Study Abroad Programme for St Mary's Students
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Erasmus Exchange Programme (Europe)
Introduction
In addition to Study Abroad Programme opportunities with our partner institutions in the USA, Canada, Asia and Australia, St Mary’s also offers students the opportunity to study at a number of universities within the EU through the Erasmus programme.
Although most courses are taught in the native language of the host country, some courses are taught in English. One thing to bear in mind about Erasmus exchanges is that they are set up on a departmental or school basis. Please see our list of partner universities below for details of programmes that have links, as well as the languages lectures are held in.
It is most common for students to go on Erasmus exchange in the second year of their St Mary’s programme although it is also possible for students to go in their third year.
You can read about the experiences of St Mary's students on the Erasmus programme here.
Fees
The Erasmus programme is run on a slightly different basis to Study Abroad in that it is possible to get a grant from the European Union (in addition to your normal student funding) in order to study at one of the participating European universities.
If you choose to participate in the programme your fees are paid as normal to St Mary’s and no additional fee will be charged. However, students are expected to pay for their living costs and accommodation while on exchange.
For 2010/11 Erasmus grant rates are 225 Euros per month in order to cover your costs, 2011/12 grant rates will be announced shortly. Receipt of this grant will not affect your entitlement to your normal student loans. In many cases, a further supplementary grant will be awarded later in the year.
Why go on Erasmus Exchange?
The Erasmus scheme in the UK is run by the British Council. They recommend the Erasmus Programme for the following reasons:
Students take part in the Erasmus Programme for many different reasons; for some it is a required part of their degree, for others it is an ideal opportunity to live in another city in Europe for a few exciting months. We have put together some of the main reasons that employers and students tell us are the key benefits of taking part.
Top 10 Reasons to Take part:
- Stand out in the job market – a great addition to your CV
- Return more motivated, independent and confident
- Get a grant and have your tuition fees waived (if you go for the full academic year)
- It counts towards your degree –it’s not a gap year
- Learn a range of life-skills not taught in the lecture theatre
- Access a wider range of subject areas than in the UK
- Improve your language skills
- Gain an international network of friends and meet your lifelong partner!
- Discover a different culture, gain an international perspective and travel
- It’s really good fun!
For more details about the programme including videos and interviews with students who have participated in the programme.
What to do first if you want to go on Exchange.
Your first step before going any further, should be to understand what the exchange involves
. One of the most attractive parts of the Erasmus scheme is that you will be able to gain credit while abroad that will contribute to your degree at St Mary’s. Not all St Mary’s programmes allow their students to go on exchange so it is important that you speak to your programme director in the first instance.
Students with disabilities should not be discouraged from going on exchange. Help and advice is available should you need it – in the first instance, contact Matthew Taylor taylorm@smuc.ac.uk
You will find links below for our Erasmus partners, once you had received initial information from your Programme Director. Your academic programme will be linked to specific partner institutions (except for the University of Valencia which is a general link.) Please contact institution directly should you have any questions.
Once initial enquiries have been made, concentrate on which modules will be taken while on exchange, making sure that core requirements of your St Mary’s programme will be covered – your Programme Director will be able to help with this.
Please note: European Universities use the ECTS (European Credit Transfer System). One ECTS credits is worth 2 St Mary’s credits. Therefore, in order to take the normal 60 credit load that you would be undertaking at SMUC, you will need to take modules worth 30 ECTS credits while on exchange.
Full credit will be imported to SMUC, based on the transcript that you receive on completion of your exchange. Credits are imported but grades are not. If you would like further information on this, please contact Matthew Taylor in Room N46 or on taylorm@smuc.ac.uk
How to Apply
In order to be accepted onto the Erasmus, you will need to make tow simultaneous applications:
- To the host institution – please check their materials for any conditions and deadlines.
- To St Mary’s, in order to receive official acceptance. In order to do this, you will need to submit a learning agreement:
This should include details of all modules that you will be undertaking while on exchange. This document should be signed by your Programme Director and also by your choice on institution.
Before Going on Exchange.
- You will need to sign an Erasmus contract. Once this has been signed, we will endeavour to get your Erasmus grant paid out as quickly as possible.
During / After your Exchange
- You will need to have an arrival / departure form filled out by your host institution.
- On your return, you will need to fill out a short report, giving feedback on your exchange
- You will need to supply a copy of your transcript of results from your host institution in order that your credits can be imported.
Contacts and Further Information
Please find a list below of our partners.
If you need help or advice when going through the process please contact:
Matthew Taylor – Deputy Registrar – Room N46 – taylorm@smuc.ac.uk
The International Office – international@smuc.ac.uk
Partner Universities
