Frequently Asked Questions

Below, we answer some frequently asked questions about international exchanges in general:

• ​What is an international study mobility?​
• ​What is an international internship mobility?​
• ​Which destinations can you choose for an exchange?​
• ​Are shorter international experiences possible?​
• ​Can you gain international experience after graduating?​

Are you considering going on an exchange abroad, but encountering various obstacles that hold you back? Let’s go through them here and find out together whether these obstacles can be overcome.

• ​Is an international exchange right for me?​
• ​How much does an experience abroad cost?​
• ​Where will I stay during my exchange?​
• ​Can I go on exchange with a disability?​
• ​Will I have to study longer if I go on exchange?​
• ​What language skills do I need to go on exchange?​
• How much administration is involved in an international exchange?

Would you like to complete part of your studies abroad? That’s possible! Through the Erasmus programme, you can study for a semester or academic year at a partner university of your faculty within Europe.

But there are also options outside Europe. Many faculties have agreements with universities in Asia, North and South America, Africa and Australia.

See also: 'Which destinations can you choose for an exchange?'​

What does that mean for you?

• ​You do not need to study longer, because the courses you take abroad count toward your diploma at UAntwerp.
• You do not pay tuition fees at the host university.
• UAntwerp guides you throughout the entire administrative process of your exchange. See also 'How much administration is involved in an international exchange?'​

All information about the possibilities within your study programme can be found on the student portal.

You can also complete an internship abroad:

• Within Europe, this is possible through Erasmus, at a university, organisation or company with which your faculty signs an internship agreement.
• Some faculties also offer internships outside Europe, including in the Global South. Students in Medicine and students in  Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy often make use of this.

If you have questions about internship options within your programme, contact your faculty.

See also: 'Which destinations can you choose for an exchange?'​

Would you like to do an internship abroad after graduating? That’s possible too! See also: 'Can you gain international experience after graduating?'​

Each faculty offers destinations within Europe (Erasmus) and with French-speaking universities/organisations in Belgium (Erasmus Belgica). There are also destinations outside Europe.

• STUDY: Erasmus destinations (Europe) and faculty-specific destinations (outside Europe) that apply only to students of a particular faculty. The options are listed here.​
• STUDY: Institutional destinations (outside Europe) that – if your faculty allows it – are open to all UAntwerp students: National University of Singapore, City University of Hong Kong, Stellenbosch University, and Keio University Tokyo. In addition, we partner with several universities in Australia and the USA.
• INTERNSHIP: Erasmus destinations (Europe) and many destinations outside Europe. Internship places may be known by the faculty or can be proposed by students.

If you prefer not to go abroad for a full semester or academic year, there are other possibilities. Besides the standard Erasmus exchange or foreign internships, several faculties offer short mobilities, such as a group trip or summer school abroad. There are also initiatives around internationalisation@home, allowing you to gain international experience on campus:

• English-taught courses
• International guest lecturers
• Summer and winter schools at our university (Antwerp Summer and Winter University) with international participants

On the student portal, you can find all options for your programme under 'short international mobility'.

Absolutely! You can pursue further studies or an internship abroad after completing your degree. For some of these opportunities, scholarship programmes are available, and you must apply in the year before you graduate. All information about available scholarships can be found on this page.

It’s normal to doubt. You may recognise these feelings:

• Your environment (family, friends…) discourages you or does not fully support you.
• You’re afraid you’ll miss your partner, family, and friends too much.
• You’re worried you’ll experience stress, anxiety, or feelings of isolation abroad.

Many students have similar doubts. An exchange is a fantastic experience for many, but that doesn’t mean everyone feels the same way. Reflect carefully and ask yourself what feels best for you. Talk to the international coordinator of your faculty, to students who went on exchange last year, or to the staff at the Student Information Point. They will answer your questions and take your concerns seriously. You are not alone.

You can find testimonials from students who went on exchange here. And make sure to read the other FAQs, which address more common doubts.

That depends on several factors and varies from student to student. Consider:

• Duration of the exchange: A semester or year abroad costs more than a short mobility, such as a summer school or group trip.
• Destination: Housing, food and transport costs differ greatly between countries. You can take this into account when choosing your destination. You can find an overview of average costs per country here, and in many student reports on the student portal.
• Scholarships: Most international experiences offer scholarships that can ease the financial burden. However, scholarships are not always guaranteed and do not cover the full cost. You will still need to cover part of the expenses yourself.
• Free time: If you plan to travel a lot and eat out frequently, you will need a larger budget.

Tip: Create a budget plan in advance so you know what to expect and can avoid surprises.

If you’re unsure about financial feasibility, note that students from disadvantaged backgrounds may be eligible for higher scholarships. All information can be found on the student portal, and the International Relations Office can also assist you.

For an exchange abroad, you will usually need to find a student room or apartment yourself. For shorter study trips or internships, accommodation may already be arranged, but for longer mobilities you generally have to organise this. We have collected many tips to help you in your search. The two most important ones are:

• Start early! Some host institutions offer a limited number of student rooms, and you need to apply quickly.
• Check the reports from students who went before you. Where did they stay and what did they pay?

Remember that rental prices can differ significantly from country to country, so take this into account when choosing your destination.

Yes. UAntwerp aims to ensure that students with disabilities (e.g. chronic illnesses, motor impairments, learning disorders, etc.) also have the opportunity to gain international experience.

Contact your care coordinator to discuss what is feasible or to talk about doubts and concerns. There are also opportunities for additional funding. More information and tips can be found on the student portal.

No. The results you obtain abroad count towards your degree and are recognised by the University of Antwerp. An exchange will not extend your study duration.

This depends on your destination and the language in which your courses are taught. If you will take courses in the language of the host country, you must be able to speak it sufficiently. Not all host institutions offer courses in English, so check this in advance!

Your faculty may also impose specific requirements, such as a minimum level of Spanish for exchanges to Spanish-speaking countries.

Fortunately, there is plenty of support available. You can take language courses at Linguapolis, Altissia, Erasmus OLS and YUFE to improve your language level before departure.

Quite a lot, and we want to be honest about that. But you receive guidance throughout the process, as long as you read the information carefully and follow all deadlines.

The administrative process can be divided into four main groups:

1. Documents for UAntwerp: You follow an online step-by-step plan via Mobility Online.
2. Documents for the host institution: Each institution has its own procedure, which you must follow precisely. Keep an eye on their deadlines.
3. Scholarship applications: For destinations outside Europe, you may need to submit an online application (if you want to apply for a scholarship). For Erasmus destinations within Europe, this is not necessary. All information will be sent to students at a fixed time.
4. Visa and residence permit: This depends on the host country. Start the application early, since stays longer than 90 days often require more time than a simple tourist visa.