Erasmus+ ICM Your chance to study in Europe Bosnia and Herzegovina Tuzla, Sarajevo, Mostar 20. – 24. 3. 2017 Adam Hykl, Alena Konečná Masaryk University Exchange and Erasmus+ ICM in general – why, financials Conditions for applying to Erasmus+ ICM How to apply – where to find information and online application, selection criteria what documents you need to submit – motivation letter and CV

Why exchange? To discover the world! What do you think? 5 Ts why you should go on exchange: Teaching and learning experience Toughen up your character Tradition and Culture Travel Thankfulness and not Taking things for granted In addition you will increase your employability, salary, language competence, make friends from all over the world…

Unique Offer: Scholarship covers monthly allowance + travel costs a monthly allowance : Student’s (BA, MA, PhD) € 800 / month Staff € 140 / day travel costs up to € 275. Flight tickets, bus, train BaH  Brno and back

Conditions National of Bosnia and Herzegovina Enroled as a student of University of Tuzla, University of Sarajevo or University of Mostar Sufficient knowledge of English – B2 Complete and submit the application Credit recognition (at MU 20 ECTS) All levels Students (BA, MA, PhD) 1 or 2 semesters (5 or 10 months) Staff 1 week

Next call for applications Opens on….. May 2017

How to Apply? Get yourself informed Browse programs at MU Courses for International students CIC website (czs.muni.cz/en) PhD and staff – get in touch with a supervisor / CIC Fill in the online application isois.ois.muni.cz/application Submit the required supporting documents

Supporting Documents All applicants: PhD & Staff additionally: Motivation letter CV (ideal is Europass) Transcript of Records (translated to English) Confirmation of English language skills Photo & copy of passport PhD & Staff additionally: Research proposal / Work plan Letter of pre-acceptance

Selection Criteria Complete and submitted application! Motivation 30% Language skills 20% Academic performance 25% Curriculum compatibility (students) or Research / work compatibility (PhD & Staff) 20% Extracurricular activities and previous experience 5%

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

Motivation Letter (Cover Letter) crucial part of your application brief essay - explain what you hope to achieve during your stay as well as what qualifies you as a top candidate for the scholarship – Sell yourself Two main questions: Why this programme/Masaryk University? Why you? Language skills Refers to Motivation Letter CV That‘s why it is sometimes called „cover“! Others…

Targeting your Motivation Letter Address the letter to a specific reader Include your objective, accomplishments, and your interest in studying at this particular university. This shows you took the time to read and learn about it Describe in what way you plan to contribute to and benefit from the mobility if you go to this particular university Brief, clear, logical & no copy-paste!

How to start Preferred salutations: Dear Sir or Madam Dear Members of the Selection Committee Do not use “To Whom It May Concern” Motivation letter opening: Briefly express your interest for the scholarship

Motivation letter body First paragraph – your academic background and how it makes you suitable for the program/position. Second paragraph – your long-term plans and professional goals why your background makes you suitable for the program how the Erasmus+ will help you achieve those goals why is MU your choice

Some bad examples to be avoided: “Hello, I am very interested in applying for the project. Thanks,” Too short. It is also pretty rude ("Hello"? How about an introduction)

Some bad examples to be avoided: “Dear Professor, This motivation letter is in response to the scholarship offer. I really want to get it! Let me get to the point. I can: speak English, work really hard and I have pretty good marks (depending on what your definition of pretty good is ). I cannot: speak French. I don’t like regular motivation letters, they are too boring. I just want to let you know that I send you this only because I want to go to your university.” Tries to be witty but too negative, shows us what they are incapable of (“I cannot speak French", not very confident with the grades…)

Some bad examples to be avoided: “My name is Ted and I am interested in the scholarship. I am a great student, my academic results are excellent as you can see from my CV. I am 22 years old and I would really like to see Europe which has been my dream since I was a child. I hope I meet your requirements.” Watch out! We are not a travel agency. The scholarship is never a good fit only because you are 22 years old or a nice person! Focus on academic reasons.

CV Q: How much time will spend a hiring agent at your CV when applying for work? 6 seconds Structured (Europass format could help) Interesting (Content) – relevant Brief Truthful

Research proposal A document written by PhD students describing their research and planned activities. The RP should describe: Theoretical background and previous research background. Goals and objectives Methods Expected results, benefits and risks within the mobility period

Letter of Pre-acceptance Necessary for acceptance Proof of: Contact at host university has been established supervisor / mentor agrees on supervising the stay Research match the fields of host institution as well Name of the supervisor Contact details Signature & Stamp

Thank you! Q‘s & A‘s Ask anything you like