Beyond School

Information and advice for those looking to study, work or volunteer abroad.

Study or work abroad

"In an increasingly global economy and society, demand for language knowledge and skills and socio-cultural awareness will only increase."

- Upskilling Scotland: The future of skills and the fourth industrial revolution (SCDI 2020)

Study or work abroad

Whilst Brexit indicates the UK will no longer participate in the Erasmus+ scheme we are retaining the information in this section for reference purposes. Links to the replacement Turing Scheme for those wishing to work and study abroad can be found below.

Turing Scheme

The Turing Scheme website is your one-stop-shop for all the latest information about the UK’s new global programme for work and study abroad.

Erasmus+

Erasmus+ provides opportunities for Europeans to study, train, gain work experience and volunteer abroad. Individuals must apply through their organisation and before being able to apply for Erasmus+ funding you need to register your organisation.  

English Language Assistant (ELA) scheme

See where your language skills could take you. The British Council English Language Assistant programme spans five continents, placing people in 14 countries around the world.  Becoming a Language Assistant is an experience that will stay with you for life. As well as improving your language skills and exploring a community, you'll build your sense of independence and gain the satisfaction of firing young imaginations.

Erudera

This education search platform uses artificial intelligence to help you find your ideal university and study programme based on your personality, academic achievements and career prospects.

European Funding Guide

This site provides information on scholarships, grants and awards to finance your studies in the EU.

There are a variety of options, whether you want to study in the UK or further afield in Europe.

Eurodesk

If you're interested in working abroad this site has a range of suggestions to start your international career.

Project Trust

Project Trust is an educational charity specialising in overseas volunteering in 34 countries for school-leavers aged 17-19. From their base on the Hebridean Isle of Coll, they annually select 280-300 young people from across the UK and Europe for year-long voluntary teaching and social care projects. Please note volunteers are required to raise their own funds.

To find out more about volunteering with Project Trust and placements available, you can visit the Project Trust website via the link above or listen to staff and volunteers talk about the organisation and their experiences on our Project Trust pages.

Study in Europe

From 2015, UCAS will be including European universities in the admissions process.  The Study in Europe website will help you make informed decisions about your studies in Europe with their unique database. Stay organized and compare all accredited programs by tuition fees, language, financial assistance, place and institution.

Study in France

The website provides a host of useful information about studying in France, entry requirements and general life as a student in France.

Study in Germany

The largest information portal about studying in Germany for foreign students.

The DAAD website is another useful resource containing information about international programmes in Germany. There is also a database of scholarship opportunities of various kinds of DAAD funding for foreign students as well as funding offered by other selected organisations.

Study in Spain

The website contains useful information about tuition costs, living in Spain, health and medical treatment - everything for international students looking to study in Spain.

Study in Sweden

This portal provides a great source of information for anyone thinking about studying in Sweden, including information on visas and immigration, culture and customs and the cost of living. 

Study in Switzerland

The Study in Switzerland platform aims to provide all relevant information about conducting your studies in Switzerland. The site provides the most comprehensive information about Swiss universities and scholarships as well as up-to-date living costs.

International Scholarships for UK Students

Calling all Brits! Check out this range of current international scholarships for UK students to study across the world (published March 2021). Whether you’re applying for an undergraduate degree, considering a master’s or keen to study a PhD, there’s likely to be a scholarship available to help you with funding.

Graduateland

The site is dedicated to helping students become Global Graduates through work placements, internships, graduate programmes and international jobs during and after their degree course. It offers the opportunity to take part in career events from the comfort of your own home.

Languages in Action

The University of Edinburgh alumni are spread all over the globe. Here, they spotlight five recent graduates who have been making an impact thanks to their study of languages.

Mooc2Move: le français pour l'université / French for university

A free course offered by the Open University designed to guide students preparing for studying at a university in France.


Below are a selection of articles and blogs offering advice and tips for students seeking to study or work abroad:

The value of living like a local in France (British Council Voices, January 2024) Molly Noble, an English Language Assistant (ELA) in Nantes, explains how embracing the French lifestyle and living like a local has been the best way to make the most of the experience.

'It redefined my values': should you go on a year abroad? (The Guardian, September 2023)

Student Finance on a Year Abroad (Save the Student, June 2023)

How to study abroad: frequently asked questions (Top Universities, 6 July 2023) This article provides a wide collection of information on where to study, how to apply, funding and other practical information. There are also links to further blogs from those who have experienced studying abroad.

How to learn a language fast when studying abroad (Top Universities, September 2022)

How to learn a new language quickly (Save the Student, August 2022)

Top Tips to Help Your Language Learning (Student Travel Trips, September 2021)

Going to University Abroad (All About Careers, August 2021). Advice on researching and applying to institutions overseas.

Year Abroad Diaries: What it is like learning in other countries (The Boar, March 2020)

GoXchange (The Pie News, July 2019). This article provides information about the new app which has been launched to support exchange students studying abroad. Users can connect with those already studying abroad to get advice to prepare for the move and make friends when they arrive. They can also use the app to find internship or employment opportunities.

Learn a language while you're travelling (European Youth Portal, September 2020). This article explains how learning a new language can help you get a fulfilling experience during your travels and offers tips and tricks to help you improve your fluency on your trip abroad.

University study abroad: good for the character and the bank balance (Guardian, 19 June 2018). Article outlining the many benefits for students who opt to study abroad.

Future employees need international skills to secure work (Small Business, 27 February 2018) Responses retrieved from more than 300 organisations in a CBI/Pearson Education and Skills Survey (2017) reveals employers drawn from all sectors of the economy are unsatisfied with graduate applicants’ lack of international skills. 

UKCISA

The UK Council for International Student Affairs website contains lots of information and advice for those seeking to come from overseas to study in the UK. In addition to an advice line, they provide up-to-date information about Brexit, immigration, fees, student support, working and living in the UK for current and prospective international students.

University of Strathclyde Education Scotland British Council Scotland The Scottish Government
SCILT - Scotlands National centre for Languages