Studying Abroad: Exchanges and Erasmus
The rewards of foreign study are numerous. They include a working knowledge of foreign languages, direct familiarity with the culture of a foreign country, greater self-confidence and new friends. However, the benefits are not limited to linguistic and cultural skills; there are also academic advantages: students are able to follow courses which are not offered at Cardiff and the sheer experience of studying in a foreign university environment is itself extremely valuable.
International Students
Students wishing to study History at Cardiff please see our International pages to find out more.
Exchange Schemes / Study Abroad for current History Undergraduate Students
Student Exchange programme (often simply referred to as 'Study Abroad') allows students to study at partner universities in North America in their second year of study. The partner universities are:
University of West Virginia
University of Washington (Seattle)
University of California Pennsylvania
The credits earned are then sent back to Cardiff where they can count towards their final degree award.
For more information contact Dr Federica Ferlanti (FerlantiF@cardiff.ac.uk)
Erasmus is a scheme in which Cardiff students can study abroad with our partner institutions in Europe. It is available to all part two or higher full- time students. Periods abroad can range from three to ten months, and can take place in a variety of countries.
WHAT EXACTLY IS AN ERASMUS EXCHANGE?
Erasmus stands for ‘European Community Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students’. The exchange programme has been running for over twenty years and offers students the chance to spend a period of time studying abroad at a European partner institution. So far, over 3 million students have participated in the scheme. In some cases it may be possible to study for a whole academic year, in which case your degree would then normally take four years. In other cases students study abroad only for one semester. If you have any queries, it is best to talk to your School co-ordinator, who will be able to advise you as to what kind of links your School has.
WHO CAN GO?
Most students are eligible to take part in the scheme. You must have already completed part one of your studies (that is the first year) and be a full- time student, but eligibility extends all the way up to doctoral level. You must also be a national of a European Union member state or European Economic Area member, or officially recognised by the United Kingdom as a refugee, stateless person or permanent resident. You must also not have already taken part in an Erasmus exchange scheme.
WHAT IF I CAN’T SPEAK A FOREIGN LANGUAGE?
Many students are put off by the fact that they are unable to speak a foreign language, and so feel that they would be unable to live and study abroad. However, some universities (especially for science subjects) offer Erasmus courses taught in English, and so it is not essential to speak another language. Nevertheless, the ability to communicate effectively in another language apart from your own is a great skill, and the programme seeks to enhance linguistic ability. If you can’t speak another language, it is always worth looking to see if there are opportunities open to you, and it is worth remembering that the host institutions often put on free language courses for the Erasmus students. A basic knowledge of the target language though is almost always recommended.
HOW WOULD THE EXTRA YEAR BE FUNDED?
The British Council offers a grant that is available to all students participating on the scheme. The grant money is intended to offset any additional costs created by living abroad, and is meant to extend to costs such as travel or any extra accommodation costs etc. On top of this, the receipt of an Erasmus grant does not affect your eligibility for a national or state loan as you might normally receive. You would also not have to pay tuition fees to your host university.
WILL I HAVE TO PAY FEES?
Cardiff University students studying abroad for the full academic year through the Erasmus Programme will not be asked to pay tuition fees to Cardiff University. Students studying abroad for one semester only will be asked to pay half fees to Cardiff University.
Students studying through the Erasmus Programme will not be asked to pay any tuition fees to their host University.
WHERE CAN I GO?
There are many countries participating in the Erasmus exchange programme. The universities you can go to depend on the links your home School has, and in the case of History, these are:
University of Nantes, France
University of Caen, France
University of Pisa, Italy
Further information is also available at: http://www.cf.ac.uk/for/prospective/inter/erasmus/outgoingstudents/index.html