1. Essex Abroad Opportunities Students applying for year abroad in 2016-17

2. Why go abroad? Enhanced employability prospects Intercultural competencies Problem solving and adaptability Personal Development Increased self- confidence Broadened world view Intellectual stimulation Academic diversification Influence on future educational decisions

3. Your year abroad options Study Abroad … at a host university abroad 1 year or 1 term (with departmental approval) For credit Final degree classification Work Abroad Internship, traineeship, clinical placement etc. Paid or unpaid Short-term (2wks-3mths) or Long-term (3-12mths) Integrated part of the degree Volunteer Abroad Extra-curricular projectsUnpaidSummer

4. Eligibility 53% average 1 st year marks NO serious academic misconduct NO serious behavioural / disciplinary record May carry 30 credits of non- core fail

5. How does it all work? Year 2, Term 1 Research options Prepare application Obtain approvals Year 2, Term 2 Apply – 31st Jan Pre-Departure preparations Year 3 Abroad Monitoring contact Changes approved Year 4 Return to Essex Credit and grade recognition YA rules of assessment

6. The world is your oyster... The Americas Canada USA Mexico Colombia Brazil Peru Chile Uruguay Argentina Asia-Pacific Japan South Korea China Hong Kong Macao Singapore Australia New Zealand Africa / Mid-East Israel Botswana

7. So is Europe Austria Belgium Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Ireland Italy Lithuania Malta The Netherlands Norway Poland Portugal Russia Turkey Sweden Switzerland Spain

8. ISEP (International Student Exchange Program)  Provides access to a network of over 200 exchange partners  Option for the USA for those with low 1 st year marks  Accommodation and Food paid in advance  Research, select 4 preferences and apply  Submit ISEP as a preference on your EA application  Speak to Essex Abroad for more information

9. Preparing your application Choose 3 institutions Consider alternatives Have a “Plan B” Choose destination Cost of living / Accommodation Travel, visa, insurance Funding – scholarships, bursaries, grants Budget Module selection Degree requirements Credit load requirements Academic considerations

10. Application timeline Oct Departmental Briefings Nov Application opens Dec Application enquiries Jan 31st Jan: Application deadline Feb Students notified of the outcome of their application April Pre-Departure Conference

11. Funding your great adventure … Tuition fees NONE at host Essex – PY or FY SFE Maintenance Loan Still eligible Total annual grant amount may differ SFE Travel Bursary Covers travel, visa, insurance Means tested First £303 not covered

12. Essex can help you fund your time abroad too … International Experience Bursary Up to £1500 Available for non- study international activities only Univ. of Essex travel grants Various amounts – up to £1500 Some have eligibility restrictions Banco Santander Scholarship Up to £1500 Select list of countries (Latin America, USA, Singapore etc.) Erasmus+ EUR 250 -EUR 400 per month Europe Selected Partners in US, Canada, Macau, Latin America and Israel

13. Things to think about Accommodation TypeAdvanceContracts Costs VisaInsurance Financial guarantee Funding WorkshopsApplyPlan Career benefits WhyHowOptimise

14. Who to contact for advice and guidance Essex Abroad Departmental Study Abroad Advisor Language Coordinator Host University Administrative processes Application process Funding opportunities Pre-departure preparation Pastoral care Academic advice & guidance Approval of study plan Advice on language requirements Approval of language study plans Pre-arrival information Accommodation advice Registration & enrolment Pastoral care

15. More info Essex Abroad www.essex.ac.uk/essexabroad saoadmin@essex.ac.uk Office:4.401 (off Square 2) Departmental Study Abroad Officer Contact your DSAO to discuss study abroad options and requirements.