Working abroad is a fantastic opportunity to combine professional development and cultural immersion, which is why so many students choose this option for their placement year or to gain valuable course related work experience over the summer.
Having industry experience by graduation is good, but having industry experience abroad is even better! Companies and organisations also benefit from hiring a foreign intern due to the fresh outlook and work ethic they bring in, so securing a traineeship abroad may be easier than you think.
Every year, many BU students work abroad either as part of their compulsory placement year, an internship or for voluntary work-based learning related to their studies.
- You can search for opportunities on MyCareerHub, or you can find a traineeship using your own contacts or by conducting research online
- The Turing Scheme funding can you cover some of the expense incurred by undertaking an overseas traineeship or work experience globally
- You can also use the ‘GoinGlobal Overseas Job Vacancy System’ in MyCareerHub to search for overseas job opportunities and read practical information about cost of living, accommodation and more.
Funding available for work overseas
If you decide to undertake an opportunity abroad you might be able to benefit from funding to contribute towards some of the costs of your activity:
- BU Turing Scheme funding is available to all BU students and recent graduates undertaking mobilities globally with a duration between 4 weeks and 12 months, between September and August
- If you would like to know more information about the Turing Scheme funding and the eligibility and quality assessment requirements, please visit the relevant web pages or email the team at: [email protected]
Eligibility criteria for funding
There are certain criteria you must meet to be eligible for funding through the Turing Scheme:
- If your overseas traineeship is part of your official BU placement year, then it must have been approved by your faculty's Placement Coordinator before you apply for funding
- If your overseas traineeship is voluntary (ie not part of your BU placement) then you will need to evidence how it relates to your BU degree subject area
- Your application for funding must be submitted as early as possible.
Please note that additional eligibility criteria may apply. You can find more details about this, and how to apply for funding, on the Turing Scheme page.
Important information about traineeships overseas
Please be aware that some companies and/or internship agencies will insist on obtaining a contract signed by the student, BU and the company. Please note that we will not sign any contract other than the Turing Scheme at BU Traineeship agreement. This shouldn’t pose a problem, but you may need to explain our terms to your potential employer.
For further advice
Our drop-in sessions are every Monday (virtual/in-person) and Wednesday (in-person) afternoons during term time. The sessions are open to all students wanting to find out about opportunities to study and work overseas during your degree and the funding available to support you.
Looking to drop-in?
- Mondays, 1pm - 3pm: Join us online via Microsoft Teams, search "BU Study and Work Overseas Drop-in"
- Mondays, 1pm - 3pm: Visit us in person in the Careers Zone, Bournemouth Gateway Building, Lansdowne Campus
- Wednesdays, 1pm - 4pm: Visit us in person at the Careers Zone, in The Hub, Poole House, Talbot Campus.
