Getting Started

Thinking of going on exchange? You may have the following questions; read on to find out more!

Who can apply?	Where can I go?
When can I go?	For how long can I go?
Will my grades count?	How do the finances work?
So how do I get started?

Who can apply?

Students who:

are on a full time undergraduate degree programme
will be in their second year during the exchange period

have the option to take one semester modules as part of their degree
maintain a B grade average
can plan a flexible programme of study that covers the equivalent of their Intermediate Level core modules to a sufficient extent to have the prerequisites for study on their return

Please note that there are some restrictions by degree subject - usually host institution specific. More information can be seen on each partner information page.

Law students are very restricted on overseas exchanges and should look at Erasmus for designated options.
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Where can I go?

You can apply to go to any institution with which we have a bilateral exchange link - provided your degree is appropriate. Please see the Partner Universities section for information about each of our links.

The majority of our exchanges are in North America and are not subject specific. However, exceptions do apply, for example our University of the West Indies exchange and Kansai Gaidai exchange are largely for students from specialised degree courses.
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When can I go?

You can only study abroad in your second year:

Autumn semester (sem1) only for exchanges to the USA for students on most degree programmes.
Spring semester is only possible if your course has NO assessment components in the January exam period
Autumn semester or Spring semester may be possible for the University of the West Indies and Kansai Gaidai University

Full year may be possible to Kansai Gaidai, provided there are sufficient modules available in your subject area.
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For how long can I go?

Overseas exchanges are for ONE SEMESTER ONLY.
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Will my exchange grades count towards my degree?

You will have credit recorded without marks for modules taken overseas. Provided you plan your programme carefully, this will not extend your degree or affect the class of degree gained.
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How do the finances work?

Students continue to pay tuition fees to London Metropolitan University
No tuition fees are payable to the host university
Students should still receive any loans and grants as the exchange is a part of the degree (this can be confirmed to LEAs if necessary)

Students are responsible for the following costs:
- entrance exam fees (if TOEFL or IELTS requirements apply, see partner info)
- visa application and SEVIS fees - $100 - $330 USD depending on visa status
- room & board - approx $3,000 - $5,500 USD
- books and supplies - $500-$600 USD
- travel to and from host country
- travel, health and medical insurance - $400 - $450
- personal expenditure - $3,350
All costs are estimated and may be greater or less than stated. You should budget for between £5k-£7k. This may seem very expensive but students generally find that the exchange semester is not much more expensive than a semester spent in London.
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So how do I get started?

Check with your Personal Academic Adviser (PAA) or Course Leader whether an exchange would be possible as part of your degree course (you would usually study abroad for one semester of your second year.)
Research our partner universities - you must find one which offers courses suitable for your degree
Think about finances - will this work for you?
If you wish, request an appointment/drop in to see the IPO. Make sure you have done some preliminary research first!
Speak to your Course Tutor and PAA about your possible choices and how your programme would work
If you have the support of your tutor - apply!