International opportunities
Kent’s links with prestigious universities and leading business organisations around the world open up a range of possibilities for our students. From a period of study at a top university in France or the USA, to an exciting work placement at a high profile business in Japan, Kent literally offers a world of opportunities to internationalise your education.
International options
If your course offers you the opportunity to study or work abroad, this will be highlighted on each individual course page.
Study and work placements in Europe
The European Union’s Erasmus programme* gives you the opportunity to do your study or work placement in one of the EU or EEA member states and, if you are from the EU, receive an Erasmus grant for the period spent abroad. On study placements, depending on your degree, courses are taught either in English or in the local language. Where the teaching takes place in the local language, you are given language preparation as part of your degree before you go.
For a list of courses, including study abroad placements in Europe, see www.kent.ac.uk/goabroad.
If you are taking a single or joint honours degree in one of our modern languages, or European Studies, there is also the possibility of working as an English language assistant in a school abroad.
*Funded by the EU, whose support the University gratefully acknowledges.
Study and work placements outside Europe
A number of programmes offer the chance to study for a year in the USA, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand, Uruguay, Argentina and Canada. Kent offers language courses in Chinese, Japanese and Spanish, which you can take in the year before you go.
Advantages of an 'international element'
Adding an international placement is an excellent way of enhancing your CV and gaining valuable skills that will impress future employers. ‘A third of employers view a graduate with any overseas study experience as more employable. Sixty-five per cent of international employers indicate that having overseas professional work experience makes graduates more employable’ (CIHE and i-graduate).
Gain new skills and experience
There is no doubt that living and travelling abroad broadens your outlook. Studying or working abroad teaches you lots of new skills and you’ll never forget the amazing experiences you have. Many students tell us that their time abroad was the best part of their course.
Reduced fees
If you are studying or working abroad for a full academic year under the Erasmus programme and are classed as a UK or EU student, you do not pay tuition fees while you are abroad. In addition, you are likely to be eligible for an Erasmus grant for the period spent abroad. Periods abroad not covered by the Erasmus scheme, such as those outside Europe, incur reduced tuition fees for the period abroad. You pay 50% of the tuition fee you would normally pay to Kent.
Stand out in the job market
The valuable international work experience you gain while working abroad will help you to stand out when applying for your first job. The fact that you’ve spent time in another country shows prospective employers that you’re adaptable, resourceful and independent, all the key skills they are looking for. In today’s international job market, you will be competing with people from all around the world so demonstrating that you have an international perspective enables you to compete more effectively.
Improve your language skills
A year studying or working in a foreign country will improve your language skills significantly. Even if your placement is one where the teaching is in English, you will absorb some of the local language. Those following degrees where the study abroad element is in the local language are given language preparation as part of their course.
A different way of doing things
Studying abroad gives you the chance to learn in a different environment and context at one of Kent’s partner universities. By approaching your subject from the point of view of a different culture you gain new insights which will help you in your further study.
While working abroad, the valuable international work experience you gain will help you to stand out when applying for your first job.
Further information
European Office
T: +44 1227 827818/824042
F: +44 1227 827115
E: euroff@kent.ac.uk
W: www.kent.ac.uk/goabroad
International Office
(for information about Argentina, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand, Uruguay and the USA)
T: +44 1227 827994 or +44 1227 823095
F: +44 1227 823247
E: international-office@kent.ac.uk
W: www.kent.ac.uk/goabroad
