Important information for students going on exchange
CONTENT BEFORE YOU GO ON EXCHANGE Application to host university Housing Course approval Cost and scholarships The State Educational Loan Fund (LÃ¥nekassen) Erasmus+ Scholarship Health insurance Student Insurance Visa Airline tickets Embassies ANSA membership Checklist
DURING YOUR EXCHANGE SEMESTER Precautions, rules, and regulations Academic challenges In case of emergency Emergency App Practical advice Exchange Promotion AFTER YOUR EXCHANGE SEMESTER Return the Learning Agreement Student report Erasmus language test Transcript of grades Transfer of grades Need to retake courses at BI CONTACTS
BEFORE YOU GO APPLICATION TO HOST UNIVERSITY Finish your registration/application to the host university. Each university has their own system so read all instructions thoroughly and do not miss deadlines! You may need different documents with your application, for instance a financial statement, recommendation letter, proof of language level, vaccination card etc. HOUSING Most universities will assist you with finding accommodation. Apply within the deadline where this is an option. COURSE APPROVAL AND LEARNING AGREEMENT (LA) All courses must be approved by BI. You will receive detailed information about the learning agreement and course approval process by e-mail. COSTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS Exchange students continue to pay tuition fee to BI (including the student union fee). Thus, no tuition fee to the exchange university. Some universities still require students to pay minor fees for registration, course materials, deposits for accommodation, insurance, miscellaneous etc. THE STATE EDUCATIONAL LOAN FUND (LÅNEKASSEN) If you are entitled to receive support from Lånekassen in Norway, you will also receive this while on exchange. You will receive the same amount in addition to a travel grant. Upload the form, “Enclosure to Lanekassen” to Lånekassen (sent by email from the International Office). ERASMUS+ SCHOLARSHIP Students on exchange to a university within the EU will receive a scholarship from the Erasmus+ programme.
All Erasmus+ students have to complete an online language test (OSL), before the exchange semester. Note that fee-paying programmes, i.e. Bachelor of International Management do not qualify for the Erasmus+ Scholarship. HEALTH INSURANCE Norwegian students and permanent residents of Norway are covered by the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme (Folketrygden), when granted financial support from the State Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen). See www.helsenorge.no STUDENT INSURANCE All students must purchase student insurance that covers the entire stay abroad (regular travel insurance is not sufficient). Some universities require that students buy the university’s insurance regardless of an existing insurance. Please read the conditions carefully. Any additional costs related to this must be paid by the student. For vaccination information, see Folkehelse instiuttet, www.fhi.no
VISA Do you need a visa? All costs related to the visa process are the responsibility of the student. Follow instructions from the host university. NORWEGIAN CITIZENS Most countries require a residence permit to allow students to stay for more than three months. You may find useful information looking at the host university’s website. Note that special restrictions may apply if you intend to go on vacation in the host country before or after the semester, or arrive from another country than Norway. NON-NORWEGIAN CITIZENS Students holding a non-Norwegian passport must, in some cases, apply for a visa from their home country. The MSc administration at BI issue the documentation in order to renew your permit to stay in Norway. However, each student must consult the embassy and the information from the host university in order to apply correctly. AIRLINE TICKETS It is recommended that you buy a ticket that allows you to change the return date. You will receive the final admission from the host university. Keep this document in your hand luggage together with documents such as; valid passport, Visa (original visa documents needed for the USA, health and insurance papers, credit card, and some cash. EMBASSIES Register your stay with the embassy/ Minstry of Foreign Affairs. This will make it easier for the embassy to get in touch with you in case of emergency. In addition,
you will receive information about for example national day celebrations and other events. Register on www.reiseregistrering.no Read updated information on www.landsider.no For international students we recommend that you register with the embassy/ Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your home country. ANSA MEMBERSHIP Consider joining ANSA (Association of Norwegian Students Abroad). They arrange events, welcome parties and support students around the world. CHECKLIST – SOME POINTS TO REMEMBER £ Final admission from host university received £ Student insurance £ Helfo (either European health card or Helfo non-Europe documents) £ Valid passport (valid at least 6 months after return) £ Visa (if applicable) £ Travel registration with your Ministry of Foreign Affairs £ Copy of passport, travel documentation, credit card (leave one copy at home) £ Vaccinations and documentation of these (if applicable) £ Courses approved by BI and enough credits £ All important documents packed in hand luggage £ Downloaded the emergency App
DURING YOUR EXCHANGE SEMESTER: PRECAUTIONS, RULES, AND REGULATIONS Keep passport and important documents in a safe place. Some countries require that you show an ID. Always keep a copy of your passport with you and/or an ID card. Keep family and friends at home updated on your whereabouts. Never have anything to do with narcotics – ever! Many countries impose heavy penalties, and some even have death penalties for drug felony.
Always take precautions, especially after dark in certain areas. Follow local guidelines and stay together with friends. Keep emergency number and embassy number easily accessible. Always follow the rules and regulations given in the country and by the host university. ACADEMIC CHALLENGES Be aware of academic challenges and different teaching styles. Reflect upon your behaviour towards Professors, fellow students, and the society in general.
COURSES AND LEARNING AGREEMENT All course must be approved by BI. Most students make changes to the initially approved courses. Follow the instructions received by e-mail from the BI international office.
– A great companion during your semester abroad! It contains all info about emergency numbers, embassies, and you can add insurance information, bank information, contacts in case of emergency etc.
All correspondence regarding courses: outgoing-LA@bi.no
24 hour emergency number (Sjømannskirken):+47 95 11 91 81
EXCHANGE PROMOTION Many schools arrange Exchange Fairs. Exchange agreements depend on a balance of incoming and outgoing students, and it is therefore important that you participate.
IF AS SERIOUS INCIDENT OCCUR: • Contact the 24 hour emergency number if needed. • Always follow advice from authorities and the host university. • Inform your family. News travels fast and may cause worries. • Seek advice before you give an interview or comment on the situation to the media.
The BI International Office will provide you with information. You are our best ambassador to promote Norway and BI while abroad. IN CASE OF EMERGENCY The Norwegian Church Abroad (Sjømannskirken) Sjømanskirken is available for all students. The churches and their staff, together with travelling student chaplains, represent a resource centre for all BI students on exchange. Be prepared in case the unexpected happens; Download the Emergency APP
AFTER YOUR EXCHANGE SEMESTER RETURN THE LEARNING AGREEMENT (LA) Erasmus students return their signed and stamped original LA together with their Erasmus contract. Students outside Europe may send a scanned version of the LA as soon as possible after final course registration. STUDENT REPORT All students returning from exchange are required to write a report about their stay. Reports contain information about the university, courses, and social activities. Guidelines can be found at the student portal. Erasmus students are also required to write a separate report. Information is sent by e-mail. TRANSCRIPT OF GRADES The final transcript of grades from your exchange university is in most cases sent directly to the International Office at BI. We notify you when they arrive. This may takes months. Some universities require a release from the students before they issue the transcript. TRANSFER OF GRADES The transcript of credits from your exchange university is an attachment to your BI diploma as documentation for courses, grades and credits obtained during the exchange period. Grades from abroad are not calculated as part of the BI GPA. However, the grades may count towards further studies. For Bachelor students, the name of the host university and the number of credits appear on the final BI diploma.
For MSc students, the name of host university as well as names of the courses are listed in your final BI diploma. Note that courses taken abroad will not appear in the Study Plan/ Utdanningsplan at the student portal or a preliminary transcript. Also note that credits will not be transferred before you have submitted your learning agreement and student report. NEED TO RETAKE COURSES AT BI? As soon as you know or suspect that you have failed a course abroad, contact the international office in order to register for a course at BI. The final deadline to register for courses in spring is end of January and end of August for autumn courses.
CONTACTS BI NORWEGIAN BUSINESS SCHOOL, International Office, General inquiries: info@bi.no Questions regarding courses: outgoing-LA@bi.no NORWEGIAN CHURCH ABROAD 24 hour emergency number (Sjømannskirken): +47 95 11 91 81 www.sjomannskirken.no EMBASSIES AND CONSULATES www.landsider.no You should always register your stay on www.reiseregistrering.no
For more information: portal.bi.no