International Opportunities with Go Global 2026/27 Start your conversation with the world
Hello!
rough direct you th to d e n ig s e d e right This guide is eciding on th d f o s p te s l the initia r you, portunity fo p o l a n o ti a intern pply. and how to a ternational
r which in u can discove yo e, id . Going abroad gu is With th est fit for you b e th e b ld u wo ady planned opportunities hing you alre et m so e b t h ig , but either as a student m g you've never considered in eth urney. to do, or som u along the jo yo rt o p p su to e way, we're her panding your ent means ex d u st a ts come as ad e skills. Studen blemGoing abro lif le ab lu va g gainin lience, and pro horizons and nfidence, resi co d se ea elps you cr in erience also h back with p ex al n io at ve your Intern helps to impro solving skills. d an s w ie rv b inte stand out in jo ts. ec sp p with career pro ailable to hel av s n o ti p o g u don’t ral fundin most cases yo in d There are seve an , n io commodat travel and ac e skills. reign languag even need fo
1 | BATH SPA UNIVERSITY
Who we are ir 2026 pportunities Fa O al n io at rn Inte
2 4 5-6 8 - 12 13 - 14 15 - 16 17 - 18 19 - 20 21 22 23
ship Global Citizen road Semester Ab cements and ools, Work Pla h Sc er m m Su Research GALA
) and the ent Year (PPY m ce la P al n Professio am Placements te rs Money Matte avel Sustainable tr ion Accommodat
ellbeing Health and W
Who we are
Liz
The Go Global Team provides opportunities to study, work, and undertake research worldwide throughout your time at university. We are here to provide support from start to finish!
LIZ PULLEN (SHE/HER)
Global Exchange Advisor
Naomi
G in
NAOMI SANI (SHE/HER)
GIN DARCY (THEY/THEM)
Global Citizenship Course Leader
Global Exchange Adviser
Andy
ANDY BOYNS (HE/HIM)
Global Exchange Advisor
Where to find us
Go Global Office G02
The Go Global Office is in Main House, room G02, on Newton Park Campus. We are open Monday - Friday from 10am to 3pm, no appointment required! There will also be a member of the team at Locksbrook each Monday 10am-3pm in either the Café or The Street to chat with. Alternatively, if you would prefer to arrange a set time, just email us to book a one-to-one meeting on either campus. Semester Abroad, Summer Schools and general enquires goglobal@bathspa.ac.uk Global Citizenship globalcitizenship@bathspa.ac.uk @bathspagoglobal
Look for our stickers in the West Wing windows, under the clock GO GLOBAL GUIDE | 2
AURORA VERGANI LAW MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY BILLINGS, USA
AMBER SLATER WILDLIFE CONSERVATION HURON UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, CANADA
2
3 | BATH SPA UNIVERSITY
Go GLobal 's
INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FAIR 2026
Date for your diary! THURSDAY 12 NOVEMBER 10AM – 2PM Commons Atrium, Newton Park Campus Meet the Go Global Team, speak to other students, and learn more about international opportunities at Bath Spa!
Global Citizenship If you are interested in other countries and cultures, the global economy and politics, aid and development, sustainability, international business, and more, then the Certificate in Global Citizenship is for you! BREANNA PERRY DRAMA AND SECONDARY EDUCATION THE MIGHTY ROAR, TANZANIA
Apply in five simple steps!
"Throughout the last three years I have realised that Global Citizenship is not only about understanding other cultures, but also about reflecting on your own. Being a global citizen requires adaptability, openmindedness, and a willingness to learn from others, rather than assuming one perspective is superior.”
TALK TO THE GO GLOBAL TEAM Look out for Gin Darcy and the Go Global Team during Welcome Week and your course inductions.
5 | BATH SPA UNIVERSITY
THE FILL INATION C APPLIO F RM
Global Citizenship is a co-curricular course that runs alongside your undergraduate degree. It includes: •
Several lectures throughout the year from guest speakers on a variety of international topics
•
A forum debate in teams
•
A grant of up to £1000 per student to undertake an international placement relating to your degree
Deadline to apply WEDNESDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 2026 AT MIDDAY Please note that only first year undergraduate students are eligible to apply.
All students, no matter your degree subject, are invited to apply. Join the course and gain transferable skills to complement your degree, an international perspective, and the chance to make your CV stand out from the crowd. Application forms can be found here: www.bathspa.ac.uk/courses/intl-global-citizenship globalcitizenship@bathspa.ac.uk
FIND OUT IF YOU'RE THROUGH We'll let you know about the success of your application via your Bath Spa email address.
SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION BY THE DEADLINE: WEDNESDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 2026 AT MIDDAY (email as a Word or PDF document)
THE AT TEND E O C WEL MIN SESSION R OCTOBE
l successfu This is for d n a applicants Global g in rn tu re students. Citizenship
GO GLOBAL GUIDE | 6
1
BLISS GRYCE-BURSTON FINE ART SEIAN UNIVERSITY OF ART AND DESIGN, JAPAN “Before moving to Japan, I’d always been keen to pursue international work, as my practice and philosophies have been fundamentally influenced by global artists and cultures. I chose Japan out of a longtime admiration for Zen philosophy, their minimalist, considered dedication to aesthetic and vibrant creative scene. Crafts such as Sashiko embroidery, Boro and Kintsugi.”
MADDY LAWRENCE BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT (MARKETING) UNIVERSITY OF ROME TOR VERGATA, ITALY
7 | BATH SPA UNIVERSITY
2
Semester Abroad Bath Spa University is partnered with over 40 different universities worldwide. During your second year as an undergraduate student, you could spend one semester studying at one of these partner universities. A semester abroad doesn’t add any additional time to your degree and is completed either in Semester 1 or Semester 2 of your second year. You will take classes which match the degree you are taking at Bath Spa.
Eligibility criteria: •
You need to be averaging a grade of 2:1 and maintain good attendance in your first year
•
Apply by the February deadline
•
You will need to make a £50 holding deposit alongside your application; this will be returned to you on arrival at your host university*
What support is available to me? To help you with the process, the Go Global Team will: •
Offer advice and assistance when liaising with the partner university
•
Run pre-departure and returners sessions
•
Offer continuous one-to-one coaching and advice, should you need it
•
Welcome you at any time during office hours (see page 2)
*See terms and conditions on the application form.
Do I need to speak another language? Most of our partner universities teach in English. However, some universities require students to provide evidence of proficiency in the language of the host country. Additional language classes are sometimes provided by our partner universities.
Will a semester abroad impact my final grade? Statistically, students who go abroad are more likely to earn higher degree grades when they graduate. You’ll need to complete the equivalent of 60 Bath Spa University credits during your semester abroad, but no actual grades will be transferred – the placement is pass or fail. Students are responsible for obtaining official transcripts and ensuring they are received by the Go Global Team so that credits can be successfully transferred.
Find our Semester Abroad Guide and how to apply here!
GO GLOBAL GUIDE | 8
Semester Abroad: where you could go! We have over 40 partner universities all around the world which have all been checked and approved to ensure they offer relevant courses that match with ours. Check which universities offer your subject - you can only apply to ones that match your subject at Bath Spa. Please note that the exchange partners listed are subject to change and cannot be guaranteed. For more information on our partner universities and where you can go for your subject, read through Go Global’s Semester Abroad Guide which can be found online, or you can pick one up from our office in Main House!
9 | BATH SPA UNIVERSITY
Get in touch and we will be happy to advise you further! goglobal@bathspa.ac.uk
AUSTRALIA • •
Queensland University of Technology University of Technology Sydney
AUSTRIA • •
University of Art and Design Linz University of Salzburg
CANADA • • •
Concordia University Mount Royal University Huron University College
DENMARK • • •
Aarhus University Roskilde University University of Southern Denmark
FINLAND • •
University of Eastern Finland University of Turku
GERMANY • •
Kassel University ABK Stuttgart
GHANA •
Asheshi University
IRELAND •
Maynooth University
ITALY • •
Nuova Accademia Di Belle Arti University of Rome Tor Vergata
JAPAN • •
Shinshu University Seian University of Art and Design
MEXICO •
NAMIBIA •
University of Namibia
THE NETHERLANDS •
Radboud University
NORWAY •
Volda University College
POLAND •
SWPS University
PORTUGAL •
University of Lisbon
SINGAPORE • •
Lasalle College of the Arts Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts
SPAIN • •
Rovira i Virgili University University of Vic – Central University of Catalonia
SWEDEN • •
Stockholm University Linnaeus University
SWITZERLAND • •
St. Gallen University of Teacher Education Thurgau University of Teacher Education
TAIWAN • •
National Taiwan University of the Arts Taipei National University of the Arts
USA • • • •
Bennington College Columbia College Chicago Montana State University Billings Oklahoma City University
Tecnológico de Monterrey GO GLOBAL GUIDE | 10
Semester Abroad Your timeline 1.
Talk to the Go Global Team, research your options, and attend an information session.
APPLY HERE
Choose from one of these session dates: • Tuesday 8 December 2026, 9:30am or 5.30pm (in person), Main House, MH.1.11 • • Monday 25 January 2027, 2pm (online – email us to request the meeting link)
2.
Decide your first, second, and third choice of host university.
Complete your application and submit this with your deposit by:
MIDDAY ON WEDNESDAY* 10 FEBRUARY 2027
Submit a separate application directly to your host university according to their process so they can confirm your place.
7.
8. Attend a pre-departure session with the Go Global Team. * BSUL students see semester abroad guide for your deadlines. 11 | BATH SPA UNIVERSITY
9.
Complete your risk assessment and other mandatory paperwork.
3.
Attend an interview with the Go Global Team in mid-February 2027.
4.
Receive your results and accept your place by the deadline!
Your performance in the interview combined with your application will impact which university you will be nominated to.
5. 6. If you accept the host university you’ve been given, we will send your name and contact details to this university. This is called the nomination process (see our Semester Abroad guide for details).
Meet other students taking part in a Semester Abroad at our Go Global mixer on Wednesday 10 March 2027.
10. GO ABROAD! Keep us up to date with photos and videos. GET YOUR DEPOSIT BACK!
11. Attend a returners session and Go Global social, relive your experience with other students, and provide advice and guidance for future exchange students.
Shorter opportunities Going abroad for weeks or days rather than months can be cheaper and more accessible. These placements are really flexible – you can go anywhere you like, not just to one of our partners, and the only real rule is that it cannot clash with your classes! When can I go? • • •
Summer break between academic years. During your Professional Placement Year (PPY). January, if you have no classes.
How do I find placements? • • • • •
Speak to the Go Global and Career Teams. Go with a group of other students through one of our recommended placement providers. Use connections you already have, like friends or family abroad. Ask students on your course in the years above what they’ve done. Ask your tutors for advice on reaching out in your industry, or contacts they can give you.
Choose your own adventure! ents placem h c r a e Res
Work placements Summ er sch ools
EVE HESTER GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY SEED CONSERVATION PLACEMENT IN SAINTE LUCE, MADAGASCAR
“Every difficult moment has been a catalyst for personal growth, and each has taught me something valuable about myself, my resilience, and my ability to navigate complex situations.”
13 | BATH SPA UNIVERSITY
Research Placements Many degrees include a project or dissertation in the final year, and gathering research abroad can add a unique element to that. Talk to your programme leader about starting this process earlier than your fellow students – you'll need more time to organise your trip ahead of your final year! Students have collected river data in Canada (Mitacs), conducted interviews in Milan (self-directed dissertation research), and researched queer culture in Vietnam (self-directed dissertation research).
Work Placements Work experience abroad is a fantastic way to improve your employment prospects and gain valuable skills in a different environment. Students have interned in Vietnam (Intern China), run theatre programs in the USA (Camp America), and volunteered on farms in Spain (WWOOF).
Summer Schools
ZARA HUSSAIN GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY LANGIDALUR TRAIL TEAM IN ÞÓRSMÖRK, ICELAND
“The peace and sense of belonging I felt during my mere 3 weeks on this placement are invaluable experiences that have shaped me massively. As soon as it was open, I applied again last December to return to Þórsmörk (Thorsmork – meaning Thor’s valley or Thor’s forest) this August, this time with a friend I recommended who would be perfect for the role. Being able to share this with someone I know will value it has been a massive benefit, and I look forward to seeing how it shapes them, too.”
Gain additional expertise in your area of study without interrupting your time at Bath Spa. This is a great way to learn new skills and meet new people, staying on subject while living abroad. Students have gone to Czechia to top up their programming skills (Algebra Bernays University), undertaken language courses in Indonesia (BIPA), and done educational placements in Namibia (Windhoek University).
Learn more See pages 19-20 for our finance information to see what funding is available for work placements.
GO GLOBAL GUIDE | 14
Global Academy )#.# of Liberal Arts GALA is an international network of 18 universities across 15 countries that Bath Spa University is a founding member of. The universities in the GALA network are very diverse both in location and specialism. Likewise, GALA student placements are unique, and do not follow a preset pattern. You will need to take initiative and have an idea of how a visit to one of our partner universities could benefit you. GALA has supported over 150 students in travelling abroad to conferences, summer schools, and to undertake independent research. The GALA Outreach Fund awards students various amounts to help book travel, accommodation, and any other costs that relate to their trip. These placements can be as short as a week or as long as a month. If you are interested in doing a GALA placement, drop into the Go Global office at Newton Park (Main House G.02) or get in touch with the team at gala@bathspa.ac.uk.
15 | BATH SPA UNIVERSITY
www.gala.network @gala_network @gala_network
GALA Network Members: •
Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
•
Bath Spa University, UK
•
Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Kenya
•
Claremont Graduate University, USA
•
Columbia College Chicago, USA
•
Concordia University, Canada
•
Leuphana University Lüneburg, Germany
•
National Institute of Design, India
•
Saint Paul University Ottawa, Canada
•
SWPS University, Poland
•
Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Brazil
•
Universidad de Antioquia, Colombia
•
University of Namibia, Namibia
•
University of Parma, Italy
•
University of Udine, Italy
•
University of Witwatersrand, South Africa
•
Utrecht University, The Netherlands
PAUL SMITH FINE ART UNIVERSITY OF NAMIBIA, NAMIBIA
"During my time at university my art became more political as I became more globally aware. I am now more confident in being part of a global art community.”
GAVIN KAUFMAN MA SOUND (COMPOSITION AND SONIC ART) COLUMBIA COLLEGE CHICAGO, USA
“I feel very grateful to have been able to benefit from this wonderful opportunity. It was a truly inspiring and insightful week at Columbia College Chicago in a remarkable city.”
BECKY FARRELL MUSIC (JAZZ) COLUMBIA COLLEGE CHICAGO, USA
“As the nature of my project is ethnographic, being able to go to the city and experience the culture first-hand made the quality of my research more authentic and relevant than any I could have collated solely from a library.” GO GLOBAL GUIDE | 16
Professional Placement Year (PPY) and the Placements Team
1
2
1
2 3 3 17 | BATH SPA UNIVERSITY
Amorina Lee Wildlife Conservation Lionsrock Big Cat Sanctuary, South Africa Savanna Forster Wildlife Conservation Eric Atkinson, Montana, USA Beth Fuller Wildlife Conservation Eric Atkinson, Montana, USA
While speaking to the Go Global Team is usually the first step if you want to go abroad as a student, there are other teams across the university who can also help you find international opportunities, including the Placements Team. Doing a placement abroad is a fantastic way to increase your employability skills while gaining cultural capital, which is vital in a global economy. Here are some routes to accessing these through the Placements Team: Professional Placement Year: Students who undertake a Professional Placement Year (PPY) work closely with the Placements Team with support from Go Global where funding is available to support a placement based outside of the UK.
Help with your PPY
If you are currently not on a PPY pathway and would like to look into this further, please see the webpages for more details and reach out to the Placements Team by submitting a query on MyCareer.
Work Placements: If you are looking to go abroad to work, maybe for the summer, as part of a module, or for the whole or part of your placement year, the Placements Team is here to support you to find the right opportunity, helping to create CVs and cover letters, and provide interview guidance and information on external placement providers.
MyCareer
From volunteering in sea turtle conservation in Costa Rica to working in a fast-paced office environment in Japan, our students have travelled far and wide.
LUCY MURRAY BUSINESS MANAGEMENT (INTERNATIONAL) SUNNYLIFE, AUSTRALIA
"Completing my placement in Sydney gave me the opportunity to gain valuable industry experience in an international setting. It challenged me professionally, helped me develop confidence in the workplace, and broadened my understanding of working within a global business environment."
Get in touch and we will be happy to advise you further! placements@bathspa.ac.uk careers@bathspa.ac.uk
GO GLOBAL GUIDE | 18
Money matters Just like when you are living and studying here at Bath Spa, daily costs will still exist when you are abroad. These costs will vary depending on where you are going, what you are doing, and how long you are there for. For example, Norway is known as an expensive country mostly due to the cost of alcohol and food. But the rent for our partner University, Volda, has been very cheap for our previous semester abroad students, so the finances can balance out. Make sure to investigate all types of cost for the destination you're interested in before deciding if you can afford it.
I’m funding this entirely with my own savings and earnings – I don’t need any extra funding.
I know what I want to do! What now?
Investigate the cost involved! • Documents like visas, passports, and health insurance • Travel costs • Accommodation (utility fees and essentials like bedding, kitchen items, etc.) • Placement or course fees • Additional course books and supplies • All the things you already pay for here (food, shopping, going out)
19 | BATH SPA UNIVERSITY
I need extra funding.
Go on your Glob al Adventure !
LOIS BREW ER MEDIA CO MMUNICA TIONS AND PUBLI SHING VOLDA UN IVERSITY COLLEGE, NORWAY
"In terms o f fin surprised to ance, I was fin Norway wa d that my rent in s very chea p (around £300), whic h was a ma ssive difference to what I w as paying in Bath! Altho ugh food is expensive, I still think I saved mon ey being in Norway vs Bath, a win win!.”
Check out our BSU grants and bursaries:
Before you go, don’t forget: • Apply for funding as soon as you can, ahead of the deadline. • Make sure you are not double funding. • Complete all your pre-departure paperwork.
Don't forget there’s money available outside of BSU: • Student Finance Travel Grant • Local Rotary Clubs (look at your hometown as well Bath/London) • Royal Commonwealth Societies across the UK and internationally • GANE Trust (for Art and Design students) • BUTEX annual scholarship competitions • Twinning associations • Talk to local businesses and charities where you live for sponsorship
Go on your Glob al Adventure !
Don’t forget to complete any post-trip paperwork!
GO GLOBAL GUIDE | 20
Sustainable Travel Many placements, whether they are work, travel, or research-based are accessible by sustainable travel routes. We encourage you to consider how you travel. Why it matters Travel is often the biggest source of carbon emissions for exchange students. Small choices – like taking a train instead of a plane and travelling light can add up to a meaningful impact. Just making one or two of these changes helps support a more sustainable world.
Rail Travel in Europe Map of rail routes:
If you are travelling long distance: • • •
Fly direct when possible — avoid extra take-offs/ landings Look for newer aircraft like the Airbus A350 or Boeing 787, which use less fuel Pick airlines that share information about their sustainability policies or use Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
Pack light • •
Less weight = less fuel used Take only what you need - ask about shopping locally for essentials
If you are travelling within Europe... • •
Could you use the Eurostar or ferry? Use public transport for travel from Bath to the airport
While you are studying/travelling abroad When possible, walk, cycle or use public transport. Using public transport also allows you to experience local culture and landscapes during your travels!
21 | BATH SPA UNIVERSITY
Eurostar:
Rail Europe:
Seat61:
Interrail:
Accommodation Accommodation is a key consideration when undertaking an international placement. For our Semester Abroad students your host institution will help guide you in finding accommodation. If you are out on a self-found placement your host will often assist or guide you, but where they are not able to do so here are some options to consider: •
Reach out to the local university to see if they have spare rooms.
•
Look into youth hostels - some hostels have private rooms you can book.
•
Check out online short-term let websites.
•
Do you have any friends or relatives in the area or within commuting distance?
Always do detailed research on the area you are staying in and make sure you have read all contracts thoroughly. Join the Bath Student Housing Discord server and ask about tenancy swaps.
AURORA VERGANI LAW MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY BILLINGS, USA
"I thought money might stop me from doing my semester abroad, but I just started working the moment I got my offer. By the time I got to Montana, I never had to stress about money once - I could just enjoy the experience. Honestly one of the best decisions I've made.”
Discord link
GO GLOBAL GUIDE | 22
Health and Wellbeing Medication and prescriptions It’s important when going abroad that you have your prescriptions ready before you leave and check the host country’s regulations on prescriptions and drugs in case they do not allow certain medications. You may need to apply for permission to take medicine into the country, even if you have a prescription for it. Take Japan, as an example: •
•
All medications containing stimulants are prohibited; this includes Adderall which is a standard medication used to treat ADHD. This means it would be illegal to take this medication into the country. If you needed to take more than a one-month supply of a prescription with you to Japan (of a medication permitted there), then you would have to apply for a special certificate of import before you travel. This process could take up to 3 weeks to complete.
Mental Health and Wellbeing While living abroad can be exciting, it can also be a stressful and anxious time, particularly at the start of your trip. It’s important to be aware of the impact that cultural and lifestyle differences can have and to look after your mental health. The organisation Go International provides links and resources for managing your health while abroad: http://go.international.ac.uk/digitalresources-healthand-wellbeing While you are away, you will still have access to Wellbeing Services as you will still be a BSU student when you are abroad. You will also have access to the wellbeing support that the host university offers its students, including their international support office.
23 | BATH SPA UNIVERSITY
Sometimes arriving in a different country can be overwhelming, and you might have the urge to immediately return home. It’s really important that if you’re feeling uncertain, you contact us for help and advice. If you leave your placement early, depending on the terms of any funding you have received, you may have to pay back some or all of your grant money, which is never a fun process, especially if you’ve already paid for flights and accommodation.
General Health and Safety For vaccination requirements (and evidence of vaccinations you’ve already had or may require) check www.fitfortravel. nhs.uk. Check the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website for specific advice for your destination country: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice If BSU has helped to organise or fund your trip, you are automatically covered by our insurance with UMAL. We recommend getting separate travel insurance on top of this, as not everything is covered by UMAL, and it’s better to be fully covered. Emergency Alert Services such as UMAL's Crisis24 Horizon: This service provides real-time travel alerts, including those related to safety, security, and travel disruptions. You can select specific countries, regions, or cities to receive notifications about. Use emergency alert services such as UMAL’s Crisis25 Horizon.
BETH BURTON JOURNALISM AND PUBLISHING QUEENSLAND UNIVERSITY TECHNOLOGY, AUSTRALIA
"Looking back, this experience stands out not just for where I went but for how it made me pay attention to people, places, and myself.” MIA LATKOVIC BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT UNIVERSITAT ROVIRA I VIRGILI, SPAIN
GO GLOBAL GUIDE | 24
MINNIE HARDING CRIMINOLOGY KANDERSTEG INTERNATIONAL SCOUT CENTRE, SWITZERLAND
"I summited my first mountain today and there is so much opportunity for international connections as even in my team of short term staff there are 30 different nationalities!"
BEN HOOPER BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT (INTERNATIONAL) AARHUS UNIVERSITY SUMMER SCHOOL, DENMARK
"From the first minute I felt like I was part of a community. The local student coordinators were so much more than paid guides – over the next 3 weeks they became firm friends of everyone who showed up to the many well run and varied social events. It was without a doubt one of the most welcoming experiences of my life."
25 | BATH SPA UNIVERSITY
Notes
GO GLOBAL GUIDE | 26
Information correct at time of printing – summer 2026
ILLUSTRATIONS BY SOPHS WEBB GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS GRADUATE 2023 @sophsillustrates
www.bathspa.ac.uk/go-global goglobal@bathspa.ac.uk