Some last minute advice before you submit your study abroad application

We share some tips from those who did study abroad

4 years ago

Emilija Morrison | Guides

The study abroad deadline is fast approaching, and students don’t have much time at all to perfect their applications. The choice of universities and countries students can go to is impressive – Australia, Canada, France, the Netherlands, the USA… It can be hard almost to whittle the choices down to just three.

We spoke to a range of students who have taken part in study abroad. Those who were from Glasgow and did their study abroad elsewhere, and those from different universities doing their study abroad here, in Glasgow. Much of the advice can be applicable to anywhere you go.

Calum is in fourth year, studying Business and Politics at the University of Glasgow. He did his study abroad in Dalhousie University, Canada.

He said: “In your application show you have researched the cost of living for each university you apply for eg price of accommodation in the area, transport cost, food. Demonstrating you have costed your year abroad is extremely important in being successful with an application. Name the specific course at the host university you want to apply for not your programme equivalent at Glasgow. Also mention the specific classes you want to go to. This will help you stand out with your application. Lastly be realistic. I applied for all the top and most popular universities for year abroad and did not get in. But don’t be disheartened if you don’t get in as they have a second round of applications in the new year for those who are unsuccessful and that is how I managed to get accepted. Reach out on the Glasgow Uni go abroad Facebook page to find out specifically about other people’s experiences from the year before you to find out if it is definitely the best country for you.”

Elana is a third year Spanish and German student at the University of Glasgow, currently studying on year abroad in Málaga. She said: “Try and sort your visa as early as possible, leaving it last minute can be very stressful and it can take a while to arrive. Before moving, join Facebook and WhatsApp groups specifically for Erasmus, it’s a great way to get to know people beforehand. I would recommend staying in student accommodation, it’s a great way to meet new people from around the world, and get to learn about their cultures. The first week is tough, I.e being away from family and friends, but it does get easier. Regularly have FaceTime calls with family/ friends, always makes it easier when you’re missing them.”

“University can be difficult to adjust to, for example, longer classes, less feedback and classes being in a different language. I struggled with classes completely being in Spanish, and didn’t understand much of the content, but my understanding got better around week four. Many universities are linked to organisations that specifically host events/ trips for Erasmus students, definitely get involved with these, as it’s a great way to meet new people. If you’re moving to Spain, try and complete the empadronamiento and book your TIE, ensuring that your visa can be extended. I would also recommend getting a SIM card from the country you’re staying, as this works out cheaper than using your own one.”

Maeve is in third year, studying English Literature and Spanish at the University of Glasgow, currently on a year abroad in Seville, Spain. She said: “I’d say just to be very thorough with the financial application side of things. Come up with specific examples of what you’re going to be spending money on. The application takes a while and can be stressful on top of other uni work.”