Studying abroad: the options

There are many good reasons for studying abroad:

• the opportunity to study in an institution with an excellent reputation worldwide
• pursuing further study in a specialised subject area or topic not available at home
• the opportunity to perfect a foreign language
• gaining life experience within an international, multicultural environment.

However, you need to do plenty of preparation before making your decision. The most popular study destinations abroad for Irish students are the UK and the USA. 
The UK is easily accessible geographically, culturally and linguistically. The university system is the same as that in Ireland. Study opportunities in the UK are wide ranging, with opportunities at both taught and research level in every possible specialist area, including postgraduate conversion courses. The USA is a traditional route for students very committed to further specialist research in all areas, and especially in the sciences. Your final choice of location is likely to be driven by a combination of factors, including subject choice, reputation of an institution and/or individual course supervisor, personal preference and funding availability. A visit to your chosen destination before you commit to the course is recommended but it might not always be realistic so your research at home has to be even more thorough than if you were planning to continue your studies in Ireland. At the very least, speak to and correspond by e-mail with course tutors/supervisors and current students. 

Researching the options

Your first search should be within your own department or faculty. Discuss your plans with some of your lecturers. They may have studied abroad themselves and are often part of a wider international academic network, so they are a source of valuable information. Begin your research as early as possible – up to 18 months before your intended start date is not unreasonable. Investigate whether your careers service runs a briefing session on studying outside Ireland and begin to establish which institutions offer the courses that appeal to you. Most course prospectuses are available on the internet. While your initial research will probably focus on course content, don’t forget to investigate additional factors such as:

• campus location (in or out of town) and facilities (library and IT resources, accommodation)
• course and living costs
• exact course start date and duration
• entry requirements and overall standards
• potential sources of funding
• application processes – there may be a lengthy submission required and most US colleges will require applicants to sit a test.

Seek to establish, too, if there is any specific support available for overseas students, particularly on arrival. 

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