What can you do?
Study Opportunities
Work Opportunities
Study Opportunities
Language Courses
Speaking a foreign language can increase an average workers’ salary by €4,500 a year, or €214,000 in a lifetime! (source: Academy International, Jan 2007).
Learning a language in the country where it is spoken is by far the best way to make progress and to remember what you have learned. A* Future works with some of the best language schools in the world to ensure that not only do you receive the highest quality of tuition but also the best practical support and cultural programme to enable you to get the most out of your stay. Whether you are studying a language at the moment, or would like to learn in addition to your other studies, a language course abroad can be the most effective way to improve your abilities.
Summer Programmes
Study at an international university during your summer break, either to gain credits towards your full degree or to study a different subject to your chosen degree. Summer programmes typically last up to 8 weeks and give you an opportunity to experience international education for a short period of time. Many universities around the world offer summer programmes so this could be an ideal way for you to take your first step into international education.
Under 18 Education
It is increasingly possible to take part of your school education overseas. Staying with a host family on a high school exchange programme gives you the opportunity to learn about a different country and culture. Whether you choose to use such an opportunity to improve your language skills or to become more familiar with another English-speaking country, the experience is bound to broaden your horizons and offer you a new perspective on international education.
University Studies
Full Degree Programmes (Undergraduate) and Postgraduate study
It is possible to do your complete course of studies abroad at the Bachelor, Masters or PhD level. Many universities around the world fully understand the education system in the UK so it is highly probable that your qualifications will be recognised for entry. Also, many institutions overseas follow a similar education structure to the UK so that when applying for jobs, the qualifications you gain overseas will be recognised by employers. You might wish to consider doing your full degree abroad for a variety of reasons. It could be cheaper than studying in the UK, for example. However, if you are looking to specialise in your education, there is an increased likelihood that the best university for you might be in a different country. You might also wish to study abroad to take advantage of facilities and lifestyles that are not possible to achieve in British higher education.
Gateway Programmes (2+1 or 2+2)
Globally, it is increasingly common to study in more than one location to gain your first degree. These programmes facilitate the transfer between two (or more) universities or colleges. So, for example, if you wanted to start your degree abroad and then return to the UK for your final year(s), these programmes could be for you. On a Gateway Programme, you still obtain a British bachelor qualification, but have the opportunity to spend 1 or 2 years studying overseas as well. Some of the universities included on this site have programmes already in place with British universities to enable you to do just this.
Study Abroad Programmes
During the course of many British university degrees it is possible to study abroad on a number of different programmes. Most universities enjoy links with international universities and these can be used to facilitate such a period abroad. These types of programme work by you studying and registering at the British University. Then in your second or third year, you spend a semester or full year studying abroad. The credits you gain abroad are then transferred back to the UK and you continue with the remainder of your programme as normal. If you are interested in studying at a British university but would like to spend part of your time abroad, be sure to ask your prospective university for details of their study abroad programmes as each University runs its own schemes.
Work Opportunities
Internships
An internship is a form of professional training which gives you an opportunity to gain experience of a particular profession before you graduate. This can be a fantastic opportunity for you to learn more about your chosen career and whether it is likely to be all you expect it to be. It can also be a great way to make contacts in an organisation that could offer you a job upon graduation. By taking part in an international internship programme you will develop the attributes that many multinational employers seek. Currently, one in four jobs in the UK are directly related to international trade and even more are dependent upon it. If you are looking to develop a career in international business, then an internship abroad could be the best place to start.
Work Abroad Programmes
A work abroad programme is normally a way in which you can undertake seasonal, casual work. These programmes differ from internship since they’re normally low-skilled positions which you do as opposed to gaining training related directly to your future career. However, they offer a good route and opportunity for you to travel overseas and gain an understanding of a different country’s culture whilst earning some money to help fund your stay.