Being a UK university student, with a compulsory year abroad as part of my degree, I am disappointed with the lack of support and funding to help us when securing our year abroad opportunities.

Since leaving the Erasmus+ scheme, due to Brexit, the government brought in The Turing Scheme. The additional costs that have been created because we left the EU, are not covered by The Turing Scheme, leaving year abroad students with difficulties at visa appointments, trying to evidence that they have sufficient funds to live, study and/or work abroad. Some countries expect us to have thousands of pounds in our own bank accounts as proof that we can afford our year abroad. 

Here is what we need from the government:

• To look at how they can fund and support these incredible year abroad opportunities, helping to give funding earlier and to more students, not just those eligible to bursaries.
• To make it compulsory for embassies in the UK to have 'fast-track' appointments for students. Embassies should have specific days during the Summer and Spring months, allowing only students to apply for the visas they need for their time abroad. 
• To re-establish these higher education connections with EU countries, to make it easier for students to receive the visas they need, to secure the health insurance they need, and to allow us to feel financially confident in these experiences.

If you agree that the UK government needs to re-establish connections for British students, post Brexit, please sign and share my petition!