Where?
Leiden University has exchange agreements with universities all over the world. So there are plenty of destinations to choose from.
Check which exchange programmes are available to you
Before starting your search for suitable destinations, check on your faculty/study programme tab which types of exchange programmes are available to you. For example university-wide exchange programmes, faculty exchange programmes, or special exchange programmes only for students on your study programme.
Search for destinations
In our world map you can search through all Leiden University’s exchange agreements to find a destination that is compatible with your studies and interests. You can filter on the basis of country, exchange programme type, level, language and more. Once you have found an interesting destination, check the details carefully. Pay particular attention to the following sections:
- Intended for students from: is this destination open to students from your study programme?
- Important consideration: are there other important aspects you should consider, e.g. language requirements, semester dates, or whether this is a popular destination where your chances of placement are low?
Going abroad via ISEP
As well as regular exchange destinations, you can also choose to go to a destination via ISEP, a non-profit partner organisation. In the world map, select Exchange Programme: university-wide exchange, then ISEP for further information. Note that fees may apply.
Find your exchange destination via the world map!
World mapNegative travel advice? Check your destination
You may not go on exchange in a country for which negative travel advice has been issued. Check here if your destination is safe. This webpage is in Dutch, but by entering the country name (Dutch spelling) you can view the safety status on a map. If your destination is red or orange, you may not go there. See the Health and Safety page for further information.
Gather more information
Student reports
In the student reports database you can find reports written by students about their study abroad experiences. You can filter the reports on the basis of country, faculty and type of activity abroad. This is a great way to learn more about what to expect when studying abroad in a particular country, field and institution.
International Experience Week
Launch your international adventure at the annual International Experience Week. Find out more about the country in which you want to study, talk to students who have already studied abroad, attend faculty information sessions and much more.
Via your faculty or study programme
Click on your faculty or study programme tab for information on the destinations available via your own faculty or programme.
Tips for choosing a destination
Be flexible
There are limited places available on exchange programmes, which means there is no guarantee you can go to your preferred destination. Remember that there are lots of great places to study abroad. We recommend that you don’t restrict your options by setting strict criteria.
What to take into account
- The courses you want to follow: are they open to exchange students?
- The language spoken and any language requirements: do you speak the language well enough? Or could you attain the required level by following a language course?
- Cost of living: this can differ greatly from destination to destination, even within the same country. Do you have sufficient funds?
- Special requirements due to disability or illness: can your destination meet your requirements? Also take a look at the Health and Safety page.
- The atmosphere, culture and environment: do you prefer small scale or large scale, something completely different or something more familiar?
- Equal treatment of all gender identities and sexual orientations: what is the situation in your destination? Take a look on ILGA.org.
Types of exchange programme available to you?
As a psychology student you can go abroad via the following types of exchange programmes:
- University-wide exchange programmes (outside of Europe)
- Erasmus+ exchange programmes via the Institute of Psychology (Europe only)
Search for destinations
University-wide destinations can be found on the central tab.
The Institute of Psychology has exchange agreements with psychology programmes across Europe. In our world map you can search for destinations by filtering on the basis of country, exchange programme type, level, language and more. Once you have found an interesting destination, check the details carefully. Pay particular attention to the following sections:
- Intended for students from: is this destination open to students from your study programme?
- Important considerations: are there other important aspects you should consider, e.g. language requirements or semester dates?
- Fact sheet: a fact sheet or brochure is available from most host universities. You can find these at the very bottom of the tab.
Find your exchange destination via the world map!
Things to consider
- You can only apply to the Erasmus+ exchange programme if you are studying Psychology and you fulfil the criteria for studying abroad.
- Some host universities require a GPA of at least a 7. This is indicated in the World Map under the relevant destination. This information may change during the year but will be known no later than 1 month before the application deadline closes.
- Some European universities offer Psychology courses only. However, many host universities also offer the possibility to take (a number of) your classes from other departments. You can find more information about the course options on the host university's website.
- Studying abroad can be a part of your Psychology degree in Leiden, if the credits you gain abroad are counted towards your degree course in Leiden. Not all courses offered will be approved, however. Therefore it is important to check the Institute of Psychology's course requirements well in advance.
- Check if the curriculum offered by the host universities is in line with your preferences and your current curriculum. Do you want to broaden your knowledge by taking courses from a different subject area? Or do you plan to take Psychology courses?
- Compare academic calendars: when do the semesters start and finish at the university abroad? Will you be back in time to pick up your course in Leiden again? You may well have other commitments in Leiden that you will need to keep in mind as well.
- Also check the things to consider part on the general tab.
Other students' experiences
Also take a look at the reports written by other students about their study abroad experiences in the student reports database. Here you can filter on the basis of country, faculty and type of activity abroad.