Summer Abroad

There are numerous research opportunities to enhance your research skills and knowledge. These are more suitable for PhD or graduate students but there may be some research opportunities if you're an undergraduate student. Some of them might include summer research schools, research internships or participating in a research project abroad.

There is funding available for many of our summer programmes.  You can find out more about funding on our dedicated summer funding opportunities page.

Usually, your host organisation will be able to advise you if you need a visa for your summer abroad programme. This can depend on which passport you hold, how long you will be abroad for and the immigration requirements of that country. Essex Abroad are not able to offer detailed visa advice and this should form part of your research for your summer abroad.

Applications for Schengen visas

For the past couple of years, there have been delays in processing Schengen visa applications (visas needed for non EU nationals to enter a country in the Schengen area for up to 90 days). Therefore, if you are a non EU national, we may advise against you taking part in a programme that requires such a visa.

Studying at University of Essex on a student visa?

If you are studying at the University of Essex on a student visa the you should also you should also reach out to the International Services Team to gain their advice. Usually, Essex can support your summer programme as a "supplementary study" but you should check with the team who can give the best advice for your situation. To contact the team complete the online immigration enquiry form.

Before you head off for your summer abroad you'll have the option to share your contact details with other students heading to the same programme or country. This can be a great way to widen your global connections and give you some support.

You'll also be invited to our pre departure conference, usually head in May. This will be a chance to meet the Essex Abroad team, other students heading away over the summer and to get to grips with any vital information before you start your summer abroad.

You can also find many resources on our pre departure moodle page.

Once you are abroad you can reach out to us if you need any help or advice. You can also reach out to your host organisation who will be more familiar with the local area and who should be able to offer you tailored advice.

We will reach out with a certificate of attendance for you to complete and return and also ask for feedback on the programme.

We love to see what it's like where you are! Tag us in any photos or reels via @essexabroad

Returning to the University of Essex

If you are returning to the University of Essex we will be in touch at the start of the Autumn term to give you instructions to apply for your Big Essex Award. We will also see if you are interested in becoming an Essex Abroad Ambassador and promoting your experience to other students here at Essex.