Creating connections across the world
Our community brings together staff and students from across the world right here on campus.
Maria Fox and Laura Dryhurst from the Student Opportunity team tell us how Warwick is helping students to gain even more international experiences further afield – and why this is important, both for individuals and the University.
Work directly with students? Find out how you can get involved.
Tell us about opportunities to live and study abroad – what does ‘short term mobility’ cover?
Maria: Our team help students to get involved in international study, work, research and volunteering opportunities outside of term time. This includes Summer Schools, run by most universities across the world. These typically offer one to four weeks experience of studying a subject of interest, not necessarily aligned to a student’s Warwick degree, in another country. We have Warwick led short term programmes as well, such as the chance to study in Venice or teach in Africa.
Many Warwick students choose to undertake volunteering experiences with international organisations, such as volunteering in rural communities in Fiji with Think Pacific, training as English Language teachers in Europe with GoToCo or working on a summer camp in the United States with JENZA.
Students are often eligible to apply for funding support.
What do departments find are the benefits of their students taking part?
Laura: We’re keen to help students make the most of these short term opportunities, and that’s because departments find their students are more confident, resilient, and employable. It can be seen in degree outcomes and even in improved National Student Survey results for departments!
The research backs this up. Those who undertake international experiences – for however long – are:
- 9% more likely to gain a 2:1
- 24% less likely to be unemployed
- 9% more likely to be in a graduate job six months after graduation
- 5% higher earnings after six months of graduation.
[Research by Universities UK International]
What do students tell you?
“This summer school was probably the most fun and enriching experience I have had in university so far. It was my first time travelling solo as well and I have built more self-trust and self-esteem throughout my week in Barcelona.”
Rasul, 3rd year Biomedical Science student
Barcelona International Summer School with our EUTOPIA partner Universitat Pompeu Fabra
Maria: Rasul’s story is just one of many students share with us about how they’ve benefitted from their experiences.
In the Study Abroad survey for 23/24 students told us that:
- 92% felt more able to adapt to and act in new situations
- 83% were more able to reach decisions
- 80% felt more confident and convinced of their abilities
- 61% said the experience had influenced their career plans.
How can colleagues get involved?
Please help us to spread the word – let your students know about these fantastic opportunities.
Funding opportunities close on 17 March 2025, and we want to make sure as many students as possible have the chance to consider applying.
If there’s anything you want to discuss with us, you can contact the team at shorttermmobility@warwick.ac.ukLink opens in a new window
This is just one example of how we’re putting our international strategyLink opens in a new window and the spirit of One World WarwickLink opens in a new window into action.