Students in general find that going abroad gives them valuable experiences, both academically and personally, and often employers value if a job applicant has studied or worked abroad.
Learn more about why going abroad may be a good idea
Start in good time!
Studying abroad is very popular, and therefore it’s a good idea to start preparing early on in your course of study.
Find out whether you want to study or do a project oriented placement abroad.
In your curriculum, you can find out which semester will be the most practical to go abroad. You can also read about the requirements for both studying abroad and project oriented placement.
I want to study at a university abroad
The first step towards a successful stay abroad is planning.
Your programme’s progression will often indicate that it’s practical to go abroad when there are elective courses. Check your curriculum to see if there’s a certain semester on which going abroad is the most practical.
If you’re confused, contact The Student Guidance Service.
Perhaps you already have an idea where you want to go? Or perhaps you’re open to consider more options? SDU cooperates with a number of foreign universities, but you may also find a host university and arrange your stay abroad yourself.
Studying abroad through SDU
If you are interested in obtaining an exchange place through one of SDU’s partners, you must apply for a nomination through SDU International. Make sure to start the process in good time – it may be a good idea to check out the options as early as 18 months before.
Self-arranged stay
The advantage of a self-arranged stay is that your options are not limited to the exchange options that SDU presently offers. The disadvantage is that you will be responsible for handling both the contact, application and the admission to the foreign university. On top of that, you must also pay the tuition fee yourself. However, if you are eligible for SU, you can apply for grants through the Study abroad scholarship to cover (some of) your expenses.
Remember to check the application deadlines early on in the process – other universities may have other deadlines.
When you have found the university you’d like to study at, you need to find out if the university offers the courses that match your programme.
The courses should match the following:
- Your programme’s academic profile
- Number of ECTS points required – check your curriculum.
- And, of course, you must make sure that the courses are offered on the semester (spring/autumn) you’re planning to go abroad.
Apply to the foreign university that you have either been nominated for or have chosen if you’re going on a self-arranged stay. (See section 2)
Remember that other universities may have other deadlines than SDU, just as they may have specific requirements to documentation in connection with your application, such as e.g. a language test. Therefore check the application deadlines and requirements to documentation early on in the process.
Apply to your study board for preapproval of the courses you want to take at the foreign university.
Find and apply for extra courses
It’s a good idea to apply for preapproval for more courses than you need to take because you may not get all your courses preapproved. At the same time, there may not be room for you on the courses, you apply for or they may not, after all, be offered.
Stay updated on deadlines for preapproval
Check deadlines for applications for preapproval under credits.
You can apply for a grant for your internship abroad and read more about the requirements here:
When you have completed your stay abroad and have passed your exams, you must send the exam papers to:
- The Examinations Office at SDU
- SDU International
The exam papers must be sent to the above departments through SPOC.
Then they make sure that you get credits for the exams you passed abroad.
I would like a project oriented placement abroad
You may also use your stay abroad to challenge your academic skills in a practical context through a project oriented placement. Check your curriculum to see if it is possible on your programme.
Advantages of a project oriented placement
A project oriented placement in a foreign company or organization is bound to give you a unique experience, improve your international profile and personal and professional network, all of which you may benefit from in the future.
Get help in the planning process
If your questions are of a more professional or academic nature, contact your academic student advisor or study mentor