1. A Student Information Evening
The B.A. International option for non-language students
A Student Information Evening
25th January, 2017

2. B.A. INTERNATIONAL OPTION
Students not studying a continental language
Full Third Year Abroad
Europe (ERASMUS)
US, Canada, China
All Subjects through English (in most cases)

3. THE 4-YEAR B.A. INTERNATIONAL
Subject A B C
THE YEAR ABROAD
Final
Arts
Second
First

4. Studying Abroad: If you are nominated …
You go abroad after having successfully completed Second Year, and you transfer from the 3-year B.A. programme to the 4-year B.A. International Programme.
While abroad, you must pass sufficient courses to secure a minimum of 40 ECTS credits (20 credits in each subject).

5. Studying Abroad (continued)
In this way, your period of study abroad is recognised as in integral part of your BA International Degree.
After spending the year abroad, you return to complete your fourth and final year at NUI Galway.

6. Requirements Period of study must be 1 academic year.
Students are not required to pay tuition fees to the Host University – however, they are required to pay normal registration fees to their Home University.
This means that you pay your fees and remain registered as an NUI Galway student while studying abroad.
The year abroad must be completed successfully (40 ECTS credits).

7. Some terms we use ...
Home University: NUI Galway Host University: the university abroad with which we have an exchange agreement, and to which we may send our students Bilateral / Exchange Agreement: a “contract” between 2 universities that allows a particular number of students to be exchanged in a particular subject area

8. Possible study destinations
The College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies and its disciplines are linked – through the Erasmus Programme - with a number of partner universities in Europe that offer courses through English.
There are also some links with the USA, Canada and China.

9. Things to bear in mind
Most of our European partner universities offer courses through English in specific subject areas only.
Limited number of study places available, i.e. competitive process:
Academic record (2:1 average, at least, is recommended)
Statement of motivation
Possibly also a short interview

10. ERASMUS+
EuRopean Community Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students
So far, across Europe, over 3,000,000 students have participated.
Bilateral Agreements between universities in various subject areas allow EXCHANGE of students – NO TUITION FEES.
Workload of study period abroad is set out in student’s LEARNING AGREEMENT and is recognised by the Home University.
A MOBILITY GRANT may be available to assist with costs.

12. Who can go on Erasmus?
Regardless of nationality, any registered student at NUI Galway who has completed 1 full year of study is eligible to apply for Erasmus.
Non-Irish European citizens will not normally be nominated to study in their birth country.

13. The Advantages of Study Abroad
Academic development
Personal development
Cultural and social aspects:
Get to know another country & its culture
Perhaps learn some of the language
Make new friends
Expand your horizons….
A positive addition to your CV

14. What do former Erasmus students say?
“I have become more independent and have had time to decide on the possible paths I wish to take once I finish my degree.
Enjoy every single minute; it is a chance of a lifetime. You will have so many memories and friends from this.”
Katrina Nee, who studied Soc. & Pol. and English at Abo Akademi University, Finland

15. Chris Connors, Erasmus in Utrecht, The Netherlands, 2016/17
“ 'You have to go there to know there' and that's the truth about Erasmus.”
Chris Connors, Erasmus in Utrecht, The Netherlands, 2016/17
Student Accommodation
City Scene, Utrecht
I feel like Erasmus really added to my degree and to who I am as a person.
There will be work but it'll be rewarding, you get out of it what you put in.
The modules I took added more variety to my education and this definitely benefitted me for final year. 
Living abroad certainly adds to your perspective and your network. I am still in contact with many of the people I met. Adapting to a different lifestyle is challenging but that's what's encourages growth.
At its core, I believe Erasmus is about being able to learn, experience and thrive."

16. Hannah Molloy, on Erasmus in Leuven, Belgium, 2016/17
University Library
City Hall, Leuven
Hannah visiting the European Parliament
Hannah Molloy, on Erasmus in Leuven, Belgium, 2016/17
Leuven definitely has some similarities to Galway, being a university city too. It has a great going-out scene, but KU Leuven itself offers loads more than just going out, and it has excellent services for exchange students. Be prepared to cycle here though as everyone here does! It is one of the things I love about the place! Their international student society offers numerous trips around Belgium.
Travel is an essential when you are on Erasmus. I myself have been to the Netherlands, all over Belgium and I’ve been to the Christmas markets in Cologne, Germany, which I think is a must-see. I'm afraid Galway Christmas market just can't compare! I plan to travel more in Semester 2 too! The close proximity to the European Quarter is also very interesting and offers a lot of opportunities to students, if you are interested in the EU. However if not there is still loads to do here! I would highly recommend KU Leuven.

17. Eadaoin Doyle, on Erasmus in Malta, 2016/17
Going on Erasmus has allowed me to meet people from so many different cultures and backgrounds. I've been here three months and already I feel that I've made meaningful, lasting connections. And the view isn't too shabby either!
These shots were taken during a student hike from Mellieha past Golden Bay just before Christmas.
The academic side of things is very relaxed here. It's interesting to see how another university works. Most of the study areas are gardens outside which is so lovely when you have work to do.
If you're looking for a gap year to study in a relaxed environment then Malta is ideal. The classes are about 25 people at the biggest so it's a great way to meet lecturers and get more in depth about topics you're interested in.
The students are really friendly and there is a group at the university that organises loads of excursions and nights out.

18. Emer McDevitt, on Erasmus in Leiden, the Netherlands 2015/16
Choosing to go on an Erasmus was the best decision I’ve ever made. Though travelling to a new city on my own was daunting at first, the rewards that come with that were so far above my expectations. I’ve met so many people, from all over the world, and made friends that I know I will keep forever. This experience has taught me so much, and through it, I’ve learned a lot about myself and Dutch culture while gaining a whole new level of independence.
I can happily say that Leiden and the Netherlands in general have become a home away from home! 
For me, Erasmus is more than just University: it’s the people, the culture, the places, the friends that I’ve made, the experience I’ve gained and the memories that I’ll have forever. 

19. Visiting Stockholm (above) and Kiruna, Lapland (right)
Erasmus in Sweden 2014
Coming on Erasmus has been best choice I have ever made. I have met so many amazing people and got to truly appreciate an incredible country. It has given me fresh insights academically and changed the way I think about many different things. Most of all it has been an adventure that has without question changed my life forever.
Ethan Moore, Uppsala, 2014/15
Visiting Stockholm (above) and Kiruna, Lapland (right)

20. There follows a list of Erasmus links by country, university and subject(s)
IMPORTANT TO NOTE: 1. You will be expected to take 20 ECTS in each of your degree subjects while abroad. 2. Where a particular subject is indicated in purple on this list, you MUST be taking that subject as one of your degree subjects if you wish to apply for a place at this partner university.

21. also important ...
Having satisfied requirement #2, you will have to ensure that you can take 20 ECTS worth of credits in your second subject at that particular host university.
Investigate this by referring to (i) the appendix to the application form and/or (ii) the host university’s website.
You will need to get approval from your 2nd subject dept here.

22. (1) Universities with courses available through English
Belgium – KU Leuven (Soc. & Pol.; Legal Studies)
Czech Republic – Charles University, Prague (Archaeology)
Finland - Åbo Akademi, Turku (Soc. & Pol.)
- Helsinki (Soc. & Pol.)
Hungary - Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest (Legal Studies)
Malta – University of Malta (a. Various; b. Maths)

23. Courses available through English (continued)
Netherlands - Leiden (History; Legal; Soc & Pol.)
- Utrecht (various)
- Groningen (History; Legal Studies)
Sweden - Uppsala (Gaeilge; various)
- Karlstad (IT)
UK - Aberystwyth (Irish)
- University of Glasgow (Irish; Archaeology)
- University of Strathclyde (Glasgow) (History)

24. Legal Studies students applying for Erasmus ...
... should bear in mind the fact that the Law School’s exchange places are also open to students of Corporate Law and Civil Law, and so there will be competition for these places.

25. Erasmus Links by country, university and subject(s) (2) Good command of French or German required for the following exchange places
Austria - Vienna (History)
France - La Rochelle (IT)
Germany - Bonn (Gaeilge / Celtic Civilisation)
- Göttingen (various)
- Heidelberg (Soc. & Pol.)
- Mainz (History)

26. Websites for European Universities
Please see the Appendix to the ERASMUS application form, where we have listed all the university websites, as well as subject combinations that are possible in each university.
Look for links such as “International”, “Exchange/Visiting Students”, etc

27. These will all be discussed later …
Other links
1 year Exchange Options:
Boston College, USA 2 places
University of Richmond, USA 1 place
University of Ottawa, Canada 4 places
Shantou University, China 5 places
These will all be discussed later …

28. Studying abroad – some terms we use
HOME University:
NUI Galway
HOST University:
the university where the student spends the year abroad
Academic/Subject Coordinator:
A designated staff member in each School/Discipline who will provide guidance on course choice etc, and with whom students are expected to keep in touch before and during their study visit.

29. BA International Requirements (cont’d)
Must consult with BA International coordinator in each of your subjects regarding the selection of modules to be taken at the host university
Target: 40 ECTS in total - that’s 20 in each subject, distributed over 2 semesters (subject to availability and the structure of courses).
Students are responsible for completing the Year Abroad requirements, and making sure that the results are returned to their academic coordinator.

30. Compliance
Failure to fulfil the requirements of the Year Abroad will have the following consequences:
The student will be obliged to pay fees for the final year of the BA Omnibus.
The student will be deprived of the BA International Degree and, on completion of their final year at NUI Galway, will be awarded the BA (Omnibus) degree only.
May have to repay Erasmus grant.

31. Costs of going to Europe on Erasmus
Total cost for the year will be between €7,000 - €10,000 approx.
This includes accommodation, household bills, food, travel, academic materials etc.
Some partner university websites may have information about the costs of spending a year studying there.

32. What you should budget for … & what funding is available
General Costs of Living (accommodation; heat/electricity/household bills; food)
Travel costs
Books, etc
Non-tuition fee to NUI Galway
Erasmus Mobility Grant €1,980 - €2, for a 9-month stay (depends on country)
Disability / Special Needs Grant (if applicable)
SUSI Grant (if applicable)
Back to Education Grant (if applicable)

33. Erasmus+ grant rates
€270 per month for UK, Finland, Sweden, Austria, France
€220 per month for Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Turkey
Part of a month: (# of days x grant rate)÷ 30

34. The Application Process – both EU and non-EU
Carry out some research on the destinations available by consulting the different universities’ websites.
Complete the appropriate form (there are 2, one for ERASMUS and one for non-EU).
Return your application form to Catherine McCurry in the College of Arts Office by 4pm on 6th February (strict deadline).

35. Criteria for Selection
Your Examination results: First Arts and Semester 1 of 2nd Arts
The extent to which you demonstrate having researched your selection
The strength of your Personal Statement
The ‘fit’ between your subjects and your selection (especially for ERASMUS)

36. Selection of candidates
Where a particular Discipline “owns” an exchange link, we will refer the relevant students’ applications to the International Coordinator in that Discipline for his/her recommendation.
Shortlisted candidates for Malta, Uppsala and Utrecht will be requested to attend an interview.

37. What happens then?
The College of Arts, SS & CS and the International Affairs Office make an offer of places by early March (earlier for US universities).
If you accept the offer, you will be officially nominated to the relevant Host University as an exchange student for 2017/2018.
You will need to follow the application procedure for the host university. NUI Galway International Office or your departmental coordinator will advise.

38. More Information on Erasmus
Erasmus website:
“Outgoing Students”
Contact Gisèle Farrell or