Choosing where to study abroad

Choosing a destination for studying abroad can be a big decision. Find out what to research and consider while you’re deciding where to study.  

Global Opportunities SharePoint site 

The Global Opportunities SharePoint site is your most important resource when researching your options. 

Here, you can access the online application form for the study abroad program, as well as feedback forms from returning students. You'll also find videos from partner universities and helpful links to their websites, which can assist you in researching your year abroad. 

You should automatically have access to the SharePoint site, but if not, request permission when prompted and our team will grant you access as soon as possible. 

Your initial research 

1. Attend or watch the recording of the ‘Intro to the Study Abroad Year’ presentation. This presentation will give you an overview of the study abroad programme and how to apply. You can watch the recording in the Events section of the SharePoint Site. If you have questions after watching this presentation, you can email the Outgoing Study Abroad team: outgoingstudyabroad@leeds.ac.uk or contact your School Study Abroad Coordinator who will be able to advise you. You can book appointments with the Study Abroad team. 

2. Research destinations. Use the resources available on the Host University Catalogue to help you narrow down your options.  

3. Join study abroad events. We will be holding a series of events before applications open which will give you the opportunity to connect with our returning Leeds students and ask them questions about the programme. See the Events section of the SharePoint Site for more information. 

4. Need something more visual? Why not take some inspiration from social media! Follow @LeedsUniAbroad on Instagram and take a look at where in the world our students have been studying this year.  

Narrowing down your options 

Once you have a list of potential destinations, start thinking about what you would like to get out of the experience. Here are some questions you might want to use to start your research.

Remember this is only a starting point and you may add more questions depending on your preferences and personal needs. 

1. Decide which study abroad opportunity you’d like to choose. Find the options available to you on the study abroad options page. 

2. Check you can fulfil the study requirements and that the modules you’ll need to take are open to exchange students. If you’re not sure about this, speak to your School Study Abroad Coordinator. 

3. Look at the university’s ranking and academic standing. We aim to partner with universities of similar academic standing, so you’ll find that all our partner universities have a good academic reputation or are particularly strong in certain subject areas. Research the universities you’re interested in on the QS Top Universities website and the QS World Rankings by subject. 

4. Assess whether you can afford to live in the destination. Whilst the university may look great, the location may be particularly expensive, and could make the location unsuitable for your budget. If you normally receive a student loan, you will still be eligible to receive this on a study abroad year, but it could be adjusted slightly depending on your circumstances. Use these tools to consider whether your ideal destination works with your budget: 

• Feedback forms
• Budgeting plan template
• Our costs, budgeting, finance and funding page
• Our Finance webpage

5. Decide whether locational factors are important to you. You may prefer the countryside over the city, or a cooler climate than a warmer one. Research the surrounding areas of your chosen universities and consider whether you’d like to live there. The feedback forms are also a great way to get a picture of the local area to help you decide.

6. Consider any health conditions that might need to be catered for. You may need to research the disability support at partner universities to make sure you’ll be able to access the same support you receive at Leeds. You may also want to consider the healthcare system in your chosen location and how easy it is to access medical support. Get in touch with your School Disability Contact and School Study Abroad Coordinator to discuss any support you might need during your time abroad. 

7. Consider if the destination is suitable and safe for you. Research the demographic make-up of the location, and support offered to those from minoritised communities, LGBT+, disabled, and marginalised people in both the country and the area you’re considering studying in. Use the Diversity Abroad page to help you.