Exchange Opportunities for IBML in Year 4

Welcome! Exchanges Team Sheila Mills, International Exchanges and Partnerships Coordinator Katrin Uhlig, International Exchanges Assistant Michele French, Exchanges Secretary

Undergraduate Team Members Elaine Collinson, IB and IBML Programme Manager Lesley Nixon, Senior Student Adviser Karen Clancey, Student Adviser

Do I have to study abroad? It is a regulation of the IBML degree that all IBML students have to study or undertake a work placement abroad in year 4 You have the option to either study or work abroad or a combination – more on this later

Where can I study? Europe – Italy, Spain, France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria Canada – HEC Montreal Mexico – Tec de Monterrey All partners are linked on our website - there are 2/3 places available at each partner institution Please note that if you want to apply for Mexico please contact Allison Handley, Recruitment and International Office

Where can I work? If you choose to do a work placement you have to find this placement yourself. You can work in any country that speaks the language you are studying. Remember that if you do a work placement in Europe you will be eligible to apply for Erasmus funding. All work placements need to be approved by Strathclyde. Sandra Wright in the Careers Service can help you in your search for a work placement. If you do a work placement for the year then the placement should last at least 8 months and start no earlier than Sept/Oct of the year you are abroad. If you combine study and work, then the work placement should last 5 months.

Options for year abroad You have the option of completing either – 1 - an academic year studying abroad or 2 - a 8 month authorised work placement and report or 3 – a semester of study and a 5 month authorised work placement and report

Do I pay tuition fees? As an exchange student you will pay the tuition fees at Strathclyde (if applicable) as if you were to study here during your year/semester abroad Student Loan - you can apply for a loan as usual though you must let the award agency (e.g. SAAS) know that you will be on an exchange If you study in Canada or Mexico, you will need to make sure that you have the funds necessary and also that you can afford the extra expense of flights etc

Will my credits transfer? Study – You need to pass 40 ECTS credits (30 ECTS credits in a combination of business and language classes, and 10 ECTS credits of electives which can be in English and in any subject of interest to you) Work - You need to pass 40 ECTS credits for a 8 month work placement, 20 ECTS credits for a 5 month work placement The year abroad is not a holiday and you will have to work hard and pass your credit requirements For those who study, we will receive a transcript of your grades and decide whether you have passed the year. Reports from work placements are marked and employers’ evaluation considered. Recommendations are then made to the exam board at Strathclyde on your progress.

Will I receive funding for my year abroad? Students who study or work in Europe are entitled to an Erasmus grant for up to 12 months study (or combined study & work) Students are only entitled to one Erasmus grant for study in total and one for a work placement (3-12 mths) in a lifetime Erasmus grant amounts in were 225 Euro a month for study and for work. Please note these amounts are not fixed and vary each year

Neil Hood Memorial Fund If you are applying for an exchange outside Europe you may wish to apply to the Neil Hood Memorial Fund Usually grants available annually for Strathclyde business students Competition is based on academic merit and financial need Application and further info online - g/neilhoodfundscholarship/ g/neilhoodfundscholarship/ Meeting on Tuesday 9 November to meet the Neil Hood Scholars from last year – 5.30 – 7.30pm in McCance 3

When do I apply? Application deadline is 14 January 2011 You will be asked to list 4 choices - you are not guaranteed your first choice of institution - need to put your preferences on the application form and explain why you are applying for each We will do our best to match your preferences, though some destinations may be more in demand than others Places not allocated on 1 st come, 1 st served basis – if lot of demand for a particular institution then places allocated on academic merit and reason for choice of destination The less popular the destination – the more likely you are to secure a place! Keep an open mind and explore all the options

What forms do I fill in? 1 – Green Application Form - Fill in the form indicating your preferences and return to SBS Exchange Office 2 – Erasmus forms – Need to be returned to exchange office as soon as you have registered for classes or before your work placement begins. 3 – Please note that it is your responsibility to complete and return all forms for the Erasmus grant – if you do not return the forms we cannot process your grant application

What are the benefits of spending a year abroad? Professional benefits Adds an international dimension to your degree New perspective on international business Enhances your CV Gets you interviews Increases your employability Experience of studying at well respected business schools Personal Benefits Increases self confidence and resourcefulness Understanding and tolerance of different cultures and people Meet new friends from across the world Visit new places

How much does it cost? Flights Insurance Visa Accommodation Food Travel

Some things to consider Think about the practicalities of your year abroad : Do you have a passport? Do you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)? Have you lived away from home before? How will you cope with being away from family and friends? Can you cook? Can you budget your money? How are your language skills? Do you feel confident about studying or working in the language? Do you want to be in a big city or would you prefer a smaller town? Do you want to be at a big university or a private business school? Do you want to be in campus accommodation or in a flat? Do you want to live on your own or with others? Do you want to live with local people or would you prefer an international mix?

Where can I get further info? Students - Talk to exchange students here in your classes - they have come from our partner universities – find out from the students what their university and city is like - Talk to Strathclyde students who have studied abroad Resource Centre - Read the folders containing information on locations and universities Website - Follow the web links on our website to our exchange partners websites

Where can I get further info? Sheila Mills, Room 317, Level 3, Sir William Duncan Building Open Advising Times Monday, Wednesday, Friday – 9 – 11.30am Appointments at other times Katrin Uhlig, Room 320, Level 3, Sir William Duncan Building Available Mon – Fri – 2 – 5pm Michele French, Room 316, Level 3, Sir William Duncan Building Available Mon – Fri – 9 – 5pm (lunch – 1.30pm) Resource Centre, Undergraduate Office, Level 3, Sir William Duncan Building -Access folders and information on partner universities and student reports -Computers in Resource Centre -Access Monday to Friday, 9am – 4pm

Follow up information session Wednesday 24 November McCance Lecture Room pm

Questions?