FAQs about study abroad
As a master student, you can go on exchange on the 3rd semester.
Alternatively, you can plan a project-oriented stay abroad in the first half of the semester and take electives at SDU during the second half.
Start planning as early as possible. Even though the application process at SDU is straightforward, you will spend time looking through the course selection at universities where you want to go on exchange. Perhaps you need you to apply for grants to cover the costs or you want to plan a trip before the semester abroad starts.
- The time spent studying abroad must not delay your studies.
- The courses that you apply for pre-approval for have to match your educational level (Bachelor or Master).
- Apply for pre-approval with the Study Board for the courses you will sign up for. This is also applicable when planning a project-oriented stay. You need the pre-approval decision before your time abroad starts.
- Different universities have different semester start- and end dates. Be sure to check when the academic year starts at the universities you are researching. This is usually specified in the study handbooks.
- Check that the courses you want sign up for are offered on the semester where you will be at the university. When you're going abroad in the autumn, look for courses offered in the autumn semester.
- Make sure that the courses you sign up for are taught in a language you understand.
- It is possible to study mandatory courses abroad. If that is your plan, it is your responsibility to make sure that you find courses that are the same as the compulsory courses you should have completed at SDU. This requires thorough research comparing syllabuses. If in doubt, ask the student advisors for help.
- Apply to a handful of universities. It will increase your chances of getting an exchange place. When SDU International allocates exchange places, students with the highest grade averages are given priority.
- Familiarize yourself with visa rules for foreign destinations, especially if you are planning an internship or project-oriented stay abroad.
- You can rent out your home to an incoming exchange student via the Housing Office at SDU. Contact the housing office at bolig@sdu.dk to learn how.
- In some cases, studying abroad means that you have to inform the National Register that you will change address for a period of time. It is important that you find out if this is relevant to your case.
- Pay attention to the rules regarding salary and SU. You cannot receive both salary and SU while you are doing a traineeship/internship. Read more here.
- For Danish citizens, always read the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark’s travel guides for the country you will be studying in. It is highly recommended to download the Ministry’s app called Rejseklar as well as registering yourself on the so-called Danskerliste. Foreign citizens are advised to contact their embassy or consulate in Denmark to get travel advice for the country you will be studying in.
- If you have been working in a clinic or research institution in a country where there is a risk of being infected with MRSA, make sure you have MRSA test done before you have contact with patients back in Denmark.
It is a good idea to apply for grants to cover the extra costs associated with planning and going on an exchange semester. There will be extra expenses for transportation, insurance, housing etc.
A good place to start is the following places:
Internationaliseringspuljen at the Faculty of Health Sciences
Internationalisation Fund at SDU International
External grants and scholarships
- SDU International’s grant referrals
- LegatNet
- Studerende Online
- Legatbogen
If you plan on studying at a university with whom SDU does not have an exchange agreement, then you are going on a self-arranged stay. You yourself are responsible for the entire process, including looking into admission requirements, apply for admission and you are responsible for covering all or part of the tuition fee. SDU International has made a checklist for planning self-arranged stays.
Remember to check insurance rules and requirements. This applies to both studying abroad, traineeships/internships and project-oriented stays. You are responsible for taking out the right insurance schemes that cover the activity you are doing abroad.
There are several people who can help you when you want to study abroad.
The student advisors
The student advisors can can help answer study related questions e.g.:
- How to apply for pre-approval of electives or project-oriented work with the Academic Study Board
- Help assessing whether elective courses abroad are relevant to your study programme
- Particular circumstances that need to be taken into consideration when planning your studies abroad
E-mail: fv-fsv@sdu.dk
Office hours: You can find the office hours here
SDU International
SDU International provides guidance for SDU students planning a stay abroad. Their area of expertise includes exchange agreements, selv-arranged stays grant and scholarship options, language tests, visa and general advice about what you should consider before, during and after your stay abroad.
Tel: +45 6550 2264 (Monday-Friday from 10 am to 2 pm)
E-mail: spoc.sdu.dk
Office hours: Studenterservice, Gydehutten, Campus Odense (Monday-Friday from 10 am to 2 pm)
SU Office
The SU office can inform you about rules and regulations when you want to study abroad and bring your SU and the study abroad scholarship which is crucial in connection with self-arranged stays.
Tel: +45 6550 1053 (Monday-Tuesday and Thursday-Friday from 10 am to 12 noon)
E-mail: www.sdu.dk/spoc
Office hours: Visit the SU office at Campus Odense
The international coordinator
The international coordinator at the Faculty of Health Sciences is responsible for internationalization of study programmes and international collaboration. You can get guidance about when you can go abroad during your studies and what type of study activities you can do abroad.
You can contact the international coordinator at studyabroad@health.sdu.dk