Departments

Checklist

Where to start:

  • Find out:who your School /Departmental Erasmus Co-ordinator is
    where you could study or work.
    when you could go abroad and for how long.
  • Attend any information meetings organised within your School / Department.
  • Get the approval of your Tutor and Erasmus Co-ordinator to participate in the scheme.

Host university:

Find out:

  • Website
  • Information for Erasmus students
  • Contact details of the Institutional Erasmus Co-ordinator
  • Contact details of the Departmental Erasmus Co-ordinator
  • Contact details of the Accommodation Office

Courses:

  • What subjects do you need to take and how many credits- For Portsmouth you will need 30 ECTS credits per semester WARNING: Europe does not operate with the 10 credit standard as is the system here, you may have to take more courses to make up the credits
  • What courses are available at the host university?
  • What is the language of instruction?
  • How are the courses assessed?

Application process:

 You will need to complete a mobility and learning agreement by the 3rd June

This is available from the Study Abroad/Exchanges Team office situated in the International Office in the Nuffield centre

 


If it is not possible to complete the Learning Agreement in advance, complete it on arrival at your host university

For the host university

  • Complete the host university's application process.
  • Check the deadlines.
  • Ensure the host university has received your application. Chase it up before the summer vacation (Semester 1 / Full year exchanges).

Work placements/ Language Assistants only

Employer

Find out:

  • Contact details
  • Location
  • Website

Work tasks

  • Ensure that the tasks you are planning to undertake are suitable.
  • Check with your tutor how your work experience will be assessed and incorporated into your degree.

Application process

  • Seek approval from your School or Department for the work placement.

  • Complete:

If you are going on a work placement or you are going to be a language assistant you will need to complete a mobility and training agreement by the 3rd June

 

If it is not possible to complete the Training Agreement in advance, complete it on arrival at your employer.

All Placements


Accommodation:

University Accommodation:

  • Are you eligible? What is available? What are the costs? How and when should you apply?
  • Complete the application forms and return to the host university by the deadline.
  • Ensure that the host university has received your application. Chase it up before the end of term.


Private Rented Accommodation

  • What options are available for the period of time you will be there, eg staying with a family or sharing a flat with other students,? What are the costs? How and when should you apply?
  • Contact other students to find out how they found accommodation or talk to any students currently studying here from the University you will be visiting.
  • If you can’t secure your accommodation in advance, or you would prefer to look in person, book temporary accommodation such as a guesthouse when you first arrive. Do not arrive overseas without somewhere to stay for at least your first few nights.

Documentation:

Check with your host university or employer what documents you need. For example:

  • An up-to-date passport valid for the duration of your time abroad.
  • Additional photocopies.
  • A copy of your birth certificate - check whether you need a translated copy.
  • A driving licence.
  • You may find it useful to get an International Student Identity Card (ISIC).
  • Passport sized photographs.
  • Your Learning Agreement or Training Agreement.

Insurance:

You must obtain:

  • A European Heatlh Insurance Card (EHIC).
  • A Personal Health & Travel Insurance policy.
  • Additional Personal Accident cover if you will be on a work placement.

Visas:

If you are travelling outside of the EU you may need to apply for a visa in advance.

Travel:

  • How will you get to your destination? Are there any luggage restrictions?
  • Booking tickets in advance is often cheaper.

Finances:

  • Tell your bank you will be going abroad for the year and ask for advice about banking abroad.
  • If you are going abroad for a whole year, you may want to open a bank account. (Accessing these abroad may incur charges, make sure you check with your bank.)
  • If you receive a student loan or funding from another source, contact the organisation to make appropriate arrangements.

Safety:

You should take similar precautions to those you would take when living and studying in any town or city in the UK.

  • Do not take unnecessary risks. You may stand out as a foreigner, particularly when you first arrive.
  • Seek local advice where necessary, for example if there are any areas to avoid and how to get around safely at night.

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