Nottingham Law School

Outgoing Student’s Guide:• Erasmus Exchange• Study Abroad

2015/16

Explore. Dream. Discover. (Mark Twain)

A student exchange scheme allows you to study part of your degree at another university in a differentcountry. This fabulous opportunity gives you the chance to experience life in another country, to make aglobal network of lifelong friends and to grow as a person. If you are enrolled on the: LLB (Hons) Law, LLB(Hons) Business Law or LLB (Hons) International Law course you can take part in a student study exchangeas part of your course, studying at one of the Law School’s partner universities for one semester or oneacademic year, depending on your course. The study exchanges take place within Europe and Australia orthrough ISEP if you decide that you want to study in the U.S. If you are currently enrolled on another LLBcourse please contact Tracey Watson for further details: tracey.watson@ntu.ac.uk

Do not worry if you cannot speak a foreign language as we have a number of partners who teach in English.

If your exchange only lasts for one semester then this time away counts towards your final degreeclassification, which means the assessments you take will help to decide your final degree classification.

Erasmus+ and Study Abroad give you a valuable learning experience and at the end of your exchange youwill have:

• improved your existing, or developed new language skills;

• gained a new perspective of law within the EU or further afield;

• built an international network of friends;

• developed transferable employment skills;

• enhanced your CV; and

• taken part in a once in a lifetime experience.

Introduction

Contact

Nottingham Trent UniversityErasmus ManagerTracey Watson

Room C5013

Chaucer building

City site

Email: tracey.watson@ntu.ac.uk

Erasmus application deadlinesYou must pay close attention to both the Nottingham Law School’sapplication deadline and the deadline of your chosen university. Pleaseconsult the relevant university websites for actual application deadlines.Some of the deadlines are earlier than you would expect.

Nottingham Law School’s application deadlineFriday 29 January 2016

Erasmus+The Erasmus+ student study exchangescheme is an EU initiative that allowsstudents to study at a partner universitywithin the EU or at one of the partnercountries, for example Turkey. Study abroadexchanges take place at partner universitiesthat are not part of the EU e.g. Australia.

ISEP – International StudentExchange ProgrammeNottingham Trent University is a member ofISEP, which is an American organisation thatspecialises in student exchanges betweenuniversities across the world. NTU has aspecialist ISEP co-ordinator who will help youwith your application. However, the coursesthat you study during your exchange areapproved by Nottingham Law School beforeyour application is submitted. Pleaseremember that in the U.S. and in a numberof other countries law can only be studied atpostgraduate level and so you may have tostudy subjects that complement law such asinternational relations or politics. Pleasenote, the usual duration of a U.S. exchangeis one year, starting in September.

Find out more at www.isep.org

Who can take part in StudyAbroad or Erasmus exchangeprogrammes?The programmes are open by application toNottingham Law School’s first yearundergraduate students enrolled on thefollowing full-time courses:

• LLB (Hons) Law (Full-time)• LLB (Hons) Business Law

And to second year students enrolled on:

• LLB (Hons) International Law (full academicyear exchange only)

Students enrolled on one of the other LLBcourses should contact Tracey Watson foradvice.

It is essential that you have passed all yourassessments and exams by the end of your firstyear (be able to ‘Pass and Proceed to StageTwo’) before you will be allowed to go. Youcannot go on the Erasmus exchange if you haveany trailing referrals into Year Two.

If your exchange is taking place in Year Threeyou must have passed all your Year Twoassessments and exams, you cannot participatein an exchange if you are trailing referrals intoyour final year.

There is no automatic right to a place on theErasmus exchange programme. Selection isbased upon academic attainment, classattendance and a personal statement thatshows a desire and commitment to studyabroad. We will also act on the advice of theExamination Boards and your ProgrammeLeader. If they do not recommend you to go onexchange, we will be unable to allow you toparticipate.

When does the exchangetake place?This depends on the course you are taking:

• LLB (Hons) Law (Full-time), secondsemester at Year Two;

• LLB (Hons), Business Law, second semesterat Year Two;

If your exchange is taking place duringsemester two, then this time counts towardyour final degree.

• LLB (Hons) International Law, Year Three.

If you wish, you can take part in an academicyear long exchange during Year Three. Ifyou want to participate in a year longexchange then you do not need to applyuntil Year Two of your course. It is notpossible to study in Australia for an academicyear.

Will I be taught in English?This depends on the university that you choose.In some cases you will be taught in thelanguage of the host university, in English or inothers you will be taught in a mix of English andthe language of the host university.

How many exchange placesare there?Whilst the number of places increases everyyear, there are only a limited number ofexchange places available. The number ofplaces at each host university varies and can beanything from two to five places.

Erasmus+ and Study Abroad

Erasmus Exchange and Summer School Programme

1

Country City UniversityLanguage ofInstruction

Half Year 2(Semester 2)

AcademicYear

Austria GrazKarl-Franzens-UniversitätGraz

English Yes Yes

Czech Republic Brno Masaryk University English Yes No

France LilleLille CatholiqueUniversity

French No Yes

France Paris Paris Descartes English No Yes

Germany Heidelberg SHR Heidelberg English / German Yes Yes

Greece ThessalonikiAristotle University ofThessaloniki

English Yes No

Italy Turin Torino University Italian / English No Yes

Netherlands Nijmegen Radboud University English Yes Yes

Poland Katowice University of Silesia English Yes No

Poland Krakow Jagiellonian University English Yes Yes

Poland Warsaw Kozminski University English Yes No

Spain Valencia University of Valencia English No Yes

Switzerland Lucerne Lucerne University English Yes Yes

Turkey Istanbul Koç University English Yes Yes

Erasmus+ Partner Universities

How do I apply

Outgoing Student’s Guide

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Application process • Research all of the partner universities.Take a look at their websites, payingattention to the course descriptions.

• Discuss your options (the programme ofstudy and module preferences) withTracey Watson, Erasmus Manager.

• Do some more research! You need tochoose two partner universities.

• Complete and submit the Erasmus+ orstudy abroad application form to TraceyWatson, tracey.watson@ntu.ac.uk byFriday 29 January 2016.

• Read more about the university, newcountry and city in which you’ll bestudying to make the most of theexperience.

If your Nottingham Law Schoolapplication is successful you will thenneed to apply to your chosen university.

Please read the application form of yourchosen host university very carefully, makingsure you complete all sections andrequirements.

Remember:

• exchange partners set their ownapplication deadlines and you must meetthese in order to secure your place; and

• you will still need to enrol at NTU duringyour Erasmus+ year.

How many module creditsdo I need?The Erasmus scheme uses a credit systemcalled European Credit Transfer Scheme(ECTS). ECTS credits are recognised by NTUand are converted into NTU credits.

• Semester only students MUST complete30 ECTS credits during their semesterabroad.

• Students who chose to study for one yeardon’t need to complete more than 60ECTS credits.

Step 1: Apply to Nottingham LawSchool for a place on an exchange.

Step 2: If successful at step 1 you thenneed to apply to your chosen university.

Erasmus Exchange and Summer School Programme

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Funding and finances

Tuition feesYou do not pay any tuition fees to the partneruniversity.

You have to pay tuition fees to NTU, so youwould need to apply to Student FinanceEngland as usual. If your exchange is just forone semester then you pay your usual tuitionfee to NTU. If you are taking part in anacademic year long exchange then you pay areduced tuition fee of £900 to NTU.

If you receive a maintenance award or astudent loan, you must ensure arrangementsare in place for payment of your fees in yourabsence. You must ensure that you areenrolled at NTU for the semester / year of yourexchange.

UK student loansIf you normally apply for a UK student loan,you should still do so for the forthcomingacademic year.

It is your responsibility to supply fullinformation of your period abroad to youracademic department and to Student FinanceEngland when completing loan forms. Thisinformation will be used to ensure thatUniversity records are correct and the correcttuition fee is applied. The University cannotcontact Student Finance England on yourbehalf.

Please visit the student finance gov.uk websitefor current information relating to studentloans and grants: www.gov.uk/student-finance/loans-and-grants

Travel GrantsIt is possible to apply for a Travel Grant fromStudent Finance England. This grant is meanstested, however it is still worth applying as itcan cover up to three return journeys betweenthe UK and overseas institution during a fullacademic year abroad and mandatorymedical insurance and visas.

Find out more here: www.gov.uk/student-finance/overview

The Erasmus+ GrantStudents who take part in an Erasmus+ studyexchange will receive the Erasmus+ Grant.Whilst the grant is not means tested theamount you will receive depends on whichcountry you study in and your personalcircumstances. This grant is administered byNTU and is paid to you in two unequalinstalments, the first when you arrive at the

partner university and the final amount onceyou have returned to the UK. Full details aboutthe grant will be given to you once yourapplication has been successful. The Erasmus+Grant is to assist with the additionalexpenditure incurred through living abroad.Please note that the Erasmus+ Grant shouldnot be relied upon for essential living expensessuch as food or rent.

For up-to-date information on the Erasmusgrant, please go to: www.erasmusplus.org.uk

If your application is successful you will begiven further advice and help on applying forthe Erasmus+ Grant.

CostsYou are responsible for all your living expenses,for example:

• Travel

• Accommodation

• Food

• Books, library costs

• Study visas (if applicable)

• Resident permit

• Sight-seeing and socialising

• Medical and travel insurance

It is impossible to tell you how much moneyyou will need during your exchange, therefore,it is important that you give due considerationto your financial situation before applying tojoin the programme.

Just like at NTU if you incur debts of any kindat your host university, it is possible that theywill withhold the official release of your grades(transcripts) until your debt is paid.

AccommodationIf you are taking part in an exchange for thesecond semester of Year Two, then pleasemake sure that you do not sign a year-longaccommodation lease in Nottingham.Please ask for information aboutaccommodation in Nottingham that lasts forhalf a year. If you enter into a year-long leaseand then take part in a student exchangescheme your Landlord may not allow you tosub-let your accommodation, meaning thatyou will be liable for the full rent payment forthis year.

Your host university will provide you withinformation about accommodation and howto apply once you have been nominated byNottingham Law School.

General advice for cash,banking and credit cards• Apply for your Student Loan well in advanceof your departure to your host university.

• Check if Student Finance England will fundany of your travel, insurance or other costson top of your regular loan.

• Tell your bank that you are going to study inEurope or further afield and ask if they havea reciprocal agreement with other banks.

• Set up a bank account before or on arrival inyour host country – try to use a large bank.

• Check costs / ease of transferring money, asthis varies from bank to bank.

• Take a credit card.

• Take Euro cheques / travellers’ cheques.

• You can normally withdraw money fromyour UK bank account from cash machinesaround the world, but remember banks docharge for this service.

Travel arrangementsYou are responsible for making your own travelarrangements. As soon as you have beenaccepted by your host university and you knowwhen you are required to arrive, you shouldmake your booking. Always check with thehost university the actual date that you areexpected to be on campus.

• Try to arrive during business hours so thatstaff might be available.

• Download a map and some basic directionsbefore you leave the UK.

• Find out if there is a “meet and greet”service that you can use.

• If you have pre-arranged youraccommodation, make sure that you know exactly when and where to collect thekeys.

• You must hold a current passport whichshould be valid for at least six monthsbeyond your return date.

Outgoing Student’s Guide

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Medical InsuranceYou must take out medical insurance beforeyou leave the UK for your exchange. If yourexchange is taking place in another EEA / EUcountry and you are an EEA / EU nationalthen you must take out a European HealthInsurance Card (EHIC). You can apply for afree EHIC via the NHS web site:www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcareabroad/EHIC/Pages/about-the-ehic.aspx

If you already hold an EHIC, check that it is not due to expire before or during yourtime abroad.

Please note that, in addition to providing youwith medical insurance, it may be aregistration requirement of a host universityin Europe.

If your exchange is taking place outside ofan EEA / EU country e.g. the U.S., you willnot be able to apply for a visa without thenecessary medical insurance.

Personal insuranceYou must take out a personal insurancepolicy that covers you for medical expensesthat might not be covered under your EHIC,such as incidental hospital expenses,repatriation by air ambulance and travelcosts of family members. You are advised totake out a policy which will insure you for aminimum of £1 million.

Your insurance should also cover travel,missed flights, lost luggage, delays and theloss of personal possessions and money.

Third Party LiabilityInsuranceYour host university may require you to takeout third party liability insurance as part oftheir registration procedure. This insures youagainst any injury you cause to a third party,or damage you may cause to someone else’sproperty e.g. if you are involved in a carincident.

Before purchasing any insurance read theterms, conditions and excess levels carefullyand ensure that you are covered for as manyitems as possible.

Health mattersIf you have an unusual medical condition,take copies of your medical records. Alsotake with you prescriptions for medicationsand a GP / hospital letter confirming yourcondition.

If you have a long term medical condition ora disability you must discuss this with yourGP and your academic Erasmus coordinator.This is so your host university can provideappropriate support.

If you wear spectacles remember to take a spare pair with you. If you wear contactlenses, take enough for the length of your stay.

Personal safetyCommon sense, but don’t forget...

• Check the Foreign Office website ifevents in the news about aparticular country worry you:www.fco.gov.uk/en

• Don’t hitch a ride.

• Make sure you have enough cashfor a taxi at the end of a night out.

• When you go out alone, letsomeone know where you’ve goneand who you’ve gone to meet.

• Don’t be afraid to change seats ona bus or train if someone makesyou feel uncomfortable.

• Find accommodation via the hostuniversity’s systems.

• Don’t go alone to a prospectiveflat, especially one found via anewspaper advert.

• Arrange to meet people in publicplaces until you know them.

• Only go back to someone’s flat orhouse if you feel absolutely safeand tell someone where you are.

Insurance

What should I do if I haveany problems whilst I’maway?If you have any problems with your courseduring your exchange in the first instance youshould contact the Erasmus coordinator atyour host university. If they can’t help you toresolve the problem then contact TraceyWatson, Nottingham Law School’s ErasmusManager, tracey.watson@ntu.ac.uk or call+44 (0)115 848 4382.

NLS Erasmus + / StudyAbroad ContactTracey WatsonRoom 5013Chaucer buildingCity site

Email: tracey.watson@ntu.ac.uk

Before you go checklist• Attend the pre-departure session at Nottingham Law School.

• Not all the partner universities are full members of the EU, please check to see if youneed a student study visa or need to register with the local police once you arrive.

• Ensure you deal with any Student Loans paperwork before you go.

• You will need to pay your tuition fees to NTU, make sure you have all the arrangements inplace before you leave.

• Make financial arrangements for your time in Europe before you leave. Tell your bankthat you are studying overseas.

• Book flights and internal transport, see if your host university offers a “meet and greet”service at the airport.

• Make sure you have met all the requirements of your host university e.g. health insuranceand third party liability insurance.

• Maintain contact with Nottingham Law School and the host university’s Internationaloffice before and during your exchange.

• Take a copy of the letter from your host university confirming that you have beenaccepted and that you are studying there as an exchange / Erasmus+ student.

• Take evidence of financial support for your period of study.

• Remember to update your term time address with Nottingham Law School as soon asyou know what it is.

• Don’t forget, you still need to enrol with NTU during your exchange programme.

• Keep in mind you’ll have to complete your Student Finance England forms during yourexchange for your final year at NTU.

Study Abroad PartnerUniversityNottingham Law School has an exchangeagreement with Queensland University ofTechnology (QUT). If you are enrolled on theLLB (Hons) Law (Full-time) or LLB (Hons)Business Law course you can apply to takepart in a semester long exchange at QUT.

Due to differences in the academic calendarstudents can only attend for one semesterfrom February to July. This exchange periodwill count towards your final degreeclassification and advice regarding whichmodules to choose and the number ofcredits required will be provided by yourStudy Abroad coordinator. As with Erasmussemester exchange there are no additionaltuition fees to pay for this exchange. Visitwww.qut.edu.au/study/international-courses/bachelor-of-laws-honours to findout more.

We are continually increasing the number ofexchange partners we have across the worldand further opportunities may arise.

Visa informationRemember that if you want to study inAustralia you will need to apply for a studentvisa. You should allow at least six weeks forthis process and there will be costs related to this which you will have to bear. Visit www.immi.gov.au/students to findout more.

Study abroad

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Nottingham Law SchoolNottingham Trent University Burton StreetNottingham NG1 4BUUK

Tel: +44 (0)115 848 4460 Email: nls.enquiries@ntu.ac.uk

www.ntu.ac.uk/nls

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