Exchanges and study abroad
Travel study or work abroad
You can study or work abroad as part of your degree, depending on your course. Studying abroad can broaden your horizons, open up professional and personal opportunities, and help you learn another language. And when it comes to starting your career, experiences like this help you stand out from the crowd.
Study abroad opportunities usually take place in the first teaching block of your second year, so you should start planning your trip in your first year. Contact your Erasmus+ departmental coordinator to explore your options.
Opportunities and destinations
There are two types of exchange opportunities, depending on your destination:
Complete a study or work placement for 2–12 months, depending on your course. Details depend on your department's agreements with partner institutions.
Erasmus+ is funded by the European Commission.
Take part in an exchange with one of our partner institutions.
We have agreements with universities in places such as Australia, Brazil, Japan and the United States.
Erasmus+ opportunities are subject specific so you’ll need to discuss which options are open to you with your School or Department Exchanges Coordinator. The programme is designed for students who wish to study abroad as part of a degree course.
Sandwich year placements abroad
On some of our courses you can spend your placement year abroad. Contact your Faculty Placement Office to check if you're eligible to do a placement year abroad. If your placement is in Europe you can apply for funding from Erasmus+. To start your Erasmus+ funding application contact studyabroad@port.ac.uk.
Graduate traineeships abroad
An Erasmus+ graduate traineeship is a work placement or internship you complete overseas after you finish your degree. It gives you the opportunity to put your studies into practice in a global setting and is a fantastic way to kick-start your career. The traineeship must take place within 12 months after you graduate. Talk to your Exchanges Coordinator for details before you graduate and contact us at erasmus@port.ac.uk for more information or to declare your interest before the end of your final year.
You must apply for a Erasmus+ grant during the last year of your studies to fund your traineeship. Find out more about Erasmus+ graduate traineeship opportunities or email us at studyabroad@port.ac.uk.
Where can I go?
Explore our academic exchange partnerships around the world, arranged by subject, faculty and country, as applicable. Please note, these details are subject to change.
Exchange partners
Austria
Technical University of Vienna (TU Wien)
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught (Master's)
Erasmus+
Brazil
Undergraduate
International
Denmark
Postgraduate Taught (Master's)
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Germany
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught (Master's)
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Norway
Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Postgraduate Taught (Master's)
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Slovenia
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught (Master's)
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Germany
Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences
Undergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Germany
University of Applied Art, Design and Media, Stuttgart
Undergraduate
Erasmus+
Bulgaria
Postgraduate Research (PhD)
Erasmus+
Cyprus
Undergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Czech Republic
Undergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
France
Undergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
France
Postgraduate Research (PhD)
Erasmus+
Germany
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Research (PhD)
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Greece
Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Institute of Technology
Postgraduate Taught (Master's) and Postgraduate Research (PhD)
Erasmus+
Republic of Ireland
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Research (PhD)
Erasmus+
Italy
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught (Master's)
Erasmus+
Italy
Postgraduate Research (PhD)
Erasmus+
Italy
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught (Master's)
Erasmus+
Slovakia
Undergraduate, Postgraduate Taught (Master's) and Postgraduate Research (PhD)
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Sweden
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught (Master's)
Erasmus+
France
Undergraduate
Erasmus+
The Netherlands
NHTV Breda University of Applied Science
Undergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
The Netherlands
HU University of Applied Sciences
Undergraduate
Erasmus+
Spain
Undergraduate
Erasmus+
Sweden
Undergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Belgium
VIVES University of Applied Sciences
Undergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Canada
Justice Institute of British Columbia
Undergraduate
International
Czech Republic
Undergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Germany
Berlin School of Economics and Law
Undergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Malta
Undergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Netherlands
Avans University of Applied Science
Undergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Norway
Undergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
France
Universite Clermont AuvergneUndergraduate and Postgraduate Taught (Master's)
Erasmus+
France
University of BurgundyUndergraduate and Postgraduate Taught (Master's)
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Greece
National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
Postgraduate Research (PhD)
Erasmus+
Italy
Postgraduate Taught (Master's) and Postgraduate Research (PhD)
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Italy
Undergraduate, Postgraduate Taught (Master's) and Postgraduate Research (PhD)
Erasmus+
Italy
Postgraduate Taught (Master's) and Postgraduate Research (PhD)
Erasmus+
Croatia
University of Zagreb
Undergraduate, Postgraduate Taught (Master's) and Postgraduate Research (PhD)
Erasmus+
Czech Republic
Undergraduate, Postgraduate Taught (Master's) and Postgraduate Research (PhD)
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Denmark
University of Southern Denmark (Sociology only)
Undergraduate
Erasmus+
Italy
University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (Education Only)
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught (Master's)
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Lithuania
Undergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Spain
Autonomous University of Barcelona (Education only)
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught (Master's)
Erasmus+
Sweden
Kristianstad University Sweden (Education only)
Undergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Finland
Turku University of Applied Sciences
Undergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Germany
University of Applied Sciences FH Münster
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught (Master's)
Erasmus+
Spain
Undergraduate, Postgraduate Taught (Master's) and Postgraduate Research (PhD)
Erasmus+
Belgium
Undergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Germany
Undergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Luxembourg
Undergraduate
Erasmus+
Poland
Undergraduate
Erasmus+
Spain
Undergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Austria
University of Applied Sciences for Management and Communication
Undergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Belgium
Howest University of Applied SciencesUndergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Denmark
Danish School of Media and JournalismUndergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Germany
Stuttgart Media UniversityUndergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Spain
University of San Pablo CEUUndergraduate
Erasmus+
Spain
University of Zaragoza (Media Studies only)
Undergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Sweden
Undergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
France
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught (Master's)
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Germany
Undergraduate, Postgraduate Taught (Master's)
Erasmus+
Hungary
Undergraduate
Erasmus+
Hungary
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught (Master's)
Erasmus+
Malta
Undergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Poland
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught (Master's)
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Slovakia
Comenius University of Bratislava
Undergraduate, Postgraduate Taught (Master's) and Postgraduate Research
Erasmus+
Belgium
Université libre de BruxellesUndergraduate, Postgraduate Taught (Master's) and Postgraduate Research (Phd)
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Canada
Carleton UniversityUndergraduate
International
Czech Republic
Palacky UniversityUndergraduate and Postgraduate Taught (Master's)
Erasmus+ and Institutional
France
Cergy-Pontoise UniversityUndergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
France
University of StrasbourgUndergraduate and Postgraduate Taught (Master's)
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Hungary
University of SzegedUndergraduate, Postgraduate Taught (Master's) and Postgraduate Research (Phd)
Erasmus+
Italy
University of TrentoPostgraduate Taught (Master's) and Postgraduate Research (Phd)
Erasmus+ and Institutional
The Netherlands
Maastricht UniversityUndergraduate and Postgraduate Taught (Master's)
Erasmus+ and Institutional
The Netherlands
The Hague University of Applied SciencesUndergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Norway
Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Postgraduate Taught (Master's)
Erasmus+ and Institutional
USA
Undergraduate
International
Belgium
University of MonsUndergraduate
Erasmus+
Chile
University Diego PortalesUndergraduate
International
China
Beijing International Studies UniversityUndergraduate
International
France
Lumière University Lyon 2Undergraduate
Erasmus+
France
University of StrasbourgUndergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
France
University of Toulouse-Jean JaurèsUndergraduate and Postgraduate Taught (Master's)
Erasmus+ and Institutional
France
François Rabelais UniversityUndergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Germany
Undergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Germany
University of ErfurtUndergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Germany
Flensburg University of Applied SciencesUndergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Germany
University of MarburgUndergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Italy
University of Modena and Reggio EmiliaUndergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Spain
University of AlcalàUndergraduate
Erasmus+
Spain
University of GranadaUndergraduate
Erasmus+
Spain
University of MalagaUndergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Spain
University of MurciaUndergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Spain
University of SalamancaUndergraduate
Erasmus+
Sweden
University of StockholmUndergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Poland
Undergraduate
Erasmus+
Spain
Postgraduate Taught (Master's) and Postgraduate Research
Erasmus+
France
Undergraduate, Postgraduate Taught (Master's) and Postgraduate Research (PhD)
Erasmus+
France
Undergraduate, Postgraduate Taught (Master's) and Postgraduate Research (PhD)
Erasmus+ and Institutional
France
Undergraduate, Postgraduate Taught (Master's) and Postgraduate Research (PhD)
Erasmus+
Greece
Undergraduate, Postgraduate Taught (Master's) and Postgraduate Research (PhD)
Erasmus+
Italy
Undergraduate
Erasmus+
Italy
Undergraduate, Postgraduate Taught (Master's) and Postgraduate Research (PhD)
Erasmus+and Institutional
The Netherlands
Leiden University Medical Centrer (LUMC)
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught (Master's)
Institutional
Poland
Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology
Undergraduate, Postgraduate Taught (Master's) and Postgraduate Research (PhD)
Institutional
Spain
Complutense University of Madrid
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Research (PhD)
Erasmus+
Spain
Undergraduate
Erasmus+
Spain
Undergraduate
Erasmus+
Germany
Undergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Germany
Undergraduate
International and Institutional
Italy
Postgraduate Research (PhD)
Erasmus+
Spain
Complutense University of Madrid
Undergraduate
Erasmus+
Austria
Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg
Undergraduate, Postgraduate Taught (Master's) and Postgraduate Research (PhD)
Erasmus+
Canada
Undergraduate
International
Canada
Undergraduate
International
Czech Republic
Postgraduate Taught (Master's) and Postgraduate Research (PhD)
Erasmus+ and Institutional
France
Postgraduate Taught (Master's) and Postgraduate Research (PhD)
Erasmus+
Sweden
Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, GIH
Undergraduate, Postgraduate Taught (Master's) and Postgraduate Research (PhD)
Erasmus+
USA
Undergraduate
International
Faculty Specific Agreements
Australia
University of Southern Queensland
Undergraduate
International
Austria
FH Johanneum University of Applied Sciences
Undergraduate
Erasmus+
Belgium
University Colleges Leuven-Limburg
Undergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Canada
Undergraduate
International
Canada
Memorial University of Newfoundland
Undergraduate
International
Canada
University of Prince Edward Island
Undergraduate
International
China
Beijing Technology and Business University
Undergraduate
International
China
Research Institute of Economics and Management, Southwestern University of Finance and Economics
Undergraduate
International
China
Tianjin University of Finance and Economics
Undergraduate
International
Croatia
Undergraduate
Erasmus+
Czech Republic
University of Economics, Prague
Undergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Denmark
University of Southern Denmark
Undergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Finland
Tampere University of Applied Sciences
Undergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
France
Undergraduate
Erasmus+
France
Undergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
France
Undergraduate
Erasmus+
France
Undergraduate
Erasmus+
France
Erasmus+ and Institutional
France
Undergraduate
Erasmus+
France
Undergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
France
Undergraduate
Erasmus+
Germany
International University of Applied Sciences Bad Honnef
Undergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Germany
Berlin School of Economics and Law
Undergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Germany
Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts
Undergraduate
Erasmus+
Germany
Münster University of Applied Sciences
Undergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Germany
EBS University of Business and Law
Undergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Hong Kong
Undergraduate
International
Hungary
International Business School, Budapest
Undergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Italy
Undergraduate
Erasmus+
Italy
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Research (PhD)
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Italy
University of Rome Tor Vergata
Undergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Japan
Undergraduate
International
Japan
Nagoya University of Foreign Studies
Undergraduate
International
The Netherlands
Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences
Undergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
The Netherlands
Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen
Undergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
The Netherlands
Zuyd University of Applied Sciences
Undergraduate
Erasmus+
Norway
Undergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Poland
Wrocław University of Economics
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Research (PhD)
Erasmus+
South Korea
Solbridge International School of Business
Undergraduate
International
Spain
Undergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Spain
Undergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Spain
Undergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Spain
Undergraduate
Erasmus+
Sweden
Jönköping International Business School
Undergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Sweden
Undergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Sweden
Undergraduate
Erasmus+ and Institutional
Switzerland
ZHAW School of Management and Law
Undergraduate
Swiss-European Mobility Programme
Institutional
Thailand
Undergraduate
International
USA
Undergraduate
International
USA
Southeast Missouri State University
Undergraduate
International
USA
Undergraduate
International
USA
Undergraduate
International
USA
Undergraduate
International
Taiwan
National Taiwan Normal University
Undergraduate
International
University Wide Agreements
How do I apply?
Once you've chosen where you'd like to go you should contact your course leader about starting your application.
If you're taking part in the British Council Language Assistantship you'll need to complete the documents required for work placements.
Do I need to speak the language?
You don't usually have to speak the language of the country you're going to. Most of our partner universities teach courses in English, but you should check with your departmental coordinator before selecting your options. You'll probably pick up some basic phrases while you're abroad though.
Institution-Wide Language Programme
If you want to prepare yourself and learn the language before you go, you can do a free language course while you're at university. You can attend Institution-Wide Language Programme (IWLP) classes to learn basic language skills.
The IWLP is a free programme open to every campus-based, full-time student at the University. Regardless of what you're studying, you can learn a language alongside your degree. You can choose to study a number of languages, including French, German, Spanish, Italian and Mandarin. To find out more about the IWLP, email iwlp@port.ac.uk.
Is learning abroad different?
Styles of teaching can vary from country to country and class to class, but don't worry. You'll adapt quickly and the experience you gain from a different way of learning will prove beneficial in the future, and even enhance your studies when you return to Portsmouth.
Will doing a placement abroad impact my degree classification?
Each department has its own policies about degree classifications. You should discuss how your placement will count towards your degree and impact your degree classification with your departmental coordinator.
Next steps
Once you’ve chosen where to go and spoken to your course leader about your application, you need to:
- think about your funding, insurance and travel details
- research further requirements from your host institution or company
- attend any exchange sessions organised by your department, to help you prepare academically and personally for your trip
- arrange your accommodation — the institution or company you're joining should be able to help if you need it
Funding
There are grants available to help you while you're studying abroad.
If you're successful in your application to the Erasmus+ programme, you'll receive an Erasmus+ grant – although not all students travelling to Europe are automatically eligible for funding. Please check with us if you're unsure by emailing erasmus@port.ac.uk.
The grant helps to pay for any extra costs of living overseas, such as your rent, food or bills, but you shouldn't rely on it as your main budget, or to cover your initial costs.
The exact amount you receive depends on your location and whether you're studying or working abroad. For example, for 2018/19, the Erasmus+ grants range from €300 - €350 for studies and €400- €450 per month for work.
In some cases, you can receive a top-up to your Erasmus+ grant if your annual household income is £25,000 or less. For 2018/19, the top-up is €120 for studies and €20 for work placements.
If you are a student who requires additional support or has a disability, there is also additional financial support through the programme. Contact us by emailingstudyabroad@port.ac.uk to find out more.
When you apply for your Erasmus+ eligibility and funding, we'll need your bank details. If you open a bank account in your destination country (European accounts only) and you want to receive the grant into this account, you’ll need to let us know in the first 2 weeks of your placement.
Your exact living costs will depend on the cost of living in the country and city where you’re studying, and your personal lifestyle. It's a good idea to do some of your own research – a good starting point is to check your host institution's website or to talk to your employer.
You won't pay any extra tuition fees for participating on an exchange programme. You're only liable to pay a reduced applicable fee to the University of Portsmouth.
You'll also have to pay any costs that a local student incurs. Most of the time, your host institution will provide you with a pre-arrival information guide, and a summary of the practical arrangements you'll need to make.
You can still apply for your tuition fee and maintenance loans as usual – but you must inform Student Finance England you'll be studying or working overseas.
You may also be entitled to an extra travel grant for your study abroad period. Find out more about this at the UK Government’s travel grants page. Lastly, most European countries use the Euro, but not all of them – so wherever your placement takes you, check the currency of your destination before you leave.
Permission to travel and insurance while overseas
You'll need travel insurance while you're away on your placement. Our Royal and Sun Alliance insurance covers all students and exchanges, with no additional cost to you. First, you’ll need to complete the Permission to Travel form, and download and keep the following documents:
- Summary of insurance cover for students
- Travel Insurance policy wording
- Travel Insurance policy schedule
There is a £50 policy excess.
If you don't complete the Permission to Travel form, you may not be granted permission to travel and you won't be covered by the university’s insurance during your placement.
You'll need to check that the University Insurance covers all your needs adequately – if it doesn't, you'll need to purchase additional private insurance.
For all queries about your insurance while overseas, please email insurancesupport@port.ac.uk or call +44 (0)23 9284 3308.
If you're studying PhD Legal Psychology abroad, you need additional insurance cover to meet your grant requirements. Please contact the Department of Psychology for further information.
You can find a list of risk indicators for your destination at our insurers' travel advice website, Drum Cussac (registration required). All students must check the risk indicator on this website.
If any of the risk factors for the region you're going to are listed as 'Moderate' and have a risk score of 3.00 or above, you'll need to complete a full risk assessment, to be discussed and agreed with your supervisor. Download the Risk Assessment Form (.doc) here.
You have to show that you've fully considered the risks, can make an informed decision on whether or not to travel and make sure you are aware of the steps to take in an emergency. Please note, you won't be insured to travel to the following regions:
- Iraq
- Nigeria – Niger Delta and north of Abuja
- Libya
- Afghanistan
- Mali
- Somalia
- Yemen
- Syria
- Any other areas where the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office advise against travel
You'll also need to download and complete a Travel Review Questionnaire for Sanctioned Territories (.doc) if you're considering travelling to one of the following countries, due to current sanctions and restrictions.
- Ukraine (Crimea and Sevastopol)
- Russia
- Iran
- Syria
- North Korea
- Cuba
- Sudan
- Venezuela
If you have any further questions or need any extra assistance, please email insurancesupport@port.ac.uk.
What do I do in a medical emergency?
The University Travel Insurance (Royal Sun Alliance) is supported by 24-hour emergency assistance operated by Healix. Call +44 (0)20 8608 4100 and quote Policy Number RTT306251. Please download a copy of the Healix Emergency Assistance Card and the Healix App and add your destination country to your watch list.
Healix will talk you through everything you need do, arrange the necessary assistance and keep in touch with you until the situation is resolved or until you return to the UK. You can ask them to call you back, which means that they will bear the cost of the call but you can't reclaim telephone costs as part of the insurance.
On your return, please notify the University Insurance Officer at insurancesupport@port.ac.uk or +44 (0)23 9284 3308. Please note, failure to contact Healix in the event of an emergency could lead to high costs being incurred, and the insurers may be entitled to reduce the amount you get, or even decline to pay.
What happens if I get caught up in a natural disaster or political uprising?
In the event of an incident like this, you should first speak to Healix, who will talk you through what to do next. You should then call the University Security Lodge on +44 (0)23 9284 3333 to confirm you're safe and to make contact with your supervisor.
Am I covered for medical expenses incurred overseas?
You're covered by insurance for emergency medical or dental expenses, but not for routine expenses or checkups.
I will be studying in the USA and my host institution has advised me to buy their Healthcare Insurance – is this correct?
Yes. While the University Travel Insurance may satisfy the J1 visa requirement, it doesn't always satisfy the US college requirements for Affordable Care Act compliant benefits, and you may not be able to waive the US college or university offering with the RSA travel insurance. You can either consider the insurance offered by your host institution, or you can use the UKiss policy. This provides wider full healthcare cover (not just emergency expenses), but you'll need to arrange and pay for this yourself.
I will be studying or working abroad in Europe and my accommodation provider has advised that I have to buy civil liability insurance. What is this?
Some European destinations insist that students purchase specific civil liability cover. This is to cover your legal liability for any damage to your accommodation. You'll need to pay for this yourself.
I need to make an insurance claim for loss of personal baggage or cancellation/curtailment – what do I do?
Please notify the Claims team at Royal and Sun Alliance on +44 (0)33 0102 4093 (lines open 9-5 Mon-Fri), or email glasgow.accidentandhealthclaims@uk.rsagroup.com. You should quote policy number RTT306251, in the name of ‘University of Portsmouth’.
If I have my own travel insurance, do I need to use the University policy?
You don't have to use the University insurance policy if you have separate insurance – but because your time abroad is part of your degree, you'll still have to go through the process and complete the Permission to Travel form. You must ensure your policy is sufficient to meet the scope of travel and activities you are planning. You can check with our team, if you’re not sure.
Am I covered for hazardous activities?
If hazardous activities are part of your study or work abroad experience, you may be covered, but don't assume that you are. So contact the University Insurance Officer to check. If you’re carrying out a hazardous activity that isn’t part of your studies, you'll need to arrange your own personal cover, at your own cost.
I want to add a few days holiday at the beginning or end of my exchange visit – am I insured?
Yes, the University insurance will cover leave days added onto your study or work abroad programme, as long as you remain in your destination country. Specific cover is as follows:
| Length of Trip | Holiday Days covered |
|---|---|
| 5–12 days | 2 days |
| 13–21 days | 5 days |
| 22–35 days | 8 days |
| 36–50 days | 12 days |
| 51–65 days | 16 days |
| 66–80 days | 20 days |
| 81–100 days | 23 days |
| 101–365 days | 25 days |
| over 365 days | 28 days |
I have a pre-existing medical condition. Am I still covered by the University Insurance policy?
The University policy does not exclude pre-existing medical conditions but it does exclude travelling against the advice of your medical practitioner. If you’re not sure if that applies to you, contact your GP to check that you’re able to travel. It’s also important that you discuss any special needs and requirements you may have, with your supervisor.
Where do I find specific travel health advice and vaccination requirements?
Please contact your GP or check the NHS travel advice pages.
Things to remember
- Currency: Most European countries have introduced the Euro (€) but not all of them. You can check the currency you'll need on the Europa website.
- Adaptors: Remember to check which type of adaptor you'll need when you're abroad. European electrical adaptors are 2-pin plugs, so if you're taking any devices with British electrical plugs, make sure you buy at least two electrical travel plug adaptors.
- Metric system: Make yourself familiar (if you're not already) with the metric system. The UK is the only European country that uses the Imperial system.
- Health cover: As an EU/EEA student you're entitled to reduced-cost treatments in all the European Union (EU) countries. Travellers to Europe should carry an European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). To apply for the card, either call +44 (0)84 5606 2030 or apply online.
Things to do before you go
- Get a map and directions for the places you're going in your first few days. Have the address of your accommodation written down in the local language. Keep safe any useful numbers you might need, such as a local taxi company and your University contacts
- Check if there's an orientation programme or welcoming session with the host institution's International Office. They may also have housing information too (if you haven't got a place already)
- Get an EHIC card. As an EU or EEA citizen you are entitled to reduced cost or free medical treatment within the Eurozone
- Consider getting an International Student Identity Card (ISIC). This is not the same card as the NUS. With the ISIC card you'll benefit from cheaper flights. For more information, please visit the ISIC website or if you're in Portsmouth, visit STA travel in Edinburgh Road
- Keep a copy of your passport separate from the original in case something goes wrong
- Don't take unnecessary cards or papers with you that can't be used abroad
- Make sure you have sufficient funds for the first couple of weeks while you're there
- Keep a contact book in case you lose your phone. It can happen, and you don't want to lose any important contacts
- Make sure you've got enough supplies of prescription medications you are taking
