How to choose the right host university for you when applying to do a study exchange

By Andreaa Tint, Student Mobility Coordinator

Spending a semester or a year abroad can be one of the most fulfilling experiences of your university career. You’ll meet people from all over the world, discover a new culture, become more resilient and self-confident, try new foods, even pick up a new language or visit breathtaking locations and so much more.

Before you do all that, however, you have to choose your host university. As part of the University of Glasgow’s study abroad application, students can pick up to three potential host universities. You can use the destination finder tool to see what options are available.

Here are a few things you should consider while researching your study abroad destination.

Academic suitability

At UofG, the courses students take while on their year abroad form part of their degree without adding an extra year or semester unless they’re studying a language, such as Spanish or French. Other universities have different policies when it comes to courses taken while studying abroad.

As you research potential host universities, it’s important to consider how they’ll meet your individual academic needs. Most universities publish their course catalogues on their websites well in advance of the start of the academic year. You should take your time to carefully research this and check what courses are available to exchange students at the partner universities you’re interested in.

You should also consider teaching and assessment styles. For example, some students prefer having smaller assignments throughout the semester while others would rather have a single exam that makes up more of their grade.

While studying at the Free University of Brussels, some of Eszter's classes didn’t have exams or essays ‘which might sound awesome, but I realise now that this also means less reassurance and feedback...’

Student Life and support

When it comes to finding the right host university, you should look beyond academics too. Student life can be very different from one partner university to another. Researching student societies and clubs, sports teams, events on campus and other aspects of everyday student life will also help you feel more prepared for your study exchange.

Poppy chose Radboud University Nijmegen because she learnt that it was very international-student friendly and offered lots of student activities.

Your first few weeks attending a new university in a new country can sometimes be stressful as you adapt to your new environment and perhaps experience culture shock for the first time. Getting to know the campus and the host university ahead of time, from activities you can get involved in to support available to international students, will allow you to navigate the first few weeks of your exchange more easily.

Location and accommodation

On that note, you should also research the host university’s location and accommodation options. Some students might prefer a small-town university while others might thrive in a busy city environment like Glasgow. In both cases, you’ll want to know where the closest grocery stores or good coffee shops are and whether the bus or the metro will get you from your accommodation to your early morning lectures.

Some partner universities have on-campus accommodation options for exchange students, while others will require you to find your own private accommodation. Before choosing your preferred host universities, you should carefully consider your individual needs and personal preferences to avoid any disappointment down the line.

Travel and culture

Many students use their time abroad to explore their new country or region and learn more about a new culture. If this is something you want to do, it’s worth checking the train connections from your host city as well as popular day trips or local places to visit.

Adapting to a different culture can be both exciting and challenging at times. Learning more about your host country before you arrive can help you overcome any feelings of culture shock or stress and help you make an informed decision about your destination. Study abroad travel blogs are a good way for you to learn about your potential host country from other students who are either currently abroad or have recently returned.

During her exchange in Italy, Jenna encountered various forms of culture shock, including just by crossing the road.

Learn more and apply

UofG’s long-established study abroad programme has a wide range of opportunities for students. From Europe and the United States to Asia and Australia, the world is yours to explore.

Applications for the UofG 2024-25 Go Abroad Programme are open. Learn more about the eligibility criteria for the programme, attend one of the Go Abroad team’s Q&As and don’t forget to apply by Thursday, 7 December 2023.

Other resources

Go Abroad website: Explore the range of study abroad opportunities available and learn about the process for applying

Go Abroad Moodle: Get support and insight throughout the application process

Go Abroad blog: Read about the experiences of former exchange students and get tips on applying and making the most of your time abroad

Glasgow Careers: Register for the Go Abroad Drop-In Q&A sessions on the Glasgow Careers calendar