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STUDYING ABROAD WITH THE
ERASMUS+ PROGRAMME IN 2015/16
Information for NUI Galway Students
Mary Lyons
International Affairs Officer
16th April, 2015
International Affairs Office Staff dealing with Erasmus• Gisèle Farrell
• Room 103 downstairs
• Mary Lyons • Institutional Erasmus Coordinator• Room 201 upstairs
How to contact us:• Call to 7 Distillery Road• e-mail: [email protected]• Tel: +353 91 493749• Web pages: www.nuigalway.ie/erasmus/outgoing
ERASMUS (Erasmus of Rotterdam, 1466-1536)
EuRopean Community Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students
So far, across Europe, over 3,000,000 students have participated.
Bilateral Agreements between universities in various subject areas allow EXCHANGE of students – NO TUITION FEES.
Workload of study period abroad is set out in student’s LEARNING AGREEMENT and is recognised by the Home
University.
MOBILITY GRANT may be available to assist with costs.
Documents available to download
1. Information Brochure• Read carefully!
2. NUI Galway Application Form• i.e. your application for the Erasmus Grant • Obtain Academic Coordinator’s signature.• Return to our office by 30th April (for Semester 1 or
Full Year) or 27th November (for Semester 2).
Both documents can be downloaded fromwww.nuigalway.ie/erasmus/outgoing
This form should ideally be typed.
Type or write your address continuously
across page to prevent form running onto 2nd
page
You must give exact dates: see info that was sent to you from host university or check its
website
Your Grant Application Form
Is available to download in Word or pdf.
Ideally it should be typed. If completing by hand, use BLOCK
CAPITALS. It should only occupy one single
page, so please ensure that you do not hit the “RETURN” key when typing your home address, for instance.
Grant Application Form
If you do not submit your form by the 30th April deadline, you will not be considered for an Erasmus grant.
... You may be approved to study
abroad as a zero-grant student, but you will not be eligible for an Erasmus grant.
Completing the Application Form
Please ensure it is clearly legible. Advisable to use the form of your name
that appears on your passport. Irish or English form? Use one and stick
to it for all paperwork. Double-check your Bank Details and note
the account number you’ve given us if you’ve more than one account.
(Grant payments processed online by bank transfer: essential that info. you provide is accurate! Notify us of any change!!)
Completing your application (continued)
Home address: a permanent address, please!
Double-check your e-mail address• @nuigalway.ie AND alternative address
(alternative address: yours, not a parent’s)
Departmental Coordinator Signature• Form not accepted without this
signature Return to Int’l Office by 30th April.
Remember ...
Grant application form not received on time:
NO GRANT!!!
DEADLINE: 30TH APRIL(or 27th November if you are going on Erasmus in Sem. 2)
Application to Host University
Check their deadline and adhere to it.
Your academic coordinator will advise. Or check the website.
Our Erasmus Code: IRLGALWAY01 Accommodation: Will you require
university housing/room in a student residence? If so, get your application in before the deadline!
BA students
IF you are required to provide transcripts with your application:
Obtain a statement of your Semester 1 results from each
department/discipline on official headed notepaper, and include your
official First Year transcript.
Other things you should do in plenty of time ...
Make sure you are clear about ECTS requirements – ask your academic coordinator if unsure.
Research your host university and the town where you’ll be living.- University websites- Reports from our former students- Erasmus students here
- www.monetos.co.uk/ & www.justlanded.com/
More things you should be doing in advance ...
Sort out your EHIC and investigate insurance options.
Make sure your passport will be valid for the duration of your study visit!
Set up online banking (credit card also useful).
Think of getting an ISIC.
Remember ...
Grant application form not received on time:
NO GRANT!!!
DEADLINE: 30TH APRIL
Insurance You must hold an EHIC (see www.ehic.ie) You should also hold private insurance. Can be TRAVEL or HEALTH INSURANCE. Existing policy (e.g. Inclusion on parents’
health policy) MAY suffice. You should ensure you are covered for
(i) personal accident, (ii) medical treatment and
(iii) repatriation. If you intend travelling outside the EU on
completion of your Erasmus studies, check whether your policy is EU-specific.
What we’ll send you before you go
Letter of nomination from NUI Galway confirming your Erasmus student status
Two copies of the grant agreement Link to Learning Agreement Erasmus Student Charter
Grant Agreement
Your Erasmus “contract” Two copies – 1 for you, 1 for us Personal details Bank details SIGNATURE!!!
The Learning Agreement Central to your Erasmus studies
Shows the courses you will take, the credits you will obtain, and how your studies will be recognised by NUI Galway.
Get sign-off by NUI Galway and host university
For NUIG: you need approval and sign-off by your ACADEMIC coordinator
Section headed “During the mobility period” is for CHANGES to your course choice.
To whom should I send my Learning Agreement?
In most cases, directly to your Academic Coordinator (see list of university links at back of brochure).
ONLY IF you are B.A. non-language, send it to the International Office and we will ensure it reaches your two academic departments for review and approval.
Essential for all B.A. students
Ensure that your TWO sending departments/disciplines are aware of, and have approved, your choice of courses.
Ensure you take sufficient credits. Get approval in writing (i.e. Learning
Agreement, plus e-mail from 2nd department).
When you arrive …
Get a Certificate of Arrival completed by your host university’s Erasmus/International Office.
Start date: the offical date when you are first required to attend at the university (not the date you arrived in the town/city)
End date: the anticipated date by which you will have finished.
Return this promptly to us – otherwise your grant will be late.
Other paperwork
Grant acknowledgement form – for each instalment – AMOUNT and SIGNATURE, please!
Student Survey– completed online after your Erasmus studies
Certificate of Attendance – have this signed and stamped just before you come home.
Language testing … Final grant instalment will be
withheld if paperwork missing!!!
2015/16 Grant Amountsbut grant is not guaranteed for every student – we will know more in
June
Amounts vary according to host country: 2 “bands” of countries.
€250 per month for Denmark, France, Italy, Austria, Finland, Sweden, UK
€200 per month for Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, Spain, Netherlands, Turkey, Hungary, Malta
The Erasmus Grant
Main instalment at beginning, with the remainder paid after the study period, provided • first grant form was submitted• Cert of Attendance was submitted• studies completed satisfactorily• online report (survey) completed• final language test taken (if applicable)
OLS – Online Linguistic Support Studying through French,
German, Italian or Spanish? Compulsory online
language assessment BEFORE you go away.
CEFR grades: A1 to C2 Completed test gives
access to FREE online language course
Compulsory 2nd test at end of studies
Your Registration status at NUI Galway
You must be registered at NUI Galway for the academic year 2015/16.
You will register online – be sure to do this before starting your studies abroad!
Go to www.nuigalway.ie/registration and follow instructions, making sure that the relevant fee is paid to NUI Galway.
SUSI Grants
Higher education grant maintenance cheques• Will be unable to collect grant in person• Download the Unable to Collect Cheque Form
from the Fees Office website: www.nuigalway.ie/student-fees/grants-scholarships-fellowships-
finanical-supports/cannot-collect-what-do-i-do/ and return it to Fees Office.
• This authorises the Fees Office to forward your grant cheque to your bank account.
• IMPORTANT TO REGISTER AT NUI GALWAY
If you are in receipt of an Erasmus Grant, you may have to forfeit it if
you fail to complete agreed study programme; you fail to complete a minimum of three
months abroad.• If you return home without completing agreed study
period (but have completed 3 months), you can be asked to return a proportion of grant.
• Returning home without completing “International” year also has implications for your subsequent studies, your final degree and your fees at NUI Galway. (Cost of Final Year with no free fees: €1,824)
What is meant by “3 months”?
1st September to 30th November or
8th September to 7th December
In other words: Day x of month n until day (x-1) of month (n+3)
Disability grant
If you have a severe disability or exceptional special needs, you might be eligible for a grant to assist with the associated additional costs involved in completing an Erasmus study period.
International Office will advise in June/July.
Students with disabilities ...
Students who are registered with the Disability Service should inform the Disability Officer that they are going to study abroad.
Accommodation
Standards may vary! Research areas/prices in advance. Bring enough money to pay a deposit if
renting in private sector. Good idea to record and report any
existing damage or anything missing at the time of moving in.
Our advice: Do not sublet your room/flat BEWARE OF SCAMS!!!
Remember: Erasmus Academic Coordinator at host
university Be sure you have name and contact details!
Keep a copy of your Learning Agreement. Keep a copy of your Cert of Attendance. Find out what happens at the host university re.
Exam Results – your responsibility!
@nuigalway.ie e-mail account – our means of communication with you while abroad• Check regularly & ensure inbox not full!
A group will be set up called “NUI Galway Outgoing Erasmus 2015/16”
We will invite you to join when it’s set up and we have all your e-mail addresses.
Please don’t request to join the 2014/15 group as it is not relevant for you.
Language Courses
You may have to pay a fee for language courses you are required to attend, especially in Spain.
Keep all receipts and evidence of attendance! You may be able to claim some assistance with the cost later in the year – Int’l Office will advise.
More points to remember
Assimilate with native and other international students e.g. when arranging accommodation.
Language students: this is your best opportunity to practise the language – use it!
Be brave, go for it – this is a life-changing experience.
Be open-minded! Travel, experience the culture. Cultural differences ... …
Important note about personal safety
When you arrive in the host country with a large amount of luggage, be extremely vigilant at railway or bus stations!!!
Exercise caution generally when out and about, especially at night. Look out for each other!
Don’t look conspicuous or carry valuables or large amounts of cash.
Alcohol ...
SAFETY
It is not advisable to be out alone at night.
NEVER, EVER go off somewhere at night on your own without telling someone where you are going.
This applies regardless of whether you are male or female.
Safety & Welfare
Good idea to note local emergency numbers just in case ...
Register with a doctor in the host town or city.
If you have a medical condition, take translated copies of any documentation and ensure you will be able to get your medication.
Remember also … You are an ambassador for your country
& university. Homesickness:
• You are not alone! It’s very common & should pass.• Feel free to contact us if you have problems
adjusting.• Students most homesick initially often do not want to
return home at the end of their studies abroad! If problems arise, do not hesitate to
contact either:• International Affairs Office (erasmus-
[email protected]) or• NUI Galway Dept. Coordinator or• Home
**Contact your family on a regular basis!**
Student Counselling Service at NUI Galway
Support for Erasmus students:
both forongoing mental health issues
andproblems that may arise while on
Erasmus.
Ongoing mental health issues
Come to “Drop-in” at 5 Distillery Road before you go for preliminary assessment.
Counselling Service can organise Skype appointments for you while you are on Erasmus
If problems arise during your Erasmus visit …
E-mail [email protected]
or telephone 091-492484
They will organise a preliminary online assessment and Skype appointments.
Remember ...
Grant application form not received on time:
NO GRANT!!!
DEADLINE: 30TH APRIL
GOLDEN RULES – DO NOT FORGET!!!
DO NOT MISS THE DEADLINE OF 30TH APRIL.
DEAL WITH PAPERWORK PROMPTLY. NEVER LEAVE A BLANK ON A FORM. MAKE SURE TO REGISTER AT NUI
GALWAY BEFORE YOU GO. KEEP COPIES OF ALL IMPORTANT
DOCUMENTS.
ENJOY YOUR ERASMUS EXPERIENCE!
