Advice on studying abroad

Studying part or all of your course abroad can provide you with some wonderful opportunities to participate in other cultures and learn languages.

The possibilities are extensive but it involves careful planning and consideration. Some undergraduate degrees offer the chance for you to do your degree 'with a year abroad'. If you are interested in this option, ask your chosen university about the experiences previous students have had.

Studying abroad is not an easy option, although for the majority the benefits more than outweigh the initial hard work and homesickness. Think about why you want to do it. What do you hope to gain from the experience? Do you have a particular country or region in mind, if so why? The opportunity to study anywhere in the world may be enough for some; others will have specific areas of interest and so apply only to the establishments which can offer training or research in these particular areas.

You should address the following questions when considering continuing your studies abroad:

• What resources are available to help identify graduate programmes in the physical sciences?
• What are the general processes and requirements for admission to graduate programmes and courses of study or research?
• What funding is available and where do I find it?
• When should I begin the application process?
• What documentation is necessary to enter different countries?

The answers to these questions will vary greatly depending on your country of choice, as will the resources from which relevant information is available. The reference book World of Learning 2000, (50th Edition) published by Europa Publications, documents thousands of institute addresses from all over the world, including all those concerned with the physical sciences.

Useful websites:

• International Education Site
  Helps you locate a suitable overseas university and course
• Study Overseas
  Country, course and college advice for international students
• Paris-Anglo
  Study in or around Paris
• Canada
  Visit, study or work temporarily
• New Zealand
  New Zealand Immigration - Your Essential FREE Guide covering New Zealand Immigration, Studying in New Zealand and finding jobs in New Zealand
• Carl Duisberg Centren
  Study in Germany
• CIA World Factbook
  Find out facts about worldwide locations
• PhDs.com
  An American site giving ratings to gradschool departments with some silly and some serious advice
• Marie Curie Actions
  This website provides an overview of the training, mobility and career development opportunities covered under the European Union's Framework Programme for R&D
• IAESTE
  The International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience
• ERASMUS
  The SOCRATES/ERASMUS programme offers you the chance to study abroad in another European country. Study grants are available