Working Abroad
Working Abroad allows you to spend part of your undergraduate degree working with a global employer and develop your global business networks.
We have relationships with many employers in Europe and across the globe.
Travel Advice
UMAL, have confirmed there will still be cover for Covid-19 related emergency medical expenses but that Covid-19 will be excluded from travel curtailment and disruption claims.
Please read through the policy carefully.
With restrictions easing we are in a position to assess opportunities for future international mobility that are considered essential to the student experience.
We advise you to continue preparations but to avoid making financial commitments to cover flights, accommodation, insurances or payments to internship providers.
Below are the Q&As in relation to Mobility during Coronavirus
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I intend to do a work placement abroad. What steps do I take?
It is mandatory for all students to complete a Travel Preparation Assessment Form which will indicate your preparedness for going abroad.
Your submitted form will be reviewed by Employability & Careers and your Placement Tutor.
You will receive an email regarding the outcome of your mobility and advise you on the current FCDO guidance in your host country.Remember that mobility will be reliant on FCDO guidance at the time of travel and can be revoked prior to the start of your placement. We ask that you avoid making any financial commitments.
If your work placement is in the Republic of Ireland, you will not need to undertake this process.
Under no circumstances should you start your mobility without prior approval.
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Is it mandatory to complete a Travel Preparation Form?
Yes, all students hoping to work abroad this academic year will also be responsible for filling out a Travel Preparation Assessment prior to the start of their mobility. This form will help us and your placement tutor assess the potential risks of your mobility.
You will need to submit a Travel Preparation Assessment form minimum 2 weeks prior to departure.
The aims of the form are to:
- Help you to prepare for your time abroad.
- Identify in advance any problems you may have during your time abroad relating to the environment in which you will be living and working, the activities you will be undertaking, and your day-to-day life.
- Consider ways of reducing the potential for these problems by using the information and resources available here at the University before you leave.
Please be mindful when completing this mandatory form, as it will be reviewed by employability & Careers as well as your Placement Tutor and will form part of the decision process regarding your ability to undertake your mobility.
You do not need to complete a Travel Preparation Assessment form if your placement is in the Republic of Ireland.
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Where to I find out the entry requirements of the host country?
You should be aware of all entry requirements both on-arrival and on return to the UK as detailed in the FCDO guidance You must complete the mandatory Travel Preparation Assessment form prior to your travel.
If you receive approval for your mobility before travel but FCDO guidance (for your host country) changes before the date you indicated you are traveling, you should contact us for more information.
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What happens if FCDO guidance changes before I'm due to travel?
This will apply to red list countries.
Before you travel you should confirm details with us and your host institution. Check the travel advice from FCDO and the living in country guide for the host country. Be mindful that your placement may not continue as originally planned.
If you receive approval for your mobility before travel but FCDO guidance for the host country changes before the date you indicate you are travelling you should not travel.
Please get in touch with us if this should happen. The University has indicated that no travel should be permitted without prior approval and appropriate FCDO guidance.
Once FCDO guidance permits travel to your host country, we will be in touch with you to let you know whether you are approved to go abroad.
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I've made financial commitments and now unable to travel due to a change in FCDO travel advice. What do I do?
This applies if your host country changes to a red country list.
The University has advised since the start of the pandemic "to continue preparations but to avoid making any financial commitments to cover flights, accommodation, insurances or payments to internship providers."
Should you have made financial commitments, speak to the provider first to seek clarification on cancellations and postponements due to COVID-19, and seek guidance from your host institution for any further help.
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What level of insurance will I have?
The University’s Insurance company, UMAL, have confirmed there will still be cover for Covid-19 related emergency medical expenses but that Covid-19 will be excluded from travel curtailment and disruption claims.
Please read through the travel insurance policy carefully.
Brexit - Work Placements in Europe
When the UK left the European Union this brought new rules and restrictions in the areas of travel and border controls. Students should read the Brexit Guidance from the FCDO website for the country they intend travelling to for details.
Students will be eligible to apply for funding for work and study placements that run until 31 May 2023. The UK will continue to participate fully in the current Erasmus+ programme. This means that Ulster University's current Erasmus+ programme will continue to receive funding for the full duration of the project.
Why Go Global?
Graduate employers increasingly seek recruits with multicultural awareness, adaptability and awareness of global business networks. International work- experience help you to develop these highly transferable skills which are proven to increase employability.
By travelling overseas and experiencing different work environments, people, cultures and organisations, you will not only develop your technical and professional skills but can confidently demonstrate to prospective employers that you are resilient, independent and adaptable, making you a valuable asset to their business.
Where do I look for international vacancies?
Even if your degree course does not include a compulsory industry-based work placement, many of our international work placement programmes can be completed during your summer break.
Use Handshake when searching for international work-based learning opportunities such as volunteering, summer internships and 12-month placement opportunities.
Ulster University are working in partnership with HigherEd – an online global career platform for students and graduates seeking international work placement opportunities. Hundreds of quality global internship and placement opportunities are available and updated every week from employers such as Amazon, Pespi, Nike, Google, Santander and L’Oreal.
Register on HigherEd and find internships, placements, and graduate positions that are relevant to you from companies around the world.
Start building your global network by signing up to the Alumni Networking Programme and use LinkedIn to monitor vacancies with your employers of choice.
Edge Accreditation
All short-term summer volunteering roles and internships are Edge Accredited activities under Category 5 - Developing a Global Vision.
Visit the Employability section of our website to find out more.
Support Available from the Employability & Careers Team
- Advice on how to source and secure an international work placement
- Regular updates on the short-term and long-term overseas work placement and internship opportunities, via Handshake, Go Global registration and our social media channels.
- Support and assistance with applications, including CV / resume preparation, drafting cover letters and interview preparation
- Information on funding available towards the cost of your international work placement.
- Meet staff from international partner organisations through on-campus events.
- Attend Pre-Departure workshops on how to prepare and plan for your international work placement.
International Opportunities to Study Abroad
Study abroad allows you to undertake part of your undergraduate degree outside of the UK at one of our exchange partner universities across the globe.
Studying abroad will count towards your degree with your final degree classification or your time abroad will be recognised in your degree title, eg BSc Hons Computing with DIAS (Diploma in International Academic Study).