Exchange studies and internship abroad
Thisbroschure is intended as a guide for you to learn more about studies and internship abroad.
Depending on what you study here at University West, your options will vary. Some students have a full semester of elective course embedded in the programme studies, some don’t. But that does not mean you do not have the ability to study abroad.
On our web pages, we continuously work at providing information to help you find what options are available, so start by checking information in the section “exchange at your department”.
There is also an international coordinator at each of our four departments who can help you, and who can recommend partner universities (also listed on our web pages) to study at.
International Office University West SE 461 86 Trollhättan, Sweden
international@hv.se hv.se/utland hv.se/goabroad
It’s about personal growth
Going abroad as a student is not only about education and work experience - but also about personal growth. As an exchange student, you get to see other countries, understand other cultures, improve your language skills and your experience can improve your chances in the job market.
Be open minded – there are so many undiscovered study destinations on offer that could give you an excellent study period abroad and introduce you to a country and culture you did not know before. It is not the destination that matters – but the journey your making on the inside.
Study Exchange within EU/EES
Erasmus+ is a EU mobility programme. As an Erasmus + student you can choose to study at one of our partner universities whithin EU/EAA from 2 months to one academic year. Your exchange is funded by an Erasmus+ grant.
Alexander Malmström Human Resources
Alexander Malmström’s academic journey took an exciting turn when he went on an exchange semester to northern Italy. He describes it as “one of the happiest and most rewarding experiences in a long time”.
Some of Alexander’s fondest memories include running along beaches of Sicily with friends after climbing Mount Etna, enjoying the October sun on a beach in Switzerland, and watching the sunset in Corniglia after exploring Cinque Terre.
- But my absolute favorite memory must be the first day in Castellanza when I met the people who I see as my close friends now.
Italy was not unfamiliar to Alexander, but living in the country still brought some surprises.
- The biggest surprise was how relaxed everything was. ‘Dolce far niente’, the sweetness of doing nothing. A concept I will always carry with me.
However, the time abroad wasn’t without its challenges. The lack of punctuality in public transport and the discipline required to keep track of finances topped Alexaner’s list of difficulties.
When Alexander finally says goodbye to Italy, he fondly remembers “having friends as neighbors, eating Italian food, aperitivo, traveling on weekends, speaking Italian, warmer climate, and partying with all the other students.”
- It’s hard to understand what an exchange can offer until you experience it yourself. Given how amazing my exchange has been, I would encourage everyone else to go.”
Internship
• Depending on which programme you are studying, the opportunities for internship may vary. In case you have the possibility to arrange your own internship abroad, you can apply for an Erasmus+ traineeship grant if the placement is within a country in EU/EAA.
• Nursing students have the possibility to choose one of our partner universities for an Erasmus+ traineehsip.
• IAESTE is an organization which arranges international placements represented in over 80 countries all over the world. hv.se/iaeste
Hanna Linderoth Social Psychiatry Care
During her studies in the Social Psychiatry Care program at University West, Hanna Linderoth went on an exchange to Harstad, in Northen Norway. The exchange involved a placement at the ‘Unit of Life Management’, where Hanna got to visit different units and individuals throughout the entire municipality.
- The unit handled a variety of things, explains Hanna. For example, medication, support conversations, cleaning, personal care, and other services.
Hanna’s goal with the exchange was to challenge herself, learn new things, and increase her self-confidence.
- I had a strong feeling that I wanted to try something new and develop as a person, she says. When I got this opportunity, my gut feeling said yes. Even though I felt uncomfortable and scared, I knew deep down this was what I truly wanted.
Back home in Sweden, Hanna is looking forward to applying her new knowledge in her studies and career.
- In my studies, I see it as a great experience because I’ve seen how things can look in reality. That I can apply the knowledge I’ve gained in practice. And in the working world, I feel more confident.
If you are considering going on a similar exchange, Hanna has one piece of advice:
- Do it! Instead of thinking about what might go wrong, think about what could go right, she encourages. This is your chance for personal and professional development! No matter what happens, you will gain experience, you’ll grow as a person, and you’ll carry this adventure with you for the rest of your life.
Study overseas
Bilateral agreement
You can apply for exchange studies at one of our partner universities outside EU/EAA. There are no tuition fee charged for these studies.
In general, there is no funding available for over-seas exchange studies, you will have to finance this on your own. But there are some study seats which are financed. Please check with your departmnetal coordinator to learn more about these.
You can also find some options and useful links at www.hv.se/ stipendier
5 questions to
Malin Eriksson Studying economics
How would you describe your experience at Taylor’s University, Malaysia?
A once in a lifetime experience which helped me grow as a student and especially as a person. It helped me create a valueable network with people from all over the world.
What is your best memory of your exchange?
The freedom to travel, and more specifically my trip to South Korea.
What was your biggest surprise going to Taiwan?
I think it must be all the differences in general about the school system, how they teach and how they do exams.
What has been your greatest challenge/s?
To balance my social life, all the travelling and things I wanted to do with my new friends while still performing at school.
What do you miss about your exchange period?
All the open-minded friends that I shared this experience with.
Short study abroad – BIP
If you do not have the option or desire to study a full semester abroad, there are also other alternatives where you study a course at a partner institution online and do one week of abroad studies as part of this course.
This setup is called Blended Intensive Programme or BIP.
There are Erasmus+ scholarships available for these study options also.
STARS EU
University West is a member or the European University Alliance STARS EU.
Within the alliance, you have the possibility to study abroad or participate in online courses given within the alliance. Please visit our web pages or contact us for more information.
The collaboration within the alliance is continuously developing and offering new opportunities each semester!
Read more about it at www.hv.se/starseu
Do you know that you can sign up to achieve a Certificate of International Merits (CIM) during your studies at University West?
Read more about it at www.hv.se/CIM
DISCOVER YOUR WORLD
FAQ
• Credits?
After your study or internship exchange, you can apply for credits transfer.
• Application?
December–February for exchange in the autumn semester. September for exchange in the spring semester.
• Insurance?
As an exchange student, you are covered by the insurance Student OUT, Kammarkollegiet
• Accommodation?
Contact the university where you are going to study. You might have to arrange your own accommodation.
• CSN? You can apply for CSN as usual. Contact CSN.
