Study abroad
All undergraduate courses in European studies include a year of study abroad, which is available at
universities across Europe. After study abroad, you will
be able to present future employers with evidence of a capacity for inter-cultural understanding, self-reliance and
independence.
Planning your study abroad
You will be helped and supported throughout your first and second years when you will plan your study abroad.
- Essex Abroad hold information sessions for first-year students during the
autumn term and ongoing drop-in sessions for advice on the suitability of individual universities.
- Our European studies course director can offer advice on your choice of modules.
- Final-year students who have just returned provide first-hand accounts of the ups and downs of their experiences.
- You may be able to meet with European exchange students spending their period of study abroad at Essex, to get their
personal accounts of their home campuses and the differences between the British and European education systems.
- Our Students’ Union has a Year
Abroad Society and a European
Society, which can provide peer advice and support.
Study abroad student profile
Elina Praakel, BA European Studies with German
“I wanted to study at a university which offered a high-level of education and was close to London. Essex was perfect
for both of these requirements. I found getting used to university life to be quite easy as it was not hard to meet new people
and make friends. The best way to settle in was definitely to join different societies and be active. One of my favourite modules
I have taken so far has been the History of the Cold War but the modules I have taken on politics and languages will also be
particularly useful for a future career.
“I spent my third year abroad at the University of Trier in the west of Germany and I had a great time. I studied several
different and interesting modules, and even got a chance to study some subject areas which I wouldn’t have been able to at Essex.
I travelled a lot in Germany, France, Luxembourg and Belgium, and met a lot of new people with whom I am still good friends with
today. I spent a whole year in Germany so it gave me a great chance to practice my German language skills and I was able to immerse
myself in the German culture and lifestyle. I lived on campus accommodation which was just a ten minute walk from the university.
My accommodation was also in a perfect position, located on a green hill with excellent views.
“Being on a year abroad is definitely an excellent opportunity that I would strongly recommend for other students. By getting
to know another culture and language you also learn a lot about yourself and being away from family and friends makes you appreciate
them more and, most importantly, makes you a more mature and independent individual.”