Studying abroad is a journey of a lifetime that prepares you for life like nothing else can. These are some of the personal benefits you will enjoy:

• Receive an intercultural perspective whilst living in a different country.
• Experience an alternative education system and develop a broader perspective on your academic area.
• Improve your confidence and independence.
• Develop a professional network and long-lasting friendships abroad.
• Develop desirable and transferable skills.
• Receive recognition of studying abroad within your degree.
• Improve your language skills.
• Explore further education opportunities abroad.
• Explore and discover amazing locations and landmarks
• Immerse yourself in another culture, making you more globalised and tolerant to other cultures

Studying abroad has also proven to be an incredible boost to your employability chances. Employers are looking for people with international experience, an understanding of different cultures, language skills, and some transferable skills that you only get when you go abroad – ability to settle into a new place, ability to think outside the box, ability to try new things, communication skills and more. 

In order to study abroad students must meet the following criteria:

• Currently studying BSc Bioveterinary Sciences or BSc Biological Sciences, in the 2nd or 3rd year of studies.
• Have a good academic standing and meet the standard admissions requirements and prerequisites of the host university.

In the map below is the location of all of our destinations. Please note that exchange agreements with Universities can expire or be terminated at any time, and whilst we try to keep the website as up to date as possible, please double check with us whether the University you want to go to is still eligible for an exchange. Furthermore, if you are a first year and want to go abroad in your third year, please take into account that agreements can expire before you get to go. If you're concerned, please ensure you contact us!

Similarly, we are developing our international portfolio based upon student interest, and more options will be available as time goes on. If you would like to go to a University that is not listed here, then please do get in contact with us and we will be able to assess what we can do for you. 

Most host universities are located in non-English speaking countries thus speaking their language would be essential in order to undertake the courses. Students must supply confirmation that they are proficient in the language, unless courses are delivered in English already. In this case, speaking a secondary language would not be essential, but knowing the local language can be an advantage while living abroad. In some cases, students can take an additional module of the local language alongside studying in English.

Participants must carry out an online assessment before and at the end of the mobility period. Online linguistic support system (OLS) that is designed to assess the competence in the language of study or work before and after mobility is mandatory for those undertaking a mobility of two months or longer. The results will not stop you from taking part in the mobility activity.

 If you are successfully nominated by the RVC and accepted by one of the Erasmus+ partner institutions or enterprise of your choice, you will be eligible for financial support of about 280-330 Euros per month depending on the type of mobility. However, funding is often limited and not guaranteed.

Students’ eligibility to receive scholarships depends on several factors such as the destination and length of study.

Monthly supplement for students from disadvantaged background is extra ‎€100.

Regardless of whether you are studying abroad on Erasmus+, or outside of Europe, you will still receive Student Finance funding if you apply for it with your regional funding authority. Furthermore, you may be eligible for an increased maintenance loan and an additional travel grant from Student Finance. Please see the Student Finance website for more information.

Costs  

Depending on where you want to study, the costs can vary quite significantly. In Europe, living costs outside of the main capital cities are often much less than they are here in London, however in countries like Australia, United States and Canada, their big cities tend to be as expensive if not more than London. It also depends on your lifestyle, for example, if you are more of a traveller, or if you like to socialise a lot. Partner university websites will have specific information about costs of living. Here are some of the general costs you can expect whilst planning to study abroad:  

The general advice would be to save up as much money as possible before departure!

Students can study abroad during their 3rd year of studies for a maximum of one term (1st or 2nd term only). Students will study at the host university the equivalent credit load they would normally take at the RVC for a single term.  For your information 15 UK credits = 7.5 ECTS at European institutions.

Students going abroad on an Erasmus study exchange are required to select courses prior to departing from the RVC. It is not compulsory to take identical modules to those offered at the RVC for the term you are abroad, however, study abroad modules should be within the academic sphere of Biological or Bioveterinary Sciences. It is essential that you agree your curriculum with the Study Abroad Director, Dr Rob Fowkes (rfowkes@rvc.ac.uk).  Similarly, if you need to change these courses while abroad, you must first seek the permission of the Study Abroad Director.

If you fail a course or courses while abroad, you should explore other opportunities available at your host institution and endeavour to achieve the necessary credits. Otherwise you may have to take additional courses on your return to the RVC.

All students are provided with a pre-departure briefing before embarking on their study abroad experience. This covers all academic and cultural preparation matters. Host universities also provide an induction programme to welcome students and allow them to meet other international students studying abroad.  Shortly after you have completed studying abroad at the host university, you will receive an academic transcript. This document will list the modules taken whilst abroad and marks awarded. Each mark will be converted and transferred to your RVC degree and recognised within your transcript and certificate.  

Application for exchange takes place the year before the student is due to go abroad (i.e. you should apply in second year by Feb 2016 to go abroad in 3rd year 2016/2017).

1. If you are interested in spending a semester at one of the European partner universities, research your prospective host university/ host organisation to see if it is an appropriate destination and speak to your department about your options (they might have some useful tips). It’s important that your prospective course choices/internship activities are suitable for your degree here at the RVC.
2. Inform Study Abroad Administrator (studyabroad@rvc.ac.uk) about your choice and duration of study abroad, and proof of your academic standing.
3. If your Study Abroad Administrator nominates you, then you need to complete an Erasmus+ grant application form.
4. You will need to attend a meeting with the Study Abroad administrator to complete your Mobility Agreement.
5. Arrange accommodation, insurance, travel and visa (if necessary).
6. Email RVC Study Abroad Office upon arriving at host country.
7. Complete and Submit a certificate of arrival upon arriving at host university.
8. Receive your first allocation (funding).

The Erasmus programme will run from 01 June to October 2016. All placements must be completed by the beginning of October 2016.  

Please note: We will only consider applications from PG students if the application is supported by the academic supervisor/course leader. Please provide a letter of support with the application form.

1. At the end of your mobility or placement you need to submit the Recognition Document and EU Survey online report (Erasmus+ only)
2. You will then receive your second part of allocation (Erasmus+ only)
3. Finally, you should request for transcript before returning home and clear any outstanding debts.

RVC Erasmus institutional details:

ROYAL VETERINARY COLLEGE

Royal College Street, London, NW1 OTU

Erasmus ID code: UK LONDON149

EUC (Erasmus Charter) number: 261756-EPP-1-2014-UK-EPPKA3-ECHE

The Royal Veterinary College's  Erasmus Policy Statement

What year can I study abroad in?

You can only study abroad in your third year. We do not allow 2nd year students to study abroad - this is to ensure that all students on our BSc Biosciences programmes have covered the core material necessary; and different universities will present the information at different times during their individual courses, so you may miss out on important topics, with duplication of others. The 3rd year of our BSc programmes are designed to give you the opportunity to learn in more depth about the topics that interest you, and this is an ideal opportunity to additionally gain valuable experience of living and studying in a different country for a period of time.