in the autumn semester of your second year to add a year abroad between your second year and final year. Students on a four-year integrated Masters degree may apply in the autumn semester of the second year or the autumn semester of the third year. 

BA International Business Management with Study Abroad is different, as the year abroad is in the second year and the application is in the autumn semester of the first year. 

Enhance your employability

In today's global business environment, studying, working or volunteering abroad can greatly enhance your employability. There are many intercultural skills you will develop as a result of your time spent abroad that are valued highly by employers, including:

• An ability to understand different cultural contexts and viewpoints
• Knowledge of a foreign language
• An understanding of, and respect for, other cultures
• A willingness to try new things
• Confidence
• Resilience (which you'll build as you explore the world and discover yourself) 

What's more, research carried out by the British Council shows that employers perceive staff members with these intercultural skills to be at an advantage within an organisation and although many employers do not actively screen for certain intercultural skills, they do see international experiences - such as study abroad, internships abroad or international work experience - as indicators of intercultural skills. 

My year abroad was an opportunity to build my adaptability and resilience, both of which are important every day at work.

Robert Swarbrick BA German Studies & MA Modern Languages and Culture

Rob spent a year in Germany during his undergraduate degree, where he taught English to adults. This, coupled with a range of other experiences, helped to build confidence and resilience, and develop his interpersonal skills, all of which are highly valued by employers.

My year abroad was a great opportunity to improve my skills in professional and everyday settings.

Holly Satterly BA Politics and Modern Languages & Cultures

Holly spent a year working in Cologne as part of her Sheffield degree, where she grew in confidence and developed skills that she has since put to use as part of an internship scheme.

Develop your language skills

There is no better way to learn a language than to fully immerse yourself in a new culture. This can feel daunting to begin with, but practising your new language with students from across the world in your host country is a big benefit of studying abroad.

You don’t need to be able to speak a foreign language to spend time abroad as part of your degree, but there are opportunities to learn a language here in Sheffield before you go. Languages for all is a University-wide scheme that is available to all Sheffield students who want to either develop existing language skills or start a new language from scratch.

It's good to know

• There are a number of scholarship schemes and bursaries available, plus students who spend a year abroad are eligible for reduced tuition fees for that period.

• You’ll have access to support from Sheffield and your exchange university while you are away.

• View the list of partner universities by subject to find out if your course is eligible or get in touch to find out more.