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

  • Going abroad isn’t just about credits and classes—it’s about the people who stay with you long after you’ve come home, and discovering a piece of your identity you didn’t know was there. ✈️🤝

#studyabroad #erasmus #exchangestudent #italy
  • @karineessa spent her semester abroad in Turkey 🇹🇷 and shared with us the 3 best and 3 worst parts of her experience✨

3 Best:
✨University Campus: A huge campus with all the basic amenities including restaurants, a gym, a swimming pool, a tennis court, a library, study rooms, a cinema, and regular emergency services.

✨Activities: We were often given parties and excursions right up until our last day. We went to Cappadocia, on a hike, went to Topkapi Palace where the Magnificent Century series was filmed, and visited many world-famous museums.

✨New friends: Since we lived on campus we interacted closely with local students, among whom there were also many foreigners, so during this period I met many new friends and acquaintances.

3 Worst:
✖️Long distances: the city is very big and to get anywhere you had to travel for at least an hour, and of course, it was very tiring.

✖️Transport: public transport was more expensive than I expected, and getting around the city every day could become quite costly.

✖️Prices: I expected that prices in Turkey would be at least a little lower than in the Czech Republic, but no! prices are about the same, and sometimes even higher, especially for transport.

#vsestudyabroad #erasmus #studyabroad #turkey #internationalstudents
  • “Wherever you go becomes part of you somehow.”
– Anita Desai 

Every journey leaves something behind. New memories, new friendships, new places that start to feel like home…

And sometimes, the best part of going abroad is realizing that a little piece of it stays with you forever. 💞✨

#VSEStudyAbroad #ExchangeYourLife #StudyAbroadLife #FriendsAroundTheWorld #ApplySoon
  • Make sure your phone is ready for life in Denmark. These apps will make studying, travelling, and everyday life much easier. 🇩🇰

Rejseplanen – public transport planner for trains, buses, and metro in Denmark.
DBA (Den Blå Avis) – Denmark’s biggest marketplace for buying and selling second-hand items.
Donkey Republic – bike-sharing app with affordable rentals and student discounts.

#smarterasmus #denmark #erasmusindenmark
  • Summer 25/26 takeover by Erik Eiben 🇪🇸✨

@erikeiben spent his semester at Universidad Loyola in Córdoba – exploring the rich culture of Andalusia and experiencing student life in one of Spain’s most vibrant and historic cities ☀️🌴

Curious what studying abroad at Universidad Loyola was really like? Follow along and hear about Erik’s experience!

#vsestudyabroad #takeover #exchangeyourlife #studyabroad #spain ✈️📚🇪🇸
  • Hola from Córdoba! 🇪🇸

@erikeiben is taking over our stories from Universidad Loyola in Córdoba, where he spent this semester studying Business Administration. 

Get ready for a peek into student life in sunny Spain ☀️ Follow Erik's #takeover in our stories tomorrow!
Going abroad isn’t just about credits and classes—it’s about the people who stay with you long after you’ve come home, and discovering a piece of your identity you didn’t know was there. ✈️🤝

#studyabroad #erasmus #exchangestudent #italy
Going abroad isn’t just about credits and classes—it’s about the people who stay with you long after you’ve come home, and discovering a piece of your identity you didn’t know was there. ✈️🤝 #studyabroad #erasmus #exchangestudent #italy
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/6
@karineessa spent her semester abroad in Turkey 🇹🇷 and shared with us the 3 best and 3 worst parts of her experience✨

3 Best:
✨University Campus: A huge campus with all the basic amenities including restaurants, a gym, a swimming pool, a tennis court, a library, study rooms, a cinema, and regular emergency services.

✨Activities: We were often given parties and excursions right up until our last day. We went to Cappadocia, on a hike, went to Topkapi Palace where the Magnificent Century series was filmed, and visited many world-famous museums.

✨New friends: Since we lived on campus we interacted closely with local students, among whom there were also many foreigners, so during this period I met many new friends and acquaintances.

3 Worst:
✖️Long distances: the city is very big and to get anywhere you had to travel for at least an hour, and of course, it was very tiring.

✖️Transport: public transport was more expensive than I expected, and getting around the city every day could become quite costly.

✖️Prices: I expected that prices in Turkey would be at least a little lower than in the Czech Republic, but no! prices are about the same, and sometimes even higher, especially for transport.

#vsestudyabroad #erasmus #studyabroad #turkey #internationalstudents
@karineessa spent her semester abroad in Turkey 🇹🇷 and shared with us the 3 best and 3 worst parts of her experience✨

3 Best:
✨University Campus: A huge campus with all the basic amenities including restaurants, a gym, a swimming pool, a tennis court, a library, study rooms, a cinema, and regular emergency services.

✨Activities: We were often given parties and excursions right up until our last day. We went to Cappadocia, on a hike, went to Topkapi Palace where the Magnificent Century series was filmed, and visited many world-famous museums.

✨New friends: Since we lived on campus we interacted closely with local students, among whom there were also many foreigners, so during this period I met many new friends and acquaintances.

3 Worst:
✖️Long distances: the city is very big and to get anywhere you had to travel for at least an hour, and of course, it was very tiring.

✖️Transport: public transport was more expensive than I expected, and getting around the city every day could become quite costly.

✖️Prices: I expected that prices in Turkey would be at least a little lower than in the Czech Republic, but no! prices are about the same, and sometimes even higher, especially for transport.

#vsestudyabroad #erasmus #studyabroad #turkey #internationalstudents
@karineessa spent her semester abroad in Turkey 🇹🇷 and shared with us the 3 best and 3 worst parts of her experience✨

3 Best:
✨University Campus: A huge campus with all the basic amenities including restaurants, a gym, a swimming pool, a tennis court, a library, study rooms, a cinema, and regular emergency services.

✨Activities: We were often given parties and excursions right up until our last day. We went to Cappadocia, on a hike, went to Topkapi Palace where the Magnificent Century series was filmed, and visited many world-famous museums.

✨New friends: Since we lived on campus we interacted closely with local students, among whom there were also many foreigners, so during this period I met many new friends and acquaintances.

3 Worst:
✖️Long distances: the city is very big and to get anywhere you had to travel for at least an hour, and of course, it was very tiring.

✖️Transport: public transport was more expensive than I expected, and getting around the city every day could become quite costly.

✖️Prices: I expected that prices in Turkey would be at least a little lower than in the Czech Republic, but no! prices are about the same, and sometimes even higher, especially for transport.

#vsestudyabroad #erasmus #studyabroad #turkey #internationalstudents
@karineessa spent her semester abroad in Turkey 🇹🇷 and shared with us the 3 best and 3 worst parts of her experience✨ 3 Best: ✨University Campus: A huge campus with all the basic amenities including restaurants, a gym, a swimming pool, a tennis court, a library, study rooms, a cinema, and regular emergency services. ✨Activities: We were often given parties and excursions right up until our last day. We went to Cappadocia, on a hike, went to Topkapi Palace where the Magnificent Century series was filmed, and visited many world-famous museums. ✨New friends: Since we lived on campus we interacted closely with local students, among whom there were also many foreigners, so during this period I met many new friends and acquaintances. 3 Worst: ✖️Long distances: the city is very big and to get anywhere you had to travel for at least an hour, and of course, it was very tiring. ✖️Transport: public transport was more expensive than I expected, and getting around the city every day could become quite costly. ✖️Prices: I expected that prices in Turkey would be at least a little lower than in the Czech Republic, but no! prices are about the same, and sometimes even higher, especially for transport. #vsestudyabroad #erasmus #studyabroad #turkey #internationalstudents
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
2/6
“Wherever you go becomes part of you somehow.”
– Anita Desai 

Every journey leaves something behind. New memories, new friendships, new places that start to feel like home…

And sometimes, the best part of going abroad is realizing that a little piece of it stays with you forever. 💞✨

#VSEStudyAbroad #ExchangeYourLife #StudyAbroadLife #FriendsAroundTheWorld #ApplySoon
“Wherever you go becomes part of you somehow.”
– Anita Desai 

Every journey leaves something behind. New memories, new friendships, new places that start to feel like home…

And sometimes, the best part of going abroad is realizing that a little piece of it stays with you forever. 💞✨

#VSEStudyAbroad #ExchangeYourLife #StudyAbroadLife #FriendsAroundTheWorld #ApplySoon
“Wherever you go becomes part of you somehow.”
– Anita Desai 

Every journey leaves something behind. New memories, new friendships, new places that start to feel like home…

And sometimes, the best part of going abroad is realizing that a little piece of it stays with you forever. 💞✨

#VSEStudyAbroad #ExchangeYourLife #StudyAbroadLife #FriendsAroundTheWorld #ApplySoon
“Wherever you go becomes part of you somehow.”
– Anita Desai 

Every journey leaves something behind. New memories, new friendships, new places that start to feel like home…

And sometimes, the best part of going abroad is realizing that a little piece of it stays with you forever. 💞✨

#VSEStudyAbroad #ExchangeYourLife #StudyAbroadLife #FriendsAroundTheWorld #ApplySoon
“Wherever you go becomes part of you somehow.”
– Anita Desai 

Every journey leaves something behind. New memories, new friendships, new places that start to feel like home…

And sometimes, the best part of going abroad is realizing that a little piece of it stays with you forever. 💞✨

#VSEStudyAbroad #ExchangeYourLife #StudyAbroadLife #FriendsAroundTheWorld #ApplySoon
“Wherever you go becomes part of you somehow.”
– Anita Desai 

Every journey leaves something behind. New memories, new friendships, new places that start to feel like home…

And sometimes, the best part of going abroad is realizing that a little piece of it stays with you forever. 💞✨

#VSEStudyAbroad #ExchangeYourLife #StudyAbroadLife #FriendsAroundTheWorld #ApplySoon
“Wherever you go becomes part of you somehow.”
– Anita Desai 

Every journey leaves something behind. New memories, new friendships, new places that start to feel like home…

And sometimes, the best part of going abroad is realizing that a little piece of it stays with you forever. 💞✨

#VSEStudyAbroad #ExchangeYourLife #StudyAbroadLife #FriendsAroundTheWorld #ApplySoon
“Wherever you go becomes part of you somehow.”
– Anita Desai 

Every journey leaves something behind. New memories, new friendships, new places that start to feel like home…

And sometimes, the best part of going abroad is realizing that a little piece of it stays with you forever. 💞✨

#VSEStudyAbroad #ExchangeYourLife #StudyAbroadLife #FriendsAroundTheWorld #ApplySoon
“Wherever you go becomes part of you somehow.”
– Anita Desai 

Every journey leaves something behind. New memories, new friendships, new places that start to feel like home…

And sometimes, the best part of going abroad is realizing that a little piece of it stays with you forever. 💞✨

#VSEStudyAbroad #ExchangeYourLife #StudyAbroadLife #FriendsAroundTheWorld #ApplySoon
“Wherever you go becomes part of you somehow.”
– Anita Desai 

Every journey leaves something behind. New memories, new friendships, new places that start to feel like home…

And sometimes, the best part of going abroad is realizing that a little piece of it stays with you forever. 💞✨

#VSEStudyAbroad #ExchangeYourLife #StudyAbroadLife #FriendsAroundTheWorld #ApplySoon
“Wherever you go becomes part of you somehow.”
– Anita Desai 

Every journey leaves something behind. New memories, new friendships, new places that start to feel like home…

And sometimes, the best part of going abroad is realizing that a little piece of it stays with you forever. 💞✨

#VSEStudyAbroad #ExchangeYourLife #StudyAbroadLife #FriendsAroundTheWorld #ApplySoon
“Wherever you go becomes part of you somehow.” – Anita Desai Every journey leaves something behind. New memories, new friendships, new places that start to feel like home… And sometimes, the best part of going abroad is realizing that a little piece of it stays with you forever. 💞✨ #VSEStudyAbroad #ExchangeYourLife #StudyAbroadLife #FriendsAroundTheWorld #ApplySoon
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
3/6
Make sure your phone is ready for life in Denmark. These apps will make studying, travelling, and everyday life much easier. 🇩🇰

Rejseplanen – public transport planner for trains, buses, and metro in Denmark.
DBA (Den Blå Avis) – Denmark’s biggest marketplace for buying and selling second-hand items.
Donkey Republic – bike-sharing app with affordable rentals and student discounts.

#smarterasmus #denmark #erasmusindenmark
Make sure your phone is ready for life in Denmark. These apps will make studying, travelling, and everyday life much easier. 🇩🇰

Rejseplanen – public transport planner for trains, buses, and metro in Denmark.
DBA (Den Blå Avis) – Denmark’s biggest marketplace for buying and selling second-hand items.
Donkey Republic – bike-sharing app with affordable rentals and student discounts.

#smarterasmus #denmark #erasmusindenmark
Make sure your phone is ready for life in Denmark. These apps will make studying, travelling, and everyday life much easier. 🇩🇰

Rejseplanen – public transport planner for trains, buses, and metro in Denmark.
DBA (Den Blå Avis) – Denmark’s biggest marketplace for buying and selling second-hand items.
Donkey Republic – bike-sharing app with affordable rentals and student discounts.

#smarterasmus #denmark #erasmusindenmark
Make sure your phone is ready for life in Denmark. These apps will make studying, travelling, and everyday life much easier. 🇩🇰 Rejseplanen – public transport planner for trains, buses, and metro in Denmark. DBA (Den Blå Avis) – Denmark’s biggest marketplace for buying and selling second-hand items. Donkey Republic – bike-sharing app with affordable rentals and student discounts. #smarterasmus #denmark #erasmusindenmark
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
4/6
Summer 25/26 takeover by Erik Eiben 🇪🇸✨ @erikeiben spent his semester at Universidad Loyola in Córdoba – exploring the rich culture of Andalusia and experiencing student life in one of Spain’s most vibrant and historic cities ☀️🌴 Curious what studying abroad at Universidad Loyola was really like? Follow along and hear about Erik’s experience! #vsestudyabroad #takeover #exchangeyourlife #studyabroad #spain ✈️📚🇪🇸
4 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
5/6
Hola from Córdoba! 🇪🇸

@erikeiben is taking over our stories from Universidad Loyola in Córdoba, where he spent this semester studying Business Administration. 

Get ready for a peek into student life in sunny Spain ☀️ Follow Erik's #takeover in our stories tomorrow!
Hola from Córdoba! 🇪🇸 @erikeiben is taking over our stories from Universidad Loyola in Córdoba, where he spent this semester studying Business Administration. Get ready for a peek into student life in sunny Spain ☀️ Follow Erik's #takeover in our stories tomorrow!
4 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
6/6