#DMUGLOBAL STUDY ABROAD GUIDE

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1 #DMUGLOBAL STUDY ABROAD GUIDE

2 2 CONTENTS 1. STUDY ABROAD OPTIONS AT DMU 1. Study abroad options at DMU Erasmus+ 2. Key Benefits Erasmus+ supports higher education students to study abroad for up to one year in another European university or to gain valuable international work experience in a European organisation. The programme was developed by the European Commission and has been running in various forms since Your Journey Roles and Responsibilities Fees and Financial Support Documentation Practical Planning Contact details Useful resources FAQ Checklist Each year De Montfort University students have the opportunity to travel to a range of European countries to study and/or work for up to 12 months with the help of Erasmus+ funding. This opportunity is available to most undergraduate students at DMU. Study - you have the option to Study abroad in Europe for three to 12 months as part of your degree. At DMU you can take part in study mobility after completing your second year of undergraduate studies at one of our European partner universities. Traineeship - work abroad in a European enterprise for two to 12 months as part of your degree. At DMU you can do a traineeship over the summer, or for a full year after completing your second year of undergraduate studies. International Exchange International Exchange offers DMU students the exciting opportunity to study overseas at one of our partner universities outside of Europe, in countries such as the USA and Canada. At DMU you can take part in International Exchange after completing your second year of undergraduate studies. Students spend a full academic year overseas as part of this programme, and receive #DMUglobal funding to help cover costs. For queries related to international work placements, we recommend that students speak directly with the Placement Team in their Faculty. 3

3 4 2. KEY BENEFITS Students who spend time abroad working, studying or volunteering achieve better degrees and get better jobs 1, and by going overseas you may also enjoy a range of other benefits: Studying in a different educational environment will help expand your subject knowledge You will stand out in the job market as many employers are looking for graduates with international study or work experience Discovering and experiencing new cultures will help you gain an international perspective and develop your multi-cultural learning agility Learn a range of life-skills not taught in the classroom It boosts your self-confidence, independence and resilience You can learn or improve foreign language skills Gain an international network of friends and professional contacts 3. YOUR JOURNEY Submit your application via the #DMUglobal website Receive notification of the outcome of your application and chosen host institution Attend the #DMUglobal briefing sessions for details about your next steps Complete the application form for your host institution INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE IS GROWING UP IN AN EXCEPTIONALLY SHORT SPACE OF TIME. IT IS ALSO THE LOSS OF A WAY OF THINKING THAT YOU LL NEVER GET BACK BECAUSE YOU VE EXPANDED YOUR HORIZONS. Lauren Mansey on her International Exchange experience at Francis Marion University in South Carolina, USA Complete and sign all the relevant documents requested by #DMUglobal and the host Institution before you travel overseas Travel overseas for your exchange Complete and sign all the relevant documents on arrival at the host institution and send them to #DMUglobal Provide Transcript of Records when requested Complete and sign all relevant documents before departure and send them to #DMUglobal Return to DMU, complete online evaluation form and any other outstanding paperwork 1 Gone International: mobility works. Report on the graduating cohort 5

4 6 4. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Your role Participate in all workshops and briefing sessions organised by the #DMUglobal Erasmus+ Team Actively respond to all communication from #DMUglobal, your Faculty and the host institution Complete all relevant documentation as requested within the required timeframes, before, during and after your mobility Submit the application to study at the host institution by their deadline Be a positive representative of De Montfort University Stay in touch with DMU whilst overseas, letting us know of any issues #DMUglobal Erasmus+ team Organise workshops and briefing sessions for students, providing information about processes, and help plan for going overseas Process bursaries and grant payments within agreed timescales Offer welfare support and advice for students before, during and after mobility Faculty Advise students about the suitability of programmes and modules offered at the partner universities Make academic decisions related to credit transfer, module choice and transcripts of records Authorisation of integrated semester-only exchanges Host Institution Inform students of the application and registration processes, module and programme choices and other information relevant to the students exchange Offer advice and support regarding accommodation and other integration/arrival related activities Provide general academic and welfare support to students whilst at the host institution Support with changes to the Learning Agreement, sign the Certificate of Attendance and provide a transcript of records at the end of the mobility period to the student and DMU 5. FEES AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT Tuition Fees There is a tuition fee for students that study abroad for a year; this is instead of the usual DMU tuition fee. This fee includes the ongoing support from the #DMUglobal Erasmus+ Team, and all other services offered by DMU such as the Library, DSU, Student Services, Counselling and Welfare. The current fees are: Home/EU students - 650* International students - 750* *This is the current fee for and may be subject to change If you study for a semester or less than a full academic year, you are required to pay DMU tuition fees as normal. For Erasmus+ and International Exchange, no tuition fees are payable to the host university. Please be aware that some host universities may have some additional fees and standard charges, which you will be required to pay. If you have any queries about any these charges, we recommend that you speak directly with the host university. Scholarships and Grants Any loans, grants or scholarships you are entitled to are not affected by taking part in International Exchange or the Erasmus+ programme. This includes the Tuition Fee Loan, Maintenance Loan and Maintenance Grants. Students should apply for the funding using the same process as in previous years, via the appropriate funding body. Please ensure that you apply for the funds promptly to avoid any delays later in the year. Students who have not been eligible for a Maintenance Loan or Grant in the first two years of their study may still be eligible for it, for their year abroad. Please check with the relevant funding body. Students may also be eligible for a grant to cover some of their travel expenses from Student Finance. Check here for more details: 7

5 8 Financial Support Students participating in the Erasmus+ programme may be eligible for a grant, which is designed to help cover some of the costs of your time spent overseas. Anyone on a work placement for 2 to 12 months or a study placement for 3 to 12 months is eligible. The current financial support on offer for Erasmus+ participants is as follows: Erasmus+ Study Up to 330 per month for higher cost of living countries OR Up to 280 per month for lower cost of living countries Plus an additional 120 per month for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Erasmus+ Traineeship Up to 430 per month for higher cost of living countries OR Up to 380 per month for lower cost of living countries Although the ERASMUS+ grant is quoted as a monthly amount, the payment is made in two instalments, as follows: 70 % will be paid at the beginning of the mobility upon completion of all the required documentation 30% will be processed at the end of the mobility upon completion of all the required documentation International Exchange Students participating on International Exchange are eligible for #DMUglobal funding of up to 800 for a full year studying abroad in the USA or Canada. You will receive the bursary in two instalments (50% before leaving the UK and 50% after completion of your first semester). 6. DOCUMENTATION Erasmus+ Learning Agreement (LA) This is an important document and it is essential to complete in order to receive your grant payment. Different sections needed to be completed before, during and after your mobility. Part 1 Before your mobility you should provide personal details and the address of both the sending and receiving institution (you will be given this information). In addition, you will also need to provide specific information depending on whether you are studying or working: Erasmus+ Study - provide details of the proposed course/s and modules you intend to study during your time abroad. Erasmus+ Traineeship provide details of the nature of the traineeship (a few paragraphs will suffice) including the knowledge, skills and competencies to be acquired, the monitoring plan with your mentor and the evaluation plan Once Part 1 has been completed, the next steps are: 1. Sign and the LA to your Faculty Erasmus+ Administrator, copying in erasmus@dmu.ac.uk. 2. The Faculty Erasmus+ Administrator will acquire the signature of the Faculty Erasmus+ Coordinator for the LA. 3. The signed LA will be scanned and ed to the host institution for their signature. 4. Once the LA has been returned to the Faculty Erasmus+ Administrator (and signed by all three parties), it will be sent to the #DMUglobal Erasmus+ Team in order for the grant payment to be made. Part 2 - During your mobility you need to update the LA if there are any changes to your proposed programme of study or your traineeship. This needs to be completed within five weeks after the start of each semester. These changes should be agreed by all parties, within two weeks of the date of the request. If you wish to make any changes to the duration of the mobility, these can be requested up to one month before the end date of your mobility. Part 3 At the end of your mobility, you will need to request the Erasmus+ coordinator at your host institution to complete Part 3, one to two weeks before you leave. This must be completed prior to your departure. You must complete the following sections: Erasmus+ Study provide a transcript of records obtained from the host institution. The transcript should list details of your programme and dates of study. This is required at the end of each semester. Erasmus+ Traineeship provide the dates, a detailed programme of the Traineeship period including tasks carried out, and a personal reflection on your knowledge and skill development. The host organisation will complete an evaluation of your Traineeship and will sign, date and stamp the document. 9

6 10 Certificate of Attendance As part of your Erasmus+ Study or Traineeship, you are required to complete both parts of the Certificate of Attendance: Arrival complete the form and obtain the signature and the stamp from the host institution on your first day. The date will reflect the start date of your mobility period and allows us to calculate your grant allocation accurately. Departure - complete the form and obtain the signature and the stamp from the host institution on your last day. The date will reflect the end date of your mobility period and allows us to calculate your grant allocation accurately. 7. PRACTICAL PLANNING Accommodation Erasmus+ study - You can usually apply to stay in the university s halls of residence or through a recommended private accommodation provider. Erasmus+ traineeship If you are doing a traineeship in Europe you will need to arrange your accommodation independently. The Faculty Placements Team and the #DMUglobal Erasmus+ Team will provide advice and guidance on how to search for accommodation. International Exchange International Exchange We recommend that you should live on campus, to help integrate into student life. Often our partner universities include meal plans with the accommodation. After you are nominated to a partner institution, they will contact you, providing information about the enrolment and registration process. Insurance Before your mobility, you are required to complete the following documentation for DMU: Module Choice Form provide details of the host institution and the proposed course/s and modules you intend to study during your time abroad. The form will be reviewed by your Programme Leader, who will need to confirm your module choices before you leave DMU. Certificate of Attendance As part of your International Exchange, you are required to complete both parts of the Certificate of Attendance: Arrival complete the form and obtain the signature and the stamp from the host institution on your first day. Departure - complete the form and obtain the signature and the stamp from the host institution on your last day. Erasmus+ study and traineeship - You will need to apply by post for a special European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), prior to leaving the UK. The #DMUglobal Erasmus+ team will provide you with a letter to apply for the EHIC. You are also recommended to purchase your own travel insurance for the duration of time overseas to cover personal possessions. International Exchange Having DMU travel insurance is not sufficient for studying on exchange in Canada or the US, you are required to purchase appropriate medical insurance as part of your visa and university application process. The host university in cooperation with the #DMUglobal Erasmus+ Team will provide details of the necessary insurance cover needed. Foreign language support Learn a new language can be a challenging experience, and we are able to offer a range of opportunities to help you prepare for your time overseas, these include: The Online language support (OLS) Erasmus+ participants can access this online language course to improve and assess their language skills. #DMUglobal language classes We offer all DMU students the chance to study a foreign language throughout the academic year. Current languages on offer include: Arabic, French, German, Japanese, Mandarin and Spanish. Host university language support - Most of our partner institutions offer language classes during your time overseas. We recommend that you check the incoming exchange student webpages of your host institution for more information. 11

7 12 8. CONTACT DETAILS #DMUglobal Erasmus+ Team For general enquires please contact us at Patrizia Deidda (Erasmus+ and International Exchange Administrator) T: +44 (0) E: András Fésüs (#DMUglobal Officer) T: +44 (0) E: Faculty Academic contact Administrative support Faculty of Arts, Design and Humanities Faculty of Business and Law Faculty of Technology Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Dr Keith Scott T: +44 (0) E: Dr Bob Webber T: +44 (0) E: Dr Eric Chowanietz T: +44 (0) E: Carol Greenway T: +44 (0) E: Jennifer Jones T: +44 (0) E: Ms Louisa Hibble T: +44 (0) E: Ms Kathryn Harris T: +44 (0) E: 9. USEFUL RESOURCES In preparation for going overseas we recommend that you do your own research to help maximise your study abroad experience. Studying abroad Go International find out about students experiences of studying abroad as well as find some useful advice on how to prepare for your international opportunity. Global Graduates contains a range of articles on various topics related to studying abroad. These include homesickness, settling in, disability advice and making the most of your time abroad. You can also find tips on how to write and talk about your international experience in CVs and interviews. Erasmus+ in addition to the essential Erasmus+ information, such as funding applications, this resource also contains important information about travelling, including visas, money and travel insurance. General travel information Foreign And Commonwealth Office Travel Advice up-to-date information on every country regarding safety and security, travel advice, health advice, entry requirements, local laws etc. 13

8 FAQ 1. What modules should I choose at my host university? Your Programme Leader or Personal Tutor will offer advice, as they will approve your choices. You can check the module options on the partner institution s website. 2. How many credits do I need to achieve and how will they be recognised? If you study abroad for a full year, we expect that you will achieve 60 ECTS (120 credits at DMU).This credit will be recorded on your Higher Education Achievement Records (HEAR), but will not contribute to your DMU degree classification. For Erasmus+ traineeships that last for a full academic year, you will receive credit recognition. We recommend that you speak with the Faculty Placement Team for further details. 3. Can I do both Erasmus+ study and traineeship in the same year? You can do a year which includes both a work placement and study placement, as long as they both meet the minimum duration requirements and are for a maximum period of 12 months. 4. Can I change my traineeship once I have started? You may be able to change at the end of the first semester, but only if you are doing a placement for a full year. Please note, this is subject to approval from both host organisations, and the Faculty Placement Team. 5. What happens if I don t pass an exam? Contact the #DMUglobal Erasmus+ team to notify them, and we will liaise with your Faculty Erasmus+ Coordinator to discuss your options. 6. Do I have to speak another language? Most of our partner institutions provide modules in English, however we encourage all students to learn the basics of the host country language to help them integrate and navigate other aspects of University life which may not be in English. 7. How will I receive my funding? As part of your application process you are required to provide us with your bank details. All payments are made in into a UK bank account in Pounds Sterling (but calculations are made in Euros for Erasmus+) 8. Will the funding cover all my expenses? The purpose of the funding is to help with costs associated with studying abroad. We recommend you create a personal budget plan to ensure you can afford the costs. 9. Will I need a visa? You are responsible for checking the visa requirements for studying abroad. EU citizens do not require a visa to study within the EU, but all students will require a visa to study in the US and Canada. 11. CHECKLIST Before departure Complete all your academic documentation required by DMU Submit all application documents for your host institution Make your accommodation arrangements Check you have valid travel documents Obtain appropriate travel and health insurance Make your travel bookings Prepare your budget and exchange your money Whilst overseas Sort practical matters in your first few weeks (e.g. getting a new sim card) Complete registration at your host institution Get the Certificate of Attendance signed on arrival and when leaving Returning home Send us any outstanding paperwork, including your transcript of records Complete the mandatory survey to evaluate your experience abroad 15