Global Opportunity Centre Erasmus+ Pre-Departure Briefing Wednesday 7 May 2014 Paola Moruzzi – Study Abroad Advisor EU

Summary of presentation Documentation: Travel documents Insurance Erasmus Paperwork Finances–including Erasmus grant Studying at your host university Accommodation Safety Learning agreement Question and answer session

Travel Documents PASSPORT Applying for first time – interview as part of process Check the expiry date – make sure doesn’t expire while abroad Take a photocopy of passport with you and leave copy with family. Take another form photo ID ISIC card – from STA Travel online: www.statravel.co.uk

Travel and Health Insurance Cardiff University provides all UG students studying overseas with Insurance Receive Insurance Certificate and Insurance Summary via email Read summary carefully – you may want to take out additional cover Work placement students – may not cover you while at work Make sure you have an EHIC card www.ehic.org.uk International students – need to check if host institution require you to take out their own policy

Travel Arrangements Check arrival date Book early and shop around Find out if airline allows you to cancel or alter departure dates Don’t arrive on a public holiday Travel with other students?

Doctors, Dentists and Opticians Dental care is not usually covered – get a check-up before you go If you wear glasses make an appointment with your optician – make sure your prescription is up to date If you take prescription medicine, see your doctor about getting enough for time abroad Complex medical conditions – take copies of records

Finances TUITION FEES Erasmus+ students going on placement for the full academic year will pay 15% of your full fee to Cardiff University If you are studying for one semester only, you will be charged full fees to Cardiff University Not required to pay to host university

Finances Letters for LEA / Student Loans STUDENT LOAN Entitled to same level of student loan You may qualify for a travel grant through Student Finance – reimbursement for travel expenses – contact them directly Letters for LEA / Student Loans

Finances: Erasmus Grant Paid directly into bank accounts in pound sterling Grant amount has been confirmed n by the British Council Study placement grant and work placement grant are different amounts. Dependant on country 75% paid in November 25% paid in April Not a maintenance grant!

Finances: Erasmus Grant Erasmus+ Student Mobility: Study Placements Funding Students receive a monthly grant paid in two lump sums during their placement Group 1 countries (Denmark, Ireland, France, Italy, Austria, Finland, Sweden, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland) - €400 per month Groups 2 and 3 countries (Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) - €350 per month Widening Participation Students from disadvantaged backgrounds (WP)- €100 per month supplementary grant

Finances: Erasmus Grant Erasmus+ Student Mobility: Traineeship Funding Students receive a monthly grant paid in two lump sums during their placement Group 1 countries (Denmark, Ireland, France, Italy, Austria, Finland, Sweden, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland) - €500 per month* Groups 2 and 3 countries (Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) - €450 per month* *includes a monthly top-up of €100

Erasmus Grant: Paperwork MUST return all documentation to receive grant! Student Mobility Agreement (for each placement) Certificate of Arrival (for each placement) Certificate of Attendance (for each Report Form (online, for each placement) STUDY PLACEMENTS ONLY: Learning agreement for studies WORK PLACEMENTS ONLY: Learning agreement for traineeships

Studying at Your Host University PRE-ARRIVAL Receive information pack from host university Ensure take all relevant information with you Contact them with any questions ARRIVAL Ensure arrive in time for registration/events The first few weeks will be an expensive time Remember – you are an ambassador for Cardiff University

Research your destination Read all information from Host University Go on websites – university, town / region Contact other students going to the same destination Contact students currently abroad Contact students from your host university that are in Cardiff

Accommodation Many universities offer student accommodation in halls - Information pack from university - Website Ensure you know where to collect keys on arrival and the opening times/days of the Reception area Private accommodation - Research in advance - Make use of University’s Housing Office - Ensure arrive in plenty of time - Arrange cheap temporary accommodation - Ensure fully understand any contracts you sign - Make sure you receive a receipt for any payments Don’t go alone

Safety Pay attention to advice from host University and discuss with local students First few days – be over-cautious Ensure you know country’s emergency numbers Can seek consular advice – http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/ Range of services: - Contacting friends and family on your behalf - Issuing replacement passport - Provide help if victim of crime Risk assessment form

While you are away Stay in touch with the Erasmus+ Office and your academic school Inform us if any changes to dates / placement We will be in touch: - Write a summary sheet of city where you studied - Erasmus Student Society - Erasmus essay and photo competition Chasing forms!!

The Global Opportunity Centre The Erasmus+ Programme 37 Park Place Contact us!! The Global Opportunity Centre The Erasmus+ Programme 37 Park Place Cardiff CF10 3BB Email: erasmus@cardiff.ac.uk Tel: 029 20 870432 / 879674 Paola Moruzzi Annika Axelsen

Thank you Any questions?