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? page to see the destinations available by subject area. 

Which year will I go?

You can apply in the autumn semester of your second year to add a year abroad between your second and third year, extending your degree by one 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. 

At the end of your time abroad, it is really fulfilling to know that you made the most of the opportunity and you tried to experience everything you hoped to.

Angelina Sheard BA History with a Year Abroad

Angelina felt nervous before going abroad, but went on to complete a well-rounded year abroad at a university in Germany.

It's such an unparalleled experience to completely immerse yourself in another country's culture by studying in one of its institutions.

Eleanor Sollis BA History and Politics with a Year Abroad

Eleanor developed her confidence and self-belief when she spent a year abroad studying in Pennsylvania, USA.

If I could speak to my past self, I'd reassure them that everything will work out and they're going to have the most amazing year of their life.

Georgia Leather BA Korean Studies

Georgia spent a year abroad in South Korea, studying at Sungkyunkwan University.

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 destinations by subject to find out where you may be able to go, or get in touch to find out more.