Advice for working and studying abroad

We encourage students to add an international dimension to their studies and career plans. If you are interested in exploring global opportunities now or in the future, we are here to offer you the advice and support that you need.

Study abroad

Take part in a short-term, one-term or year-long exchange study at one of our 160+ partner universities, which will provide academic credit towards your Essex degree.

Year abroad

Add an additional year on to your degree and spend it at one of our 160+ partner universities. You'll go in Year 3 and return back to Essex to complete your final year.

Term abroad

Spend the first term of your final year at one of our partner universities. You'll need to contact your department to discuss this option as it may not be available on all programmes. Just pop in to your departmental office or come for a chat to Essex Abroad office on square 2.

Resources

Searching courses

Make use of on-line searchable databases of courses offered around the world:

Sourcing funding

Support for UK nationals wishing to study abroad is available through the Fulbright Commission and the British Council.

Work abroad

We offer the opportunity to undertake a period of industry-based work placement abroad, which will count as part of your Essex degree.

International careers

Our careers advisers can provide you with advice and guidance for seeking jobs outside of the UK.

Resources

Prospects

Prospects provides a range of careers information, advice and opportunities for students and graduates. See the working abroad pages for a guide to funding work overseas, including country guides, where to find vacancies and teaching English as a foreign language.

GoinGlobal

GoinGlobal is a country-specific career and employment database, with a worldwide job vacancy board.

Access to GoinGlobal is only available to current Essex students; you will need to log in using your regular Essex campus IT credentials.

Eures

Eures is the European job mobility portal providing information, advice and job listings.

GradlinkUK

GradlinkUK provides resources and advice to allow students from China, South-East Asia (ASEAN), the Gulf, Central and Eastern Europe, Canada, Africa, India and Bangladesh studying at universities across the UK to connect with leading graduate employers in their home countries.

WorkingAbroad

WorkingAbroad is an online resource for students looking for organisations to carry out ethical volunteering or internships abroad.

Volunteer abroad

Volunteering overseas will give you the chance to develop skills and knowledge in areas linking to your subject, or in something completely different. Develop new skills or build on existing ones in a different culture and country, taking part in new experiences that can be added to your CV.

There are a number of organisations that have created overseas programmes for volunteers, lasting from 1 week to 1 year:

Teach English abroad

Teaching English abroad is a great way to gain new skills. In some countries, you may get paid to teach, but in other countries, it might be a volunteering experience. You can volunteer even if you don’t have a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate, but knowing how to teach will help.

Resources

  • Tefl.com - find TEFL jobs abroad.
  • Love TEFL - practical information about TEFL plus a worldwide TEFL jobs board.

Volunteer abroad

Volunteering overseas will give you the chance to develop skills and knowledge in areas linking to your subject, or in something completely different.

Develop new skills or build on existing ones in a different culture and country, taking part in new experiences that can be added to your CV.

Resources

There are a number of organisations that have created overseas programmes for volunteers, lasting from one week to one year:

Research abroad

Undertake a period of research or project work, based either in a research lab/group or in the field, with supervision from a host organisation approved by Essex.

Funding opportunities

There are a number of funding opportunities available through Essex Abroad, and a wide range of scholarships and bursaries are offered by the University to support your studies.

Arrow symbol
Contact us
Colchester Campus Ground floor of the Silberrad Student Centre
Southend Campus The Info Point, second floor of The Forum