Whether you are studying abroad in Europe, Asia or USA, you’ll need to complete a LJMU Learning Agreement (LA) which specifies what modules and credits you will be taking at the host university. The LA will be approved by your IMC and Faculty to ensure that your credits and marks are transferred back to LJMU. The deadlines for you to complete the LA with your IMC for them to submit to the Global Opportunities Team are:
- Early April for Semester 1 and Full Year outgoers
- Early November for Semester 2 outgoers
Download the LJMU Learning Agreement form (Word, 112KB)
You must ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your placement. To apply for a new passport or renew a passport, visit the passport section of GOV.UK
Depending on your nationality and the location of your study abroad host university, you may need to get a visa. Your host university will advise you on how to get this organised and it is important that you follow their instructions and deadlines.
Tip: Get extra passport photos for visas, ID cards, etc. and to apply for an international student identity card (ISIC) which entitles you to discounts.
Most host institutions will provide students with accommodation. Some also offer students the chance to be placed with friends/fellow UK students on placement at the same time, although this is not always possible. However, students also have the option of finding their own accommodation on or off campus if they wish, but this may come at an extra cost. If you decide to find your own accommodation to study abroad, see the tips below:
Not so fast! Do not sign up for a full-year accommodation contract in Liverpool if you are planning to study abroad during the academic year.
Check what is available. Remember that different countries traditionally have different accommodation to that of British universities. For instance, USA students often live in shared and catered-for accommodation. If this is not something you are comfortable with, you can seek accommodation elsewhere, but your budget must allow for this.
Location, location, location. You need to do your research and ensure your accommodation is in the right location. Do you want to live close to your classes? Near local amenities and entertainment? With other mobility students? Do your research before you sign up to anything.
Shared or single? Living in shared accommodation can be a great way to meet friends, but in some countries can come in the form of dormitory style rooms. Make sure this is something you are comfortable with before signing up.
Start networking. Talk to fellow students who are going overseas or have been overseas, as they may be able to help you with your search. Find students using #LJMUGoAbroad on Twitter and Instagram, or tweet @LJMUGlobalOpps. Your school can also help introduce you to other students if necessary.
Be adventurous. Students often live with other students from their own country and don’t fully integrate into the local community, so instead, consider renting locally or living with students from around the world.
Remain cautious. Don’t be rushed, even if accommodation can be hard to find in the city you are planning to live in. Be cautious, research your landlord and if something does not feel right, do not proceed.
LJMU provides basic insurance for students studying abroad, working abroad in Europe or participating in our summer schools. Not all conditions or pre-existing conditions are covered, so it is advised any students who may not be covered seek further advice. For more information on LJMU insurance, please contact Rachael Smith.
Any students taking part in Go Global must take out their own insurance policy.
Students studying outside Europe might be required to obtain their own health insurance and cost will vary depending on your host university regulations. We will cover this, please contact goabroad@ljmu.ac.uk for advice.
If you have a pre-existing health condition that may affect you during your placement, it is advised you disclose this to your International Mobility Coordinator or placement officer and retain any documents relating to your condition in case you need medical treatment overseas. Students on long-term medication should research the availability/cost of their medication abroad and discuss their options with their GP.
Many European universities now require you to have a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) this has replaced the EHIC card that was used when we were in the EU. Further information about the GHIC can be found on the Government website.
LJMU partners do teaching in English but if you have a second language then you have an increased number of study options. Day-to-day life can be improved if you have some language skills and there is support available.
LJMU language support
All LJMU students are provided with an opportunity to follow online language programmes and you can sign up anytime on the library website.
Tweets, vlogs, blog posts, Instagram stories, boomerangs and more are a really important part of how we promote opportunities to study, work or volunteer abroad at LJMU, but the best way to get this content is from you. We rely on students to share their experiences abroad with us through social media, tagging @LJMUGlobalOpps and using #LJMUGoAbroad on Twitter and Instagram. Before you go, you will be asked to sign a consent form, but it is equally important that you follow @LJMUGlobalOpps to see what LJMU students are getting up to around the globe, and get yourself excited.
We also encourage students to blog or vlog about their time abroad, as not only is it a great way to show other LJMU students the international opportunities on offer, but having these skills on your CV can increase your employability even further. Blog posts should be around 500 words with at least one photo. Whenever sharing a photo with us, try and remember to add the subject and location, so we can share more with our followers. If you decide to vlog your trip, you don’t have to worry about editing, the team will do that for you. So why not try to film a video diary, a day in the life during your trip, an interview with someone you are working with, or a montage of clips from your adventure. Come along to a pre-departure session for filming and blogging tips.
Please submit your blogs and vlogs to digitalmarketing@ljmu.ac.uk and goabroad@ljmu.ac.uk using WeTransfer for larger files.
