1. Student Exchange - What Next?
May 2011
Sheila Mills, International Exchanges & Partnerships Coordinator
Katrin Uhlig, International Exchanges Assistant

2. IB2 students going on exchange in semester 1
MDP3 at a distance – Stephen Tagg
Neil Hood Memorial Fund - presentation
General Information
Pre-departure checklist
Erasmus forms for those going to Europe

3. Preparation
You should have made your application and some of you have your offer letter. If you haven’t had your offer letter by the end of this month, please come to see us
Read Student Reports in resource room – useful tips & advice
Open 9am – 4pm

4. Tuition, Loans and Funding
Please apply through SAAS/ your local LEA as usual and tell them you will be on exchange
Normal tuition arrangements apply as if you were at Strathclyde for the semester
Apply to Student Loans Company (as you usually would)

5. ERASMUS - How it Works
Grant received on basis of all necessary paperwork being provided – amount
It is a top up – need to save over the summer
Forms need to be submitted throughout the year – will be sent to your Strathclyde account
If you come home early and do not continue, you may be asked to refund the grant. If all forms are not submitted cannot receive payment

6. Outside Europe More expensive – save during the summer
Visa required – make sure you leave enough time to apply and receive your visa, apply as soon as you get documentation from university
Flights – book early for best deals
Health Insurance requirement – Canadian/US universities require compulsory health insurance cover

7. Classes Classes need to be approved before you go
If you cannot register for any of your approved classes, please let us know immediately
All students do MDP 3 by distance
It is advisable to take a full course load in addition to MDP
Any changes need to be approved by departments and sent to exchange coordinator
If you make changes without getting permission you may jeopardise getting into honours
Keep a note of your approved classes – if in doubt, get in touch

8. Insurance University Insurance – apply online via Pegasus
Additional Insurance
Types of Insurance – health, belongings, travel, study abroad

9. EHIC Card
The card is available free of charge, is valid for up to 5 years
Apply -
The EHIC also covers you for pre-existing conditions that your travel insurance might not and indeed, some travel insurance policies are invalid without an EHIC.
The EHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance. It won't cover you for loss of luggage, holiday refunds or repatriation back to the UK - so you must have both to be fully covered.
For further information regarding the EHIC, including where it can be used, who is eligible and what it covers, visit

10. Passport Foreign and Commonwealth Office - www.fco.gov.uk
Lots of useful tips for travelling overseas on their website
Make copies of your passport and leave with your parents/ friends at home in case you lose or original is stolen
Many countries require your passport is valid for a further 6 months after you leave the country

11. Personal Safety
Use your judgement as you would in Glasgow about safety
Do not travel alone at night
Make sure you keep to well lit areas
Remember that as an international student your accent and appearance may make you stand out

12. Accommodation What’s on offer?
Many of our partners offer students on campus accommodation or can assist in finding suitable private accommodation
Read student reports to get student recommendations
Make sure that if you decide to look for private accommodation you use common sense in judging suitability
Things to consider:
Price? Does it include bills? What are bills?
Location? Is it near your classes? If not, what are transport costs?
Area? Is the area safe? Do other students choose to live there?
Transport? Is there good transport links?
Amenities? Are there shops nearby?
Internet? Do you have access or is there an internet café nearby?

13. Accommodation
For viewings make sure you have someone to accompany you –safety in numbers and good to get a second opinion
Ask the university staff for tips, where do their students usually live
Money – make sure you get receipts
Contract? What are you signing up to – make sure you know the period as don’t want a year contract if only want a four month tenancy
Remember a contract is legally binding, so make sure you know the consequences of signing it

14. Accommodation – Which Type?
Private
If you have experience of finding private accommodation in Glasgow
you may wish to choose this
Source yourself
May have more choice/ flexibility
More risk involved
Student Residences
First time to live away from home? May be a better option for you
Usually reasonably priced rent and reliable
Location usually convenient for getting to classes

15. Your Responsibility
Provide paperwork on time and apply to host university
Research and apply for accommodation abroad
Take out insurance as necessary & apply for EHIC card
Check Strathclyde account regularly
Keep us updated if you are experiencing any difficulties
Keep us informed of class changes & your contact details abroad (and if they change)
Work hard during your exchange year as this will assure smooth progression to your next year at Strathclyde

16. Strathclyde Responsibility
Provide with you with information on academic requirements of exchange
Provide contact points at host university
Provide you with Erasmus and/or curriculum forms to be submitted
Give you travel, health and safety advice for period abroad
Contact academic departments to tell them you are on exchange
Support before, during and after exchange

17. Contacts While You Are Abroad
Exchange Queries Sheila Mills
Katrin Uhlig
Michele French
MDP
Stephen Tagg -
Exchange info –
Class Requirements – refer to

18. What next?
A copy of this presentation will be ed to you and placed on the website. Official confirmation that you can proceed to exchange will be sent after the June Exam Board The offices are staffed over the summer although obviously people will be on holiday at some stage. Be organised and don’t leave things to the last minute.

19. Before going on to the pre-departure checklist, are there any questions?