Global opportunities: mythbusters

Myth: I can’t go abroad because the UK is no longer part of Erasmus and Covid-19 means I can’t travel

We can still support students to go abroad with Erasmus funding until summer 2023. Although the UK government announced that it will not participate in the next generation Erasmus programme, this doesn’t affect our existing funding. They have introduced a new UK scheme, called the Turing Scheme, which will continue to support students to gain experience abroad. Goldsmiths has already secured funding through this scheme, which will support students to go abroad during summer 2022.

You can also still study, work or volunteer abroad despite the impact of Covid-19. Final approval of your placement will depend on the circumstances in relation to Covid-19 in your host country, but we have students abroad this autumn and hope to continue to support placements in 2022.

You can also apply for virtual global opportunities to gain international experience from home.

Myth: Going abroad is too expensive

A generous amount of funding is available from Erasmus+, the Turing Scheme and Santander Universities to support study, work and volunteer abroad opportunities. Additional funding is also available to widening participation students, students with a disability and students from a low-income background. You will also continue to receive your student loan while abroad.

“As a student from a low-income background with the stresses of rent to pay during summer break, I was still able to volunteer abroad with the help of a bursary that was offered to me.” – Lauren Haley, spent four weeks in Athens volunteering with refugees.

Myth: Going abroad takes too much time

We can fund opportunities to go abroad from as little as one week. In the past, we’ve funded students to participate in short-term opportunities such as conferences and language courses abroad. This is a great option if you have commitments that would stop you from going abroad for a longer period of time.

“Thanks to sponsorship from Santander, I was able to fly to a beautiful city for a week and meet lots of interesting people at two really exciting tech events. The experience has definitely contributed to my CV and portfolio.” – Jheng-Hao Lin, spent a week in Berlin.

Myth: The application process is complicated

The application process might look difficult at first, but we’re here to help! You can contact us by emailing goabroad (@gold.ac.uk). We’re also running a session on how to write a good application on Friday 19 November.

If you’re having difficulties finding a work or volunteer placement, there’s plenty of help and advice on the Go Abroad website, where you’ll also find information on summer schools.

Myth: It’s difficult adjusting to a different culture

The idea of spending time in another country can seem daunting, however we have plenty of guidance that will help you adjust. All of our partner universities teach in English, so if you’re looking to study abroad you don’t need to speak the native language (though there is support available for learning a language if you need it).

Going abroad is also an opportunity to meet people from all over the world! You might feel nervous about trying to make friends in a new country, but there are lots of societies and groups you can join where you’ll find like-minded people.

“I found a group on Facebook called ‘Women of Colour Network – Copenhagen’ and attended an open mic night. It was an amazing experience and I felt a real sense of belonging and kinship.” – Abigail Joseph, spent a term studying in Copenhagen.

Myth: I can’t go abroad as my course doesn’t offer the opportunity

Some departments don’t have Erasmus university partners and therefore don’t directly offer the option of studying abroad for a term. You can, however, still apply for the opportunity to study or work abroad over the summer. This includes funding for study, work or volunteering placements of less than two months, and two to three-month Erasmus traineeships in Europe. You could even complete your work placement module abroad with funding support.

Want to apply or find out more? Come along to an information session.

You’ll also find information on the Go Abroad website, and if you have any questions you can get in touch with the Global Opportunities team by emailing goabroad (@gold.ac.uk).