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What is Study Abroad?

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Our study abroad opportunity allows you to study part of your degree at an institution in a foreign country, giving you the opportunity to live in a different culture, learn a new language and see the world, and english language, from a new perspective.

Students enrolled on this programme can choose to spend either a semester (spring and summer terms of Part 2) or a full academic year (Part 3) with our 4-year programme variant. Destinations include prestigious universities in great locations in Europe including Germany, Austria, Sweden, Denmark, and Italy. 


Steph Hugman, Ca'Foscari University of Venice, Italy (Semester Abroad, 2018)

"Looking back on my study abroad experience, I'm so glad I've done it. I learned a huge amount both personally and academically, and really got to engage in another culture and way of living.

"The opportunity to study abroad with Reading enables students to broaden their experiences whilst at university, and stand out from others.

"I'm much more confident than I was before I went to study abroad, and I'm certain that I have gained lots of transferrable skills to use in everyday life and the workplace.

"Study abroad isn't just an academic experience at another university - it's a chance to travel and explore, and make friends from all different cultures and backgrounds.

"Reading has a really great team to support you through the whole process and your time abroad, and I really couldn't recommend it more."


Alice Kemp, University of Mary Washington, USA (Semester Abroad, 2018)

"Studying abroad for a semester at the University of Mary Washington in Virginia has been the best experience of my life.

"I have experienced American culture first hand, including their different wildlife and college life itself. I lived in Framar house, the international living community, where everyone was so friendly and welcoming.

"I have made so many lasting friendships with Americans and other Internationals. Campus life was always thriving with different events for everyone to get involved including school dances, different fairs and the University's tradition of Devil-Goat day.

"I feel I have progressed both personally and academically and my cultural awareness has grown considerably. Despite being in one country, I learned about so many others just through meeting new people.

"I took every opportunity I could to travel around the States. I got to know Washington D.C. really well and to explore cities like Charleston, North Carolina, Savannah, Georgia and of course New York.

"If I could do it all again, I would without a second's thought. Anybody considering studying abroad should just go for it!"


Nadine Sioson, Ca'Foscari University of Venice, Italy (Year Abroad, 2017-2018)

"I missed the chance of going on a gap year before going to university, and since I have no direction to take after university yet, I've decided to take my time and embark on a year abroad. At first, the sole reason I went was to feed my travel bug. I ended up bringing so much more than my travel experiences.

"Everything was new to me back then: the language; the culture; and the people. Now, I'm in intermediate level in Italian which makes me stand out when applying for jobs. 

"I was also constantly fascinated by the culture I was immersed to everyday. I learned things you wouldn't normally know unless you experience it. Lastly, the people I've met made my stay unforgettable. They've surely helped pave the direction I want to take in the future.

"Studying abroad is one of the wisest decision I've ever made. My year in Venice is something I'll never forget, sometimes I even regret taking it for granted. I was really lucky to have spent a year there!"

Elena Crowle, University of Ottawa, Canada (Year Abroad, 2017-2018)

"I had known that I wanted to study abroad even before starting university, so when I was accepted to study at the University of Ottawa for a year I couldn't have been more excited. 

"My time spent studying in Canada was an incredible experience that really allowed me to expand my horizons; giving me a new perspective on my studies, opportunities to get involved in a whole host of new activities, and the chance to make lasting friendships with people from around the globe. 

"I was also lucky enough to spend a month travelling across Canada at the end of the academic year which boosted my independence and confidence tenfold, all while exploring such a stunningly beautiful country. 

"Although the idea of studying abroad can be quite daunting (I know that I was more than a little nervous before setting off!), it really is such an amazing opportunity to put yourself out there and have the time of your life - I really couldn't recommend it any more highly!"

Dan Bentley, Year Abroad, Sofia University, Japan

"Studying abroad is so much more than going to university in another country. For me, studying in Japan allowed me to immerse myself in a new, exciting culture; learn a new language to a high ability, travel a beautiful country and make friends from all over the world.

"The impact my year abroad has had on me is incredible; I'm far more understanding and open to the scary and magnificent world that we live in and I'm more confident in myself and the direction I want to take after my time in Reading.

"We have so much to learn from each other and studying abroad is the perfect opportunity to be enriched by these amazing experiences. If you're having second thoughts about studying abroad, then that's okay , so did I.

"However, I can wholeheartedly say it's the best thing I've ever done! So, instead of finding the reasons not to go, find all the reasons why you should go and I promise you, you won't regret it!"

More stories

Read more of our undergraduate student stories

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Taz Usher

Taz speaks about working at the student union newspaper, The Spark, and the wealth of transferable skills she acquired.

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Sabita Burke

Sabita benefited from a wealth of internship opportunities, while enjoying the breadth of modules available on her course.

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Katie Halley

Katie speaks about the range of modules and opportunities available, as well as Teach First and TEFL placement opportunities.