Studying Abroad is a Vital Component of Undergraduate Education – Times of India

Students across India are studying to complete their undergraduate degrees in the hopes of pursuing their dream careers. Some students will also be looking towards postgraduate study, either in India or abroad, and thinking about the best path to get them there. One avenue that is becoming increasingly popular is a ‘study abroad’ experience.

Studying abroad during an undergraduate degree serves many purposes for university students. You are able to explore a new university to see if it is the right fit for postgraduate study, immerse yourself in a new culture whilst developing intercultural competencies that are attractive in the job market, and build connections and skills in your field that will set you apart from your peers in the future.

As an added benefit, students who complete a study abroad programme at the University of Liverpool will be eligible for a significant tuition discount on a future postgraduate programme; so, the longer-term benefits are also clear.

The University of Liverpool is the ideal study abroad destination for undergraduates across all fields of study. Founded in 1881, the University of Liverpool is a founding member of the prestigious Russell Group, a group of the leading UK research universities. Over 80% of the University’s research is considered world leading, and the University is associated with nine Nobel Prize winners.

Offering study abroad programmes across all three faculties, with subjects in Management and Business, Computer Science, Engineering, Humanities, and more, students can take modules across the university whilst earning credit for degree programmes at home. The Liverpool Management School is AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA accredited, with wide connections in industry across the UK. The University prides itself on its world-class facilities including innovative labs for students across STEM fields.

Aside from its high academic standard, the University of Liverpool offers students a chance to truly immerse themselves in British culture and improve their cultural awareness, a skill now more vital than ever before in an increasingly globalised society. With over 200 societies to join and state of the arts facilities including a fitness centre and two libraries on campus, there is plenty to get involved with to enhance students’ experience.

The campus itself is based in the heart of Liverpool, a thriving arts, music and cultural capital with an immense passion for sport. The city has been ranked as one of the ‘friendliest cities’ in the world (Rough Guides, 2016) and was recently voted as the ‘safest city in the UK’ (Confused.com, 2021).

It is also one of the most cost-effective destinations in the UK and perfectly situated for travel, with the city just 2 hours on the direct train from London and 45 minutes by train from Manchester, making it ideal for undergraduate students looking to explore all that the UK has to offer. Spending time outside of the academic programme to interact with the local community and culture will help students develop key intercultural competencies that will enhance future employability.

Every student is unique, and as such, there are an array of different opportunities available to cater for different needs. Longer-term programmes such as a Full Year or Semester Abroad allow students to benefit from a longer stay in Liverpool, with plenty of time to experience UK student life and the option to take modules from across the University of Liverpool catalogue to suit specific academic needs, or even try something entirely new.

Marianna, who studied in Liverpool for a Semester Abroad, says, “My exchange semester in Liverpool was the best university experience I had so far! The university itself is demanding and strict and the teaching quality is excellent. There is a vast variety of course offerings available too and the workload is not too heavy. The student support is outstanding! They give you all the pre-departure assistance you need, they organize several welcome activities (such as a city tour, afternoon tea, funny quizzes + free pizza!) and they even provide a shuttle from Manchester airport to your accommodation in Liverpool!”

In contrast, the University of Liverpool also offers shorter-term programmes over summer. The University of Liverpool’s Summer Research Programme lasts between 4 to 12 weeks and allows students to gain invaluable research experience working alongside world-leading academics, while also gaining 15 credits for the project.

Xuhan took part in the Summer Research Programme in 2019, which resulted in his work being published as an undergraduate student. He explained, “it was a great opportunity to spend a summer placement in a research lead university like the University of Liverpool surrounded by world research-leading academics at the School of Engineering. For the first time, I learnt the critical nature of research, I practised enquiring the results I produced, and publish a scientific article in a high ranked journal with my supervisor”.

The International Summer School is another option that can be considered short term study with real long-term impact, consisting of a 3-or 6-week academic programme in which students can choose one focused 15 credit module or a mixed timetable of modules from across a variety of disciplines to a total of 20 credits. Students will collaborate with undergraduates from across the globe on authentic campus-based modules, live in university accommodation and enjoy a social programme that gets them into, and beyond, the city; to castles, stately homes, cathedrals and beaches. Graduates of the ISS take back memories to last a lifetime as well as academic credits and discounts for the future.

Maria from Brazil, who studied on the ISS, recalls; “Besides the super attentive staff willing to solve any problem, and the amazing courses with very qualified teachers, I loved the university environment, which allowed me to meet many people from different countries”.

If students are planning their own path to success, it might be that a study abroad experience is a crucial next step.