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Global opportunities

Study, work or volunteer abroad during your time at Cardiff for a life-changing experience. Discover other cultures, learn a new language and forge friendships to last a lifetime!

Find your next adventure

No matter what your degree choice, you can take advantage of spending time abroad while you're studying with us.

We have links with over 300 institutions and organisations, in over 50 countries, in Europe and across the world. Whether you choose to work, volunteer or study abroad, you will be making unforgettable memories at the same time as enhancing your employability.

Apart from improving my language skills and generally just learning more about the country and the culture, which has helped me deepen my understanding and appreciation for the countries and the languages, my placement abroad has changed me as a person. I feel like I am returning home a more well-rounded, confident person with a much clearer idea of my future. This isn't to say that going abroad will give you all the answers, but it has made me realise many things about myself and what I want to do in my future. I think it will also change the way I approach my studies in my final year, as I feel much more confident and sure about what I want to do.

Caitlin Evans, BA French and Japanese, studied abroad in Clement Ferrand and Tokyo

Get an insight into all the places you could go as a Cardiff University student.

Challenge yourself

It can be daunting, but spending time abroad during your time at Cardiff gives you a fantastic opportunity to experience other cultures and viewpoints, make new friends and share unforgettable experiences. Depending on where you go, you may also have the chance to learn a new language which will personally enrich you for life and boost your career prospects.

Not only will it be a great addition to your CV but you'll be able to meet all kinds of people from around the world with different perspectives which will develop you massively on a personal level. The [summer internship was] the best decision I have made! I've grown both professionally and personally whilst experiencing completely new things with great people.

Quinn Bowers, BSc Financial Mathematics with a Professional Placement Year, undertook an International Summer Programme in Lisbon, Portugal

Get the support you need

The Global Opportunities team at Cardiff has all the necessary expertise to help you plan your time abroad. Many of the team spent time abroad during their time at university and so are enthusiastic about encouraging others to follow in their footsteps. We offer you dedicated support before and during placements, and we ensure you know who to contact should you have any concerns or issues.

Although funding to support your time abroad cannot be guaranteed, students generally remain eligible for their Student Finance package and tuition fee discounts. There is additional funding available for students from underrepresented groups.

My placement abroad for my degree of Zoology was spent in Sodwana Bay, South Africa with an NGO called Sharklife where I was researching the aggregation sites of Spotted Ragged-Tooth Sharks. I have learnt so many transferable skills over the year and have really grown as a person. I am so thankful that I got to have this experience. It was a year of hard work but was ever so rewarding with the interactions I got to have with animals in the ocean, and memories I have made with new friends. The year has inspired and motivated me to push through and do well in my degree as I have now found my true passion.

Eleanor Gillion-Webb, BSc Biological Sciences (Zoology) with Professional Training Year, spent a year working in South Africa

Boost your future career

It seems a long way off but you'll be graduating in no time. Spending time abroad will boost your chances of success, not only in your exams but also with potential employers.

Universities UK International's ‘Rising Aspirations’ 2019 report showed that students who spent time abroad were 28% more likely to get a first in their degree.

Since my placement, I have been offered a full-time position in the Yale psychology department as a clinical research technician. This is an incredible opportunity that was only possible through undertaking my placement.

Katie Myerscough, BSc Psychology with Professional Placement, undertook a research placement at Yale University, USA

Options available

Whatever your degree choice, our Global Opportunities Team can organise a summer programme of study, work or volunteering for you.

As part of your degree, you may be able to apply for placements across Europe or to spend an extended period studying at one of our many exchange partners outside of Europe.

These short-term placements take place in a variety of locations around the world and last a minimum of two weeks.

Study

Take the opportunity to explore a subject unrelated to your degree, or enhance your degree-related subject knowledge, whilst at the same time enjoying a brand new international experience.

Study programmes take place outside of term time during the summer holidays, making them ideal for students who don't have the opportunity to study abroad as part of their degree programme. You can study in a variety of locations around the world, including Asia, Europe, Latin America and the USA.

Work

Gain work experience abroad during your time at Cardiff. Our Global Opportunities Team can help coordinate and support international placements. Through these international internships, you will have the opportunity to work for a range of global and national companies.

Volunteer

Make a positive contribution to the world during your time at university by taking part in volunteering projects abroad. Join teams of students from across the University and volunteer in locations such as Fiji, Japan, Cambodia, India and more.

Studying, working or volunteering abroad will not only enhance your CV by demonstrating key skills such as cross-cultural communication, flexibility and collaborative working but will also broaden your perspective and develop you personally.

Virtual

An international virtual programme is a great way to gain valuable international experience and enhance your digital skills and employability from the comfort of your own home.

You'll gain experience in working digitally and remotely, with the flexibility to complete the programme around any other commitments you may have. We work with our partner providers to ensure programme content is varied and provides a genuine cultural experience.

You'll develop a range of skills, such as intercultural awareness, networking and independent working and with no travel required, associated costs remain low.

Exchange programmes

Depending on your programme of study, you may be able to spend a period studying or working abroad. The duration and destination of the exchange are dependent upon your degree programme. We have partners across Europe and globally, including institutions in the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong and South America.

Taking part in a European or international exchange, or a professional placement year is a great way to immerse yourself in a new culture and make friends from around the world. As an exchange student, you'll get a chance to learn and develop an impressive skill set which will enhance your employability, helping you stand out in an increasingly competitive international graduate job market.

Travel sustainably

All international travel has an impact on the ongoing environmental crisis, but mindful planning and research can minimise the environmental footprint your experience abroad leaves behind. Some of our students undertake placements which are focused on ecology, wildlife or sustainability, including the Regrow Borneo project.

The Global Opportunities team have created a helpful resource to help you consider how to travel internationally while taking into account environmental, economic and social sustainability factors. This is shared with all students who are planning to complete a placement abroad.

Through hands-on experience, I could explore some academic concepts that Id previously learned, making the connection between theory and real-life action clearer. Skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving that I've picked up are like gold for coursework, exams and my upcoming career. Plus, I've made more professional connections that will hopefully boost my career path. It has also influenced what modules I'm drawn to and where I see myself heading in the future

Amber Coleborn, BScEcon Business Economics with a Professional Placement Year, completed a year-long work placement at Deloitte, Zurich

Speak to us

The Global Opportunities Team provides a dedicated resource and source of expertise for all of the international opportunities available at Cardiff University. We can support you if you are considering a period of time abroad to study, work or volunteer and offer a range of international opportunities.

For more information, please contact us:

Global Opportunities