Year Abroad FAQ
Please see the Year Abroad Moodle site and your Year Abroad Handbook for more comprehensive and detailed advice.
General Matters
Q: Who will provide me with administrative support during my Year Abroad?
The Year Abroad Office and Year Abroad Director. They have responsibility for the clerical and administrative aspects of the Year Abroad, including the provision of documents and certificates for insurance, advice on ECT credits, internship contracts, risk assessments, etc. Email yearabroad@mmll.cam.ac.uk.
Q: Who will provide me with academic advice and support?
Your College Director of Studies. Your DoS knows your individual academic trajectory better than anyone and is best placed to offer support as you consider the implications for your academic plans at Part II.
Q: Who will provide me with emotional and pastoral support?
Pastoral support for Year Abroad students is the responsibility of your College (DoS, Tutor and, where appropriate, nurse).
Finance
Q: Where can I find a general overview of YA financial matters?
See the Finance section and the Year Abroad Moodle site.
Q: Whom should I approach about financial support?
Your College in the first instance.
Q: Will I continue to receive my Student Loan while abroad?
You are still registered as a student at the University of Cambridge while abroad and are therefore still entitled to your Student Loan.
Q: What about the Turing Scheme?
The Turing Scheme is the UK's global mobility programme, providing funding support for students on their Year Abroad. Delivered by the government's Department for Education, the scheme is administered at Cambridge by the International Student Office. Please note that due to a limited budget allocation, funding is targeted to students in financial need. See Turing Scheme information.
Q: What about insurance?
All Year Abroad students must take out University Travel Insurance. Please refer to the University's Travel Insurance webpage for further information and guidance and make sure you read the Benefits and Exclusions carefully. Students are granted University Travel Insurance on approval of a risk assessment for a Year Abroad placement.
You should also apply for a student UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which will cover necessary treatment and healthcare for the entire period of study or work overseas. Note that some foreign consulates include ownership of a GHIC as a visa requirement.
Q: What other sources of University financial support are available?
For an overview of University financial assistance, including information on the Undergraduate Financial Assistance Fund, see www.cambridgestudents.cam.ac.uk/fees-and-funding/financial-assistance.
Visa requirements
Q: Will I need a visa to work or study on my Year Abroad?
Yes. Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, students wishing to reside in EU countries for a period of longer that 90 days must now also obtain the necessary visa.
Q: Do I need health insurance to get a visa?
Yes. Please check consular websites for details.
Some consulates require possession of a GHIC. Find out how to apply.
Q: Who can advise me on obtaining a visa?
The best place to obtain up-to-date advice on visa requirements is the consulate of the country to which you wish to travel. You are advised to begin your visa application as soon as possible after you firm up your YA plans.
Please note that although the Year Abroad Office can help with the provision of supporting documentation, the YAO has no special access to consular information, or leverage over consulate officials. The YAO is not authorised to offer visa guidance and cannot apply for a visa or carry out correspondence with consular officials on your behalf.
The Visas Working Group, a sub-group of the UUKi OSM Network, have created and published a useful resource aimed at providing general guidance and tips to students considering making a visa application for study, work, or volunteering abroad.
Q: Do I need a Certificate of Admission to apply for a study visa?
Yes. Most visa applications for those wishing to take up study placements require that you supply a Certificate of Admission (or similar) issued by the host institution. Please contact your host university in good time, bearing in mind that some administrative offices are likely to be closed over vacation periods. Please let the Year Abroad Office know if you are having trouble obtaining a certificate.
An internship contract will also be needed for those applying for work visas. Internship contracts should be validated by the local office via your internship host.
Disruption
Q: Can I terminate my placements?
It's possible to terminate your placement for health and safety concerns. However this should be approved by your DoS and the YA Director. We suggest students maintain regular contact with their DoS and the YA Office, raising any concerns when abroad as they occur.
Q: What are the consequences if my YA is disrupted?
For students who receive funding, earlier termination of placements will require full or partial grants to be returned to the University.
Your DoS and YA Director will review each case separately to determine any academic consequences.
Q: Can I return to my College if my YA is disrupted?
YA students are not expected to return and reside in Colleges. Some Colleges might be able to provide accommodation in certain exceptional circumstances where students are unable to return to the family home. Please approach your College if you feel this applies to you.