erasmus+ programme · benefits of erasmus+ the academic, cultural, social and personal benefits of...

2010/2011 academic year

INDEX

ERASMUS+ PROGRAMME

INFORMATION GUIDE

FOR OUTGOING STUDENTS 2020/2021

INDEX

CONTENTS

Page

1. ABOUT THIS GUIDE .............................................................................................................. 1

2. NOTE ON THE ERASMUS+ PROGRAMME ...................................................................... 1

3. INTERNATIONAL OFFICE ................................................................................................. 3

4. PLACEMENT PROCESS ........................................................................................................ 3

5. ERASMUS PARTNER UNIVERSITIES ............................................................................... 3

6. INFORMATION GUIDES ON UCC’S PARTNER UNIVERSITIES ................................. 4

7. HOW TO APPLY – UCC INTERNATIONAL OFFICE ..................................................... 4

8. REQUIREMENTS OF THE ERASMUS YEAR ABROAD ................................................. 4

9. ACADEMIC MATTERS ......................................................................................................... 5

A. MODULE CHOICES/ECTS ............................................................................................ 5

B. LEARNING AGREEMENT .............................................................................................. 6 C. LANGUAGE COURSES .................................................................................................. 7

10. EXAMINATIONS AT HOST UNIVERSITY ........................................................................ 7

11. ERASMUS ONLINE LINGUISTIC SUPPORT .................................................................... 8

12. FINANCIAL MATTERS ......................................................................................................... 8

A. FEES ............................................................................................................................ 8 B. ERASMUS GRANT ........................................................................................................ 9

C. LOCAL AUTHORITY GRANTS ....................................................................................... 9

D. COST OF LIVING – YEAR ABROAD ............................................................................ 10

13. ACCOMMODATION ............................................................................................................ 13

14. INSURANCE ........................................................................................................................... 14

A. EUROPEAN HEALTH INSURANCE CARD ..................................................................... 14

B. TRAVEL INSURANCE.................................................................................................. 15

15. ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS ................................................................................................. 15

16. INTERNATIONAL STUDENT CARD (ISIC) .................................................................... 15

17. BANKING ............................................................................................................................... 16

18. MAKING TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS ............................................................................ 16

19. ARRIVAL AT YOUR DESTINATION ................................................................................ 16

20. SETTLING IN ......................................................................................................................... 17

21. BEING ABROAD ................................................................................................................... 17

22. PERSONAL SAFETY ............................................................................................................ 19

23. COMMUNICATION .............................................................................................................. 19

24. CODE OF CONDUCT ........................................................................................................... 20

25. ERASMUS PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION ............................................................... 20

26. USEFUL GUIDELINES ......................................................................................................... 22

International Office, University College Cork January 2019

27. FORMS TO BE COMPLETED/RETURNED TO UCC .................................................... 23

28. MAKING THE MOST OF THE YEAR ABROAD: YOUR FUTURE CAREER ........... 24

29. ERASMUS STUDENT CHARTER ...................................................................................... 26

30. CHECKLIST ........................................................................................................................... 28

31. FINAL MESSAGE FROM THE INTERNATIONAL OFFICE ........................................ 29

APPENDIX ...................................................................................................................................... 30

A. UCC ERASMUS DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATORS .................................................... 30 B. UCC CONTACT DETAILS ........................................................................................... 32 C. UCC EMERGENCY CONTACT DETAILS ...................................................................... 32

1

1. ABOUT THIS GUIDE

This guide is intended to help UCC students who are due to undertake an Erasmus

academic placement in a European partner university prepare for their semester/year

abroad. It provides general information and practical advice regarding the Erasmus

exchange programme.

Every effort has been made to ensure that all information provided in this guide is

comprehensive and accurate. If you find any incorrect or out-of-date information, or you

come across additional information which would be useful to future students, please

inform the International Office.

The International Office is happy to try to answer any non-academic questions you might

have about your forthcoming exchange. (For academic questions, we suggest that you

speak to your Departmental Erasmus Coordinator)

2. NOTE ON THE ERASMUS+ PROGRAMME

General

UCC is an active participant in the ERASMUS+ programme, an EU programme which

facilitates student exchange with partner institutions across the EU and in the Associated

Countries. The programme allows students registered at UCC to spend a semester or year

abroad at one of UCC’s partner institution and to obtain full academic credit for so doing.

Academic programmes at UCC which provide for a period abroad are as follows:

• BA Criminology International

• BA Digital Humanities International

• BA Drama and Theatre Studies International

• BA Economics International

• BA English International

• BA European Studies International

• BA Film and Screen Media International

• BA (Geography - Archaeology) International

• BA International

• BA Music International

• BA World Languages

• BCL Law and French / Law International

• BComm International – English/French/German/Italian/Spanish//Irish

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In several other degree programmes, such as BMus, BSc etc., special provision may be

made for students to avail of a semester/full year abroad at a European university.

Under the ERASMUS+ programme, UCC has partner institutions in virtually all countries

of the EU. During the 2020/2021 academic year, over 300 UCC students will study at

institutions in France, Germany, Italy and Spain (the key “partner countries”) but also in

lesser subscribed destinations such as Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands,

Norway and the UK. In all cases students are officially registered at the host institution and

take courses on the same basis as domestic students in that country, along with other

Erasmus students from all over Europe.

Benefits of ERASMUS+

The academic, cultural, social and personal benefits of participating in the ERASMUS+

programme are enormous. “Feedback” from returned students shows that the intellectual

challenge of studying in a European environment is exceptionally rewarding and that

language skills improve dramatically. A highly valued aspect of the experience is the

European cultural awareness which it provides. For many UCC students, it will be their

first time to operate successfully in an international learning situation and this – along with

the practical demands of living away from home – is immeasurably beneficial in terms of

personal development and maturity.

The career benefits of having studied abroad have been well documented. Recent studies

prove that employers are likely to be particularly impressed by graduates who have shown

that they possess the curiosity, strength of character and adaptability to obtain at least part

of their education at a foreign university. Young people with a knowledge of another

culture and language are in great demand in the workplace of the 21st century. Therefore,

the ERASMUS experience may be seen as giving a competitive advantage in the

workplace to graduates who have been fortunate enough to avail of the programme.

Many students preparing to participate in the Erasmus programme voice concerns about

the financial aspects of the Erasmus experience. Whilst students are not charged for

tuition at the host institution, they will need to budget for flights, food, accommodation and

other general expenses. The Erasmus grant is intended as a contribution to the overall cost

of the year abroad, to cover the cost of living differential associated with living abroad.

The Erasmus grant will be from between €250 - €300 per month. Students thinking of

participating in the Erasmus programme should weigh up the cost factor against the

inestimable value of living and studying in a European university in terms of their personal

and academic development.

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3. INTERNATIONAL OFFICE

The International Office in UCC assists students in preparing for

the year abroad.

The International Office will confirm your nomination with the host university and they in

turn will email all the relevant information to you.

If your chosen University does not contact you and you do not receive any information

about how to apply to them, then you should come to see us at the International Office. We

have application forms for some of our partner institutions or we can contact the host

university for you. Some of our partner institutions can be a little slow in providing forms,

information, and subsequently there are destinations about which we have very little

information. For such places, it is nearly always a good idea to contact them yourselves; a

personal approach will often yield greater results.

Students should contact

Clare Murphy

ERASMUS Coordinator,

International Office,

Tel: (021) 4904726; Fax: (021) 4904735

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.ucc.ie/international/goabroadwithucc/outgoingerasmus/erasmusstudy/

4. PLACEMENT PROCESS

All students will meet with their Departmental Coordinator (see appendix) at the end of

Teaching Period 1 of their second year to obtain details of partner universities of the

department. Students will then be asked to choose a host university in order of preference.

In most cases students will be given one of their top four choices.

Departmental Coordinators will forward the final list of placements to the International

Office in February/March. The International Office will then contact you by email to

inform you of the next steps.

5. ERASMUS PARTNER UNIVERSITIES

Full details of UCC’s partner institutions in the EU may be found at:

www.ucc.ie/international/goabroadwithucc/outgoingerasmus/erasmusstudy/

Please click on the relevant university for further information regarding their application

procedures, semester dates, accommodation etc.

mailto:[email protected]

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6. INFORMATION GUIDES ON UCC’S PARTNER UNIVERSITIES

The International Office has compiled Information Guides on some of UCC's partner

universities. These guides are based on information provided by students who have

participated in the Erasmus programme.

We are in the process of compiling guides on our other partners and hope to have these

online shortly. Please click on the link below to download the guides:

www.ucc.ie/international/goabroadwithucc/outgoingerasmus/erasmusstudy/

7. HOW TO APPLY – UCC International Office

Students are required to complete an online application form for the International Office.

A link to the online application will be emailed to students when the placements have been

confirmed by the academic coordinator.

NB: You will be required to provide your bank account details when completing the online

application form. Please ensure that you submit correct bank account details as any error

will cause a delay in payment of the grant.

Once your application has been received and processed your nomination will be sent to

the relevant host university. The host university will advise you of their application

procedures (you will be required to complete separate application forms for your

host university).

8. REQUIREMENTS OF THE ERASMUS YEAR ABROAD

The main requirements of the Erasmus year abroad are as follows:

• Student may only study at a European destination

• Period abroad is part of the student’s studies at UCC (i.e. will receive academic credit)

• Student completes the relevant academic requirements set by the sending academic

department(s)/school(s)

• Minimum duration is three months and maximum duration is one academic year

• Student completes the required/agreed period abroad at host university

• Payment(s) of the grant may be withheld where required documents are not returned to

UCC by the stated deadlines

5

Examination Results/Appeal – travelling

Students are advised not to travel until end-of-year examination results are known.

Students, who travel abroad before repeat results are known, should be aware that

they will be required to return to UCC should they fail.

Students who decide to appeal their results are also advised not to travel before the result

of their appeal is known. Again, students who travel to their host destination before

appeal results are known will be required to return to UCC should their appeal be

denied. No exceptions are made.

Please note that there is a time limit for travelling. Students are not advised to arrive at

their host university more than two weeks late.

Termination of year abroad

Students who wish to withdraw from the Erasmus+ programme are advised to contact

UCC before making a decision. Students should be aware that there are a number of

consequences to withdrawing (depending on the time of withdrawal):

• The year abroad is compulsory for many degree programmes. Therefore, student

would be required to withdraw from the relevant degree programme.

• Any student who withdraws during the academic year will be required to reimburse the

Erasmus grant to UCC.

• Fee implications for following year of studies.

9. ACADEMIC MATTERS

a. Module Choices/ECTS

The European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) is a grading system used by most European

universities in an effort to standardise recognition of academic achievements between

European institutions.

ECTS credits are a value allocated to course units to describe the student workload

required to complete them. They reflect the quantity of work that each course requires in

relation to the total quantity of work required to complete a full year of academic study at

the home institution; that is lectures, practical work, seminars, private study (both in the

library and at home).

Your period of study at the host university will be fully recognised by

UCC as part of your study for your degree programme. A typical

annual UCC course load is 60 ECTS credits so you should plan to

obtain around 30 ECTS credits per semester whilst away.

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You need to be very clear about what is going to be required of you while you are at your

host university, in terms of choice of courses, attendance requirements, submission of

written or practical work, projects and passing of exams. You will have to bear in mind

that methods of teaching, learning and examining may differ in a number of ways at the

host university from those you are familiar with.

Your UCC academic coordinator should be in a position to advise you on all of issues

above.

You must take courses in your degree subjects while abroad, as agreed between you and

your UCC departmental coordinator(s).

You should consult with your departmental coordinator (s) before departure to establish

the agreed workload. Please keep in close contact with your departmental coordinator (s)

regarding your courses when you are abroad. If you encounter any problems, it is

important that you contact UCC immediately.

b. Learning Agreement

The learning agreement is an important document. It is the contract of study agreed

between the student, the UCC academic coordinator and the host university. The learning

agreement outlines the modules that the student intends to study at the host university,

along with the ECTS credit weighting of each module. The European Commission

requires that each student is in possession of a complete learning agreement prior to

departure.

Before Departure

• Agree on suitable courses for study at your host institution in liaison with your UCC

academic coordinator (course information should be available from all partner

institutions well in advance).

• On your Learning Agreement (before section), fill in your personal details and

information relevant to your study period.

• List the details of all agreed courses on page two.

• The learning agreement needs to be signed by you and your academic coordinator and

then sent to your host institution to be signed. Before submitting this form to your host

information, ensure you have a copy of it. Please also ask for the form to be returned to

you as soon as possible.

• When the learning agreement is returned by all parties please submit a copy to

the International Office (UCC)

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During Study Period Abroad

When you arrive at your host university, you may need to make changes to your choices

and hence to the Learning Agreement. Should this be the case, please liaise closely with

the academic coordinators both at your host university and with UCC to ensure your

choices meet your UCC course requirements.

Please complete the ‘During’ section of the learning agreement. The learning agreement

will need to be signed by you and the coordinator at your host university. The signed

learning agreement must then be returned to the International Office at UCC. The

International Office will arrange for your learning agreement to be signed by your

academic coordinator and then be returned to you for your records.

The online learning agreement is available at https://www.learning-

agreement.eu/student/home/login.php

c. Language Courses

Many host universities offer language courses to Erasmus students. These courses may

take place before the start of the semester or during the semester. If the host university

offers a language course, it is advisable to take this. There may be a fee for some of these

courses.

10. EXAMINATIONS AT HOST UNIVERSITY

Examination results from your year abroad should be submitted to the International Office

as soon as they are available. Students studying in Germany should ensure that they

collect their “scheine” at the end of semester 1 and 2. Students studying in Italy should

ensure that they collect their results at the end of the academic year. Any student who is

taking a language course in a university language centre must collect the results and return

them to the International Office.

Some institutions forward transcripts to UCC, others do not. Please ensure that you

are clear about the procedure at your host institution before you return to Ireland. It

is the responsibility of the student to prove that they have successfully achieved the

required number of credits at their host institution.

https://www.learning-agreement.eu/student/home/login.php

https://www.learning-agreement.eu/student/home/login.php

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11. ERASMUS ONLINE LINGUISTIC SUPPORT

The Online Linguistic Support (OLS) has been designed to assist students in improving

their knowledge of the language in which they will study so that they can make the most

out of their Erasmus period abroad.

The OLS is currently available in the following languages: Czech, Danish, Dutch, English,

French, German, Greek, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish and Swedish.

Students will be required to complete the OLS language assessment before the study

period abroad. It will help you to determine your proficiency in the relevant language. The

results of the assessment carried out will not impact on students’ acceptance at the host

university.

Based on their assessment results, students may be granted access to an online language

course before and during their stay abroad, in order to improve their language

competences. Access to the course includes tutoring, forums, tips from former Erasmus+

participants, and more. Upon return, students will be required to take the final assessment

which will allow you to measure the progress you made during your study period abroad.

Language licenses are expected to be available in May. The International Office will

contact all students at that time with all the relevant information.

12. FINANCIAL MATTERS

a. Fees

All students are required to register at UCC and pay the

registration fee. You will also be required to register with

your host university but please note that you will not be

expected to pay any registration fees.

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b. Erasmus Grant

Students participating in the ERASMUS+ programme are entitled to receive the Erasmus

grant (provided that period abroad is recognised by UCC). The Erasmus grant is intended

as a contribution to the overall cost of the year abroad, to cover the cost of living

differential associated with living abroad.

Erasmus Grant for the current academic year 2019/2020 is as follows: Amounts are

per month (per 30 days).

Confirmation of the Grant Amounts for the 2020/2021 academic year is expected to

be available in June.

Austria: €250 Lithuania: €250

Belgium: €250 Malta: €250

Czech Republic: €250 Netherlands: €250

Denmark: €300 Norway: €300

Finland: €300 Poland: €250

France: €250 Portugal: €250

Germany: €250 Slovakia: €250

Greece: €250 Spain: €250

Iceland: €300 Sweden: €300

Italy: €250 UK: €300 *

*Mobility to the UK during the 2020/2021 academic year will be covered by the Erasmus

programme.

Students are required to provide their bank account details when completing UCC’s online

application form.

The Erasmus grant will be paid over three instalments. Students will receive the first

payment in September/October (when online registration has been completed), the second

payment in February/March (when relevant forms have been returned to UCC) and the

final instalment at the end of the study period.

c. Local Authority/SUSI Grants

If you are entitled to a local authority/SUSI grant, this entitlement continues for the period

of your stay abroad. The relevant authority should be informed of your study period

abroad. The International Office will provide a supporting letter.

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d. Cost of Living – Year Abroad

Living abroad as an exchange student does not come free, and the costs vary from country

to country, and according to the period of time you spend abroad. While you are not

charged for tuition at the host university, you will need to budget for flights,

accommodation, food and other general expenses. Some countries are more expensive

than others, as are some cities, and the extra expenditure involved will also depend on

whether you are currently living at home. If you are, you will find that accommodation

will become a major cost. However, if you are already paying rent in Cork, you will

probably find that accommodation costs are cheaper abroad than they are in Ireland. In

some countries you may be entitled to some financial assistance towards the cost of your

rent. For example, in France you may be able to get a substantial rent rebate of

approximately 50% and maybe more. Your host university will have details on the

procedure for applying for this.

The average cost of living in most countries of the EU is fairly standard. In many

European countries student restaurants are subsidised and provide good meals at excellent

value. Shopping at food markets is good value and helps you practise the language. Your

Student Discount Card (ISIC card) may entitle you to discounts in shops. Calculate how

much money you will need and plan for higher costs at the beginning. You will probably

be required to pay a month’s deposit for your accommodation as well as a month’s rent in

advance. Extra money is also likely to be needed for a travel pass, for other deposits,

student discount cards, etc. You may need to purchase extra household items if those

supplied are insufficient.

Please see table (next page) outlining estimated cost of living in the relevant countries.

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The figures hereunder are a guideline only to the cost of living in the relevant country. These figures are based on the experiences of

previous students who have studied abroad. Figures are based per month

Austria Belgium Czech

Republic Denmark Finland France Germany Greece

Accommodation

€260

(Private)

€315

(University)

€220

(University)

€250

(Private)

€145

(University)

DKK2,500 -

4,000

(Private)

€400-700

(Private)

€650

(Private)

€600-€1000

(Private

Paris)

€265

(University)

€370

(Private)

€230

(University)

€300-400

(Private)

Electricity

Included in

rent

Included in

rent

Included in

rent

Included in

rent

Included in

rent €45

Included in

rent €60

Phone Bills

€20 €25 €20 DKK150 €20 €25 €20 €20

Food

€180 €150 €100

DKK 1,500-

2,000 €250 €200 €200 €80

Transport

€80 €50 €10 DKK 300 €25-80 €45 €40 €30

Textbooks &

Stationery

€20 €20 €10 DKK 150 €20 €20 €20 €15

Student Life

(Social

functions, sport,

etc.)

€120 €120 €120 DKK 1,000 €100 €130 €115 €100

Total

(per month) €680

/€735 €585

€405

/€510

DKK5600/

DKK7600

€800

/€1000

€730/

€1115

€625

/€765

€605

/€705

12

Italy Malta Netherlands Norway Portugal

Scotland/

UK Slovakia

Spain

Sweden

Accommodation

€450

(Private)

€250

(University)

€500

(Private)

€425

(Private)

€420

(University)

€415

(University)

€450

(Private)

€230

(University)

£400

(Private)

£450

(University)

€300-€400

(Private)

€70-€100

(University)

€330

(Private)

€275

(University)

SEK 3200-

SEK4800

(Private)

Electricity

Included in

rent

Included in

rent

Included in

rent

Included in

rent €60

Included in

rent

Included in

rent €30

Included in

rent

Phone Bills

€20 €25 €20 €25 €20 £20 €20 €20 SEK300

Food

€120 €250 €200 €250 €120 £250 €200 €130 SEK2300

Transport

€40 €40 €40 €50 €35 £50 €15 €30 SEK550

Textbooks &

Stationery

€10 €70 €20 €20 €20 £20 €15 €10 SEK400-

SEK1000

Student Life

(Social functions,

sport, etc.)

€120 €170 €150 €275 €120 £150 €80 €120 SEK1000

Total

(per month)

€560/

€760

€1055

€850/

€855

€1035 €605

/€825

£890/

£940

€400/

€730

€615/

€670

SEK7750/

SEK9050

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13. ACCOMMODATION

It is the responsibility of the student to organise accommodation, in consultation with the

accommodation services at the host university. Students should be aware that partner

universities cannot guarantee accommodation to all Erasmus students. If you wish to

apply for university accommodation (if offered) then you will be required to complete an

accommodation application form in advance. In a lot of cases, student accommodation is

allocated on a “first come, first served” basis. It is imperative that you return the

completed application form as quickly as possible. Please note that it is common

practice for university residences to request a deposit in advance. Many student

residences are quite basic and may consist of bathroom and cooking facilities that may be

common not only to one apartment, but to one floor.

If you have any special requests concerning accommodation, you should communicate

these to the host university. For example, you should specify if you wish to be located

close to a friend or if you wish to be placed in a single room. Students should also inform

the university of any medical conditions, allergies etc.

If you wish to rent accommodation on the private

market, you should only do so after having viewed the

premises in person: never pre-book over the internet,

especially where a deposit is requested, unless you

know that the person with whom you are dealing is

bona fide.

Research your options thoroughly and speak to

returned Erasmus students before you make a final

decision.

Where student accommodation is either not available or not your preferred option, it is

strongly advised that you make appropriate arrangements in advance. This may mean

booking into a hotel or hostel and arriving a week or two before the teaching terms starts

in order to give yourself time to search for private accommodation. Most universities

have an Accommodation Office or an International Office that will be able to assist you

and give you advice. Try to find out about different neighbourhoods in terms of their

safety and their proximity to the university, and get an idea of the going rates for monthly

rent.

You are advised to be careful signing contracts – read the small print.

While it may seem convenient and comforting to share accommodation with other

English-speaking students, former Erasmus students have often commented that this was

not always advantageous from the points of view of language learning and integration

into the new environment, and you should consider all of this when you are looking for

somewhere to stay.

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Students who live at home in Cork may find the search for accommodation very

daunting. However, with careful and early planning most students don’t have any major

problems.

Consider carefully the following points:

• What types of accommodation options are available?

• The cost of each option?

• What forms are needed to book accommodation?

• What is the deadline for the return of all necessary forms? Remember,

accommodation is usually reserved on a “first come first served” basis so don’t delay

returning the required forms.

• What deposit, if any, is required in advance?

• What facilities (toilet, shower, cooking etc) are available? Are they shared?

• Is bed linen etc supplied or will you need to bring your own?

• From what date will accommodation be available?

• Will you be bound by a contract, and for how long?

• What are the opening hours of reception in student residences? (If you are arriving

late in the evening or at a weekend, you may need to make special arrangements to

gain access to your room.)

It is the student’s responsibility to maintain contact with the host university during

the summer months. It is also the student’s responsibility to secure confirmation of

accommodation from the host university.

14. INSURANCE

All students going abroad are advised to have comprehensive health and travel insurance

policy.

a. European Health Insurance Card

Students will need the European Health Insurance Card which is obtainable from the

relevant local health board. This card may entitle the holder to free accident and

emergency treatment in EU countries. The card does NOT cover all medical expenses

and is not a substitute for travel insurance.

You will be required to provide your PPS number.

Full information on the EHIC is available on the

European Health Insurance Card website:

http://www.ehic.ie

http://www.ehic.ie/

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b. Travel Insurance

Students are required to take out travel insurance. The EHIC does not cover the cost of

repatriation (that’s the cost of bringing a person home in the event of illness or death). In

addition, illness or an accident abroad may mean extra travel and accommodation costs.

There are special health/travel insurance packages available for students studying abroad.

It is very important that you are covered for emergency medical treatment and

repatriation, and it is also advisable to insure your belongings against theft. A good

policy will offer a range of benefits and will give you peace of mind.

Make sure you keep a record of any emergency numbers that the insurance company give

you, in case you have to make a claim.

15. ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS

In most cases you will need the following items for registration

purposes in the host university. Take plenty of copies as you will

probably have to present them on various different occasions:

• Copies of your birth certificate

• A supply of passport photographs

• Your passport and plenty of copies

• A letter from the International Office stating that you will be

studying abroad under the ERASMUS+ programme (this will be posted to you)

• A confirmation of your acceptance at the university, if applicable.

• Your European Health Insurance Card

16. INTERNATIONAL STUDENT CARD (ISIC)

The ISIC is internationally accepted as proof of your student status. Although you are not

required to carry an ISIC card, some of the benefits of ISIC are:

• Access to special student air fares

• Student prices on coach, rail and ferry travel aboard

• Access to the world-wide student travel office network

• Savings on accommodation, sightseeing and

entertainment

• Access to the ISIC 24-hour free helpline - this can help

with health, legal and general emergencies

Students can apply for the International Student Card (ISIC) from any USIT office.

http://www.isic.org/

http://www.isic.org/

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17. BANKING

In general, it is important to bring sufficient funds, in readily usable form, to tide you

over for the early part of your stay abroad. It is advisable to open a local bank account

when you get there. The use of internet banking is also a convenient way for you to

access your Irish bank account details while abroad. You should speak to your local

branch about this.

18. MAKING TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS

Consider all travel options and shop around for the best fares. Check with USIT, local

travel agents and airlines/ferry services for the best deals. Booking in advance sometimes

gives financial advantage.

You will need a valid passport for all destinations except the UK.

Make sure that your “International Student Identity Card” (ISIC) is valid for the duration

of your stay as it can enable you to gain significant discounts on both travel and leisure

activities as well as on shopping.

19. ARRIVAL AT YOUR DESTINATION

• Get your dates right! Do not arrive on public/bank holidays or during the weekend

unless you have made arrangements with your host university in advance; otherwise

there may not be anybody to greet you or show you to your accommodation. It is

generally best to arrive a few days before beginning of term and during office hours

on a weekday.

Students should arrive in time for orientation/language courses if these are offered; it

is highly recommended to attend these in order to understand the host institution’s

system; otherwise arrive in time for first day of term.

• Notify the International Office of the university in advance of your arrival date, place

and time of arrival and notify your contact person if any changes occur. Occasionally

a university representative will meet students upon arrival. It is more likely, however,

that you will be finding your own way.

17

• Find out in advance where you should go first, i.e. to the Accommodation Office /

International Office / Coordinator’s Office or directly to your accommodation base.

Seek directions from your host university in advance, so that you will have at your

disposal the best advice on travelling from the airport or ferry terminal. A map is

always useful. Most airports and train stations have an information desk, where you

will find somebody to advise you. Take note that on the continent it is often

necessary to validate your travel ticket by punching it in a machine, e.g. before you

board a train or on a bus. Failure to do so can result in heavy fines.

If things do not go according to plan and you cannot reach your accommodation by the

required time, book into a hostel overnight. Rates are usually very reasonable.

Tell your family that you have arrived!

They could be worrying about you while you are enjoying yourself!

20. SETTLING IN

Don’t judge your destination until you’ve settled in properly – and this will probably take

a few weeks. It will take a while to adapt to a new university system, the language, new

culture and customs and to make new friends, so you may experience some home-

sickness at first.

Be open-minded about people and new experiences. Don’t judge everything in terms of

the manner in which it compares with Ireland. You will experience some advantages and

some disadvantages. You will gradually adapt to new ways and what seems strange at

first will soon become quite familiar – so much so that when you return home you will

miss aspects of being abroad.

If you persist to have personal problems, you should in the first instance go to the

Counselling Office at your host university. However, if your circumstances are extreme

you should still feel free to contact the Counselling and Development Office at UCC (see

appendix for contact details).

21. BEING ABROAD

It is important to keep in touch with your Academic Department(s) and the International

Office while abroad. Students are also asked to leave an email address

that they check regularly with the International Office and with academic

coordinators and this will be used to provide you with important

information about grants, important documentation etc.

Prior to departure the International Office will provide all students with a

Contact Details Form.

18

You should establish who your point of contact is at the host institution as soon as you

arrive. In many cases this will be an office similar to the International Office at UCC; it

can however be the academic adviser in your department. Registering at every university

differs and you will need to establish how this is done as soon as you can after arrival and

be prepared for differences in practice to UCC. You may be pleasantly surprised or

incredibly frustrated but in the majority of cases it will soon sort itself out and you can

settle down to your studies.

If you experience any significant problems at your host university with registering and

choosing modules you must contact your academic coordinator who should be able to

help, for example if you still can't register after week two. If you don’t have a clear idea

of how many credits/ courses you should take, refer back to your Learning Agreement or

information provided by your department before you left Cork.

You should keep a record of all academic records whilst you are abroad and submit them

to the International Office on your return to Cork.

Culture Shock

Culture shock is to be expected! Don’t worry if it happens to you. Many students are

surprised by how homesick they feel in their first few weeks overseas. It can be quite

stressful getting used to interacting in a new language, not being able to go home for the

weekend and getting used to the often less personal academic environment of the bigger

European universities. In most cases getting over it is simply a matter of time and nothing

to worry about. It is recommended that you get involved in activities planned for Erasmus

students at your university and also join clubs and societies.

These are the best ways to meet other people in a similar situation and to immerse

yourself in the environment of the host country.

You will cope well with culture shock if you:

• Have prepared well for your journey

• Know how to sort out various practical problems on your arrival and who can help

you

• Make yourself aware of any obvious culture differences

• Make use of your host university’s support system; e.g. International Office,

Counselling Service (if available)

19

22. PERSONAL SAFETY

Students are advised to consider carefully their own personal safety. Follow the same

precautions as you would at home.

Hold on tightly to your bags, especially in a crowd, and keep your wallet close to your

body so that it cannot be taken without you noticing. Watch out for pick-pockets,

especially in large crowds and at train and bus stations. Do

not try and retaliate should someone try to mug you; your

personal safety is more important than any amount of money

you may have on you.

If you are robbed, you should report it to the police

immediately. If you lose your credit cards or bank cards then get in touch with your bank

as soon as you can to have them cancelled; banks at home and abroad provide emergency

numbers for use in the event of loss or theft, so be sure to make a note of the numbers and

keep it separate from the cards themselves.

Remember that the less conspicuous you look; the less interest you will attract. If, for

example, you have to consult a map, it is better to do it in a café than to advertise that you

are unsure of your surroundings. If you lose any personal belongings or documents go

directly to the police and report it.

If you are finding your own accommodation, talk to other students in the same areas that

you are looking at and who have been through the same process. Speak to a local or the

host accommodation office about where the dangerous places are in the area. For safety,

take someone with you when you go flat hunting. Also have an idea what the going rate

is in the area to avoid being overcharged.

Watch out for the cultural differences in relation to socialising at night in your host

country. Young people in Europe do not in general drink to get drunk so ensure that you

check the behaviour of your peer group in bars, cafés and discos.

If you find yourself without any access to cash, without your passport, or in any other

serious kind of trouble, the Irish Embassy/Consulate in your host country will try to help.

In the unlikely event of you being arrested for a serious offence, insist on the Consulate

being informed: you will be contacted as soon as possible by a consular officer who can

advise on local procedures, etc.

23. COMMUNICATION

To telephone Ireland while abroad, dial the international access code of the host country

+ 353 + the area code (less the ‘0’) + local number. A guide to emergency services and

international telephone codes:

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COUNTRY

INTERNATIONAL

ACCESS CODE

COUNTRY

CODE

POLICE AMBULANCE

Austria 00 43 133 144/122

Belgium 00 32 101 100

Czech

Republic

00 420 158/112 115/112

Denmark 00 45 112 112

Finland 990 358 10022 112

France 00 33 17 15

Germany 00 49 110 112

Italy 00 39 112 118

Netherlands 00 31 112 112

Norway 00 47 112 113

Portugal 00 351 115 112

Spain 07 34 091 061

Sweden 009 46 90000 90000

UK 00 44 999 999

112 is the universal emergency number for EU member states. As they are not required

by law to use this number exclusively most states continue to use their existing

emergency numbers as well as 112.

24. CODE OF CONDUCT

Remember that, while you are away, you are ambassadors for your country and for UCC.

As a registered student of UCC while abroad, you will be subject to the regulations of

both UCC and of your host university. You are expected to observe the regulations and

the code of conduct of the university in which you are staying.

25. ERASMUS PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION

Each year the International Office organizes a Photographic

Competition for UCC students studying abroad as part of their

degree programme.

Theme

Photographs should relate to the experience of studying abroad.

There are a number of different categories:

• Fieldtrips, holidays, landscapes of your host country

• Everyday life on campus

• Life in your host city/town

• Every picture tells a story!

21

All entries are welcome. The photographs will be widely circulated so please be

selective in relation to what images you submit!

Rules and Regulations

• Photographs should be submitted in high resolution jpeg format.

• The size of each photograph entered must be at least 600kb.

• Photographs in landscape format will only be considered. Please do not submit

photographs in portrait format.

• Each entry must include the name and email address of the entrant photographer, and

a description of the photograph subject matter, including where and when the

photograph was taken along with a caption.

• No limit to the number of photographs entered.

• By submitting an entry, you are giving the International Office, UCC the rights to

use and publicize your photograph in various media.

How to enter

By Email: Clare Murphy: [email protected]

By Post: Post a CD Rom containing photographs to:

Clare Murphy,


University College Cork,

Roseleigh,

Western Road, Cork.

Prizes

The prizes which will be awarded to the top three successful entrants are cash prizes,

and are as follows:

• 1st Prize: €300

• 2nd Prize: €200

• 3rd Prize: €100

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Plus, the fourteen best photographs (as decided by our panel of judges) will be

included in a calendar which will be produced for 2022.

Deadline

All entries should be submitted by August 2021.

Here are some photographs we received last year:

Clara Hurley, Studied in The Netherlands Claire Joyce, Studied in France

Sarah McCann, Studied in The Netherlands (2nd Prize)

26. USEFUL GUIDELINES

• Book your flights well in advance to ensure the cheapest rates and check the

academic calendar of the host university to ensure that you will arrive in time for the

beginning of term.

• If an orientation programme or language course is offered, it is recommended that

you attend these, and make your travel arrangements accordingly.

• Most airlines have luggage weight restrictions and if you go over the limit you will

end up being charged substantially for every additional kilo. Check the airlines’

websites for exact details of weight restrictions and charges.

• Find out about other students that may be going to the same destination as you. Try to

travel in pairs or in a group, as this will make it cheaper for taxis and safer in terms of

luggage supervision.

• Be vigilant at rail and bus stations and keep a close eye on your luggage.

• Have a list of important telephone contact numbers and the number of your

credit/bank card as well as the bank’s emergency number, and keep these details

about your person, in case you are unfortunate enough to lose your wallet or mobile

phone.

23

• Be aware that in many countries, local bus or tram tickets purchased from a machine

must be punched to validate them – if you are caught travelling without a valid ticket,

you may have to pay a substantial fine.

• If you have pre-booked accommodation in a university residence, check its opening

hours for key collection (reception might be closed in the evenings or at weekends).

• Make sure that when you arrive in your host country you have sufficient funds for

your initial expenses. Note that, in relation to accommodation, you may have to pay a

deposit plus a month’s rent in advance.

• If, at the time of moving into your accommodation, you notice anything broken or

damaged in the room/apartment, make sure the owner or caretaker is aware of it, or

you could find yourself liable for repairs when you are leaving.

• When opening a bank account abroad you may need to produce the following

documents: a translated birth certificate, your passport, proof that you are a student,

evidence of your address in the host country.

• Former Erasmus students have indicated that they found it very useful to have an Irish

student credit card. If you keep this in credit you will not be charged for withdrawing

cash at ATM machines abroad. You should also set up internet access to your Irish

bank account.

• Most universities will have an International Office. Remember to check their office

opening hours and contact details before departure.

• You may find that administrative procedures are excessively bureaucratic in some

countries. Remember that it is the same for all other students and that you shouldn’t

get too bothered by it all. Stand up for yourself and don’t be afraid to ask questions if

you don’t understand something.

• Try to find out as much as you can in advance about the culture and customs of the

host country.

27. FORMS TO BE COMPLETED/RETURNED TO UCC

Prior to Departure:

• Online application form (including your bank account details)

• Online Linguistic Assessment

• Grant Agreement

• Learning Agreement (before section)

On arrival at Host University:

• Contact Details Form (contact details at host

institution)

• Certificate of Arrival

• Learning Agreement (during section)

24

Before you depart Host University:

• Examination results/attendance forms: Some institutions forward transcripts to UCC,

others do not. Please ensure that you are clear about the procedure at your host

institution before you return to Ireland. It is the responsibility of the student to prove

that he/she has successfully achieved the required number of credits at their host

institution.

• Certificate of Attendance (to be completed by your host university and returned to the

International Office before you leave your host university at the end of the year.

• Online Erasmus Final Report – the link to the Erasmus final report will be emailed to

you at the end of your study period.

• Online Linguistic Second Assessment

28. MAKING THE MOST OF THE YEAR ABROAD: YOUR FUTURE CAREER

A year studying abroad is a unique opportunity to improve your employment prospects as

employers recognise the “added value” a year abroad gives to your degree.

While you are abroad, there are many activities you can become involved in that will

enhance your employment prospects on your return.

Improve your Language Skills

Arrange to commit to at least one weekly language exchange session with a native

speaker (i.e. you undertake to exchange structured conversation practice with each other

for an agreed time). All language departments’ notice boards display such ads.

Take every opportunity to speak to local shopkeepers etc. See if you can volunteer to act

as translators in local hotels, travel agencies etc.

25

Network

Contacts made during the year abroad can be very helpful later in your career. Talk to

local recruitment agencies and see how vacancies are advertised. Visit the Commission

of European Communities (depending on where you are) and see if you can make

appointments with staff in Human Resources or in the Stagiaire Office. If you are

interested in returning to the country on graduation to pursue postgraduate study or take

up teaching assistantships; enquire on the ground, how best to go about this. See if you

can work shadow in local commercial, industrial or financial institutions.

Work Experience

Use the vacations to gain some relevant work experience, either paid or unpaid, to gain

some insights into future careers you may have an interest in.

Returning to Cork

In addition to planning your time abroad, it is also advisable to plan for when you return

and what lies ahead of you on graduation. If you are returning to your final year, there

are several early closing dates that you need to be aware of for both employment and

further study. The Careers Service finds that many students on their return take some

time re-adjusting back to being in UCC. They find it hard to balance their return to Cork

and career planning at the same time.

Erasmus students are advised to visit the Careers Service before they go abroad and have

a chat with an advisor on their tentative career plans. All students on their return should

have a Careers Advisor review their updated CV. Most important of all, students should

check out the Careers Service website, especially the EVENTS Section to be aware of

early closing dates and Recruitment Fairs.

Careers Service, UCC

3/4 Brighton Villas,

26

University College,

Western Road,

Cork.

Telephone: 021 4902349

Fax: 021 4903558


Website: www.ucc.ie/careers

Opening Hours:

Monday to Thursday: 9.30 – 5.00pm

Friday: 9.30 – 4.00pm

Open throughout lunchtime

29. ERASMUS STUDENT CHARTER

Each student is given a copy of the Erasmus Student Charter. This charter should be kept

for reference and details exactly what a student can expect from the Erasmus programme,

and also what is expected from each student:

The status of Erasmus student applies to students who satisfy the Erasmus eligibility

criteria and who have been selected by their university1 to spend an Erasmus study

period abroad at a partner university in Europe. Both universities must have an Erasmus

University Charter awarded by the European Commission

(http://europa.eu.int/comm/education/erasmus.html).

As an Erasmus student, you are entitled to expect:

▪ Your home university and your host university to sign a

learning agreement with you before you leave. This

agreement will set out details of your planned studies

abroad,

including the credits to be achieved.

▪ A transcript of records at the end of your studies abroad, signed by your host

university. This will record your results with the credits and grades achieved.

▪ Full academic recognition from your home university for credits achieved during the

Erasmus study period, in accordance with the learning agreement.

1 ‘University’ means any type of higher education institution, according to a national legislation or practice,

which offers qualifications or diplomas at that level, whatever such establishments may be called in the

participating countries.


http://www.ucc.ie/careers

http://europa.eu.int/comm/education/erasmus.html

27

▪ Not to have to pay fees to your host university for tuition, registration, examinations

or access to laboratory and library facilities during your Erasmus studies.

▪ 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 the Erasmus contract with your home university

or your National Agency.

▪ Ensure that any changes to the learning agreement are agreed in writing with both the

home and host university immediately they occur.

▪ Spend the full period as agreed at the host university, including examinations or other

forms of assessment, and respect its rules and regulations.

▪ Write a report on your Erasmus study period abroad when you return.

If you have a problem:

▪ Identify the problem clearly and check your rights and obligations

▪ Contact your departmental co-ordinator and use the formal appeals procedure of your

home university

▪ If you remain dissatisfied, contact your National Agency

Higher Education Authority

Marine House,

Brooklawn House,

Shelbourne Road,

Dublin 4.



28

30. CHECKLIST

• Complete and return all requested documents to the host university before the

required date – e.g. university application forms, accommodation forms and deposit if

required; booking forms for special language courses or orientation programmes

• Complete and sign the Erasmus grant agreement sent to you by the International

Office (UCC)

• Completed the Erasmus online language assessment

• Complete and return the signed Learning Agreement to the International Office

(UCC)

• Ensure that you have registered online with UCC before you go abroad.

• Obtain the name, address, phone/fax numbers and email of your contact persons

abroad

• Have details of your accommodation and make sure that you will have access to it at

the time of your arrival.

• Have a valid passport and bring it with you, together with travel tickets

• Bring your European Health Insurance Card and details regarding your travel

insurance

• Have several photocopies of all your documentation. Photocopies of your Birth

Certificate

• Bring plenty of passport photos

• Bring your USIT Card and your UCC ID Card

• Organise money matters before you go and make sure that you have sufficient funds

to cover initial expenses.

• Leave your contact details with your family – don’t forget to contact your family

when you arrive at your destination

• Please ensure that Certificate of Arrival and Certificate of Attendance are completed

by your host university and returned to the International Office before you leave your

host university at the end of the year.

• Check your UCC email regularly while you are studying abroad

29

31. FINAL MESSAGE FROM THE INTERNATIONAL

OFFICE

We hope that you enjoy your exchange. Please remember that the

Erasmus exchange is not just for academic purposes but is also

an opportunity to experience and enjoy a new culture whilst making friends from all over

Europe. Throw yourself into your new life and be willing to meet new people at any

events organised for you by your Host University. You will not be the only person alone

in a new country so do not be scared, just be proactive. This will make the transition

period easier for you.

Remember E is not only for ERASMUS but also for enjoyment, experience,

exploring and education!

If you are experiencing any difficulties, please contact the International Office at the

details below:

Clare Murphy,


University College Cork.

Tel: +353 21 490 4726

Fax: +353 21 490 4735


Enjoy your exchange!

30

APPENDIX

a. UCC Erasmus Departmental Coordinators

PROGRAMME COORDINATOR

BA DIGITAL

HUMANITIES

Dr James O’Sullivan

Digital Arts and Humanities

Tel: +353 21 4902359; Email: [email protected]

BA DRAMA AND

THEATRE STUDIES

Dr Yvon Bonenfant

Department of Drama and Theatre Studies


BA ECONOMICS Dr Ella Kavanagh

Department of Economics


BA ENGLISH Dr Adam Hanna

School of English


BA EUROPEAN

STUDIES

Ms Katherine McGarry

School of History

Tel: +353 21 4902446 Email: [email protected]

BA FILM & SCREEN

MEDIA

Dr Abigail Keating

Department of Film and Screen Media


BA INTERNATIONAL

Dr Donal Hassett

Department of French


BA INTERNATIONAL

FRENCH

Ms Sylvie Campion



BA INTERNATIONAL

GERMAN

Ms Emma Riordan

Department of German


BA INTERNATIONAL

ITALIAN

Dr Mark Chu

Department of Italian


BA INTERNATIONAL

SPANISH

Dr Elisa Serra Porteiro

Department of Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies


31

BA WORLD

LANGUAGES

FRENCH

Ms Sylvie Campion



BA WORLD

LANGUAGES

GERMAN

Ms Emma Riordan



BA WORLD

LANGUAGES

ITALIAN

Dr Mark Chu



BA WORLD

LANGUAGES

SPANISH

Dr Elisa Serra Porteiro



BA MUSIC Dr Triona Ni Shiochain

School of Film, Music and Theatre


BCOMM Dr Lawrence Dooley & Dr Rosemary Murphy

Department of Management and Marketing


BCOMM FRENCH Dr Kate Hodgson



BCOMM GERMAN Dr Siobhan Mortell



BCOMM IRISH Máiréad Ní Loingsigh

Department of Modern Irish


BCOMM ITALIAN Dr Chiara Giuliani



BCOMM SPANISH

Dr Ceire Broderick



LAW FRENCH Dr Benedicte Sage-Fuller

Department of Law


32

LAW

INTERNATIONAL

Dr Jonathan McCarthy

Department of Law


Biological, Earth &

Environmental Sciences

– CK404

Dr Pat Meere

School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences


b. UCC Contact Details

International Office

Clare Murphy

Erasmus Coordinator

Tel: + 353 21 4904726

Fax: + 353 21 4904735


Web: www.ucc.ie/international

Careers Office

Tel: + 353 21 4902121/2500


Web: www.ucc.ie/careers

Fees/Scholarships/Grants Office

Tel: + 353 21 4902365/2847


Web: www.ucc.ie/financeoffice/fees/

Student Counselling &

Development

Tel: + 353 21 4903565

Text: 087 2453840


Web: www.ucc.ie/services/health

Student Records & Examinations

Office

Tel: +353 21 4902422


Web: www.ucc.ie/records-exams/

c. UCC Emergency Contact Details

In an event of an emergency, in particular during university out-of-hours, you can contact

UCC Security at 4902266 or 4903111.


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