Choosing the right global oppportunity
Consider the opportunities available to you and decide where to apply.
With over 250 partner universities and a great range of trusted external organisation partners around the world, we are proud to be able to offer a global opportunity for everyone.
Understanding which opportunity is right for you is an important first step in your global adventure. We are here to support you in this first step, and have put together the following advice and guidance to help you on your way.
What kind of opportunity is right for you?
Perhaps one of the first decisions you will make when comparing global opportunities is whether you want to study/work abroad as part of your degree, or whether you want to undertake a short-term opportunity outside of term time. All options can be hugely beneficial and transformational, but there are some key differences that could help you decide:
Studying Abroad
- Longer term commitment (either one full semester or a full academic year)
- Usually requires you to study modules that align with your current degree subject
- Opportunity to explore your degree subject from a global perspective and enhance your subject knowledge
- Improve your language skills
- Network with scholars and experts in your field
- May extend your degree by one year
- Will be recognised in your degree title when you graduate
- May not include accommodation, food etc and requires more independence
- Competitive application process
Work Placements
- Longer term commitment (either one full semester or a full academic year)
- Opportunity to earn money while you are abroad
- Make industry connections and experience global workplace culture
- May extend your degree by one year
- May not include accommodation, food etc and requires more independence
- Will be recognised in your degree title when you graduate
- Competitive application process
Short-term Opportunities
- Less time away (anywhere from 5 days to 12 weeks)
- Can be more flexible/more choice in terms of dates and duration
- Does not extend your degree duration
- Opportunity to try something new with minimal risk/commitment
- Often includes accommodation, food and social/cultural activities
- Generally a less competitive application process
- Not recognised in your degree title but will be recorded in your HEAR
Do your research
Once you know what kind of opportunity you want to do, it is very important to carry out thorough research before you apply. Each opportunity will come with it's own challenges and will include varying levels of support, accommodation and extra-curricular activities. It is your responsibility to make sure the opportunity you are choosing will be a good fit for you.
For any opportunity that you are interested in, you should research and consider:
- how easy the destination is to travel to and how much travel will cost
- will you want to visit home often, or will family and friends come to visit you?
- the cost of living there
- there are lots of websites that will provide valuable insight on this
- is there funding available to help with costs
- the language spoken
- particularly important when studying - is the course taught in a language you are comfortable with?
- where you will live
- is accommodation provided for you? does it meet your expectations?
- will you be based in a city or a more rural area?
- what in-country transport will be available
- you may be required to walk or bike long distances
- the support services available, especially around mental health and additional needs if appropriate
- will you need a visa to study/work there
- how LGBTQIA+ friendly a destination might be
- The ultimate guide to studying abroad as an LGBTQ student is a helpful guide
- Stonewall's Global Resources could also offer valuable insights
Studying Abroad
- check the modules, credits, and pre-requisites
- speak to your School Exchange Coordinator for advice
- use all five of your application choices if you can, and make sure you're comfortable attending any of these
- exchange partners can withdraw from participation at any time and with short notice – this is outside of our control and unavoidable but we will let you know as soon as we can
- USA, Australia and Canada are extremely popular, if you are only including these in your preferences you might not get any of your choices
- think about including an option in Europe - the less obvious choices can be less competitive but just as rewarding!
We have hundreds of fantastic partners. If we're unable to allocate you to one of your five choices, we will offer you an alternative and provide support for you to research this. Please keep an open mind and trust the process!
Work Placements
- utilise our Careers Service when sourcing/applying for your placements
- if you are applying for unpaid placements be sure to consider how you will afford living expenses
Short-term Opportunities
- you may still be required to submit a covering letter/personal statement or have an interview for a short-term opportunity
- do not pay any deposits or fees until you are sure about your choice as these are usually non-refundable
- do not book any travel or accommodation until you have had your programme details/dates confirmed
Information and advice
Studying abroad is a big decision - one you don't need to make alone.
- we recommend that you discuss any plans with a family member or trusted friend to ensure you're considering the opportunity properly. This can help you to think about the considerations needed prior to application.
- you can chat to our friendly Global Ambassadors who have previously been on an international placement. They have first hand experience in applying for and organising these experiences so are great at giving advice!
- check out our 'Hear from other students' page for lots of insight and top tips
- you can make an appointment with a member of the Global Opportunities team at any time throughout the academic year.
- it's mandatory to meet with your School Exchange Coordinator before submitting a Study Abroad application. Discuss the available modules at your chosen universities to make sure they meet the requirements of your degree programme. This is particularly important if you are going abroad for a semester, since your credits will transfer back to Newcastle University. If you are doing a full year abroad, you may have more flexibility in your module choices.
- if you have questions about particular partners - reach out and ask them! All of our partners are happy to help and would love to hear from you.
If you need extra support
If you have any additional support needs or you're just wanting to check in, we encourage you to speak with your School Wellbeing Advisor to ensure your physical and mental health is considered throughout this process. The Global Opportunities team work closely with the University Health and Wellbeing team to help ensure that the necessary support is put in place for you.