Information for Outgoing NUI Galway Students Mary Lyons International Affairs Officer 25 th March, 2010

1. Studying abroad on theERASMUSprogrammein 2010/11 Information for Outgoing NUI Galway Students Mary Lyons International Affairs Officer 25th March, 2010

2. 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: erasmus-office@nuigalway.ie Tel: +353 91 493749 Web pages: www.nuigalway.ie/erasmus/outgoing

3. ERASMUS (Erasmus of Rotterdam, 1466-1536) EuRopean Community Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students So far, across Europe, nearly 2,000,000 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.

4. Documents Available This Evening • Information Brochure • Read carefully! • NUI Galway Application Form • i.e. your application for the Erasmus Grant • Obtain Academic Coordinator’s signature. • Return to our office by 26th April (for sem. 1 or full year) or 26th November (sem. 2). Both documents are also available from the International Affairs Office

7. Completing the Application Form • Please write clearly in BLOCK LETTERS • Double-checkyour Bank Details (Grant payments processed online by bank transfer: essential that info. you provide is accurate!) • Double-check your e-mail address • @nuigalway.ie AND alternative address • Departmental Coordinator Signature • Form not accepted without this signature • Return to Int’l Office by26th April.

8. Application to Host University • Check the deadline and adhere to it. • Your academic coordinator will advise. • Accommodation: Will you require university housing/room in a student residence? If so, get your application in before the deadline!

9. Other things you should do now • 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

10. Health Insurance and Banking • Minimum requirement EHIC (see www.ehic.ie) • You may wish to supplement this with private health insurance • Please note that you will need a new global policy in your own name • Also, should you choose to travel outside the EU on completion of your Erasmus studies, your global policy may not provide cover as it may be EU-specific. • Travel insurance • Set up online banking (credit card also useful)

11. What we’ll send you before you go • Letter of nomination from NUI Galway confirming your Erasmus student status • Two copies of the institution-student agreement • Learning Agreement • Erasmus Student Charter

12. Your Erasmus “contract” Two copies – 1 for you, 1 for us Personal details Host uni. details Bank details SIGNATURE!!! Institution-Student Agreement

14. A list of all courses and modules you will take Get sign-off by host university Return it to NUIG no later than 1 month after you commence your studies Should be approved/signed by NUIG coordinator Page 2 if there are subsequent changes The Learning Agreement

15. 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). • If you are B.A. non-language and there is no single designated coordinator, send it to the International Office and we will ensure it reaches your two academic departments.

16. Highly recommended for B.A. students • Ensure that your TWO sending departments/disciplines are aware of, and have approved, your choice of courses. • Get approval in writing (i.e. Learning Agreement, plus e-mail from 2nd department).

17. Other paperwork • Grant acknowledgement form • Student Narrative Report • Certificate of Attendance – have this signed and stamped before you come home.

18. Your Registration status at NUI Galway • You must be registered at NUI Galway for the academic year 2010/11. • You will register online – be sure to do this before start your studies abroad! • Go to www.nuigalway.ie/registration and follow instructions, making sure that the relevant fee is paid to NUI Galway.

19. Local Authority 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/collect_cheques.htmland return it to Fees Office. • This authorises the Fees Office to forward your grant cheque to your bank account.

20. 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, you will 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.

21. EILC courses • Erasmus Intensive Language Courses • Less widely-used languages – e.g. Dutch, Swedish, Finnish, Flemish, Maltese (and also Italian!) • Short course before academic year • No tuition fee • Small additional grant • Will be advertised in May

22. 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.

23. Remember: • Erasmus Dept’l Coordinator at host university • Be sure you have name and contact details! • E-mail account • Check regularly & ensure inbox not full! • Assimilatewith native and other international studentse.g. when arranging accommodation. • Be open-minded! • Travel, experience the culture. • Personal Safety …

24. 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 in June! If problems arise, do not hesitate to contact either: International Affairs Office (erasmus-office@nuigalway.ie) or NUI Galway Dept. Coordinator or Home **Contact your family on a regular basis!**

25. ENJOY YOUR ERASMUS EXPERIENCE!