The University of Luxembourg is deeply international. Students and professors come from 150 countries, and 60% of the students come from abroad. But we also want our students to spread their wings and study abroad!
This international outlook is written in stone, as the University law outlines a mandatory semester abroad for every Bachelor student. Through its partners, Uni.lu also offers grants and scholarships for students to accomplish their mobility abroad at a partner institution or to participate in summer schools.
In addition to honing language skills, students are exposed to different ideas and cultures, expanding their worldview and cultural sensitivity. But there is more to it, explains Eleni Liakidou, Team leader of the International Relations Office.
‟ Students trained in different academic settings, get acquainted with different methods of studying, questioning and investigating. This exposure will fine-tune their capacity to reflect on and solve problems, both great assets in their future careers.”
Team Leader of International Relations Office
Finally, being away from home contributes to their personal growth and independence.
“Our international outlook works both ways, as we attract talents with a broad mindset to Luxembourg”, continues Liakidou. “Here, they can study, live and work in a multilingual and multicultural environment, both on campus and in Luxembourg.” Indeed, close to 70% of the University’s alumni stay in Luxembourg to work, create businesses or pursue an academic career.
Supporting the process from A to Z
At Uni.lu, the International relations office manages student studies abroad and has partnered up with institutions worldwide. “Considering the role that student mobility play in our educational philosophy, we’re mindful to prepare and accompany the students from start to finish of the process”, explains Liakidou. “We support them in their choice of partner institutions and in different steps. Even once they arrived on destination, our team remains available for support.”
In addition, the University of Luxembourg offers a mobility grant to all outgoing students, whether they settle for a European destination or across the world.
International relations awards
On 5 June, International relations awards ceremony honoured 68 committed students. While international experience is mandatory at the bachelor level, there are also opportunities available for master students. Through the generous support of institutions and companies, Uni.lu provides grants and scholarships to students with excellent academic results who are motivated to increase their international experience.
-
12
students received a Top Student Prizes, allowing them to join a three weeks summer school at Sofia university in Japan
-
20
students obtained a Guillaume Dupaix scholarship, offered by the Ministries of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade to pursue a master at Uni.lu
-
35
students received mobility grant through the Uni.lu Global Exchange Programme
-
1
student obtained the Guardian Glass scholarship to pursue a master’s in data sciences in Luxembourg
This year, the University joined The Guild, an alliance of 23 research-intensive universities. Joining The Guild will create new and exciting opportunities for study and research exchanges with our new partners.
Amy and Chiara are two of the Global Exchange Programme awardees. They will carry out a study period respectively in Seoul and Ohio, US. Both girls submitted their application, including essays describing their motivation and interviews. “Korea was really my objective”, says Chiara. “I worked hard on the essay and prepared for the interview, but we could see how many students applied and how competitive the programme. So we didn’t get our hopes up too much. But in the end, we’re all the happier!”
“I think what made the difference is that we were genuine, that we really wanted to study in these places, experience other cultures and learn something, take something home”, continues Chiara. “Personally, I hope it will help me learn something from another culture and that it’ll help me to be more secure.”