A New Student’s Guide to Studying Abroad

When starting their university studies, new students have, among other things, the opportunity to spend part of their studies abroad. The Erasmus+ programme and other scholarship offers give students the chance not only to study within Europe, but also at many prestigious universities around the world. Every year, more than a thousand students of VSE set out to gain valuable experience that enhance both their academic and personal growth.

Studying abroad brings many advantages. It is a unique experience, during which students encounter new cultures, languages, ​​and academic environments. It can significantly expand your knowledge, skills, and competences, which will then help you to succesfully join the labour market in the future.

  1. One of the selection criteria that is considered are the study results (weighted average grade). This is always counted for the entire studies at VSE, so excellent academic results can help you get to the most sought-after programmes and universities.

  2. In order to take full advantage of all the academic and cultural opportunities that studying abroad offers, it is necessary to have sufficient language skills, at least at the B2 (CEFR) level. Some partner universities also require specific language certificates, and you get extra points for them in the selection process. Have a look at the specific requirements of our partner universities and consider getting a language certificate. VSE is an authorized Cambridge Assessment English centre and you can take the FCE, CAE or CPE exams here with the possibility of receiving a financial contribution from your faculty.

  3. If you want to get to know the life of a student in a foreign country in advance, and at the same time help one of the many foreign students who come to VSE every year, then we recommend signing up for the Buddy Programme. By participating in the programme, you will not only get 10 extra points for the selection process, but you can also get to know another culture, and practice a foreign language.

VSE in Prague cooperates with almost 250 universities around the world. Most students go on a study stay within Europe. However, thanks to its wide network of partners, VSE also enables students to travel to other non-European countries, such as the USA, Canada, Mexico, Australia, Hong Kong, Brazil or Singapore.

 

The study stay can be done in the 2nd year of bachelor’s studies, in the 3rd year of bachelor’s studies, or during the master’s degree. However, you can go once during the bachelor’s studies and then once again during your master’s studies at VSE.

The Erasmus Picker application allows students to choose the most suitable destination for their study abroad.

Those interested in studying abroad go through a selection process, which usually takes place once a year for the following academic year. Current dates, including individual criteria, can be found on the website of the International Office (OZS), which organizes the selection process.

Get inspired!

Experiences, photos, and videos of our outgoing students are continuously shared on vse_studyabroad Instagram and VSE Study Abroad Facebook.

Also in 2024, the series of student takeovers continues. Students can share their experiences and tips from their study abroad in the form of IG stories. All takeovers are saved on the vse_studyabroad profile so that students can constantly draw inspiration from them. Posts keep coming, and so both VSE Study Abroad’s IG and FB are definitely worth following!

vse_studyabroad

  • Can you believe the whole world is just one application away? ✈️

And in just two weeks, it’s your turn. Exchange applications will open and maybe your future memories are next! 💙

#VSEStudyAbroad #ExchangeYourLife #Erasmus #ApplySoon
  • Erasmus is less about the destination and more about daily life in a different context 🌍
Time spent abroad naturally brings exposure to new ways of thinking, behaving, and understanding the world. What remains is not a collection of images, but a set of experiences that shape perspective long after the stay ends ✈️🤍

#studyabroad #erasmus #exchangestudent #hongkong
  • 🌍 Choosing your Erasmus destination? Let’s make it a smart and exciting choice.

With dozens of partner universities just one click away, deciding where to study abroad can feel overwhelming. The right destination will shape not only your studies, but also your everyday life, friendships, and future opportunities. ✨

Before you apply, ask yourself the right questions:
📚 What do I want to study?
🗣️ Which language do I want to use (or learn)?
💰 What are the living costs?
🌆 Big city vibes or a smaller, calmer town?
🚀 And how will this experience help me in the future?

👉 We’ve broken it all down into 5 key questions to help you choose with confidence.

Read the full article via the link in our bio and find your perfect Erasmus match. 💙✈️

#VSEstudyabroad #ExchangeYourLife #erasmuslife #chooseyourdestination #vsecz
  • @vikivonbulys spent her time abroad at Universität Bern 🎓, and shared with us the 3 best and 3 worst parts of her experience in Switzerland🇨🇭✨

3 Best:
✨ People - I met lots of interesting people from all over the world. There are many international students, and thanks to the wide range of courses and lectures in English, it’s easy to connect. 
✨ Study system - The fact that so many classes are available in English makes studying accessible and enjoyable. Almost everyone speaks English fluently, which makes communication effortless. 
✨ Nature - Switzerland has the most breathtaking nature I’ve ever experienced. Living in Bern means you enjoy a cozy small-city atmosphere, while in just an hour by train you can be in the mountains or by a lake. Switzerland truly has everything. 

3 Worst:
✖️ Prices - Life in Switzerland is extremely expensive. Without a part-time job or significant savings, it’s very hard to manage. Since I wasn’t part of Erasmus but came as a Freemover and had a small financial support from VŠE, I had to look for a job in Bern, which wasn’t easy. Luckily, I eventually found work in an Irish Pub in the Old Town.
✖️ Accommodation - The university doesn’t offer its own housing, so students need to look on the private market. Options are usually either very expensive student lofts or shared flats. Flatsharing is especially common for just a semester, when local students go abroad.
✖️ Cuisine - Traditional Swiss cuisine is quite limited, with Raclette and Cheese Fondue being the main highlights. There are international restaurants, but eating out is very pricey, like almost everything here.

#studyabroad #freemover #switzerland #exchange #universitatbern
  • Norway calling! Make sure your phone is travel-ready. These must-have apps will make city life, travel, and outdoor adventures a breeze. 🌍✨

From Yr for accurate weather forecasts, Entur for getting around the country with buses, trains, and ferries, to Vy for booking scenic train journeys and long-distance buses. Your Norwegian adventure just got smarter. 🤩

#smarterasmus #apps #norway #exchange
  • BIG adventures start with ONE application — and turn into moments like these. 🫶

Catching up with our students abroad, collecting memories from all over the world. 💙✈️

Shhh... 🤫 exchange applications opening soon… 👀

#VSEStudyAbroad #ExchangeYourLife #Erasmus #ApplySoon
Can you believe the whole world is just one application away? ✈️

And in just two weeks, it’s your turn. Exchange applications will open and maybe your future memories are next! 💙

#VSEStudyAbroad #ExchangeYourLife #Erasmus #ApplySoon
Can you believe the whole world is just one application away? ✈️

And in just two weeks, it’s your turn. Exchange applications will open and maybe your future memories are next! 💙

#VSEStudyAbroad #ExchangeYourLife #Erasmus #ApplySoon
Can you believe the whole world is just one application away? ✈️

And in just two weeks, it’s your turn. Exchange applications will open and maybe your future memories are next! 💙

#VSEStudyAbroad #ExchangeYourLife #Erasmus #ApplySoon
Can you believe the whole world is just one application away? ✈️

And in just two weeks, it’s your turn. Exchange applications will open and maybe your future memories are next! 💙

#VSEStudyAbroad #ExchangeYourLife #Erasmus #ApplySoon
Can you believe the whole world is just one application away? ✈️

And in just two weeks, it’s your turn. Exchange applications will open and maybe your future memories are next! 💙

#VSEStudyAbroad #ExchangeYourLife #Erasmus #ApplySoon
Can you believe the whole world is just one application away? ✈️

And in just two weeks, it’s your turn. Exchange applications will open and maybe your future memories are next! 💙

#VSEStudyAbroad #ExchangeYourLife #Erasmus #ApplySoon
Can you believe the whole world is just one application away? ✈️

And in just two weeks, it’s your turn. Exchange applications will open and maybe your future memories are next! 💙

#VSEStudyAbroad #ExchangeYourLife #Erasmus #ApplySoon
Can you believe the whole world is just one application away? ✈️

And in just two weeks, it’s your turn. Exchange applications will open and maybe your future memories are next! 💙

#VSEStudyAbroad #ExchangeYourLife #Erasmus #ApplySoon
Can you believe the whole world is just one application away? ✈️

And in just two weeks, it’s your turn. Exchange applications will open and maybe your future memories are next! 💙

#VSEStudyAbroad #ExchangeYourLife #Erasmus #ApplySoon
Can you believe the whole world is just one application away? ✈️

And in just two weeks, it’s your turn. Exchange applications will open and maybe your future memories are next! 💙

#VSEStudyAbroad #ExchangeYourLife #Erasmus #ApplySoon
Can you believe the whole world is just one application away? ✈️ And in just two weeks, it’s your turn. Exchange applications will open and maybe your future memories are next! 💙 #VSEStudyAbroad #ExchangeYourLife #Erasmus #ApplySoon
7 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/6
Erasmus is less about the destination and more about daily life in a different context 🌍
Time spent abroad naturally brings exposure to new ways of thinking, behaving, and understanding the world. What remains is not a collection of images, but a set of experiences that shape perspective long after the stay ends ✈️🤍

#studyabroad #erasmus #exchangestudent #hongkong
Erasmus is less about the destination and more about daily life in a different context 🌍 Time spent abroad naturally brings exposure to new ways of thinking, behaving, and understanding the world. What remains is not a collection of images, but a set of experiences that shape perspective long after the stay ends ✈️🤍 #studyabroad #erasmus #exchangestudent #hongkong
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/6
🌍 Choosing your Erasmus destination? Let’s make it a smart and exciting choice.

With dozens of partner universities just one click away, deciding where to study abroad can feel overwhelming. The right destination will shape not only your studies, but also your everyday life, friendships, and future opportunities. ✨

Before you apply, ask yourself the right questions:
📚 What do I want to study?
🗣️ Which language do I want to use (or learn)?
💰 What are the living costs?
🌆 Big city vibes or a smaller, calmer town?
🚀 And how will this experience help me in the future?

👉 We’ve broken it all down into 5 key questions to help you choose with confidence.

Read the full article via the link in our bio and find your perfect Erasmus match. 💙✈️

#VSEstudyabroad #ExchangeYourLife #erasmuslife #chooseyourdestination #vsecz
🌍 Choosing your Erasmus destination? Let’s make it a smart and exciting choice. With dozens of partner universities just one click away, deciding where to study abroad can feel overwhelming. The right destination will shape not only your studies, but also your everyday life, friendships, and future opportunities. ✨ Before you apply, ask yourself the right questions: 📚 What do I want to study? 🗣️ Which language do I want to use (or learn)? 💰 What are the living costs? 🌆 Big city vibes or a smaller, calmer town? 🚀 And how will this experience help me in the future? 👉 We’ve broken it all down into 5 key questions to help you choose with confidence. Read the full article via the link in our bio and find your perfect Erasmus match. 💙✈️ #VSEstudyabroad #ExchangeYourLife #erasmuslife #chooseyourdestination #vsecz
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
3/6
@vikivonbulys spent her time abroad at Universität Bern 🎓, and shared with us the 3 best and 3 worst parts of her experience in Switzerland🇨🇭✨

3 Best:
✨ People - I met lots of interesting people from all over the world. There are many international students, and thanks to the wide range of courses and lectures in English, it’s easy to connect. 
✨ Study system - The fact that so many classes are available in English makes studying accessible and enjoyable. Almost everyone speaks English fluently, which makes communication effortless. 
✨ Nature - Switzerland has the most breathtaking nature I’ve ever experienced. Living in Bern means you enjoy a cozy small-city atmosphere, while in just an hour by train you can be in the mountains or by a lake. Switzerland truly has everything. 

3 Worst:
✖️ Prices - Life in Switzerland is extremely expensive. Without a part-time job or significant savings, it’s very hard to manage. Since I wasn’t part of Erasmus but came as a Freemover and had a small financial support from VŠE, I had to look for a job in Bern, which wasn’t easy. Luckily, I eventually found work in an Irish Pub in the Old Town.
✖️ Accommodation - The university doesn’t offer its own housing, so students need to look on the private market. Options are usually either very expensive student lofts or shared flats. Flatsharing is especially common for just a semester, when local students go abroad.
✖️ Cuisine - Traditional Swiss cuisine is quite limited, with Raclette and Cheese Fondue being the main highlights. There are international restaurants, but eating out is very pricey, like almost everything here.

#studyabroad #freemover #switzerland #exchange #universitatbern
@vikivonbulys spent her time abroad at Universität Bern 🎓, and shared with us the 3 best and 3 worst parts of her experience in Switzerland🇨🇭✨

3 Best:
✨ People - I met lots of interesting people from all over the world. There are many international students, and thanks to the wide range of courses and lectures in English, it’s easy to connect. 
✨ Study system - The fact that so many classes are available in English makes studying accessible and enjoyable. Almost everyone speaks English fluently, which makes communication effortless. 
✨ Nature - Switzerland has the most breathtaking nature I’ve ever experienced. Living in Bern means you enjoy a cozy small-city atmosphere, while in just an hour by train you can be in the mountains or by a lake. Switzerland truly has everything. 

3 Worst:
✖️ Prices - Life in Switzerland is extremely expensive. Without a part-time job or significant savings, it’s very hard to manage. Since I wasn’t part of Erasmus but came as a Freemover and had a small financial support from VŠE, I had to look for a job in Bern, which wasn’t easy. Luckily, I eventually found work in an Irish Pub in the Old Town.
✖️ Accommodation - The university doesn’t offer its own housing, so students need to look on the private market. Options are usually either very expensive student lofts or shared flats. Flatsharing is especially common for just a semester, when local students go abroad.
✖️ Cuisine - Traditional Swiss cuisine is quite limited, with Raclette and Cheese Fondue being the main highlights. There are international restaurants, but eating out is very pricey, like almost everything here.

#studyabroad #freemover #switzerland #exchange #universitatbern
@vikivonbulys spent her time abroad at Universität Bern 🎓, and shared with us the 3 best and 3 worst parts of her experience in Switzerland🇨🇭✨

3 Best:
✨ People - I met lots of interesting people from all over the world. There are many international students, and thanks to the wide range of courses and lectures in English, it’s easy to connect. 
✨ Study system - The fact that so many classes are available in English makes studying accessible and enjoyable. Almost everyone speaks English fluently, which makes communication effortless. 
✨ Nature - Switzerland has the most breathtaking nature I’ve ever experienced. Living in Bern means you enjoy a cozy small-city atmosphere, while in just an hour by train you can be in the mountains or by a lake. Switzerland truly has everything. 

3 Worst:
✖️ Prices - Life in Switzerland is extremely expensive. Without a part-time job or significant savings, it’s very hard to manage. Since I wasn’t part of Erasmus but came as a Freemover and had a small financial support from VŠE, I had to look for a job in Bern, which wasn’t easy. Luckily, I eventually found work in an Irish Pub in the Old Town.
✖️ Accommodation - The university doesn’t offer its own housing, so students need to look on the private market. Options are usually either very expensive student lofts or shared flats. Flatsharing is especially common for just a semester, when local students go abroad.
✖️ Cuisine - Traditional Swiss cuisine is quite limited, with Raclette and Cheese Fondue being the main highlights. There are international restaurants, but eating out is very pricey, like almost everything here.

#studyabroad #freemover #switzerland #exchange #universitatbern
@vikivonbulys spent her time abroad at Universität Bern 🎓, and shared with us the 3 best and 3 worst parts of her experience in Switzerland🇨🇭✨ 3 Best:
✨ People - I met lots of interesting people from all over the world. There are many international students, and thanks to the wide range of courses and lectures in English, it’s easy to connect. 
✨ Study system - The fact that so many classes are available in English makes studying accessible and enjoyable. Almost everyone speaks English fluently, which makes communication effortless. 
✨ Nature - Switzerland has the most breathtaking nature I’ve ever experienced. Living in Bern means you enjoy a cozy small-city atmosphere, while in just an hour by train you can be in the mountains or by a lake. Switzerland truly has everything. 3 Worst:
✖️ Prices - Life in Switzerland is extremely expensive. Without a part-time job or significant savings, it’s very hard to manage. Since I wasn’t part of Erasmus but came as a Freemover and had a small financial support from VŠE, I had to look for a job in Bern, which wasn’t easy. Luckily, I eventually found work in an Irish Pub in the Old Town.
✖️ Accommodation - The university doesn’t offer its own housing, so students need to look on the private market. Options are usually either very expensive student lofts or shared flats. Flatsharing is especially common for just a semester, when local students go abroad.
✖️ Cuisine - Traditional Swiss cuisine is quite limited, with Raclette and Cheese Fondue being the main highlights. There are international restaurants, but eating out is very pricey, like almost everything here. #studyabroad #freemover #switzerland #exchange #universitatbern
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
4/6
Norway calling! Make sure your phone is travel-ready. These must-have apps will make city life, travel, and outdoor adventures a breeze. 🌍✨

From Yr for accurate weather forecasts, Entur for getting around the country with buses, trains, and ferries, to Vy for booking scenic train journeys and long-distance buses. Your Norwegian adventure just got smarter. 🤩

#smarterasmus #apps #norway #exchange
Norway calling! Make sure your phone is travel-ready. These must-have apps will make city life, travel, and outdoor adventures a breeze. 🌍✨

From Yr for accurate weather forecasts, Entur for getting around the country with buses, trains, and ferries, to Vy for booking scenic train journeys and long-distance buses. Your Norwegian adventure just got smarter. 🤩

#smarterasmus #apps #norway #exchange
Norway calling! Make sure your phone is travel-ready. These must-have apps will make city life, travel, and outdoor adventures a breeze. 🌍✨

From Yr for accurate weather forecasts, Entur for getting around the country with buses, trains, and ferries, to Vy for booking scenic train journeys and long-distance buses. Your Norwegian adventure just got smarter. 🤩

#smarterasmus #apps #norway #exchange
Norway calling! Make sure your phone is travel-ready. These must-have apps will make city life, travel, and outdoor adventures a breeze. 🌍✨ From Yr for accurate weather forecasts, Entur for getting around the country with buses, trains, and ferries, to Vy for booking scenic train journeys and long-distance buses. Your Norwegian adventure just got smarter. 🤩 #smarterasmus #apps #norway #exchange
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
5/6
BIG adventures start with ONE application — and turn into moments like these. 🫶

Catching up with our students abroad, collecting memories from all over the world. 💙✈️

Shhh... 🤫 exchange applications opening soon… 👀

#VSEStudyAbroad #ExchangeYourLife #Erasmus #ApplySoon
BIG adventures start with ONE application — and turn into moments like these. 🫶

Catching up with our students abroad, collecting memories from all over the world. 💙✈️

Shhh... 🤫 exchange applications opening soon… 👀

#VSEStudyAbroad #ExchangeYourLife #Erasmus #ApplySoon
BIG adventures start with ONE application — and turn into moments like these. 🫶

Catching up with our students abroad, collecting memories from all over the world. 💙✈️

Shhh... 🤫 exchange applications opening soon… 👀

#VSEStudyAbroad #ExchangeYourLife #Erasmus #ApplySoon
BIG adventures start with ONE application — and turn into moments like these. 🫶

Catching up with our students abroad, collecting memories from all over the world. 💙✈️

Shhh... 🤫 exchange applications opening soon… 👀

#VSEStudyAbroad #ExchangeYourLife #Erasmus #ApplySoon
BIG adventures start with ONE application — and turn into moments like these. 🫶

Catching up with our students abroad, collecting memories from all over the world. 💙✈️

Shhh... 🤫 exchange applications opening soon… 👀

#VSEStudyAbroad #ExchangeYourLife #Erasmus #ApplySoon
BIG adventures start with ONE application — and turn into moments like these. 🫶

Catching up with our students abroad, collecting memories from all over the world. 💙✈️

Shhh... 🤫 exchange applications opening soon… 👀

#VSEStudyAbroad #ExchangeYourLife #Erasmus #ApplySoon
BIG adventures start with ONE application — and turn into moments like these. 🫶

Catching up with our students abroad, collecting memories from all over the world. 💙✈️

Shhh... 🤫 exchange applications opening soon… 👀

#VSEStudyAbroad #ExchangeYourLife #Erasmus #ApplySoon
BIG adventures start with ONE application — and turn into moments like these. 🫶

Catching up with our students abroad, collecting memories from all over the world. 💙✈️

Shhh... 🤫 exchange applications opening soon… 👀

#VSEStudyAbroad #ExchangeYourLife #Erasmus #ApplySoon
BIG adventures start with ONE application — and turn into moments like these. 🫶

Catching up with our students abroad, collecting memories from all over the world. 💙✈️

Shhh... 🤫 exchange applications opening soon… 👀

#VSEStudyAbroad #ExchangeYourLife #Erasmus #ApplySoon
BIG adventures start with ONE application — and turn into moments like these. 🫶

Catching up with our students abroad, collecting memories from all over the world. 💙✈️

Shhh... 🤫 exchange applications opening soon… 👀

#VSEStudyAbroad #ExchangeYourLife #Erasmus #ApplySoon
BIG adventures start with ONE application — and turn into moments like these. 🫶 Catching up with our students abroad, collecting memories from all over the world. 💙✈️ Shhh... 🤫 exchange applications opening soon… 👀 #VSEStudyAbroad #ExchangeYourLife #Erasmus #ApplySoon
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
6/6