Going abroad during your studies at Erasmus University Rotterdam is a great way to broaden your perspective. You develop academically, grow personally and build a valuable international network. International experience is also a strong asset on your CV. In an increasingly global labour market, many employers see this experience as a clear advantage.
On this page you will find an overview of your options to go abroad during your bachelor or master programme. You can read more about study exchange, internships abroad, summer schools, study trips, volunteer work and completing a full master’s programme abroad after your studies.
Your faculty is your starting point
If you want to know whether you can go abroad as part of your bachelor or master programme, when you can go, where you can go and how the process works, your faculty’s international office is your main point of contact. You can find contact details via the Contact info per faculty page.
Preparation & deadlines
Taking time to prepare is essential if you want to go abroad during your studies at Erasmus University Rotterdam. Not everything will go exactly according to plan, but students who have been abroad usually say the experience is worth the effort.
When you plan your stay abroad, be aware of the following points:
- Some application deadlines are strict and may only occur once a year
- It is advisable to start preparing at least a year in advance
- Your faculty can provide the specific deadlines that apply to your situation
Types of opportunities abroad
As an exchange student, you can study abroad for one or two semesters at one of your faculty’s partner universities. Exchange programmes are organised on the basis of institutional or faculty-level agreements.
For study exchange:
- You temporarily follow courses at a partner university abroad, while remaining enrolled at Erasmus University Rotterdam.
- Your faculty decides which partner universities are available for your programme.
- Selection requirements, language requirements and application procedures differ per faculty.
For selection requirements and application procedures, always check with your faculty’s international office. You can find more more detailed information as an Erasmus University Rotterdam student via the exchange pages in MyEUR. Any specific terms and conditions should be verified with your faculty.
Erasmus+ scholarship
Erasmus+ is the European programme for education, training, youth and sports. The programme runs from 2021 till 2027. This programme gives students the opportunity to go abroad for study exchange or an internship.
Erasmus+ for Studies and Internships is funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or National Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
Doing an internship abroad gives you the opportunity to discover whether working abroad suits you. It is also an ideal way of getting to know an organisation, especially if you are considering applying for a job at that organisation, or one similar to it, after your studies.
If you are looking for an internship abroad:
- Explore our list of organizations offering guidance in your search.
- Check what kind of support you receive with finding a placement, applying and arranging practical matters.
- Coordinate your plans with your programme and faculty, for example regarding recognition of your internship within your study programme.
For more information on internships abroad, you can contact your faculty’s international office. You can also make use of the career advisors at Erasmus University Rotterdam, for example to get feedback on your motivation letter.
Erasmus+ scholarship
Erasmus+ is the European programme for education, training, youth and sports. The programme runs from 2021 till 2027. This programme gives students the opportunity to go abroad for study exchange or an internship.
Erasmus+ for Studies and Internships is funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or National Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
Many universities organise special summer schools or short summer courses. These are ideal if you are looking for a shorter international experience and want to earn additional credits or explore a new topic.
Keep the following in mind:
- Most registration deadlines for summer schools are around March or April each year.
- When you choose a summer school, consider the topic, location, duration and practical aspects such as costs, visa and housing.
- Useful websites include:
UNIC Summer Schools & the A.A. van Beek Scholarship
UNIC, an alliance of ten universities across Europe, offers five A.A. van Beek scholarships of €2000 each for EUR students applying to a partner university's summer school. Through the link below, you can find all available summer schools and more information about the scholarship.
Many study associations organise international study trips at least once each academic year, offering students the opportunity to gain international experience alongside their studies. Check if your study association organises one of these trips!
There are various organisations that can help you do volunteer work abroad, especially in developing countries. Examples include:
Doing a full master’s degree abroad can be a good option if you would like to specialise in a certain discipline that may be better developed in another country. Another advantage is that several funding bodies offer grants or scholarships to students going abroad for their master’s degree, on the condition that you have completed a bachelor’s degree in the Netherlands first.
If you are considering a full master’s programme abroad after completing your studies at Erasmus University Rotterdam, keep the following points in mind.
Enrolling at a university abroad
A full master’s programme abroad does not usually fall under an exchange agreement. In most cases, you apply directly to the foreign university and enrol as a regular degree student. This means:
- You pay tuition fees directly to the foreign institution, and these fees are often higher than Dutch tuition fees.
- You are responsible for your own application and all practical preparations, such as housing, visa and insurance.
Finding the right master’s programme
Use your network to identify suitable programmes:
- Ask lecturers for recommendations.
- Talk to international students about universities in their home countries.
- Decide first which country or region interests you, then search for programmes that match your academic and personal goals.
You can use various websites for your orientation. Information on these websites can change; always verify details, conditions and deadlines with the university or organisation that offers the programme.
Start early
Consult the website of the foreign university to see how and when you need to apply:
- Application deadlines are often well before the start of the programme.
- The application process can be time-consuming, for example because you need to collect documents or arrange a visa.
Studying or working in the Netherlands with a foreign diploma
If you plan to continue your studies or work in the Netherlands with a foreign master’s diploma, you may need to check how your qualification is recognised and valued.
You can find more information on the website of Nuffic. Always check there for up-to-date procedures and conditions.
Useful websites for your orientation include:
- WilWeg.nl (general information)
- Mastersportal.com
- Fulbright Center (United States)
- British Council (United Kingdom)
- Institut Français NL (France)
Also check whether there is a local organisation in your destination country that can provide advice and information.
Outgoing exchange
Exchange during your time at Erasmus University Rotterdam
Go abroad with UNIC
This European alliance offers exchange, internship, summer school and excursions abroad.
Sustainable travel options
You can make a conscious choice to travel more sustainably, Erasmus goes green!
Testimonials internships abroad
It was a unique experience: Beyond career growth, living and working abroad offers invaluable personal development.
It was not possible for me to pursue this internship without the Dutch2USA grant. The team also helps with other things and if you have questions.
Be prepared, sort out the logistics, and fully embrace the experience. Interning abroad is an incredible opportunity to grow personally and professionally.
