Study and Work Abroad

Global Opportunities for SERC Students

At SERC, we offer a wide range of international opportunities designed to help our students develop skills, confidence and global awareness. From fully funded mobility programmes to part-funded study and work placements, students across multiple subject areas can access meaningful overseas experiences that enhance both personal and professional development.

These opportunities are open to both Further Education and Higher Education students, including local and international learners, ensuring that as many students as possible can benefit from a global learning experience.

A tourist woman with a beret hat sits at the riverbank of the Seine and enjoys the beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France

International placements support students to:

Build confidence
and independence

Develop skills
valued by
employers

Enhance
your CV

Experience
new cultures

Broaden career
ambitions

Many students describe their placement as a life-changing experience that prepares them for future study and employment.

student placement
Going to another country opened my eyes to different cultures and helped me grow in confidence and independence. I developed confidence by figuring things out for myself, meeting new people, and becoming more independent, including cooking my own meals.

Ewan McCaubrey

Sports Development Student, Netherlands Placement 2025

Funded International Opportunities

SERC students can access a range of funded international mobility programmes that support academic development, practical experience and global awareness.

Turing Scheme

The Turing Scheme is a UK government scheme that provides funded international placements to further education students enabling them to gain practical experience while developing the transferable skills needed in today’s global workforce.

Placements vary each year but have included opportunities across Europe, Asia and beyond, supporting students from a wide range of curriculum areas.

During their placement, students may complete work-based learning, collaborate with international peers, develop industry skills and experience different working cultures.

Upcoming Opportunities: Details of future Turing placements and application guidance will be published here when available.

SERC students departing for Bali with Think Pacific
SERC students departing for Bali to take part in the Think Pacific Global Immersion Programme, supported by the UK Government's Turing Scheme (2026).

Study USA

Study USA offers students the opportunity to spend an academic year studying at a college or university in the United States, aligned to their current curriculum area, through a fully funded scholarship worth up to £50,000. This prestigious programme supports academic development, cultural exchange and personal growth.

Find Out More: Study USA - SERC

SERC Study USA students
Kacper, a Foundation Degree student in Cloud Computing Technologies at SERC’s Downpatrick campus, spent a year studying in the United States through the Study USA programme.

Read Kacper’s story: US Study Adventure for SERC Student - SERC

Higher Education Mobility

Students can also benefit from Higher Education mobility opportunities supported through the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS) funding. These placements are designed to enhance academic learning while supporting the development of employability skills and global awareness.

Past opportunities have included international study visits, work placements or volunteering abroad.

“Working on the Wolf Conservation project abroad was a fantastic opportunity to develop teamwork and cooperation while putting our learning into practice in a real-world environment.”

Animal Management Student – Wolf Conservation Volunteer Project, DFHERIS Higher Education Mobility Programme (2025)

Upcoming Opportunities: Details of future HE mobility opportunities and application guidance will be published here when available.

Erasmus+ from 2027

We are looking forward to the UK’s re-association with the Erasmus+ programme from 2027, opening up even more opportunities for our students to study, work and gain invaluable international experience across Europe.