Study abroad

Drinking has always been a large part of student culture and never is that more true when students study abroad. However, the unlikely pairing of the Erasmus Student Network and alcohol distillery Pernod Ricard is dedicated to changing this image and educating students across Europe about the harmful effects of excessive drinking. 

At the beginning of my fourth month in London, I would like to reflect on some of the expectations and realities of my exchange. Here’s a breakdown of the expectations I had before coming to London and what the reality has been.

Expectation: The weather being rainy, foggy, and not really much else. 

When applying to study in the US, one of the biggest draws for me was the amount of opportunity that would be available. The connections I have made while at university in New York City have opened doors to many things that I couldn't have expected. 

US universities focus greatly on their alumni, and students are encouraged to stay in touch with their university long after graduating. This has advantages for those of us currently studying, who often have the chance to meet and connect with former students now thriving in various fields.

I have just arrived back in Australia after being home in the US for a few weeks in December and January and have been enjoying the warm, sunny weather. While I was home I basically had two weeks of placement at my local veterinary clinic and two weeks of vacation with my family and friends.

To retain the benefits of an international student body, including the economic contribution, it is important that students, universities and employers are all aware of the routes through which individuals can remain in the UK after their studies have concluded.

My name is Gwen and I was born in Singapore but I lived in Japan for a few years too. Although I graduated from an Australian high school, I have also experienced the Singaporean and US school systems.

After high school, I spent a year at the Durham University.

I chose to do a foundation year programme with Durham University is part of that exclusive list.

Two Italian universities have been crowned the cheapest universities in Europe, according to new analysis by foreign exchange company FairFX. 

Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa and Scuola Superiore Sant’ Anna have been named the cheapest for both EU and non-EU students because there are no tuition fees and the university covers living costs for all students. 

Globally, student debt is rising. According to 2016 data, the average student debt for US graduates is $37,000 for bachelor’s degrees and $57,000 for graduate degrees. Students in the UK are in even greater debt, owing $55,000 (£40,000) for a bachelor’s degree, while in Sweden – where tuition is free – students can owe $20,000 on average upon graduation.

In a moment of optimism several months ago, I signed up to lobby with the Harvard Democrats at the Massachusetts State House. I was reminded of my decision a couple of days before the event by an email detailing my shifts and the bills I had to lobby on behalf of.

On a recent trip to Dublin I decided to visit some of the universities in the city to speak to students about why they chose to study there. 

The students were only too happy to list the things they loved about studying in the city, from the vibrant social life, to the friendliness of the locals, to the ease with which they could explore the rest of Ireland and Europe.