1. Semester abroad Curriculum planning
October 8th, 2013
Semester abroad Curriculum planning
Patricia Post-Nievelstein
Head tutor

2. Class of 2016: When?
Spring 2015 (4th semester)  this application round (deadline Nov 15th 2013)
Or fall 2015 (5th semester)  next years application round?  deadline mid November 2014)

3. Spring 2015 (4th semester for class of 2016)
Advantages
Disadvantages
It will be easier to plan your senior year
Many 3 levels are only offered once a year
you will need to complete at least 3 X 3 (22.5 EC) in at least two fields of your major (with a minimum of 7.5 EC per field)
Planning the Research Thesis (15 EC)
Limited time to plan exchange
Prospective major?
Planning 5 semesters ahead
Getting used to college life in general

4. Fall 2015 (5th semester for class of 2016)
Advantages
Disadvantages
You will miss out on UCU 3 levels that are only offered in fall
If no 3 level in the 4th semester already you might have to take 3 X 3 plus research Thesis (spring + plus summer) in final semester.
That is if 3 level on exchange does not work out (risk factor)
More time to plan exchange
but good to start planning anyway!

5. Curriculum planning
Make an appointment with your tutor before the break already (if you have not done so)
In midterm meetings (the two weeks after the break) there will be limited time to discuss your exchange in sufficient detail.

6. Curriculum planning and exchange: How to start?
One of the methods is as follows:
List your major fields of your interest
Go through the 3 levels on offer in the field
Go back from there to the 2 level and 1 level prerequisites
Make more curriculum versions if you have multiple interests
Note that offerings fall and spring is subject to change so be flexible in anticipating on alternatives

7. Curriculum planning and exchange: How to start?
Try to construct your curriculum –if possible- such that you will meet your graduation requirements even without courses on in exchange counting for that
Plan methodology courses as much as possible before going on exchange
Language and culture requirement
To be finished in semester 3 if abroad in 4th

8. Requirements A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher
No shortage of credit
Transfer credits totaling no more than 30 ECTS
Proficiency at the intermediate (2) level in the language of instruction at the host institution.
No social or academic probation during exchange semester
These criteria must be met at the time of application as well as at the time of departure for a study abroad destination.

9. Orientation: Where?
start from the perspective of your academic ambitions and course planning.
Which partner universities offer really interesting and enriching courses from your perspective?
“faraway” does not always match with “best course options” (for you).
Go to the semester abroad information market later this afternoon.

10. You are welcome in our offices…..