Coming to university is not only an opportunity to gain a greater knowledge and understanding of your chosen subject area, but also an opportunity to enrich your personal and transferable skills. Lecturers will often tell you to make the most of your time at university by grabbing every opportunity that comes your way; how better to do this than by studying abroad where you have the chance to experience the culture, history, and educational system of an international country. So if you were offered the opportunity to undertake part of your equine degree in an international institution would you do it?
So how does it work?
The way in which you can undertake a Study Abroad opportunity largely depends on the schemes run within your UK institution; there may be various types of opportunities even within one university/college! Some higher education institutes offer one-semester programmes where you are required to complete like-for-like subjects overseas. Other institutes allow you to undertake a range of subjects within a one-semester period, which fit in to the learning outcomes of your programme, but which are not necessarily equivalent to the modules you would be undertaking during the same semester of your home degree. You may also find that your institute offers a sandwich year programme during which you can spend the whole academic year at an international institute, often between levels two and three of your home degree programme.
On completion of your period of study, your home institute will grant you credit for the classes you complete within this time. Where a study abroad sandwich year is offered, there are normally a set number of academic credits attached to the completion of the year, as opposed to individual classes. It is important that you find out the requirements of your particular study abroad programme and ensure that any classes undertaken are pre-approved by your home institute in order to prevent extending your graduation date!
What are the academic benefits of studying abroad?
When studying at an international institute you are not just learning within lectures, seminars or during your private study periods, you are learning the whole time and this will translate in to rewarding benefits later in both your academic and employment prospects. By experiencing education within an international institute you are demonstrating your ability to challenge your comfort zones whilst adapting to new and unfamiliar environments as well as stimulating your interest within a new academic environment. You will experience different teaching and learning styles at the same time as meeting, working and communicating with a diverse range of people. You may even develop your foreign language skills, depending on the international institute you go to. It is not only your educational experience that is enhanced by studying abroad – you will also bring fresh and new perspectives to those students you will be studying with.
Enhancing your employability
Within the current economic climate, the employment market for graduates from any degree, is highly competitive. More people are willing to relocate for employment, not only nationally, but internationally. Therefore being able to sell yourself above other applicants is a highly valuable skill. Potential employers look out for candidates who are self confident, adaptable, willing to undertake new challenges as well as being open-minded and able to problem solve; all of these skills are enhanced through undertaking a period of study abroad experience. By experiencing the equine industry within an international situation you are able to broaden your understanding of the global market and therefore the qualities you can bring to future employment.
Personal gains
So study abroad can enhance your academic experience and boost your CV; what about personal achievements? Going to a foreign country for more than just a two week holiday can be a daunting thought and it is a challenge that could, and should, push you out of your comfort zone. You will experience a variety of new customs, cultures and traditions, but in return, you will grow in self confidence and independence with an increased awareness of your own strengths and weaknesses. Studying abroad not only enables you to understand new cultures but also gives you the opportunity to review your own cultural values and biases. You will gain a whole new global network of friends as well as potential post-graduate educational and employment opportunities.
Case studies
Sian Ellis BSc (Hons) Equine Science student at Hartpury College:
"I decided to participate in the exchange programme with Delaware Valley College from Hartpury as I really wanted to experience living and studying in another country. The equine industry in America is completely different to the UK industry so it has been really interesting to see how the differences in teaching and course content reflect that. I also hope that by undertaking this exchange I will learn more about living in another western culture which is often perceived as similar to our own but is actually very different in many ways. So far I have been to Western riding competitions and to a rodeo, observed the behavior of a herd of feral horses, watched American Football and visited the American cities of Philadelphia, Washington DC and Baltimore. I am also planning to visit New York City and to have a go at Western riding myself while I am here! I would recommend studying abroad to anyone, there are no downsides to it and you will have memories from experiences you will never forget!"
Alice Chatham BSc (Hons) Equine Science student at Hartpury College:
“As part of the BSc (Hons) Equine Science I was offered the chance to take part in an Exchange Programme with Delaware Valley College, Pennsylvania, USA during the first semester of my second year. I jumped at the chance as I thought it would be a great opportunity to broaden my horizons whilst also studying at the same time. I also hope that employers will look favorably on it as it will set me apart from the other graduates by showing independence, maturity and a willingness to go beyond the basic requirements. Whilst in the USA I have also had enough time to go out and do lots of travelling such as Washington DC, New York, Philadelphia and Las Vegas! I like to travel and this particular programme has enabled me to do both study and travel, without having to take an extra year out. I would highly recommend taking part in a study abroad programme!”
Lucy Tearle BSc (Hons) Equine Science student at Hartpury College:
I decided to study in America as I thought it was an amazing opportunity that I shouldn't let pass by. The moment I heard about the exchange programme with Delaware Valley College, I knew straight away I was going to do everything I could to go. The more I looked into doing it and everything it involved, the more I wanted to be there. The main reasons I wanted to go on the exchange, was the adventure involved of going and doing something new, challenging myself in a different way while continuing my degree at Hartpury. I felt that to study in America would give me a different perspective, as the techniques and style of teaching would be different as well as the experiences and knowledge that the tutors and instructors have. I already feel that I have learned a huge amount and not just from the lectures, the general way of life is similar in ways to that in the UK but at the same time so very different. Having an American roommate has helped in the transition into the American way of life, as well as helping open the door to our mini-American adventures. We have been to American football games and rodeos, as well as Washington DC and Philadelphia, and plan to do so much more. I'm so glad I decided to study abroad as it is certainly a time in my life that I will remember for ever and I feel it will, and probably already has, affected me in more ways than I realise. Loving it!!”
Article written and provided by Kirsty McDonald, Senior Lecturer from Hartpury College.
