Careers Centre ERASMUS Work Placement Grant

Careers Centre Main message about work placements in general  If you are thinking of taking a Year in Industry, you CAN work outside of the UK.  If you find a work placement in Europe, you can get extra funding to help with the costs (Erasmus grant).

Careers Centre What is Erasmus?  European Commission incentive scheme to increase mobility of Higher Education students around Europe  Two sections - Study and Work Placements  Not just for languages students!  2012/13: students from all 9 Faculties in 13 different EU countries (France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Malta, Ireland, Netherlands, Denmark, Iceland)  2013/14 is the last year. In 2014/15, a new scheme ERASMUS FOR ALL commences. Details as yet unknown.....

Careers Centre Barriers to working in Europe...  Language  Part of reason for working abroad!  Brush up on languages already learned  Choose wisely  English speaking countries eg Malta, Ireland  Large (multinational) companies  Many companies love having English speaker

Careers Centre Barriers to working in Europe...  Finding a work placement  Your responsibility, but great opportunity!  Careers Centre can help (drop-in advisers, vacancies system)  NETWORK of friends and family, tutors in home School  Internet (GoinGlobal, Prospects, graduatejobsineurope.com)

Careers Centre Do I qualify for the Erasmus Work grant?  You must be a registered student at the University (before and after your placement) on a normal degree course.  Home, EU and international students all eligible.  Being paid doesn’t affect your right to the grant in any way.

Careers Centre Does my work placement qualify for Erasmus?  a recognised part of your degree (NO summer jobs!).  3 – 12 months long  Max of 2 placements allowed for Erasmus Work  a full-time job (eg at least 25 hours per week)  Approved by your home School  Jobs working directly for the EC, or representations / public institutions of the UK (eg embassies, consulates, national agencies) are NOT eligible.

Careers Centre What do I get from Erasmus Work?  1. A small GRANT 2013/14: €375 per month (for most countries)  2. A Tuition FEE WAIVER 2013/14: worth £950 (This will change for students on placement in 2014/15)  For an UG full year spent in Europe (at least 7 months).  International students & Channel Islands/Isle of Man students NOT eligible for this.  3. EXTRA PAYMENT to some students  Widening Participation (€500) – given to students from low income household  4. Small Leeds bursary (if applicable)  5. Retain usual Student Finance ie loan (& grant) unlike other ‘sandwich’ students

Careers Centre Note on Student Loans issue  Erasmus Work placement students have special status regarding Student Loans & grants:-  You have the right to have your student finance package maintained (ie not reduced by 30-50%, unlike other “sandwich” course students).  If it is reduced, you should appeal, as a mistake has been made. The Careers Centre can help with this (in 2012/13, helped 20% Erasmus work students...)  BUT the onus is on you - you MUST tell Student Finance that you will be an Erasmus Work student, on a work placement in Europe (there is a box to tick on the application for Student loans)  The University (Rose Hannah) also tells SFE/SLC.

Careers Centre How do I apply for the Erasmus grant and fee waiver?  Most important thing: get your work placement(s) organised and approved.  Your school will tell me if you are eligible.  Application for Erasmus grant & fee waiver is ed in May/June –check your  You must apply 3 weeks before you start work at the latest. This is because there is only one person to process your application and you must get your Erasmus contract (that they send you) before you start work.

Careers Centre  Money only paid out  once you start work and return your signed Erasmus Contract & Certificate of Arrival  Need to make sure you have sufficient funds for first couple months  Strict... Failure to do paperwork in time means repaying grant in full. When do I get the money?

Careers Centre Erasmus Work : If you want to know more, please contact: Contact details (Angie Willshaw) Mon-Thur Telephone (0113) Webpage Careers Centre, Cromer Terrace: Drop in, anytime Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm for general careers advice