Erasmus Work Abroad Handbook

Transcription

1 Erasmus Work Abroad Handbook 2011/12 Last updated 1/8/11

2 2 Contents PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKLIST FOR ERASMUS OUTGOING WORK PLACEMENT STUDENTS 3 TIMELINE OF REQUIREMENTS 4 LOGISTICS 5 INFORMATION ABOUT THE ERASMUS GRANT 6 ERASMUS STUDENT CHARTER 7 GENERAL CONDITIONS 8 STUDENT SAFETY, SECURITY AND HEALTH 9 COPING WITH CULTURE SHOCK 12 MONEY MATTERS 14 IMPORTANT CONTACTS WHILE YOU ARE ABROAD 15

3 Pre-departure Checklist for Erasmus Outgoing Work Placement Students 3 This checklist is not exhaustive, but is designed to help you in your preparations for your period abroad. The more information you are able to obtain about your host institution and host country, before you leave Exeter, the better. Don t leave everything to the last minute. Complete and submit Student Mobility Agreement (EWA001) and Erasmus Work Placement Student Application (EWA002). Complete and submit Student Details/Bank Account Details on the Student Portal. Arrange adequate insurance cover and complete and submit the Insurance Cover form (EWA003). Ensure you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), make sure the EHIC has not expired or will not expire while you are abroad. Research International Office website for information on grants, bursaries, logistics and health: Read assessment arrangements for Year/Semester Abroad (from College). Make sure you know how you will be assessed and how much your mark will contribute to your final degree classification. Contact students who are currently abroad or who have returned for advice (ask your College/Department coordinator for details). Make a note of name & contact details of your Year Abroad coordinator/tutor/personal tutor/erasmus Officer. Arrange accommodation (if only temporary). Obtain advice from your bank regarding bank accounts overseas, transfer of funds, access to funds etc. Make sure you have enough foreign currency (or travellers cheques) to see you through the first few weeks abroad when you have to pay for your accommodation, deposit on private accommodation etc. Enter your study abroad details onto your MyExeter student portal. If you are doing more than one placement (study or work), you must enter the details of each placement. This is a requirement so that the Registry Office can inform your Student Loan Company. Make arrangements for the payment of your student loan. Ensure you have an up-to-date passport (with an expiry date of at least 6 months beyond the end of the Year/Semester Abroad). You should carry important contact details with you in paper format just in case your mobile phone or laptop breaks, gets lost or stolen. It is advisable to also carry paper copies of insurance, travel and medical documents and have them easily accessible Pack birth certificate + copy (+ translation if going to France Prepare materials necessary for completing any required coursework whilst overseas. Give up-to-date and postal addresses (home & abroad) to your College. Re-register as an Exeter student online. Erasmus Programme requirements and all EWA forms are available for download form On arrival at your work placement/school take your Certificate of Arrival (EWA004) and Training Agreement (EWA005) to your work placement/school mentor/supervisor for signing and stamping. Post, or fax both forms to: The Erasmus Work Abroad Office, Employability & Graduate Development, University of Exeter, Kay Building, North Park Road, Exeter, UK EX4 4QF Fax: +44 (0) erasmusworkabroad@exeter.ac.uk

4 4 Timeline of requirements Before commencing your work placement 1) You should read the Erasmus work abroad handbook (this document) as well as your course/module handbook 2) You must also complete and submit the following: EWA001: Student mobility agreement (handed out at student briefing session) EWA002: Student application form (handed out at student briefing session) EWA003: Insurance cover form (You must arrange your own insurance which should cover working in Europe) T05: Placement agreement (provided by college Erasmus coordinator once placement details confirmed)* On arrival at placement 1) You must complete and submit the following: EWA004: Certificate of arrival EWA005: Training agreement T07: Induction checklist If you have submitted all the above paperwork you will qualify for your 1 st grant payment. This payment is made once the University has received the grant from the National Agency (normally late November). During placement, you must complete and submit the following: EWA006: Receipt of 1 st grant payment (which will be sent once payment has been made) EWA007: Student report (which will be sent if/when 2 nd grant award has been received) This will then qualify you to receive a second payment (if sanctioned by the National Agency) At the end of your placement: 1) You must complete and submit the following: EWA008: Receipt of 2 nd grant payment EWA009: Certificate of attendance EWA010: Transcript of work If you do not send in all paperwork you will be asked to refund all or part of your grant. Failure to do so may in turn prevent you from registering for your final year or even from graduating. You will need to submit additional paperwork for each additional placement.

5 Logistics 5 What do we mean by logistics? Well, it s all the organising you will have to do before you go. It may seem like a mountain of paperwork but completing as much as possible now will mean that when you arrive you can start studying and enjoying yourself! General Documents Passport Birth Certificate Photographs It might seem obvious but please check your passport is valid for the whole of your stay, it should have an expiry date at least 6 months beyond the end of your semester/year abroad. If your passport is near its expiry date we recommend that you apply for a new one in plenty of time. As always when travelling abroad, it is advisable to keep a copy of your passport at home with other copies of documents and take a spare copy with you, but don t keep it in the same place as your passport! It is advisable to take the original (and a photocopy) of your full birth certificate with you. Do not part with the original. Take plenty of passport sized photographs for use abroad on official cards. Things to arrange Accommodation See Money Matters Section, page 14 Insurance See Money Matters Section, page 15 and contacts page 15 Travel See Money Matters Section, page 14 Things to consider communication It is important to check your Exeter regularly. You must inform the Study Abroad Co-ordinator in your college/department of any change of address. You should also feel free to contact your Study Abroad Co-ordinator if you encounter any problems. The International Office and your Co-ordinator will help and support you as much as possible while you are abroad, provided we are made aware of any problems. In line with the Data Protection Act (1998) no member of staff at the University of Exeter is able to discuss details of any student with a third party (including parents). It is therefore your responsibility to contact your Study Abroad Co-ordinator and/or the International Office at Exeter regarding any significant change in circumstances or serious difficulty you encounter. Please ensure that you register on-line in September so that your Exeter address is activated for 2011/12 as this is the ONLY address we will use to contact you with updates throughout the year. Please follow the instructions on the University of Exeter homepage. Mobile phones Information from Other Students If you are intending to take your mobile phone with you remember to check that you can make international calls. Also check the call rate as you may find it expensive. If you do decide to take it, ensure you have adequate insurance or call barring above a certain limit should the phone be lost or stolen. Talk to students who have already been abroad during their degree or to visiting students from the relevant university and try to pick up some useful advice. Returning students may have been asked to write a student guide for those who follow them - ask for a copy from your college Co-ordinator. Some colleges make these available on the Web and these sites are well worth visiting as they contain a lot of helpful information. The Erasmus Student Network and the International Society were set up in 2001 for all students involved in university exchange programmes. For further information please go to: Packing and Shipping Students are advised against shipping belongings in advance. Most universities cannot store student packages prior to students arrival or when you travel outside term time. Remember that what you take you will have to bring back! Always check your airline s luggage restrictions and stay within them unless you have the money to pay excess baggage or the heart to discard your beloved items at the airport. Also remember to check UK customs about any items purchased from abroad.

6 Information About The Erasmus Grant 6 Please note the Erasmus grant is a contribution only, it is not a full maintenance grant and is not designed to cover all costs. The insurance cover form EWA003 must be completed and signed and returned to the Erasmus Work Abroad Office by post, fax or . The certificate of arrival (EWA004) must be signed and stamped by your host institution or work placement and returned to the Erasmus Work Abroad Office by post, fax or . The training agreement (EWA005) must be returned to the Erasmus Officer once it has been signed and stamped by your work placement provider. You must make sure that the training agreement has been fully completed before returning to the Erasmus Work Abroad Office by post, fax or . Grant payments cannot be made before the above forms have been returned. Grant payments will not be made until mid-november as the University does not receive the funding from the National Agency before then. If you are doing two placements you will have to repeat this process when you start your second placement. The 1 st instalment of the grant will be paid in one lump sum, the amount is the monthly allocation, multiplied by the number of months of the placement. The amount you will receive is dependent on the exchange rate. When the grant is paid into the student s allocated bank account a confirmation will be sent with a receipt attached (EWA006). This receipt must be filled in accurately and returned immediately to the Erasmus Work Abroad Office, we will be unable to pay any 2 nd instalment if this form has not been returned. Hopefully in June we will receive confirmation from the National Agency that there will be a 2 nd instalment. As soon as we receive this we will send out s with a student report form attached (EWA007). This form must be fully completed and returned to the Erasmus Work Abroad Office by post or NOT fax before we can pay the 2 nd instalment. On payment of the 2 nd instalment a confirmation will be sent with a 2 nd instalment receipt attached (EWA008). This form must be accurately filled in and returned to the Erasmus Work Abroad Office. At the end of the placement the certificate of attendance (EWA009) must be filled in and signed by your host university or work placement and returned to the Erasmus Work Abroad Office. Please remember that if you are doing two placements you will have to return twice the amount of forms. Failure to return any of the above paperwork will result either in late payment of the grant or the return of any grant already paid.

7 Erasmus Student Charter 7 The status of 'Erasmus student' applies to students who satisfy the Erasmus eligibility criteria and who have been selected by their university * to spend an Erasmus period abroad either studying at an eligible partner university or carrying out a placement in an enterprise or other appropriate organisation. For study mobility, both universities must have an Erasmus University Charter awarded by the European Commission. For placement in enterprise the home university must hold an extended Erasmus University Charter (ie also covering rights and obligations relating to placements). As an Erasmus student, you are entitled to expect: Your home and host universities to have an inter-institutional agreement. The sending and receiving institutions to sign with you and before you leave a Learning/Training Agreement setting out the details of your planned activities abroad, including the credits to be achieved. Not to have to pay fees to your host university for tuition, registration, examinations, access to laboratory and library facilities during your Erasmus studies. Full academic recognition from your home university for satisfactorily completed activities during the Erasmus mobility period, in accordance with the Learning/Training Agreement. To be given a transcript of records at the end of your activities abroad, covering the studies/work carried out and signed by your host institution/enterprise. This will record your results with the credits and grades achieved. If the placement was not part of the normal curricula, the period will at least be recorded in the Diploma Supplement. To be treated and served by your host university in the same way as their home students. To have access to the Erasmus University Charter and Erasmus Policy Statement of your home and host universities. Your student grant or loan from your home country to be maintained while you are abroad. As an Erasmus student, you are expected to: Respect the rules and obligations of your Erasmus grant agreement with your home university or your National Agency. Ensure that any changes to the Learning/Training Agreement are agreed in writing with both the home and host institutions immediately they occur. Spend the full study/placement period as agreed at the host university/enterprise, including undergoing the relevant examinations or other forms of assessment, and respect its rules and regulations. Write a report on your Erasmus study/placement period abroad when you return and provide feedback if requested by your home university, the European Commission or the National Agency. If you have a problem: Identify the problem clearly and check your rights and obligations. Contact your departmental coordinator for Erasmus and use the formal appeals procedure of your home university if necessary. If you remain dissatisfied, contact your National Agency. * University means any type of higher education institution which, in accordance with national legislation or practice, offers recognised degrees or other recognised tertiary level qualifications, or vocational education or training at tertiary level.

8 General Conditions 8 Article 1: Liability Each party of this agreement shall exonerate the other from any civil liability for damages suffered by him or his staff as a result of performance of this agreement, provided such damages are not the result of serious and deliberate misconduct on the part of the other party or his staff. The UK National Agency, the European Commission or their staff shall not be held liable in the event of a claim under the agreement relating to any damage caused during the execution of the placement. Consequently, the UK National Agency or the European Commission shall not entertain any request for indemnity of reimbursement accompanying such claim. Article 2: Termination of the Contract In the event of failure by the beneficiary to perform any of the obligations arising from the agreement, and regardless of the consequences provided for under the applicable law, the institution is legally entitled to terminate or cancel the agreement without any further legal formality where no action is taken by the beneficiary within one month of receiving notification by registered letter. If the beneficiary terminates the agreement before its agreed contractual end or if he/she fails to follow the agreement in accordance with the rules, he/she will have to refund the amount of the grant already paid. In case of termination by the beneficiary due to force majeure, ie an unforeseeable exceptional situation or event beyond the beneficiary's control and not attributable to error or negligence on his/her part, the beneficiary will be entitled to receive the amount of the grant corresponding to the actual time of the placement. Any remaining funds will have to be refunded. Article 3: Data Protection All personal data contained in the agreement shall be processed in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 of the European Parliament and of the British Council on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data by the EU institutions and bodies and on the free movement of such data. Such data shall be processed solely in connection with the implementation and follow-up of the agreement by the sending institution, the National Agency and the European Commission, without prejudice to the possibility of passing the data to the bodies responsible for inspection and audit in accordance with EU legislation (Court of Auditors or European Antifraud Office (OLAF)). The beneficiary may, on written request, gain access to his personal data and correct any information that is inaccurate or incomplete. He/she should address any questions regarding the processing of his/her personal data to the sending institution and/or the National Agency. The participant may lodge a complaint against the processing of his personal data with the Information Commissioner's Office with regard to the use of these data by the sending institution, the National Agency, or to the European Data Protection Supervisor with regard to the use of the data by the European Commission. Article 4: Checks and Audits The parties of the agreement undertake to provide any detailed information requested by the European Commission, the UK National Agency or by any other outside body authorised by the European Commission or the UK National Agency to check that the Placement and the provisions of the agreement are being properly implemented.

9 9 Student Safety, Security And Health We have produced this information sheet with ideas and topics for you to consider before and while you are living and studying abroad. Safety and Security Check before you leave General Safety Embassies and Consulates are an excellent source of country-specific information including safety, security, crime, medical facilities and traffic safety. Foreign and Commonwealth Office - LOCATE Why? The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) offers a service called LOCATE. If you are a British national and travelling or living abroad you can register with the LOCATE service. In the event of an emergency, such as a national disaster (earthquake, tsunami), civil disturbance, terrorist attack etc. the FCO or local British Embassy will contact you. What are the benefits of registering with LOCATE? If a major catastrophe occurs the FCO/British Embassy will have an instant record of your details so they can contact you to make sure you are okay and provide advice; If family and friends need to get in touch with you the FCO can help them to find you; LOCATE provides help in an emergency and aims to reduce delay and worry in times of stress for family and friends at home. It seems obvious, but please remember that not all things are the same as at home. Before you leave you should attend any briefing sessions organised by your College and/or the International Office. You can overcome most problems with flexibility and common sense. Making yourself aware of your immediate area when you arrive will help you. You should attend orientation sessions at your host institution which, as well as providing you with important information, are also an excellent way to meet other new students. Key hazards (something with the power to do harm) are:- transport accidental injury (eg from handling heavy items, sharp objects, falls) fire lone-working Risks (the likelihood of harm occurring) can be reduced by:- road and vehicle safety awareness, forward journey planning. wearing protective clothing / equipment (eg hand or eye protection) / good quality footwear awareness of procedures for obtaining first aid and calling the emergency services awareness of fire safety procedures (alarms and exit routes) Regular communication with your Exeter co-ordinator, colleagues and family (mobile phone calls and texts, )

10 10 Culture Shock Living in an environment which is culturally different from what you are used to at home is exciting, but it can also be disorientating and may make you feel emotionally and even physically unwell at times. This experience is called culture shock. Feelings of culture shock are experienced by many people as they get used to living in a new cultural environment. Some typical causes of culture shock are differences in: personal freedom, privacy, accommodation, relationships between people, the way people dress and act in public, and learning and teaching styles. Being able to share experiences with friends can help you cope with culture shock so for health reasons make sure you spend at least some time socialising, even if you are very busy with your studies. Your host university can help you find out about social activities during your time abroad where you can have fun and meet like-minded people. If you think you are experiencing culture shock, ask for help. Your hosts, your Exeter Study Abroad coordinator, and the International Office will be able to help you. For additional information please see the separate Culture Shock section on page 12. Theft Alcohol Gender Issues Be responsible for yourself. Only take essential items with you. Do not keep your valuables on windowsills. Be careful when considering inviting new acquaintances home. Don t forget your insurance documents. You should never feel pressured into drinking. Check the legal drinking age in your host country. Again, be aware of your surroundings and the people you are with and how you are going to get home safely. Women travelling alone should always be aware and observant and the following tips may help when faced with an uncomfortable situation: Do not be alone with a stranger. This includes anyone in your residence ask for their identification if you are unsure. If you find yourself in a difficult situation remove yourself as quickly as possible. Turn the conversation around by asking some questions. Be in control by initiating rather than reacting to events. If this fails, tell the other person very directly to stop whatever is bothering you. Be specific, be calm and be serious. Firmly say no to any unwanted invitation and give address information only to people who can be trusted. Be cautious until you can be confident. Stay in public areas. Sexual Harassment is unacceptable wherever you are. If you find yourself in such a situation please seek help from your host university to determine a course of action. Health Insurance You must arrange comprehensive health and travel insurance before departure.

11 Inoculations and vaccinations Prescriptions and other medicines Contraceptives You should ensure that your inoculations and vaccinations are up-to-date and we recommend that you are vaccinated against Meningitis C and MMR (Measles Mumps and Rubella). If you are prescribed or take any regular medication for an ongoing health condition ensure you have access to a regular supply for the entire period of study abroad as medications, trade names and dosage levels may vary. Make sure that you label medication and keep it in containers that clearly show the prescription. If you need to take a large amount of medication it is advisable to ask your doctor to provide you with a diagnosis/prescription describing the medicine. It sounds obvious, but students who wear glasses or contact lenses should take a spare pair and plenty of contact solution if needed. For information about the various forms of contraception and sexual health please see: Obtaining and even identifying contraception overseas may not be straightforward with funny names, funny packaging and funny products. If you are unsure check with a medical practitioner about obtaining contraception and please always practice safe sex. 11 Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) AIDS Emotional Health Harassment and bullying Lack of adequate precaution means you could be at risk. If you suspect you have contracted an STD see a doctor immediately. Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) seems to have dropped out of the news but it has been reported in over 125 countries. It is thought to be more widespread and there is still no vaccine. As with most situations, use your common sense and follow these simple guidelines: Avoid unprotected sex Don t use illicit injectable drugs Don t share hypodermic needles Don t use or touch contaminated, unsterilized syringes or needles Don t get a tattoo It is your responsibility to stay safe. This really should not come at the end of the list because it is just as important as the previous health issues. New surroundings, new language and new people all affect our means of communicating. Homesickness is another common emotional reaction and should not be dismissed as insignificant many students feel like a fish out of water at first. Being aware of what is happening to you is the first step towards coping. Talking things through also helps, so keep in contact with friends and family and work hard to create a new support network. The University of Exeter is committed to a policy of equality of opportunity and aims to provide a working and learning environment which is free from unfair discrimination and will enable staff and students to fulfil their personal potential. All individuals should be treated with dignity and respect whether at work or study on or off campus; staff and students have an important role to play in creating an environment where harassment is unacceptable. See for further information. If you feel you are being bullied or harassed in your work placement you should contact either your personal tutor, your College Study Abroad Co-ordinator or the Erasmus Work Abroad office (contact details below) as soon as possible.

12 12 Coping with Culture Shock Culture shock describes the impact of moving from a familiar culture to one which is unfamiliar. It is an experience described by people who have travelled abroad to work, live or study; it can be felt to a certain extent even when abroad on holiday. It can affect anyone. It includes the shock of a new environment, meeting lots of new people and learning the ways of a different country. It also includes the shock of being separated from the important people in your life, maybe family, friends, colleagues, teachers: people you would normally talk to at times of uncertainty, people who give you support and guidance. When familiar sights, sounds, smells or tastes are no longer there you can miss them very much. If you are tired and jet-lagged when you arrive small things can be upsetting and out of all proportion to their real significance. What are the effects of culture shock? Some of the symptoms of culture shock can be worrying themselves. For example, you may find your health is affected and you may get headaches or stomach aches or you may start worrying about your health more than previously. You may find it difficult to concentrate and as a result find it harder to focus on your course work. Other people find they become more irritable or tearful and generally their emotions seem more changeable. All of these effects can in themselves increase your anxiety. How to help yourself: Most importantly: own up to your feelings and accept them. Believe that they will pass; they almost always do. In the meantime, there s nothing weak or childish about feeling homesick. Remember that many other people will have similar feelings, although you may assume that they are doing fine. (You can t read their minds - and they can t read your s!) Talk to someone. If you haven t yet made friends at your host university or work place, try speaking or ing someone from your host university or employer, or perhaps contact the University of Exeter s student run listening service VOICE: ( Use your phone. Text people. Send s. Keep in touch with those you left behind and arrange a firm date to go back and see them. But also give yourself a chance to get involved in your new life. Keep busy. Try to establish a routine. The fuller your days are, the less time you will have to feel homesick or lonely. Make a real effort to join societies/activities. This might feel difficult, but there are so many clubs and societies within your host university (if you are completing a work placement you can join the Erasmus Network at your local university) and the city that you are very likely to find something that suits your particular interests. At the start of the new academic year many new people will be joining - so you are unlikely to be the only new person. Take advantage of all the help that is offered by your institution. In particular, the orientation programme offered by most universities, it can be a valuable way of meeting people and finding out things that can help you. Walk around. Explore your new surroundings. Don t expect to get everything right. You re bound to make mistakes, forget things, and get lost. The first few weeks are all about getting it wrong, wasting time, not understanding, feeling stupid. There will be plenty of time to catch up after all, it s common for people to be off with flu for a few weeks and still get through the year successfully.

13 13 Find a supplier of familiar food if you can. Your student advisor or a student society may be able to help. Eat a healthy and balanced diet. Take regular exercise. As well as being good for your health if can be a way of meeting people. Have familiar things around you that have personal meaning, such as photographs or ornaments. Don t make any major decisions. Even if you feel strongly that you don t want to stay, take your time and talk it over with others. has lots of tips and advice and a forum so you can get support from peers around the world and fourth years who ve been there and done it! And if it s really bad... If you can t sleep or eat properly see a doctor or contact the local health service. Decide whether the best policy is to have frequent contact with home (because contact makes you feel better) or little contact (because contact makes you feel worse). Think carefully about whether or not to go home during holidays, assuming this is an option. Some students find it helps to ease the transition; others find the constant readjustment just makes them feel worse. Stay in touch with the Erasmus office, we may be able to help or put you in touch with Exeter students in your area: Erasmus@exeter.ac.uk Ask yourself if you really want to be at this workplace, in this city, at this time. Most people get through bouts of homesickness and go on to enjoy their year abroad. But for some it can be right to leave and take another direction. Finally... It is important to stress that culture shock is entirely normal, usually unavoidable and not a sign that you have made a mistake or that you won t manage. In fact there are very positive aspects of culture shock. The experience can be a significant learning experience, making you more aware of aspects of your own culture as well as the new culture you have entered. It will give you valuable skills that will serve you in many ways now and in the future and which will be part of the benefit of an international education. With thanks to the University of Cardiff, the University of Dundee, and Cambridge University and the UKCISA website for contributions to this text.

14 14 Money Matters Studying abroad is a fantastic opportunity both academically and personally but it can come at a price, depending on your personal lifestyle and spending habits! You may spend more than you would if you stayed at Exeter because you will want to take advantage of all (or at least some!) of the opportunities that present themselves. It may cost you between 1,000 and 1,500 more than if you stayed at home. If finance is a problem, you should look at your options carefully and budget accordingly. If you want to earn money while abroad, and if your visa allows you to, look for jobs once you are there although you should not rely on having this income. All students need to think in advance about their daily financial needs and budget accordingly How will you receive money? Is it possible to have a bank account abroad? Can you use your home-based account overseas? Are there cash point machines available for your card abroad? How will you pay your bills while you are away? What is your back-up plan? Have you thought about all the costs involved in studying abroad e.g. insurance? Financial Matters Money Student Loans UK Access to Exeter Bursary Local Authorities Access to Learning Fund You may wish to open a bank account abroad if so, check with your host university if it is possible and ask about the procedure and necessary paperwork as you may need to take a letter from your home bank. Check with your home bank whether charges will be made to withdraw cash abroad. Please note that debit and credit cards are not accepted as widely in some countries as in the UK. Whatever you decide to do, remember to check with your home bank at least six weeks before you go abroad. Don t forget to factor in any large transactions you will need to make when you arrive (such as rent and books) and plan accordingly. While you are abroad, you are still eligible for a student loan. You should contact your Student Loan Company who will assess your eligibility for both tuition fees and loan support during your year abroad. You will find further information at: Students who are in receipt of the UK Access to Exeter Bursary should be aware that this award will not be paid for any academic year in which study abroad is undertaken. For further information please contact the Bursaries Team: bursaries@exeter.ac.uk The Registry Office informs all Local Authorities (LA) of students who are spending a year or a semester abroad. The Office sends the LA details of where you will be studying and the term dates. Amendment to dates can be made during the year if necessary. Some LAs make funds available for students undertaking study abroad it is worth contacting your LA with your plans to see what might be available eg financial assistance towards travel. The Government gives every university funds each year to assist students who need extra financial support because they have higher than expected costs. Most awards from the Fund are in the form of grants, although some short term loans may be available to meet temporary hardship such as delayed Student Maintenance Loan or severe cash-flow problems. Further information and application form available from: Accommodation It is your responsibility to find accommodation for the duration of your time abroad. It makes things infinitely easier if you arrange this before you leave the UK some host universities offer campus accommodation. Alternatively go out early to track down the perfect apartment. If you are renting privately, please read your contract thoroughly, not forgetting the small print, and question anything that is unclear to you. If you are renting university accommodation check the options and application deadlines well in advance to ensure you get the room you want.

15 Important Contacts While You Are Abroad 15 Erasmus Work Abroad Office, Employability & Graduate Development, University of Exeter, Kay Building, North Park Road, EXETER EX4 4QF UK, Fax: +44 (0) , administer the paperwork and the Erasmus work abroad grants. Information and answers to common questions can be found on our website: If you feel your placement is not working out you should contact your College Study Abroad Co-ordinator or the Erasmus Work Abroad Office for advice and support before resigning. Please note that due to Data Protection restrictions we will be unable to discuss you, your placement or your grant with your parents or guardians. The Year Abroad Coordinator in your College/School or Department will be able to answer your questions about academic requirements or changes to your modules. Any queries about your student loans should be addressed to the Student fees office: Requests for confirmation letters for your Student Loan should be addressed to the Registry Office and any letters which have been sent to you by your Student Loan Company or Local Authority must be sent to the Registry Office, Room 152, Northcote House, The Queen s Drive, Exeter EX4 4QJ. Any queries about insurance can be addressed to the University Insurance Office insurance@exeter.ac.uk. It is now possible to purchase your insurance through the University s insurance office.