Study or internship abroad

By studying abroad - during or after your studies – you can develop yourself further in your field of study, broaden your horizon, build a network and get a fresh outlook on your (future) professional practice. Make sure you have a clear goal: for yourself, for your training or the person who has decided on the grant of a scholarship.

Where & when?

Have a good look around before deciding on a good destination. Find out where there is a lot of attention for your field of study, whom you would like to study with, and whether it is a training with the right level.  Think about the practical side as well. What are the entry requirements and what is the legal force of your Dutch training and vice versa? What does the curriculum look like and how much time do you need for your studies?   

If you want to go abroad during your studies, the amount of time to do so is usually limited to a year and you get support from the course. You can apply for (small ) scholarships to finance it. If you go after finishing your studies you can basically go longer than a year. There are various larger scholarships you can apply for, but much depends on your own initiative. If it is clear what the best timing is regarding goals, work and private circumstances you can make a planning, including preparation and aftercare.

Practical and financial preparation

Practical

  • Apply in time and find out when you are sure to leave.
  • You take care of your finances and find out if there are exchange programmes.
  • You find a place to live and study. 
  • Inform all those involved from your academy and/or work on your departure adequately and in time.

Financial

  • Make a realistic estimate in which you list the costs for the preparation, the journey, the stay and the lessons. Also remember the additional costs related to auditions and possible import duties.
  • Determine how much it is worth to you and find out for which amount you can apply for scholarships, funds and sponsoring. 

Formal

  • For some countries, you need a visa or a residence permit; the application terms can be long and the documents are usually valid for a limited period of time.
  • Find out if you are allowed to work if you want to look for a job on the side abroad.
  • Make sure you and your properties are well insured.

Apply for a scholarship

If you still study, then start at school; the Amsterdam University of the Arts has a 'Internationaliseringsfonds' for students. If you are still studying in one of the faculties of the Amsterdam University of the Arts, consult the internationalisation coordinator. Many academies have their own mobility fund. If you have already graduated, or if you are looking for extra money, then look for different funds and look at the aims carefully. Pay attention to the deadlines, plan the applications, enquire about good examples and let outsiders look at your application before sending it. If you want to study abroad, download Grants/scholarships for doing a study or work placement abroad.

Directly to:

Financing your study

Information

Dutch Culture and On the Move provide more information on the possibilities, rules, funding and practicalities on studying abroad. On the website Wilweg.nl of Nuffic you can find information on studying and internships abroad. Nuffic is the Dutch organisation for international cooperation in higher education.