Depending on the portfolio you have chosen in years one and two, the year abroad can either be used to further enhance your major, to broaden your portfolio or to satisfy any remaining pre-requisites for entry to the final year of your desired major back in Birmingham. All students have the option of spending their year abroad in an English speaking partner institution, usually in an English speaking country.
Although it is not compulsory we encourage you to study a language, either as part of your options or as a non-credit elective depending on your preference. Most languages are also available as a major.
If you choose this option you can choose to spend your year abroad either studying in your preferred language or, in some cases, study in English whilst using your studied language to take an active part in the culture of your chosen country.
The University has more than 137 student exchange agreements under the Erasmus and International Exchange programmes with universities in Europe, Asia, Australia, Latin America and North America. The University of Birmingham is also one of the founding members of Universitas 21, and you will have further opportunities for Undergraduate Travel Bursaries and several overseas Summer Schools hosted by U21 partners.
Our U21 partners include:
Australia: University of Melbourne, University of New South Wales, University of Queensland
Canada: University of British Columbia, McGill University
China: Fudan University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Hong Kong: University of Hong Kong
India: The University of Delhi
Ireland: University College Dublin
Japan: Waseda University
Mexico: Tecnológico de Monterrey
The Netherlands: University of Amsterdam
New Zealand: University of Auckland
Singapore: National University of Singapore
South Korea: Korea University
Sweden: Lund University
United States of America: University of Connecticut, University of Virginia
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Example of Year Abroad
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Rationale for this example
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2 x modules on Biology
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To maintain skills and build further expertise in this area
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3 x modules in English Literature focusing on partner country
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To expand range and build expertise for a potential major in English
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1 x module on contemporary politics of host country
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Opportunity to learn more about host culture
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