What opportunities are there for UK students in the EU?

Even after Brexit, UK politics students still have numerous opportunities in Europe, albeit with some changes. Here are several options:

Erasmus+ Alternatives:

  • Turing Scheme: Replaces Erasmus+ for UK students, offering funding for international study and work placements, including in Europe.
  • Other European Study Programs: Individual universities may have their own exchange agreements with European institutions.

Internships and Traineeships:

  • EU Institutions: Traineeships in the European Parliament, European Commission, or other EU bodies, though these may have different eligibility criteria post-Brexit.
  • NGOs and Think Tanks: Many non-governmental organisations and think tanks across Europe offer internships focused on politics, policy, and international relations.

Summer Schools and Short Courses:

  • Numerous European universities and institutions offer summer schools and short courses on political science, international relations, and European studies.

Conferences and Seminars:

  • Attend or present at academic conferences and seminars across Europe on political science and related fields.
  • Networking opportunities with European academics and professionals.

Dual or Joint Degree Programs:

  • Some universities offer dual or joint degree programs in collaboration with European institutions, providing exposure to both UK and European political landscapes.

Scholarships and Fellowships:

  • Look for scholarships and fellowships offered by European governments, universities, and organisations that support study or research in politics.

Language Learning Programs:

  • Enrol in language courses to enhance your proficiency in European languages, which can be beneficial for understanding local politics and improving employability in Europe.

Research Collaborations:

  • Participate in research projects or collaborations between UK and European universities, often supported by grants or funding from various organisations.
  1. Professional Networks and Associations:
  • Join professional networks and associations that have a European focus, such as the European Consortium for Political Research (ECPR).

Despite the changes brought by Brexit, these opportunities still provide valuable international experience and exposure to European political systems and cultures.

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That’s really encouraging to hear! It’s good to know there are still plenty of opportunities for UK politics students in Europe. Do you have any advice on how to find and apply for these internships or study programs? And are there any specific resources or websites that can help with this process?

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I think that Erasmus+ opportunities seem the most appealing. Would you be interested in pursuing one of these? Or would a traineeship be more useful to you?

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A good tip is to go through EU based IGOS and financial organisations that provide opportunities like internships. It’s also important to research where you want to stay as the EU is a diverse continent. You will likely find that many opportunities are located in Brussels and The Netherlands.

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What steps are universities in the UK taking to support students’ access to opportunities in Europe post-Brexit, especially in terms of exchange programs and research collaborations?

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Universities in the UK are continuing to support opportunities in Europe post-Brexit. Exchange programmes and study abroad continue to run supported by the Turing Scheme. Universities like Nottingham have partnerships with Universities in France, Spain, Germany, The Netherlands and many more. Research groups between universities also continue to collaborate on key research.

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See also this thread.

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This is super helpful! Thank you for this :slight_smile:

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