Support
We offer support and advice for students before and after going abroad.
Pre-departure
All students who go abroad can access Surrey Abroad, where you will find information on travel, accommodation, health and safety, wellbeing and cultural preparation. You will attend a pre-departure meeting and will also be provided with a pre-departure guide which includes detail on logistical preparation, academic requirements and country specific information.
You are also invited to attend regular drop in sessions with our student Peer Advisers who offer application support and local advice.
In addition to support from the IEO, you will receive bespoke information and support from your relevant academic schools/departments.
Language preparation
If you are thinking of going abroad on exchange/placement, you may find it useful to review the language support available.
Post-placement
All students will be invited to attend an Employability and International Experience post placement workshop to help you unpack the skills you have developed during your time abroad and articulate your skills and competencies to future employers. You will also be able to get involved in future events and activities to continue your international engagement including:
- The Buddy Scheme pair up with a new incoming exchange student who will be new to Surrey
- Apply for a paid role as an International Mobility Peer Adviser
- Support with the Study and Work Abroad Fair and share your experiences with future exchange/placement students.
Contact us
You can get in touch with the International Engagement Office by emailing us at IEO.outgoing@surrey.ac.uk.
You can also speak with a member of the Outgoing Mobility team for support with funding, documentation, and any other questions as you prepare for studying and working abroad, while you are away, and on your return by booking an appointment.
Please note that Academic Exchange Coordinators are the best point of contact for any academic questions or concerns.
Peer advisers
Want to find out more about a particular institution from a student who has been abroad? Contact our International Mobility Peer Advisers during term time and find out more about your options and have your questions answered. They can also connect you with other returning students.
Want to hear about their experiences? Read their full stories on our blog.
Meet the peer advisers
Katy, BSc Business Management and French
HEC Montréal, Canada and work placement in France
Hi, I'm Katy, a final-year BSc Business Management and French student. I’ve just returned from my year abroad, where I first studied at HEC Montréal, a bilingual business school, taking courses in both English and Québécois French. For the second half of my placement year, I worked at a holiday and conference centre on the coast of France, near Montpellier.
Olivia, Bachelor in Sociology
University of Central Florida, USA
Hey ya’ll! My name is Olivia, one of your International Mobility Peer Adviser, in their final year studying sociology who just embarked on an incredible journey by going on a year long study exchange in America at Florida’s biggest university campus, University of Central Florida (UCF).
Taking the leap and studying in a country that I have never been to before, nor lived away from home for so long, has been the most challenging yet rewarding experience. Upon reflection, I can definitely say that I am 10 times confident, independent and self-assured than I was before I started my study exchange at UCF. Studying abroad has helped me in many different ways and I would assure you that it would be the same for you too.
Rochelle, BSc Business Management (Marketing)
University of Wollongong, Australia; Think Pacific, Fiji; IESEG Summer, France
Hello, my name’s Rochelle and I’m in my final year studying BSc Business Management (Marketing) at Surrey. I’ve previously completed two summer programmes in my first and second year, and this year I have completed a semester abroad on exchange at the University of Wollongong in Australia as part of my PTY.
Frequently asked questions
Read our frequently asked questions to answer your queries.