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EURES (EURopean Employment Services)
News article26 July 2019European Labour Authority, Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion

6 tips for studying abroad in Europe

There’s a range of opportunities to study abroad in Europe to suit everyone. Going abroad can be intimidating, but you can learn so much from the experience. Here are some tips on how to get the most out of your study abroad experience.

6 tips for studying abroad in Europe
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Organise your course selection in advance

If possible, you should organise the specifics of your course and credits before travelling to your chosen university or college. If you’re going on an exchange, the administrative processes may be different to those of your home institution, so it may take some time to understand how things work.  Having a plan in place before you arrive means you can avoid unnecessary stress in the already demanding first days of your study abroad programme.

Ask questions

A great way to prepare yourself for your study abroad is to ask people who have followed the same programme about their experiences. In doing so, you might be able to get invaluable information on the courses or modules available, practical information on accommodation, or suggestions for places to visit, for example. You may also be able to connect with others who will be studying alongside you via social media pages and groups, where you can share insights with one another.

Meet the locals

If you want to improve your language skills, talking to native speakers is the best way to learn. For example, you can meet new people joining groups and societies based on your interests, or attending a language exchange in a cafe. By getting to know the locals, you might also be lucky enough to share the experience of cultural festivities and local events for example, and make lasting connections in your place of study.

Immerse yourself

Instead of sticking to what you know, try to immerse yourself in the culture of the country you’re studying in. Try the local cuisine and get to know the local history and culture. This will enrich your study abroad experience, and can give valuable context to the language you’re learning. Make the most of your free time by visiting nearby cities, landmarks, sites of historical significance, areas of natural beauty, museums and other cultural centres such as theatres, concert halls and art galleries.

Try something new

If you don’t already speak the language of the country you are studying in, why not enrol in a beginners’ course? Alternatively, you might like to pick up a new sport or hobby during your time abroad. There may even be activities on offer that you wouldn’t be able to try at home. Why not give one of them a go?

Don’t forget to study!

Although you’ll want to make the most of your time abroad, you will still need to pass your courses. Set aside some time each day to study, and don’t get complacent. If you’re studying the language, take advantage of the immersive environment and seek out every opportunity to practise. Why not try to keep a little time free each day to focus on honing a particular skill?

We hope this advice helps you to have a fantastic experience during your study abroad programme! Check out our related articles on why you should dare to work abroad and how living abroad can boost your self-awareness.

In partnership with EURES, the European Job Mobility Portal.

 

Related links:

Five reasons why you should dare to work abroad

Can living abroad boost your self-awareness?

 

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Articles are intended to provide users of the EURES portal with information on current topics and trends and to stimulate discussion and debate. Their content does not necessarily reflect the view of the European Labour Authority (ELA) or the European Commission. Furthermore, EURES and ELA do not endorse third party websites mentioned above.