Introductory video

About this Module

There are many considerations to take into account when trying to decide the best study abroad destination for you. These include financial, social, and academic issues that you may not think of straight away. This module will provide advice and practical tips to help you make your decision by reflecting on your needs and what your preferred destination can offer you.

Time Needed

We estimate you will need 40 minutes to complete this module, depending on the amount of time you wish to spend on researching your destination(s).

Learning Outcomes

After completing this module you will:

Have the necessary tools to make an informed decision about going abroad
Understand the cost of living in the countries that interest you and how to draft a budget
Understand how different student services function and where you can access the information or assistance you need at both your home and host institutions
Grasp the essential points around academic issues and recognition
Know the resources available to collect information on studying abroad and how to access them

Target Audience

Students who are considering going on mobility for studies.

Module Structure

Step 1: Researching the cost of living in a partner country
Step 2: Connect your needs with the relevant services
Step 3: How much do you know about academic issues
Step 4: Explore informal tools to collect valuable information
Step 5: Make a decision table considering the pros and cons of mobility

Keywords

Budget Calculator: A tool to estimate your future income and expenses when abroad
Utilities: Domestic services such as electricity, gas, internet
Learning Agreement: A plan that details what courses or research/training/teaching activities you intend to achieve during your mobility. The Learning Agreement should be signed by the responsible authority in your home and host institutions, as well as the student before the mobility begins.
Fee Waiver: Under a bilateral agreement between your home and host insitution you do not need to pay the tuition fee at your host. Usually you only pay the tuition fee at your home university.
Mobility Window: A period of time reserved for international student mobiliity that is embedded into the curriculum of a study programme.
Soft Skills: Non-technical skills that relate to how you work. They include how you interact with colleagues, solve problems, and manage your time.
Vice-Rectorate for Outreach: A name given to the university executive office responsible for organising cultural and sports activities.

About the Developers

Carolina González Madrigal (University of Granada)
Carine de Guilde (University of Amsterdam)
Evangelia Tzeremaki (University of Granada)
Jonli So (University of Amsterdam)
Shane Lordan (University College Dublin)
Eduardo Alias Gómez (University of Granada)
Daan van Meurs (Student Testimonial)
Claudio Santagostini (University of Pavia)

About License and Version

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 international license

The European Commision's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors, and the Comission cannot be held resposible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

Version: 1.0.0