Nottingham Law School Outgoing Student s Guide: Erasmus Exchange Study Abroad 2015/16 Explore. Dream. Discover. (Mark Twain)
Introduction A student exchange scheme allows you to study part of your degree at another university in a different country. This fabulous opportunity gives you the chance to experience life in another country, to make a global network of lifelong friends and to grow as a person. If you are enrolled on the: LLB (Hons) Law, LLB (Hons) Business Law or LLB (Hons) International Law course you can take part in a student study exchange as part of your course, studying at one of the Law School s partner universities for one semester or one academic year, depending on your course. The study exchanges take place within Europe and Australia or through ISEP if you decide that you want to study in the U.S. If you are currently enrolled on another LLB course please contact Tracey Watson for further details: tracey.watson@ntu.ac.uk Do not worry if you cannot speak a foreign language as we have a number of partners who teach in English. If your exchange only lasts for one semester then this time away counts towards your final degree classification, which means the assessments you take will help to decide your final degree classification. Erasmus+ and Study Abroad give you a valuable learning experience and at the end of your exchange you will have: improved your existing, or developed new language skills; gained a new perspective of law within the EU or further afield; built an international network of friends; developed transferable employment skills; enhanced your CV; and taken part in a once in a lifetime experience. Nottingham Law School s application deadline Friday 29 January 2016 Contact Nottingham Trent University Erasmus Manager Tracey Watson Room C5013 Chaucer building City site Email: tracey.watson@ntu.ac.uk Erasmus application deadlines You must pay close attention to both the Nottingham Law School s application deadline and the deadline of your chosen university. Please consult the relevant university websites for actual application deadlines. Some of the deadlines are earlier than you would expect.
Erasmus Exchange and Summer School Programme Erasmus+ and Study Abroad Erasmus+ The Erasmus+ student study exchange scheme is an EU initiative that allows students to study at a partner university within the EU or at one of the partner countries, for example Turkey. Study abroad exchanges take place at partner universities that are not part of the EU e.g. Australia. ISEP International Student Exchange Programme Nottingham Trent University is a member of ISEP, which is an American organisation that specialises in student exchanges between universities across the world. NTU has a specialist ISEP co-ordinator who will help you with your application. However, the courses that you study during your exchange are approved by Nottingham Law School before your application is submitted. Please remember that in the U.S. and in a number of other countries law can only be studied at postgraduate level and so you may have to study subjects that complement law such as international relations or politics. Please note, the usual duration of a U.S. exchange is one year, starting in September. Find out more at www.isep.org Who can take part in Study Abroad or Erasmus exchange programmes? The programmes are open by application to Nottingham Law School s first year undergraduate students enrolled on the following full-time courses: LLB (Hons) Law (Full-time) LLB (Hons) Business Law And to second year students enrolled on: LLB (Hons) International Law (full academic year exchange only) Students enrolled on one of the other LLB courses should contact Tracey Watson for advice. Erasmus+ Partner Universities Country City University Language of Instruction Austria Graz Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz There is no automatic right to a place on the Erasmus exchange programme. Selection is based upon academic attainment, class attendance and a personal statement that shows a desire and commitment to study abroad. We will also act on the advice of the Examination Boards and your Programme Leader. If they do not recommend you to go on exchange, we will be unable to allow you to participate. When does the exchange take place? This depends on the course you are taking: LLB (Hons) Law (Full-time), second semester at Year Two; LLB (Hons), Business Law, second semester at Year Two; If your exchange is taking place during semester two, then this time counts toward your final degree. LLB (Hons) International Law, Year Three. Half Year 2 (Semester 2) English Yes Yes Czech Republic Brno Masaryk University English Yes No France Lille Lille Catholique University French No Yes France Paris Paris Descartes English No Yes Germany Heidelberg SHR Heidelberg English / German Yes Yes Greece Thessaloniki Aristotle University of Thessaloniki English Yes No Italy Turin Torino University Italian / English No Yes Netherlands Nijmegen Radboud University English Yes Yes Poland Katowice University of Silesia English Yes No Poland Krakow Jagiellonian University English Yes Yes Poland Warsaw Kozminski University English Yes No Spain Valencia University of Valencia English No Yes Switzerland Lucerne Lucerne University English Yes Yes Turkey Istanbul Koç University English Yes Yes Academic Year If you wish, you can take part in an academic year long exchange during Year Three. If you want to participate in a year long exchange then you do not need to apply until Year Two of your course. It is not possible to study in Australia for an academic year. Will I be taught in English? This depends on the university that you choose. In some cases you will be taught in the language of the host university, in English or in others you will be taught in a mix of English and the language of the host university. How many exchange places are there? Whilst the number of places increases every year, there are only a limited number of exchange places available. The number of places at each host university varies and can be anything from two to five places. It is essential that you have passed all your assessments and exams by the end of your first year (be able to Pass and Proceed to Stage Two ) before you will be allowed to go. You cannot go on the Erasmus exchange if you have any trailing referrals into Year Two. If your exchange is taking place in Year Three you must have passed all your Year Two assessments and exams, you cannot participate in an exchange if you are trailing referrals into your final year. 1
Outgoing Student s Guide How do I apply Step 1: Apply to Nottingham Law School for a place on an exchange. Step 2: If successful at step 1 you then need to apply to your chosen university. Application process Research all of the partner universities. Take a look at their websites, paying attention to the course descriptions. Discuss your options (the programme of study and module preferences) with Tracey Watson, Erasmus Manager. Do some more research! You need to choose two partner universities. Complete and submit the Erasmus+ or study abroad application form to Tracey Watson, tracey.watson@ntu.ac.uk by Friday 29 January 2016. Read more about the university, new country and city in which you ll be studying to make the most of the experience. If your Nottingham Law School application is successful you will then need to apply to your chosen university. Please read the application form of your chosen host university very carefully, making sure you complete all sections and requirements. Remember: exchange partners set their own application deadlines and you must meet these in order to secure your place; and you will still need to enrol at NTU during your Erasmus+ year. How many module credits do I need? The Erasmus scheme uses a credit system called European Credit Transfer Scheme (ECTS). ECTS credits are recognised by NTU and are converted into NTU credits. Semester only students MUST complete 30 ECTS credits during their semester abroad. Students who chose to study for one year don t need to complete more than 60 ECTS credits. 2
Erasmus Exchange and Summer School Programme Funding and finances Tuition fees You do not pay any tuition fees to the partner university. You have to pay tuition fees to NTU, so you would need to apply to Student Finance England as usual. If your exchange is just for one semester then you pay your usual tuition fee to NTU. If you are taking part in an academic year long exchange then you pay a reduced tuition fee of 900 to NTU. If you receive a maintenance award or a student loan, you must ensure arrangements are in place for payment of your fees in your absence. You must ensure that you are enrolled at NTU for the semester / year of your exchange. UK student loans If you normally apply for a UK student loan, you should still do so for the forthcoming academic year. It is your responsibility to supply full information of your period abroad to your academic department and to Student Finance England when completing loan forms. This information will be used to ensure that University records are correct and the correct tuition fee is applied. The University cannot contact Student Finance England on your behalf. Please visit the student finance gov.uk website for current information relating to student loans and grants: www.gov.uk/studentfinance/loans-and-grants Travel Grants It is possible to apply for a Travel Grant from Student Finance England. This grant is means tested, however it is still worth applying as it can cover up to three return journeys between the UK and overseas institution during a full academic year abroad and mandatory medical insurance and visas. Find out more here: www.gov.uk/student-finance/overview The Erasmus+ Grant Students who take part in an Erasmus+ study exchange will receive the Erasmus+ Grant. Whilst the grant is not means tested the amount you will receive depends on which country you study in and your personal circumstances. This grant is administered by NTU and is paid to you in two unequal instalments, the first when you arrive at the partner university and the final amount once you have returned to the UK. Full details about the grant will be given to you once your application has been successful. The Erasmus+ Grant is to assist with the additional expenditure incurred through living abroad. Please note that the Erasmus+ Grant should not be relied upon for essential living expenses such as food or rent. For up-to-date information on the Erasmus grant, please go to: www.erasmusplus.org.uk If your application is successful you will be given further advice and help on applying for the Erasmus+ Grant. Costs You are responsible for all your living expenses, for example: Travel Accommodation Food Books, library costs Study visas (if applicable) Resident permit Sight-seeing and socialising Medical and travel insurance It is impossible to tell you how much money you will need during your exchange, therefore, it is important that you give due consideration to your financial situation before applying to join the programme. Just like at NTU if you incur debts of any kind at your host university, it is possible that they will withhold the official release of your grades (transcripts) until your debt is paid. Accommodation If you are taking part in an exchange for the second semester of Year Two, then please make sure that you do not sign a year-long accommodation lease in Nottingham. Please ask for information about accommodation in Nottingham that lasts for half a year. If you enter into a year-long lease and then take part in a student exchange scheme your Landlord may not allow you to sub-let your accommodation, meaning that you will be liable for the full rent payment for this year. Your host university will provide you with information about accommodation and how to apply once you have been nominated by Nottingham Law School. General advice for cash, banking and credit cards Apply for your Student Loan well in advance of your departure to your host university. Check if Student Finance England will fund any of your travel, insurance or other costs on top of your regular loan. Tell your bank that you are going to study in Europe or further afield and ask if they have a reciprocal agreement with other banks. Set up a bank account before or on arrival in your host country try to use a large bank. Check costs / ease of transferring money, as this varies from bank to bank. Take a credit card. Take Euro cheques / travellers cheques. You can normally withdraw money from your UK bank account from cash machines around the world, but remember banks do charge for this service. Travel arrangements You are responsible for making your own travel arrangements. As soon as you have been accepted by your host university and you know when you are required to arrive, you should make your booking. Always check with the host university the actual date that you are expected to be on campus. Try to arrive during business hours so that staff might be available. Download a map and some basic directions before you leave the UK. Find out if there is a meet and greet service that you can use. If you have pre-arranged your accommodation, make sure that you know exactly when and where to collect the keys. You must hold a current passport which should be valid for at least six months beyond your return date. 3
Outgoing Student s Guide Insurance Medical Insurance You must take out medical insurance before you leave the UK for your exchange. If your exchange is taking place in another EEA / EU country and you are an EEA / EU national then you must take out a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). You can apply for a free EHIC via the NHS web site: www.nhs.uk/nhsengland/healthcareabro ad/ehic/pages/about-the-ehic.aspx If you already hold an EHIC, check that it is not due to expire before or during your time abroad. Please note that, in addition to providing you with medical insurance, it may be a registration requirement of a host university in Europe. If your exchange is taking place outside of an EEA / EU country e.g. the U.S., you will not be able to apply for a visa without the necessary medical insurance. Personal insurance You must take out a personal insurance policy that covers you for medical expenses that might not be covered under your EHIC, such as incidental hospital expenses, repatriation by air ambulance and travel costs of family members. You are advised to take out a policy which will insure you for a minimum of 1 million. Your insurance should also cover travel, missed flights, lost luggage, delays and the loss of personal possessions and money. Third Party Liability Insurance Your host university may require you to take out third party liability insurance as part of their registration procedure. This insures you against any injury you cause to a third party, or damage you may cause to someone else s property e.g. if you are involved in a car incident. Before purchasing any insurance read the terms, conditions and excess levels carefully and ensure that you are covered for as many items as possible. Health matters If you have an unusual medical condition, take copies of your medical records. Also take with you prescriptions for medications and a GP / hospital letter confirming your condition. If you have a long term medical condition or a disability you must discuss this with your GP and your academic Erasmus coordinator. This is so your host university can provide appropriate support. If you wear spectacles remember to take a spare pair with you. If you wear contact lenses, take enough for the length of your stay. Personal safety Common sense, but don t forget... Check the Foreign Office website if events in the news about a particular country worry you: www.fco.gov.uk/en Don t hitch a ride. Make sure you have enough cash for a taxi at the end of a night out. When you go out alone, let someone know where you ve gone and who you ve gone to meet. Don t be afraid to change seats on a bus or train if someone makes you feel uncomfortable. Find accommodation via the host university s systems. Don t go alone to a prospective flat, especially one found via a newspaper advert. Arrange to meet people in public places until you know them. Only go back to someone s flat or house if you feel absolutely safe and tell someone where you are. 4
Study abroad Study Abroad Partner University Nottingham Law School has an exchange agreement with Queensland University of Technology (QUT). If you are enrolled on the LLB (Hons) Law (Full-time) or LLB (Hons) Business Law course you can apply to take part in a semester long exchange at QUT. Due to differences in the academic calendar students can only attend for one semester from February to July. This exchange period will count towards your final degree classification and advice regarding which modules to choose and the number of credits required will be provided by your Study Abroad coordinator. As with Erasmus semester exchange there are no additional tuition fees to pay for this exchange. Visit www.qut.edu.au/study/internationalcourses/bachelor-of-laws-honours to find out more. We are continually increasing the number of exchange partners we have across the world and further opportunities may arise. Visa information Remember that if you want to study in Australia you will need to apply for a student visa. You should allow at least six weeks for this process and there will be costs related to this which you will have to bear. Visit www.immi.gov.au/students to find out more. Before you go checklist Attend the pre-departure session at Nottingham Law School. Not all the partner universities are full members of the EU, please check to see if you need a student study visa or need to register with the local police once you arrive. Ensure you deal with any Student Loans paperwork before you go. You will need to pay your tuition fees to NTU, make sure you have all the arrangements in place before you leave. Make financial arrangements for your time in Europe before you leave. Tell your bank that you are studying overseas. Book flights and internal transport, see if your host university offers a meet and greet service at the airport. Make sure you have met all the requirements of your host university e.g. health insurance and third party liability insurance. Maintain contact with Nottingham Law School and the host university s International office before and during your exchange. Take a copy of the letter from your host university confirming that you have been accepted and that you are studying there as an exchange / Erasmus+ student. Take evidence of financial support for your period of study. Remember to update your term time address with Nottingham Law School as soon as you know what it is. Don t forget, you still need to enrol with NTU during your exchange programme. Keep in mind you ll have to complete your Student Finance England forms during your exchange for your final year at NTU. What should I do if I have any problems whilst I m away? If you have any problems with your course during your exchange in the first instance you should contact the Erasmus coordinator at your host university. If they can t help you to resolve the problem then contact Tracey Watson, Nottingham Law School s Erasmus Manager, tracey.watson@ntu.ac.uk or call +44 (0)115 848 4382. NLS Erasmus + / Study Abroad Contact Tracey Watson Room 5013 Chaucer building City site Email: tracey.watson@ntu.ac.uk 5
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