You may have heard a few of your friends mention and contemplate the idea of studying abroad. These conversations frequently take place, yet so many students don’t act on them. But why? Our University offers arguably one of the most extensive ranges of exchange programmes in the UK. In particular there are links with no less than 150 universities in 20 European countries, from Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey. Further, on the International Exchange programmes you can study in Canada, Chile, Mexico, Hong Kong and Singapore.

Studying abroad is a fantastic experience that really opens your eyes to the opportunities that exist abroad. Not only do you discover a whole new environment and culture, you also develop greater levels of confidence, independence and self-assurance. You may be able to explore new topics that you previously would never have had the opportunity to study at Southampton, broadening your grounding in your subject. Employers understand and recognise these benefits, therefore your experience abroad definitely enhances your future employability prospects.

But I don’t speak another language, I hear you cry! You don’t necessarily need to! There are a number of exchange programmes that teach entirely in English, which include Belgium, Denmark, Greece, Netherlands, Norway, Malta and Sweden. If you have studied a language up to A-level standard there are obviously more options available to you, and there are also funded language courses to get you up to scratch.

There is funding in place to assist you on your year abroad. If you secure a place on a European Exchange (Erasmus Programme), you will be eligible for a mobility grant which can be up to £3000. Further assistance is available for flights from your Local Education Authority, effectively paying for all your travel there and back. Tuition fees are not payable to the University of Southampton for the year you are away, and there are no tuition fees to pay at the visiting institution, with the exception of international programme universities where tuition fees are still payable to Southampton.

I can safely say that my Erasmus exchange was one of the best experiences of my life and I now have so many amazing friends from all over the world!

Want to find out more? Join the newly established Southampton Erasmus Society at erasmus.susu.org. Information about our meetings is also available online.

For further information on which degree subjects are eligible for exchanges please visit: www.soton.ac.uk/internatonal/erasmus or email esn@soton.ac.uk

All Aboard ESNtrain
Next month, Erasmus Student Network are running a unique chartered train which will cross the European mainland over 25 days, zigzagging its way between 40 cities and stopping in 18 countries. No matter where you are headed, everyone is welcome to hop onboard. The ESNtrain will be running from March 28th to April 21st between such European cities as Amsterdam, Rome, Stockholm and Vienna. You can visit the best museums, go on the best city tours and enjoy the night life in different cities across Europe. This is a great opportunity not only to visit various famous locations, but also to meet many other students from across the continent.

You can choose to spend a single night, several days, or even the entire trip onboard. Prices are extremely competitive, allowing for a broad spectrum of participants to join. It costs only 30 Euros for a single night, along with a one time fee of 20 Euros. With this, you get a bed in a 6 bed sleeping compartment (3 bed compartments are also available), a small daily breakfast, a guidebook and a few small surprises.

For further information on the route, train times, prices and availability, visit www.esntrain.org.