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Study Abroad Opportunities for Computer Science Students

Study Abroad Opportunities for Computer Science Students

Why should I consider studying abroad?
Studying abroad during your degree offers you an opportunity to broadening your horizons! For example, an exchange programme can provide you with:
•    a new perspective on different computer science topics
•    exposure to different learning skills and environments
•    a wide-range of new transferable skills (confidence, independence etc.)
•    an opportunity to develop your language skills and experience a different culture
•    an opportunity to build an international network of contacts

Another advantage of the UCD exchange programme is that you do not have to pay any tuition fees to your host university. Instead you register and pay fees to UCD as normal. You will also get full credit for the courses you study abroad. There are many exchange opportunities where courses are taught in English (e.g. Australia, US), so you don't have to be fluent in a second language to take part.
What is the best academic year to study abroad?
We suggest that students undertake an exchange programme in the third year of their degree. This means that you should begin to make the appropriate preparations in 1st and 2nd year of your undergraduate degree for your year abroad. For example, you should probably take a foreign language electives to help you build the language skills necessary for your exchange programme. Also, if you plan on studying abroad in 3rd year, you will need to fill in and submitting your application forms to the UCD International Office in November-February of 2nd year depending on the scheme.		  
What are my study abroad options and what are the costs?
There are two UCD programmes on offer:
  • The Erasmus Exchange Programme: This is an EU-funded student exchange programme which encourages travel between EU countries. On this programme you can spend between 3 to 9 months abroad. EU nationals are eligible to receive an Erasmus mobility grant to cover some of there expenses (e.g., travel, accommodation). You can find an up-to-date list of host Universities here.
  • The International Exchange Programme: This programme offers students the opportunity to travel to universities not covered by the Erasmus scheme within and outside of Europe, with whom UCD has set up a special exchange agreement (e.g., Universitas 21 (http://www.universitas21.com/)). As with the Erasmus scheme, students do not have to pay any tuition fees to their host institution. However, UCD does not offer any cost of living grants for these non-Erasmus exchanges. You can find an up-to-date list of host Universities here.
Who can I discuss this with in more detail?
If you are interested in applying for either the Erasmus or International Exchange programmes contact:
  • Dr Michela Bertolotto for Erasmus Exchanges (michela.bertolotto(at)ucd.ie)
  • Dr Nicola Stokes for International Exchanges (nicola.stokes(at)ucd.ie)

In order to apply for either exchange programme you will need a recommendation from the School. So it is essential that you talk to academic staff about your intention to apply before sending application forms to the International Office (http://www.ucd.ie/international/).

FAQ Brochure: We have also put together a FAQ brochure for CSI students, which provides more specific details on exchange costs, funding opportunities, getting credit for units studied abroad, and a comprehensive list of universities that have exchange agreements with our school. [pdf]
 

 

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Study-Abroad-2011.pdf124.49 KB