Go Abroad
Experience a different culture, develop career boosting skills and grow in self-confidence. We have options to study or work abroad, for a year or just for the summer!
Go abroad
Year Abroad
Grow in confidence and gain a new perspective by studying or working abroad for a year.
Summer Abroad
Have an unforgettable summer. Discover opportunities to study abroad over the summer.
Where can I go?
Check out our A-Z list of destinations for where you can study on a Year Abroad.
Which courses offer study or work abroad?
Courses offering a Year Abroad
Over 50 of our undergraduate degrees offer you the opportunity to study abroad.
Courses offering a Year in Industry
Find out which of our courses offer the opportunity to work abroad by taking a Year In Industry in another country.
If your course isn't included
You may still be able to go on a Summer Abroad! Summer abroad placements are also available to postgraduate students.
Study or work abroad?
Study Abroad
Whether you're taking Business or Biosciences, Languages or Law, living and studying in another country will broaden your understanding of your subject.
The University of Kent has links with prestigious universities across the world. Your choice of destination for the Year Abroad is dependent on your degree programme, so take a look at our A-Z list of destinations.
In many destinations teaching is in English, but we still encourage you to gain some skills in the local language. It is possible to take modules in a range of languages at our Language Centre. You'll be amazed at how quickly even the most rudimentary language skills improve once you are living in a country.
Work Abroad
If you are on a degree course that includes a Year in Industry/Professional Practice, you can work abroad in your third year.
In a competitive market, having something that differentiates you from the crowd is a real plus. By making the decision to work abroad you are demonstrating to future employers that you are flexible in your outlook and have the enthusiasm and drive to succeed in new environments.
You'll also improve your communication skills, grow in confidence and gain valuable workplace experience.
Take a look at our list of programmes with a year in industry. At Kent, the Placement Officers in the Careers and Employability Service will provide useful information and guidance about finding a suitable placement.
Why go abroad?
Unforgettable
I would definitely recommend other students to do a year abroad. It was an experience I will genuinely never forget and there is no better time to do it than as a student.
Emilia Varischetti,
International Business with a Year Abroad BSc (Hons)
Preparing to Go Abroad
You will get academic and administrative support from Kent before, during and after the year abroad:
- The Study Abroad team in International Partnerships are responsible for all matters relating to study abroad.
- Your School looks after matters relating to your academic progress and degree.
You will also get support from your host university or employer.
Many host universities provide support services, for example a medical centre or a counselling service.
Study/work abroad placements which are an official part of the degree are assessed using a pass/fail system.
If you study abroad, the pass/fail mark will be based on the grades you receive from the host university. You may have to pass a certain percentage of the modules at the host university in order to receive a pass.
If you work abroad, your School will set the assessment criteria, such as an essay or report. They may also ask your employer to provide an evaluation.
Reduced tuition fees
For studying abroad, you are not required to pay tuition to the host university. You are required to pay a reduced tuition fee to Kent for a full year away. For details please see here: Tuition Fees.
Funding
In addition to general student funding, there are specific sources of funding available if you're spending a year or term studying or working abroad:
- Student loans (UK applicants) - Loans are available for eligible students who spend a year studying or working abroad as part of their degree course.
- Travel grants - You may be eligible for a Travel Grant which reimburses some of your travel costs. See the UK Government's website for more details.
Before you accept a placement, you must make sure you have sufficient funds available to support yourself throughout the time abroad.
Consider your own budget carefully and discuss it with relevant people (i.e. your sponsors/parents).
It is particularly important that you research the following:
Travel
- Air fares
- Transport to and from the airport
- Costs within the host country, e.g. commuting and social travel
Health costs
- Health insurance, if required in addition to Kent’s insurance
- Prescriptions and other charges
- Some services may have a charge, e.g. counselling
Accommodation
- Rent
- Bedding, furnishings and utensils if not provided
Food and other costs
- Specialist diet costs
- Orientation or incidental fees
- Books and other study materials
- Sports facilities
All year abroad students are required to register for free travel and personal accident insurance arranged by the University of Kent with leading travel insurer Chubb Insurance. Students will receive instructions how to register for this a few months before going abroad.
*As part of registering for cover, students will need to complete the online travel notification form no later than 10 working days before leaving. Details on the full benefits available to you can be found on the University's Travel Insurance webpage. Students should keep the Chubb emergency assistance number in a safe place, ready for use in an emergency.
If you find the idea of studying or working abroad as part of your degree exciting, go to our course listing and select the subject you want to study to view the course page. The course structure will show the Year Abroad or Year in Industry options available to you, then click on the Apply now button; it’s that simple. For some courses, you can apply for the three year degree and then add the Year Abroad after you start here.
You can also find a list of our partner universities at each destination in our A-Z list.
If you have any questions about studying or working abroad, please contact our Go abroad team.
If you want to find out more about applying to Kent, visit our Apply web pages.
If you are studying on a course with a year abroad, we’ll support you as you decide which country and which university you want to study in.
Stage 2 students: follow instructions to apply in October!
There are academic and attendance requirements you must meet to be eligible to study abroad:
- You will need a minimum average mark of 50% at Stage 1 and in the Autumn Term at Stage 2.
- if your attendance at University is poor, this may affect your study abroad placement allocation.
Adding a study abroad element to your degree
If you are in Stage 1 or 2, contact your School to ensure that you have met any progression criteria during Stage 1 and to complete a Change of Course form. Stage 2 students should enrol on our Moodle module, DP6100, and submit the Study Abroad application by the deadline.
If you have any questions about studying or working abroad, please contact our Go abroad team.
