International Exchanges in Geography and Environmental Science

Fieldtrips form an important part of teaching Geography here at Dundee. In all levels you will go on fieldtrips, from local to overseas and both day trips and week-long residential stays. Our residential fieldtrips include:

Germany, Canada, Australia, USA, Sweden, Spain, France, Switzerland...

International exchange as part of your degree, spending a semester or two at one of our partner universities around the world, is a great way to experience a different way of life, meet new people and to have experiences you'll never forget. Go on- challenge yourself to study abroad!

For further information on the links and opportunities, contact the Global Programmes office (globalprogrammes@dundee.ac.uk) or contact Fiona Smith for details (f.m.smith@dundee.ac.uk).

See what our students say about the challenges and great opportunities they gained while on exchange...

Kate Hannett

Spent a semester in level 4 in Australia
"Studying in Adelaide, Australia wasn't all beaches and barbies but it sure was part of it! I spent 5 months in Adelaide at Flinders University. My initial notion that Australians play hard and lie on the beach all day was proved wrong but I developed a great appreciation for just how hard they work, especially at university. Whilst working hard I did not miss out on the opportunity to travel and play too, whether it was day trips surfing, a few days in Alice Springs or five weeks in a campervan before Christmas. I met some incredible people from all over the world and friends I still contact regularly. Although it's very clichéd to say it, I really learned a lot about myself while I was away and really encourage others to take up the opportunity. Don't miss out!"

Matthew Piller

Spent his 3rd year at the Technical University Dresden, Germany
"I'd say Erasmus was an invaluable experience which allowed me to meet a great number of people, not just from Germany but from all over the world, who I remain friends with now. It really is the best way to learn a language and about life and culture in a different country. As well as being a lot of fun, I learned a lot and had the chance to study my course from a different perspective. It also gave me the chance to travel and see some fascinating parts Europe that I would otherwise not have considered visiting. Despite how daunting it may sound living and studying abroad, you will find such a large number of brilliant people from all backgrounds in exactly the same situation with whom you will have the time of your life! Erasmus was something I really wasn't sure if I wanted to do or not, but after a week or two settling in, it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and I have some incredible memories from it!"

Christian Boermel

Spent his second year at Simon Fraser University, Vancouver (B.C., Canada)
"Canada is all about nature. If you're going to Vancouver, you'll find a 2 million people metropolis surrounded by spectacular scenery: To the West the coast of the Pacific Ocean with countless islands and bays and to the East chains of mountains for hundreds of kilometres. Simon Fraser University has a great and active Outdoors Club, and I packed my rucksack often to get out. Simon Fraser University itself is situated on hill on the edge of Vancouver, with fantastic views from the classroom to the valleys and mountains so close by. The Geography department had some of the best lecturers I have had. But I also used my exchange also to take some interesting courses I couldn't attend otherwise, like African History. Vancouver is a multicultural city with everybody coming from a different background. In such an open atmosphere it was easy for me to meet people and get great friends. However, if you're already thinking that Dundee is rainy, well, Vancouver's nickname is 'raincity'... Apart from that, my exchange to Vancouver was definitely great!"

Freya Cowan

Diving in Australia

Spent a semester in Australia
"I decided to look in to studying abroad for a semester. I chose Australia for heat and lack of language difficulties. I spent one semester in a place called Townsville in North Queensland. Organising the exchange was easy, after filling in an application form and getting accepted all I had to do was book flights and get a visa, everything else seamed to be sorted! After arriving and going to one or two exchange student meetings I made some of the best friends from all over the world. Every weekend we travelled somewhere different (on a student budget!!) and went camping and to beaches, there was always something to do and someone new to meet. This experience was one of the best of my life and I will never forget the friends I made and the places I visited, after a hard semester's studying I spent a month travelling down the East Coast and loved every minute of it! I would recommend this experience to anyone, it was the greatest 8 months of my life!!"

Andrew Ross

Spent a semester in Australia
"Spending a semester on exchange in Australia was one of the best decisions I have ever made at university. I spent five months of my third year at the University of Newcastle in New South Wales and it was a great experience. I found that Australian students work hard and the modules were demanding, but they fitted in well enough with the modules I studied previously and prepared me for the final year. Everyone was friendly, and there were plenty of opportunities to enjoy the local beaches, travel to Sydney and Canberra, and join in a variety of sports. Living and studying in Australia enhanced my geographical knowledge and understanding of Australia and the Southern Hemisphere and allowed me to experience a whole new level of studying and teaching. If you want to learn while travelling, experiencing challenges, meeting new people and seeing new places, then an exchange is for you!"