There's a lot to consider before going abroad, and financing your experience is a big one! Just like during your time at Newcastle, you will need to be able to afford to live independantly during your time abroad.

Key considerations

Any funding you receive is likely to only be a contribution to your living and travel costs, so we recommend you save as much as you can and budget carefully. If you meet widening participation criteria, you will likely be able to access additional funds.

We do ask you to consider the costs of going abroad very carefully before you apply. Though an international experience is hugely beneficial, choosing destinations that are affordable is crucial. 

Consider your budget well ahead of time - What will the big costs be, like flights and accommodation? How will you travel around? Doing a bit of homework will help you feel prepared and in control of your financial year. 

Likely costs

You'll need to factor in:

• Flights and visa fees
• Insurance
• Vaccinations
• Accommodation
• Living costs

Most destinations – including EU countries – will require a student visa. In addition to paying for the visa, you may incur other costs (e.g. travel to visa appointments, postage, notary or service fees) and it is likely you would be asked to show proof of sufficient funds for your planned duration abroad. Some countries will not grant you a visa unless you prove you can afford their expected living costs and some countries may also insist you transfer money to a secure account at the host university as part of the visa application process.

Managing your money

• Please do not plan or rely on part-time work during your placement to make it affordable. Student visas for most countries – including those in the EU – will restrict or prohibit you from working.
• We strongly advise you not to rely on any external funding, such as Turing, covering all your costs. Turing aims to help offset the additional costs of studying abroad, but they will not fully fund your international experience.
• Often our exchange partners have average cost of living detailed on their websites.
• You could consider splitting any funding or grants you have into monthly chunks so you don't run out of money towards the end of your time abroad.
• If you've not built a budget before, there are some great resources and advice on our Student Finance webpages. They can also offer you some financial advice before you go, or while you are abroad.

Make sure you explore the Fees and Funding section of our website.

Depending on where you are going, and how long for, you may need a visa to enter and study in your host country. A visa shows that you do not intend to take up permanent residence in that country and that your stay is for temporary study.

The exact name and type of visa you require will vary from country to country. It is important you are familiar with the requirements in both applying for and abiding by your visa or condition of entry for the country. 

The Global Opportunities team is not an approved immigration advice service, and we're unable to give visa advice. To find out the type of visa you need and the appropriate application form, consult the embassy or consulate of your intended study destination in your home country (this must be where you legally live or where you are a national). While the information may not be up to date, you might find our visa information page helpful.

You might find it helpful to look up the travel advice on the government's Foreign Travel Advice pages - this applies only to travellers using a full ‘British Citizen’ passport.

Our exchange partner universities often have visa teams who can offer advice, just as we do for incoming students.

You may need to apply many months in advance so do your research early.

Try to see this as an opportunity to develop and demonstrate a high level of research and planning skills, and the ability to navigate complex processes and information. It can make a great example in a competency-based interview question in the future!

 

From 'freshers flu' to acute anxiety - there are many aspects of your wellbeing that are important to consider before you leave for your adventure. Our Student Health and Wellbeing Service has some brilliant information and resources to help you prepare. 

Here are some of our general top tips for staying healthy abroad:

• Check any medications you need are allowed to be brought in to the country
• Get in to a good sleep routine as soon as you can - in your new timezone! 
• Don't forget your veggies - our diet hugely impacts our physical and mental wellbeing
• Talk to someone you trust regularly - even just a 5 min chat, or a longer heart-to-heart when you need
• Write a positivity bullet journal to record your adventure
• Rest - not every day has to be jam-packed with work and adventures!

If you have a specific health issue or wellbeing concern, we recommend you seek advice and support from the Student Health and Wellbeing Service and your doctor to prepare for your experience. 

Disability support

The University can support you in making plans for going abroad if you have a disability to ensure your safety and wellbeing has been fully considered ahead of departure. Information on all the support available can be found on the Disability Support pages from the Student Health and Wellbeing Service.

LGBTQA+ support

The safety and wellbeing of all our students is of paramount importance, and one of the many ways you can prepare for your Study Abroad experience is to understand how different cultural norms and local laws may either support or hinder your experience. 

Stonewall have produced Global Workplace Briefings which offer valuable details on your considered destination.

If you have any concerns, or would like to discuss your circumstances in more detail, you can access support and guidance through our Health and Wellbeing Services, specifically relating to LGBTQA+ support.

Destination research and country alerts

Before you travel, you should read the country information on the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) website. You should also sign up to receive country alerts for each country you will be travelling to or through during your time abroad. The will email you if any of their security advice changes. This could include natural disasters, illness epidemics, terrorist threats, transport problems etc).

Explore the AIG Travel Assistance website, and download the app

Current registered Newcastle University students participating in an overseas placement will receive insurance cover from AIG Travel Assistance. Their website provides:

• Security awareness training
• Country reports
• Security travel alerts
• Global New roundup
• MyHealthPortal, an online health clinic with access to fully trained nurses in the UK via phone, email, SMS or online chat

We strongly recommend that you download the AIG Travel Assistance App which will ensure effective travel risk management. Whether it’s prior to travel, during your time abroad, or returning home. The app provides you with convenient access to in-depth travel, security and health information 24/7/365.

Whether or not you need to speak the language of your host country depends on your programme and destination.

If you are studying in the language of your host country, it is expected that you have sufficient knowledge of that language. Some of our partner institutions, particularly those in Northern Europe, offer a number of modules in English, so fluency in the language is not always necessary. It depends on where you choose to study.

The Language Resource Centre at Newcastle University can help you improve your existing language skills or learn a new language.

Many of our partner universities offer beginner-level classes in the native language. We encourage you to sign up for these during your exchange to help develop your linguistic skills and settle into your host country.

Our partner universities in China, Japan, and Latin America teach almost exclusively in their native language. To go to one of these universities, you usually have to be studying one of these languages as part of your degree programme.

What is an Open Badge?

Open badges are digital badges which show a range of learning achievements. You can share them on social media and employability websites such as LinkedIn. Metadata held within the badge will tell prospective employers about the criteria that you have met to achieve the badge and demonstrate that you gained the badge from Newcastle University.

What is the Newcastle University Open Badge in Global and Cultural Awareness?

The Newcastle University Open Badge in Global and Cultural Awareness will demonstrate that you have taken part, and reflected on this activity, which has supported you in order to develop global and cultural awareness.

How do I get the Open Badge?

1. Sign up to, and complete the Canvas module (2-3 hours)
2. Submit a 500-750 word reflective essay, either before 19th June 2023 or 2nd October 2023.

Deadlines and awarding periods:

• You can submit on June 19th at 5pm to be awarded the badge in June/July
• You can submit on October 2nd at 5pm to be awarded the badge in November

What are the benefits of a badge?

• Validated & credible achievement
• Highlight your skills & competencies to employers
• Publicise your achievements, add to your email signature, employability websites (LinkedIn), or social media (Twitter).
• Demonstrate your knowledge is up to date and relevant
• Can be done in your own time

Who can get the badge?

In order to complete the module you must take part in activity/ events that support you to develop your global and cultural awareness.
The activities may include:

• Participation in a global study/exchange/internship/work experience programme
• Participation in University’s Study Abroad Buddies Scheme or assisting at International Welcome Week
• Attending extracurricular language classes (at NU or recognised partner institution)
• Participation in a global virtual exchange or engagement programme or event
• Volunteering for an organisation with an international/ cultural focus in the UK or overseas (see NUSU Go Volunteer pages Links to an external site.for inspiration)
• Engagement with NUSU club or society Links to an external site.with an international/cultural focus (for instance: International Society, Model United Nations, Students for Global Health, or one of the many country or cultural societies)
• Participation in a project or events (academic/non-academic) which focus on cross-cultural or global issues
• Participating in a Career Service programme that focuses on international careers

If you are not sure whether your activity is relevant to the badge, or would be considered sufficient to gain the badge, or if you would like some advice on how to find such activities we can help!

Students can enrol directly on Canvas here: https://ncl.instructure.com/enroll/KR8LTD

Any questions please contact global.opportunities@ncl.ac.uk with the subject 'Open Badge'.