This guide is designed to direct you through the initial steps of deciding on the right international opportunity for you, and how to apply. With this guide, you can discover which international opportunities would be the best fit for you. Going abroad as a student might be something you already planned to do, or something you've never considered, but either way, we're here to support you along the journey. Going abroad as a student means expanding your horizons and gaining valuable life skills. Students come back with increased confidence, resilience, and problemsolving skills. International experience also helps you stand out in job interviews and helps to improve your career prospects.
There are several funding options available to help with travel and accommodation, and in most cases you don’t
What we do
GALA
Global Citizenship
Semester Abroad
Shorter opportunities
Summer Schools
Work Placements
International Research
Funding Money Matters
Additional information
Sustainable travel and accommodation Health and Wellbeing
Elysia Woosnam Law, Summer School Tecnológico de Monterrey (Mexico)
Who we are
The Go Global Team provides opportunities to study, work, and undertake research worldwide throughout your time at the University. We are here to provide support from start to finish!
Lizzie
BRYANT (SHE/HER)
International Projects Manager
Gin
GIN DARCY (THEY/THEM)
Global Citizenship Course Leader
LULU RICHARDS COTTELL (THEY/SHE)
Digital Content and Student Engagement Coordinator
Andy Lulu Charlotte Naomi Louisa
BOYNS (HE/HIM)
Inbound Exchange Coordinator
NAOMI SANI (SHE/HER)
Global Exchange Adviser
Global Exchange Adviser
Go Global Coordinator
ANDY
CHARLOTTE WILSON (SHE/HER)
LOUISA KING (SHE/HER)
LIZZIE
Where to find us
The Go Global Office is in Main House, room G02, on Newton Park Campus. We are open Monday - Friday from 10am to 3pm, no appointment required!
There will also be a member of the team at Locksbrook each Monday 10am-3pm in either the Café or The Street to chat with.
Alternatively, if you would prefer to arrange a set time, just email us to book a one-to-one meeting on either campus!
Semester Abroad, Summer Schools and general enquires
BSUexchange@bathspa.ac.uk
Global Citizenship globalcitizenship@bathspa.ac.uk
Global Academy of Liberal Arts GALA@bathspa.ac.uk
@bathspagoglobal
Go Global Office G02
Look for our stickers in the West Wing windows, under the clock
Go Global's International Opportunities Fairs 2025 Datesforyourdiary
Meet the Go Global Team, speak to other students, and learn more about international opportunities at Bath Spa!
MONDAY 17 NOVEMBER 10AM – 2PM The Street, Locksbrook Campus
THURSDAY 20 NOVEMBER 10AM – 2PM Commons Atrium, Newton Park Campus
Global Academy of Liberal Arts
With 16 partners in 13 countries, GALA is a truly global network with a mission to transform lives and enhance global understanding through interdisciplinary collaboration in teaching and research. It is managed by a team led by Professor Ian Gadd and Professor Rebecca McGuire-Snieckus, with administrative support from Gin Darcy.
GALA has supported over 150 students in their travel abroad to conferences, summer schools, and to undertake independent research. The GALA Outreach Fund awards students various amounts to help book travel, accommodation, and any other costs that relate to their trip.
GALA placements are often very flexible, as short as one week or as long as a month, and are one of our best options for students seeking to add an international dimension to their degree in a way that suits their own timetable. You need to be personally driven and have an idea of how a visit to one of our partners could benefit you, and you can be an undergraduate or a postgraduate student.
If you are interested in doing a GALA placement, get in touch with the team through the GALA email address: gala@bathspa.ac.uk
GALA Network Members:
• Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
• Bath Spa University, UK
www.gala.network
@gala_network
@gala_network
• Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Kenya
• Claremont Graduate University, USA
• Columbia College Chicago, USA
• Concordia University, Canada
• Leuphana University Lüneburg, Germany
• National Institute of Design, India
• Saint Paul University Ottawa, Canada
• SWPS University, Poland
• Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Brazil
• Universidad de Antioquia, Colombia
• University of Namibia, Namibia
• University of Parma, Italy
• University of Udine, Italy
• University of Witwatersrand, South Africa
• Utrecht University, The Netherlands
Past examples of GALA student placements include:
• A ten-day follow-up after a semester abroad to Columbia College Chicago to undertake more jazzfocussed research for a dissertation.
• An annual week-long Heritage and Arts Management summer exchange with Claremont Graduate University.
• A four-day visit to SWPS University to undertake research into creative learning spaces.
• A week-long educational research trip to Parma University to use their photography archives.
• A five-week research and summer school with the art department of the University of Namibia.
Global Citizenship Programme
If you are interested in other countries and cultures, the global economy and politics, aid and development, sustainability, international business, and more, then the Certificate in Global Citizenship is for you!
Apply in five simple steps!
EVE HESTER GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
TALK TO THE GO GLOBAL TEAM
Look out for Gin Darcy and the Go Global Team during Welcome Week and your course inductions.
GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP, SEED CONSERVATION PROGRAMME (MADAGASCAR)
"Whether it's addressing inequality, fighting climate change, or advocating for human rights, global citizenship means taking ownership of these global challenges and not waiting for others to solve them. It’s about recognising that my actions, no matter how small,
FILL IN THE APPLICATION FORM
Global Citizenship is a co-curricular course that runs alongside your undergraduate degree. It includes:
• Several lectures throughout the year from guest speakers on a variety of international topics
• A forum debate in teams
• A grant of up to £1000 per student to undertake an international placement relating to your degree
All students, no matter your degree subject, are invited to apply. Join the course and gain transferable skills to complement your degree, an international perspective, and the chance to make your CV stand out from the crowd.
Application forms can be found here: www.bathspa.ac.uk/courses/intl-global-citizenship globalcitizenship@bathspa.ac.uk
SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION BY THE DEADLINE: WEDNESDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2025 AT MIDDAY (email as a Word or PDF document)
WEDNESDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2025 AT MIDDAY
Please note that only first year undergraduate students are eligible to apply.
FIND OUT IF YOU'RE THROUGH
We'll let you know about the success of your application via your Bath Spa email address.
ATTEND THE WELCOME SESSION IN OCTOBER
This is for successful applicants and returning Global Citizenship students.
Hill
Mia Latkovic
Business and Management
Universitat Rovira i Virgili (Spain)
Semester Abroad
Bath Spa University is partnered with over 40 different universities worldwide. During your second year as an undergraduate student, you could spend one semester studying at one of these partner universities.
A semester abroad doesn’t add any additional time to your degree and is completed either in Semester 1 or Semester 2 of your second year. You will take classes which match the degree you are taking at Bath Spa.
Eligibility criteria:
• You need to be averaging a grade of 2:1 in your first year.
• Maintain good attendance throughout the first year of your degree.
• Apply by the February deadline in your first year.
• You will need to make a £50 holding deposit alongside your application; this will be returned to you on arrival at your host university*
• Your attendance record will be taken into account
What
support
is available to me?
To help you with the process, our Go Global Team will:
• Offer advice and assistance when liaising with the Partner University
• Offer pre-departure and returners sessions
• Offer continuous one-to-one coaching and advice, should you need it
• Run regular drop-in sessions
*See terms and conditions on the application form
Do I need to speak another language?
Most of our partner universities teach in English. However, some universities require students to have B1 or B2 requirements in their native language. Additional language classes are usually provided by our partner universities.
Will a semester abroad impact my final grade?
A semester abroad will not impact on your final grade, however, students who go abroad are more likely to earn higher degrees. You’ll need to complete the equivalent of 60 Bath Spa University credits during your semester abroad, but no actual grades will be transferred – the placement is pass or fail.Students are responsible for obtaining official transcripts and ensuring they are received by the Go Global Team so that credits can be successfully transferred.
Find our Semester
Abroad Guide and how to apply here!
MATTHEW GODSELL CREATIVE ARTS PRACTICE
SEMESTER ABROAD AT SEIAN UNIVERSITY OF ART AND DESIGN (JAPAN)
"I often think of my time in Japan and how much I enjoyed it, the one piece of advice I received which I can not get out of my mind is "painting is putting paint on, but also taking it off". The culture seems to stimulate an interest in other people and places; the students (and people I met in the shops and on the street) liked to find out about where I came from and what I thought as well as imparting something about their own lives, knowledge and skills.”
Semester Abroad: where you could go!
You must apply to one of Bath Spa’s approved partner universities. While we have over 40 university partners worldwide, this doesn’t mean they are all available to you, as it depends on your subject area. You can only apply to the ones that offer a relevant subject.
Please note that the exchange partners listed are subject to change and cannot be guaranteed. For more information on our partner universities and where you can go for your subject, read through Go Global’s Semester Abroad Guide which can be found online, or you can pick one up from our office in Main House!
Our partners
AUSTRALIA
• Adelaide University
• Queensland University of Technology
• University of Technology Sydney
AUSTRIA
• University of Art and Design Linz
• The Paris Lodron University of Salzburg
CANADA
• Concordia University
• Huron University College
CHINA
• Shanghai Lixin University of Accounting and Finance
DENMARK
• Aarhus University
• Roskilde University
• University of Southern Denmark
FINLAND
• University of Eastern Finland
• University of Turku
GERMANY
• Kassel University
• ABK Stuttgart
IRELAND
• Maynooth University
ITALY
• Nuova Accademia Di Belle Arti
• University of Rome Tor Vergata
JAPAN
• Shinshu University
• Seian University of Art and Design
MEXICO
• Tecnológico de Monterrey
NAMIBIA
• University of Namibia
THE NETHERLANDS
• Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences
• Radboud University
NORWAY
• Volda University
POLAND
• SWPS University
PORTUGAL
• University of Lisbon
SPAIN
• Escuela de Arte 10
• Rovira i Virgili University
• University of Vic – Central University of Catalonia
SWEDEN
• Stockholm University
• Linnaeus University
SWITZERLAND
• St. Gallen University of Teacher Education
• Thurgau University of Teacher Education
TAIWAN
• National Taiwan University of the Arts
• Taipei National University of the Arts
USA
• Bennington College
• Columbia College Chicago
• Montana State University Billings
• Oklahoma City University
• SUNY Geneseo
Semester Abroad
Talk to the Go Global Team, research your options, and attend an information session.
Decide your first, second, and third choice of host university. 1.
Complete your application and submit this with your deposit by: MIDDAY ON WEDNESDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2026
Submit a separate application directly to your host university according to their process so they can confirm your place.
Attend a pre-departure session with the Go Global Team.
2. 7.
8.
9.
Complete your risk assessment and other mandatory paperwork.
3.
Attend an interview with the Go Global Team in mid-February 2026.
Your performance at interview stage, as well as your application, will impact which host university you will be nominated to.
4.
Receive your results!
If you accept the host university you’ve been given, we will send your name and contact details to this university. This is called the nomination process (see our Semester Abroad guide for details)
6. 10.
5.
Meet other students taking part in a Semester Abroad at our Go Global mixer on Wednesday 4 March 2026.
11.
Attend a returners session and Go Global social, relive your experience with other students, and provide advice and guidance for future exchange students.
Shorter opportunities: Summer Schools
Summer schools are exactly what they sound like - a chance to study your subject area at a different university over the summer, learning new skills and meeting new people without interrupting your semester at Bath Spa.
You don't have to do a summer school at one of our partner universities either. If there is a country or city you've always wanted to visit, look up universities in the area and see if they run summer schools for your subject!
Sometimes our partner universities have special offers for our students, like discounts or early-bird applications. Ask the Go Global Team for more information, and to find out about what other students have done in the past.
Learn more
“I gained so much experience and life skills from this placement. This was my first time flying and being away from home on my own, in a completely different time zone, with no Internet at the airport and a huge language barrier. It showed me how I can be independent. I gained a lot from this experience, but most of all I fell in love with Mexico.”
KATY WARD HISTORY
SUMMER SCHOOL IN MEXICO (HUMAN RIGHTS AND CORRUPTION)
Shorter opportunities: work placements
An international work placement is a fantastic way to improve your employment prospects and gain valuable experience in different workplace environments. If you've ever thought about working abroad after you graduate, this is a great option to try it out!
How do I find placements?
• Go as part of a team with one of our recommended placement providers.
• Ask your tutors for advice on reaching out in your industry, or contacts they can give you.
• Use connections you already have, like friends or family abroad.
• Ask students on your course in the years above what they did.
When can I go?
• The summer after your first or second year of studies.
• During your Professional Placement Year (PPY).
• Talk to our Careers Team to find out more about work opportunities both at home and abroad!
See pages 19-20 for our finance information to see what funding is available for work placements.
GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP, WORK AND RESEARCH PLACEMENT IN VENICE (ITALY)
“One of the most surprising and key things that I’ve learnt from my experience is the power that personality and passion have in building networks and opening up opportunities.”
LEA ROSE KARA FINE ART
Shorter opportunities: international research
Example placement timeline
Spring / Summer term of your second year
Talk to your subject academics; they may need to arrange an early assignment of a dissertation supervisor. Discuss with them what international options your topic might have. They might also have connections you could use to secure a placement abroad.
Summer holidays
Go on your research placement and send us a postcard.
Many degrees include a project or dissertation in the final year which you may need to undertake research for. If you're interested in doing this research abroad, talk to the Go Global Team and your tutors to get this process started for the summer before your final year begins. Students in the past have visited partners in Europe, Africa, and South America to visit archives, take part in workshops, and collect data for their work.
2. Talk to Go Global about funding opportunities, and how your dissertation topic might be translated into a global setting. Depending on your proposal, you may need to have this additionally signed off by an ethics committee. Your academic tutor will be able to advise you.
3. Reach out to potential hosts – companies or organisations who you are planning to conduct research with.
4. Apply for funding to support your placements. Go Global will reach out to your subject academics to lend their support for the placement.
5. Attend a pre-departure session with the Go Global Team.
Autumn term of your final year
Return to the UK and attend a returners session with Go Global – these are designed to help you communicate your experiences to a wider audience and on into your career.
8. Use your research to inform your final year projects or dissertation.
HARRY WATTS GEOGRAPHY
GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP, MITACS RESEARCH PLACEMENT IN SASKATCHEWAN (CANADA)
"When the opportunity to undertake an internship came through I decided to pick the one titled ‘Best Water Management Practices’. I used the data I collected for my internship and dissertation.
My interest in water management led to me to pick the River Management module in my third year, which I am thoroughly enjoying, and I am considering volunteering for a local rivers trust potentially over summer."
Money matters
Just like when you are living and studying here at Bath Spa, daily costs will still exist when you are abroad. These costs will vary depending on where you are going, what you are doing, and how long you are there for.
For example, Norway is known as an expensive country mostly due to the cost of alcohol and food. But the rent for our partner University, Volda, has been very cheap for our past semester abroad students, so the finances can balance out. Make sure to investigate all types of cost for the destination you're interested in before deciding if you can afford it.
As a starting point, we recommend that you include in your budget:
• Cost of insurance
• Visa fees
• Flights, trains, ferries etc. – how you are initially getting to and returning from your placement
• Accommodation
• Living costs – including food, daily transport (bus passes, bike/scooter hire, train tickets etc.)
• Social events, extra trips, or excursions you may be considering in your downtime
• If you’re applying for funding from Bath Spa, don’t forget to keep an eye on the application deadlines!
LOIS BREWER MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLISHING
SEMESTER ABROAD, UNIVERSITY OF VOLDA (NORWAY)
"In terms of finance, I was surprised to find that my rent in Norway was very cheap (around £300), which was a massive difference to what I was paying in Bath! Although food is expensive, I still think I saved money being in Norway vs Bath, a win win!.”
Tuition Fees
If your placement is part of our Semester Abroad scheme then you will not be charged tuition fees by your host university: you will pay your tuition fees to Bath Spa as usual. Students do usually pay fees for summer schools, but these vary depending on length, and often include accommodation, some food, and social activities.
Student Finance
You are still eligible for your usual tuition fee and maintenance loans from Student Finance. Depending on your placement you may also be eligible for additional funding through their Travel Grant.
Turing Funding
Turing Scheme funding is provided as a contribution towards your placement. It is not intended to cover all expenses. The Go Global Team bids for this funding from the government on behalf of the University each year. Check with the Go Global team if we have secured funding for your travel dates, and who can access this.
Global Horizons Award
Bath Spa’s Global Horizons Award (formally Outward Mobility Award) was established to assist students wishing to embark on international placements, research, or study trips that are related to their undergraduate degree course.
Other Bath Spa Awards for current students
There are a variety of funds available for Bath Spa students to apply for while they are studying with us at Bath Spa. To investigate what is on offer to support both your international placement and other aspects of your time here, please see ‘Scholarships and Bursaries’ on our webpage and scroll down to ‘Awards for students travelling abroad'. You should research and apply for external funding independently, the Go Global Team are happy to give advice where we can.
Outside of Bath Spa
There are also funding pots available outside of the university itself such as through BUTEX and The Royal Commonwealth Society. You should research and apply for external funding independently, the Go Global Team are happy to give advice where we can.
Double Funding
PRINCESS GERE
ENGLISH LITERATURE AND PSYCHOLOGY
SUMMER SCHOOL, BEIJING FOREIGN STUDIES UNIVERSITY (CHINA)
“This experience has been amazing, I have learnt so much in three weeks than I ever would have learnt in a year. I have made lifelong friendship with a couple of the Chinese students. I have visited and tried so many new things. Overall, this trip would not have been possible without the scholarship I received from Bath Spa."
Please be aware that students who receive Turing funding are not allowed to receive funding from other pots for the same element of their trip (i.e. airfare, accommodation, etc). For example, students who apply for SFE Travel Grants will not be eligible for the Turing Scheme’s WP Travel Uplift or the additional ‘Readiness to Travel’ funding. If you’re unsure, reach out to the Go Global Team and we can talk you through it.
Funding Page
Read more about your funding options on our webpage here. Come and talk to the Go Global Team to find out if you’re eligible and how much money is available.
Sustainable Travel and Accommodation
Accommodation
Accommodation is a key consideration when undertaking an international placement. For our Semester Abroad students your host institution will help guide you in finding accommodation. If you are out on a self-found placement your host will often assist or guide you, but where they are not able to do so here are some options to consider:
• Reach out to the local university to see if they have spare rooms.
• Look into youth hostels - some hostels have private rooms you can book.
• Check out online short-term let websites.
• Do you have any friends or relatives in the area or within commuting distance?
Always do detailed research on the area you are staying in and make sure you have read all contracts thoroughly. Join the Bath Student Housing Discord server and ask about tenancy swaps.
Sustainable Travel
Many placements, whether they are work, travel, or research-based are accessible by sustainable travel routes. We encourage our students to consider how they travel.
There are many webpages which can help you navigate the complicated world of flightless travel, highlighting destinations and routes that can be undertaken by train or ferry, and listing the carbon footprint of the journey compared to flights.
For countries that require air travel some sites have features allowing travellers to filter out high emissions routes and identify carbon savings.
Don’t forget about daily commutes – bus, bike, or walk!
Discord link
Health and Wellbeing
Medication and prescriptions
It’s important when going abroad that you have your prescriptions ready before you leave and check the host country’s regulations on incoming prescriptions in case they do not allow certain medications. You may need to apply for permission to take medicine into the country, even if you have a prescription for it.
Take Japan, as an example:
• All medications containing stimulants are prohibited; this includes Adderall which is a standard medication used to treat ADHD. This means it would be illegal to take this medication into the country.
• If you needed to take more than a one-month supply of a prescription with you to Japan (of a medication permitted there), then you would have to apply for a special certificate of import before you travel. This process could take up to 3 weeks to complete.
Don’t let medications put you off exploring international opportunities.
Do make sure you’re well prepared before you travel.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
While living abroad can be exciting, it can also be a stressful and anxious time, particularly at the start of your trip. It’s important to be aware of the impact that cultural and lifestyle differences can have and to look after your mental health. The organisation Go International provides links and resources for managing your health while abroad: http://go.international.ac.uk/digitalresources-healthand-wellbeing.
While you are away, you will still have access to Wellbeing Services as you will still be a BSU student when you are abroad. You will also have access to the wellbeing support that the host university offers its students, including their international support office.
Sometimes, we arrive in host counties it can be overwhelming and there is an urge to immediately try to come home. It’s really important that if you’re feeling uncertain, you contact us for help and advice. If you leave your placement early, depending on the terms of any funding you have received, you may have to pay back some or all of your grant money, which is never a fun process, especially if you’ve already paid for flights and accommodation.
General Health and Safety
For vaccinations (and evidence of vaccinations you’ve already had or may require) check www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk
Check the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website for specific advice for your destination country: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
Students undertaking a Go Global trip - i.e. Go Global have either nominated you for your space or are funding you in some way, are automatically included under BSU’s travel cover with UMAL. Go Global recommends obtaining secondary coverage as not everything is covered by UMAL, and it’s better to be comprehensive.
Emergency Alert Services such as UMAL's Crisis24 Horizon: This service provides real-time travel alerts, including those related to safety, security, and travel disruptions. You can select specific countries, regions, or cities to receive notifications about.
If you are concerned that a health, wellness, or safety matter may hold you back from a going abroad and have further questions, please reach out to the Go Global Team and we can support you!
