OUTGOING STUDENTS HANDBOOK
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Outgoing Students Handbook
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C ONTENT S BEFORE YOU GO Preparation 4 Academic matters 12 Finance 14 WHILE YOU ARE AWAY Getting started Health and Safety Cultural adjustments
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ON YOUR RETURN Returning home 20 Contacts 21 Links 21 Social Media 21
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Outgoing Students Handbook
BEFORE YOU GO PREPARATION As part of the nomination process, you will be asked to complete a ‘Student Planning Document’. If you have not already done this, please contact the International Opportunities Team for further information. You can find more details about each of the issues outlined in the document further on in this guide. 1. GENERAL Ensure you are aware of local customs, safety and security whilst overseas and consult the following websites for further information: /D rum Cussac, the University of Salford’s travel advice provider: drum-cussac.net/self-registration /F oreign and Commonwealth Office guidance: gov.uk/foreign-traveladvice 2. CLOTHING If you are going to somewhere warmer or colder than Salford, make sure you take appropriate clothing! Meteorological information for weather updates and potential of exposure to different climates is available at metoffice.gov.uk/guide/weather/ world-forecast (or your own choice of weather application). 3. VISAS AND IMMIGRATION You must hold a passport which will be valid for a minimum of six months following the end of the period abroad. Students are responsible for their own application for visa to their chosen destination. Because immigration advice is constantly changing, you must speak directly with the relevant
consulate or embassy; the International Opportunities Team is not qualified to provide any official guidance, but is always on hand to support you. 4. INSURANCE If you are an EU citizen, you can also apply for a European Health Insurance Card at ehic-cards.org.uk. If you have pre-existing medical conditions, you may need to apply for alternative insurance arrangements to cover any additional costs. The International Opportunities Team passes details of all students taking part in either study or work overseas to the Insurance Team. All students are automatically covered by University of Salford Insurance Policy detailed here: salford.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_ file/0008/1648223/Travel-InsuranceCertificate-1-Aug-2018.pdf. Note that Salford’s insurance policy does not cover extreme sports or any activities you undertake in other countries beside the one where you are studying or working. If you travel to another country whilst on your exchange abroad, you are required to inform the International Opportunities Team. 5. FINANCE By taking part in an exchange or work placement, you will continue to pay tuition fees to Salford as normal (reductions will apply if you are undertaking a full year study experience abroad - see ‘Budget Calculator’). You will not be expected to pay fees to the host organisation/institution.
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6. BUDGET CALCULATOR You will be responsible for your personal budget during your study or work placement. Make sure you are aware of potential costs during your time abroad. Please calculate based on the following or use the Budget Calculator at salford.ac.uk/ askus/our-services/money-matters/ managing-your-money to help plan your spending. If you are unable to complete your study or work placement or return to the UK earlier than expected, and have been in receipt of Erasmus+ funding, you may be required to return the funding either partially or in full depending on whether you have met the requirements of your funding arrangements (more details online at: beta.salford.ac.uk/go-abroad/ erasmus-outgoing-students). Make sure you inform Student Finance England if you are studying or working abroad as you may be eligible for further support or a Travel Grant. More information at media.slc.co.uk/ sfe/quickstartfinanceguide and gov.uk/travel-grants-students-england. If you are taking part in a year long mobility and you are a Home/EU student you are eligible for an 85% reduction in tuition fees, if you are a non-EU student, you are eligible for a 50% reduction. Please see: https://assets.publishing.service. gov.uk/government/uploads/ system/uploads/attachment_data/ file/721806/Equality_analysis_fees_
regulations_2019_to_20.pdf for further information. 7. HEALTH If you have a disability, you may be entitled to additional financial support via the Erasmus+ programme. Please inform the International Opportunities Team. If you are currently taking medication, make sure you investigate availability in the host country and/or ensure that you have sufficient supplies to take out of the UK. NHS advice is available at nhs.uk/common-health-questions/ medicines/can-i-take-my-medicineabroad if you have any pre-existing medical conditions. If you suffer from mental health issues, be aware that your mental health may be impacted during your time overseas. The following websites will be useful: / salford.ac.uk/askus/our-services/ wellbeing-and-counselling/faqs /H ow to beat anxiety: nomorepanic.co.uk /M IND Support and Services: mind.org.uk/information-support/ guides-to-support-and-services / Student Minds: studentminds. org.uk/yearabroad.html?utm_ source=Outward+Mobility+1&utm_ campaign=ff189f04d6-Outward_ Mobility_Newsletter_10_05_2018_ COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_ term=0_5710429966ff189f04d6-100716617#
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Outgoing Students Handbook
You can also contact Salford for support throughout your time overseas. Please see: salford.ac.uk/ askus/contact-askus/crisis.
There is lots of information about travel safety and support for LGBTQ+ and students identifying as transgender. Useful starting points are:
8. LGBTQ+ STUDENTS AND STUDENTS IDENTIFYING AS TRANSGENDER OR NON-BINARY LGBTQ+ travellers should be aware that there may be different cultural norms in different countries.
goabroad.com/articles/free-ebookmeaningful-travel-tips-tales-lgbt-travel
The University of Salford fully supports international opportunities for LGBTQ+ students and recognises that different countries have different attitudes and legal approaches to sexuality and gender. If you would like further information on the situation in a particular country, and cannot find the information online, please feel free to ask us for support.
stonewall.org.uk/help-and-advice 9. WOMEN TRAVELLERS Attitudes to women change by country and it’s important that female students are aware of local customs and standards so that they are prepared in advance of travel. There is lots of information about safety and support for women travellers. Useful starting points are: studyabroad.com/blogs/studyabroad-safety-tips-female-students gov.uk/guidance/advice-for-womentravelling-abroad
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ACCOMODATION TIPS: Research – find out as much as you can about where you might live. Think about proximity to your classes, the city centre, transport connections and local amenities (supermarket, gym, restaurant, etc.) Safety – take someone with you when you are looking for accommodation, preferably someone who knows the area and can help you. Cost – make sure you have researched the average cost of housing in the areas you will be looking in so that you are not overcharged. Do not pay any money before you have been to see the property and preferably signed a contract Small prints – make sure you understand any contracts you sign. Documents – get receipts for any payments you make. Take references from previous landlords if possible, as well as bank statements to show you have sufficient funds.
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Outgoing Students Handbook 10. ACCOMMODATION Housing offered at your host institution/ organisation will vary greatly depending on the country and city you are in. Many institutions will offer student halls or residence, and these will be either on or off campus depending on the location of the institution. We cannot guarantee the quality or availability of the accommodation as it varies from country to country, and often sells out quickest. Make sure you look into the accommodation available early on. Some institutions will have offices to help you find housing, while others may have groups or forums for you to join. Some institutions do not offer housing and will expect you to find your own, which will likely be with private providers. If this is the case, make sure you look as early as possible to avoid disappointment. Do not pay in advance for any accommodation until you have seen it. If it seems too good to be true – it probably is. Beware of potential scams, and if in doubt, get in touch with your host institution for further information. In case you are unable to source permanent accommodation before you arrive at your destination, we recommend that you have something temporary organised such as a hostel/ hotel for up to a week. By doing this, you will give yourself plenty of time to find suitable, more permanent accommodation. 11. LANGUAGE PREPARATION The majority of our partners teach in English but that does not mean you shouldn’t use the opportunity to learn the language of the country you are going to! You should at least know how to say hello, goodbye, please and thank
you as a matter of courtesy. Ask about language courses at your university or organisation as you may be entitled to extra classes. Employers really look for graduates that can speak other languages so make the most of your opportunity to set yourself out from the crowd! Online Linguistic Support The Erasmus+ programme offers online linguistic support for some languages and if you are an Erasmus+ student, you will be required to complete an assessment before and at the end of your exchange. Completion of the assessment is a condition for receiving the Erasmus+ grant if you will be studying or working in one of the languages the OLS provides support for. Depending on the level achieved in your first language assessment, you may also be offered an Online Linguistic Support (OLS) free language course. The International Opportunities Team is also willing to provide additional funding if you feel you need further linguistic preparation or the language you need is not offered by the OLS. Please get in touch with us for further information. 12. IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS It is imperative that you have all of the required documents prepared for your exchange prior to your departure. These documents are different to the ones required by both your host institution, and ourselves as they are specifically for travelling, immigration and residency. Passport Your passport is an essential document not only for travelling, but also as identification. If you need to apply for a student visa to study at your host, you will need to present your passport.
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Make sure your passport is still valid for at least six months after the end of your time abroad and check the local immigration regulations in case you require it to be valid for any longer. Birth certificate Some countries require your birth certificate for issuance of local documentation. You should check with your host country’s embassy or consulate as to whether you will need to take this. In addition, some banks and phone companies may require a copy for setting yourself up to use their services. Visa You will only require a visa if you are planning to travel outside of the EU, or by non-EU students who plan to study or work within Europe. If you are a UK or EU citizen at Salford, you do not need a visa to study at an institution within the EU or EEA.
Students are responsible for their own application for visa to their chosen destination. Because immigration advice is constantly changing, you must speak directly with the relevant consulate or embassy; the International Opportunities Team is not qualified to provide any official guidance, but is always on hand to support you. Make sure you leave yourself plenty of time to apply for your visa. This can be a lengthy process, and may require you to make a trip to the relevant Embassy in the UK. Most countries will require you to have a formal letter of acceptance to the host institution as proof of your admission, and will not let you progress with your visa until this point. Many student visas have restrictions on the amount of hours you can work, and if this is your intention, you need to research carefully.
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Outgoing Students Handbook 13. SAFETY AND SECURITY We take your safety on exchange very seriously and want to support you to be safe and secure during your time abroad. You are responsible for researching the area you will be living in, the city and the country but we are on hand throughout if you have any queries. Make sure you complete the Student Planning document as part of your nomination process. Being alert and aware while you are traveling and living abroad will go a long way. Do your research before you arrive and think about:
host destination. In the unlikely event of a security alert in your city, we recommend all students follow UK government guidelines via the Run, Hide, Tell programme – full details at gov.uk/government/publications/staysafe-film. In the case of a security alert, we ask you to contact both your friends and family, as well as your contacts at the University of Salford to let us know you are safe and well. We will also send you an email to ask for confirmation of your wellbeing – please make sure you respond as quickly as possible.
/ The crime rates and most common type of crimes / How you can ensure you avoid becoming a victim of theft / The local laws and regulations / What to do if you lose your passport / Emergency contacts in your host country and details of your local Embassy
The Callmy app (www.callmy. com/2644-2) allows us to communicate to all our colleagues and students securely in the event of an emergency. Also if you enable location services, and you are traveling abroad or in the UK, we can pinpoint your whereabouts using the Callmy app and get you quickly in cases of emergency.
Students are required to stay abreast of local security developments in order to stay safe. Ensure you have emergency contact numbers readily available, and inform the International Opportunities Team if you are intending to travel anywhere other than your
The Callmy app is free to download from the App Store or Google Play and all students are required to download it and enable notifications ahead of their travels overseas.
EMERGENCIES Make sure you understand that if an emergency situation occurs whilst you are abroad, you know to contact your host university/organisation immediately, who will have local knowledge and know how to support you. You may also need to contact your own family and friends so that they can help. In the unlikely event you need to contact emergency services overseas, please make sure you have the contact details for the local Police, Ambulance services and fire services. You can also contact the University of Salford’s Security emergency number – 0161 295 3333. It is your responsibility to have the details of the local British (or applicable) consulate in the event of an emergency. See gov.uk/world/embassies for British embassy information.
11 Insurance All students are covered by University insurance during studies or placement if you are on your host institution campus and deemed to be doing tasks that would be expected of your time there i.e. lab work if you are studying a science. Students are automatically covered and there is no need to apply. If you are working abroad, you should also check the insurance policies of the company you are employed by to ensure you have full coverage. Your host institution/company may be able to help you with any recommendations. University insurance coverage includes medical assistance, travel and a 24/7 hotline in case of emergency. You may wish to take additional coverage if you have pre-existing medical conditions or particular requirements. 14. IMMUNISATIONS AND MEDICATION Do you need any vaccinations for your host destination? Ensure you leave yourself with plenty of time to plan, as some of the vaccinations have to be given six weeks before you leave the UK, and sometimes more than once. When you are considering vaccinations, it is important to ensure you have thought about other countries that you may visit while you are abroad because you will need the vaccinations for all of these countries too. This may be somewhere you are going on holiday, or decide to go on to after your exchange period is completed. Some countries may require that you have vaccinations certificates when you enter or depart. Be aware that your travel insurance may be invalid if you have not taken the necessary immunisations before travelling.
While you may be able to get some of your vaccinations on the NHS, please note that this is not the case for all of them. Do your research, and leave yourself plenty of time.
nathnac.org
Medication If you take medication regularly, you should take an adequate supply if possible, if they are not perishable. Medication composition can differ in different countries – talk to your GP about long-term supplies.
info about vaccinations required.
15. YOUR TRAVEL PLANS A very exciting part of an exchange programme – booking your tickets. It is up to you how you travel there, and to some extent when you decide to go. Although you will be excited to book your tickets, DO NOT do this until you have your official letter of acceptance from your host and your visa (if you need one). If you book your travel without these documents, you risk losing the money you spend in the case that you are not accepted. When to travel Check the semester dates at your host, including exam periods, orientation weeks, and language courses. These will be available either online or emailed to you along with your acceptance letter. Do attend these if you can – orientation events are a great way to settle yourself in and get to know your new classmates. Check when you will be able to access your accommodation, arriving a few days in advance of your classes or orientation if possible so that you have chance to get yourself settled in. It is important to remember that if you have to find private accommodation, we recommend you arrive a couple of weeks early to ensure you have ample time for this.
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Outgoing Students Handbook
ACADEMIC MATTERS 1. REQUIREMENTS Before you leave Salford, you must be aware of what you need to study and achieve at your host institution in order to meet your academic requirements at Salford. Make sure you have checked how many credits you need to study and how this translates to your home credit system. You should complete your learning agreement with your Exchange Coordinator at Salford and your host institution. This is to ensure the modules you study are relevant to your degree, and will count towards it. 2. CREDITS AND GRADE CONVERSION Most European institutions use European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), which awards credits that are comparable and equivalent throughout Europe. Most modules at Salford are worth 20 Salford credits, which equate to 10 ECTS. While abroad, you must complete a minimum of 60 Salford credits per trimester.
If you are studying outside of Europe, your host country will use a different credit system, and we will provide you with the relevant information about it before you leave. Your study abroad period counts towards your degree and does not add any extra time to your studies (exceptions may apply, e.g. Law students). You need to ensure you pass your modules and assessments at your host in order to gain the required amount of credits. However, the actual grades you receive do not count towards your degree classification; they will show as a pass/fail. 3. SELECTING YOUR COURSES Finding courses that will be appropriate for your study abroad is very important. You should be aware of what you are required to learn while you are away, and think about what will be relevant for your studies upon returning to Salford.
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Some things for you to consider: /H as your Exchange Coordinator identified any modules you have to take to meet your requirements at Salford? /D o you need to take modules at a specific level? /H ow many modules are you required to take? /H ow many credits do you need to receive?
/M ake sure you have a few backup choices in case your first choices are not available
As an exchange student, you will more than likely have a selection of courses to choose from.
Please note that if you decide to return from your time abroad more than three weeks into the Salford term, you will not be able to re-join your course here. You will more than likely have to repeat the semester or year later than your cohort does.
Things for you to remember: /A cademic systems vary across the world /Y our course options at your host may be available on their website /Y ou may not be able to select your modules officially until a few weeks before the start of the academic year, so we recommend that you make provision course selections /W hen you arrive you might find that courses you are interested in are full or have restrictions and should this happen, you should talk to your academic contact as well as your Exchange Coordinator at Salford
4. WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE HAVING PROBLEMS? Speak to the International Opportunities Team and your Exchange Coordinator as soon as possible. The sooner you inform us, the more we will be able to help and support you.
We understand that study abroad is difficult sometimes. It can take time to adapt to your new situation and some students will feel homesick or find the exchange too demanding. Make sure you talk to your friends and family as well as other students for support and guidance.
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Outgoing Students Handbook
FINANCE It is important to make any necessary arrangements for your finances. Before you leave, you should know you are able to fund your time abroad, access your money, and know your financial commitments. 1. TUITION FEES When you are on your exchange, you do not pay tuition fees to your host institution. You continue to pay your fees to Salford as you usually would. The only costs you may have at your host is a registration or enrolment fee. If you are taking part in a year long mobility and you are a UK/Home student, you are eligible for an 85% reduction in tuition fees. If you are a
non-EU student you are entitled to a 50% reduction. 2. STUDENT LOANS If you receive funding from Student Finance England (SFE), you should let them know as soon as possible that you are intending to study abroad. They often require confirmation of this by completing a form along with your other documents. Make sure you put on your application that you are planning to go on an exchange, because your funding could change dependent on the amount of time you spend abroad.
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3. TRAVEL GRANTS If you are receiving support from Student Finance England or Northern Ireland, you may be eligible to receive an additional travel grant. This is only available to those whose loans are means tested. The travel grant covers reasonable costs spent on travel during your time abroad if you have paid the first £303 of travel costs. For more information look at the student finance website gov.uk/travel-grantsstudents-england. 4. ERASMUS+ GRANTS The Erasmus+ grant is available for students who are studying or working abroad under the Erasmus+ programme. You are entitled to a grant that you are not required to pay back. This grant is separate to any money you may receive from Student Finance. We will ask you to sign a contract before you depart to confirm how much funding you are eligible for and that you will repay some of or the entire grant if you withdraw or do not complete your exchange. Remember – do not rely on this grant. It is intended to be a contribution to assist you with the extra costs of living abroad, not to cover everything. There is also extra funding available for students with a disability and/or from a disadvantaged background – get in touch with us for further information. 5. LIVING COSTS AND PERSONAL FINANCE You are responsible for all costs during your time abroad, and this should come from your grants, loans and any money you have saved beforehand. Make sure you budget for the following:
/A ccommodation (including required bills) /E ducation supplies (books, stationery, etc.) / I nsurance /T ravel to and from the host country /L ocal transportation (bus, train) /P ersonal expenses 6. BANKING AND CURRENCY Firstly, you should inform your bank that you are intending to leave the UK and for how long. If it is possible, we recommend you make an appointment with them.
For info on potential sources of additional funding, please visit: https://beta. salford.ac.uk/goabroad/thingsto-know
If you are considering opening a bank account abroad, you should take useful documents with you such as your passport and birth certificate. Make sure you check the currency of your host currency, and change some money prior to leaving the UK. You should avoid getting your money changed in airports, as they usually have poorer exchange rates than elsewhere in the UK and your host country. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash with you when you are travelling, or out. Most modern countries now have cashless societies where most retailers will accept cards and contactless cards.
YOU MAY ALSO WANT TO FIND OUT: /D oes your bank have a branch or affiliation with another bank in your host country? /W hat is the most convenient bank to use in the partner country for transferring funds? /H ow much does it cost to transfer funds? /A re there charges for using your cards in your host country? If so, what are they? /H ow do you replace your cards while you are away? /W hat is the best way to contact your bank while you are away?
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Outgoing Students Handbook
WHILE YOU ARE AWAY GETTING STARTED 1. REGISTRATION AT YOUR HOST Registration at your host is essential. The process for this will vary across each institution and may be done in person or online, so make sure you check all the information with which they will provide you. When you arrive at your host, make sure you remember to get your certificate of arrival signed. 2. LEARNING AGREEMENT We require you to have a learning agreement planned before you leave for your host, and you will arrange this in conjunction with your Exchange Coordinator and host institution. The modules you choose prior to leaving may change while you are away, which can be due to availability amongst other reasons. You can change your learning agreement while you are away, but you need to ensure that you confirm your choices with your Exchange Coordinator and send us the amended version of you learning agreement.
3. ACADEMIC ISSUES If you find yourself experiencing any issues that may affect the completion of your studies and grades you achieve (including strikes or other disruptions), get in touch with the International Opportunities Team as well as your Exchange Coordinator as soon as possible. This is also the case if you believe you may fail an exam or other assessment. 4. DEALING WITH PROBLEMS While you are away, you will more than likely encounter some challenges. Always seek help from your host institution, whether it is your personal tutor or someone from the International Office, as they will know the local environment and systems, and be able to advise you how best to proceed. Also remember that you are still a University of Salford student during your period abroad, and this means you are entitled to all of the services we offer to students. The askUS section on the website has information about wellbeing and counselling amongst many other support services.
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HEALTH AND SAFETY We have a few tips on how to ensure you stay healthy and safe during your time abroad, and minimise risks. 1. ARRIVING IN YOUR HOST COUNTRY You will feel most vulnerable when you first arrive in your host country. It is likely that you will feel a combination of disorientation, tiredness and jet lag – this is completely normal. No doubt, you will also be extremely excited. To make sure you get to your destination safely, book a transfer or if your host offer a welcome service use that. Also, beware of having expensive items on show on arrival such as your phone, as with all your bags you could become an easy target. It is important that you provide both your host and us your most up to date contact information. If any of your details change while you are away (such as purchasing a new sim card) you should inform us. Make sure you regularly check your University email, or forward it on to an email you check more often as this is the way you will find out about anything happening at Salford. 2. USE COMMON SENSE This may seem obvious now, but it is easy to get carried away when you are in an exciting new country. Some tips to make sure you have the best experience possible:
/L ook after your valuables. Do not draw attention to your valuables, and only take out what you need /A void travelling to unfamiliar places alone or at night /S tick with someone when you go out at night time /L earn about the locations you will be near and check if there are any you should avoid /K eep in contact with your friends and family, as someone should always know your travel plans /K eep a note of any emergency numbers you may need such as police and hospitals /F ollow ‘stay safe’ information in the event of a security alert: npcc.police.uk/NPCCBusinessAreas/ WeaponAttacksStaySafe.aspx 3. HEALTHCARE Healthcare will vary from country to country, and often be different to the UK. While some are very similar to ours, in that it is free at the point of service, some require you to purchase health insurance before you arrive along with your visa, then claim any expenses off your insurance company. It can sometimes be very complicated so it helps to research before you go. If you are travelling within the EEA (European Economic Area) or Switzerland, you should obtain a free EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) which will entitle you to reduced cost or free emergency healthcare in your host country. You can get this from the post office or apply online at ehic.org.uk.
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Outgoing Students Handbook If you are travelling further afield than the EEA and Switzerland, we would advise you to conduct your own research and check the UK Government’s Foreign Travel Advice. Once you arrive at your host, they will be able to provide you with further information about the more locally available healthcare, so attend all of your welcome sessions. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, so remember to look after yourself. Moving abroad can be a stressful time, especially considering the cultural and lifestyle differences. Our University continues to offer their support services, and there is also specific help for students going abroad on the Go International website go.international.ac.uk/digitalresources-health-and-wellbeing.
4. EMBASSY AND CONSULAR ASSISTANCE We recommend that before you leave, you find out where your closest British Embassy, Consulate or High Commission will be. They will be able to offer you a variety of valuable services in the event that you need them. If you are involved in a crime, hospitalised, or have an issue with your passport, they will liaise with family and friends on your behalf. If you are not a British national, you should locate your nearest Consular representation.
19 5. EMERGENCY SITUATIONS If you encounter any emergencies while you are abroad, your first point of contact should be the nominated person at your host institution, who will be able to advise and support you with their local knowledge. Following this, you should contact your family and the University of Salford as soon as you are able to. We have a University Security emergency number – 0161 295 3333 – which you should contact out of usual hours. This number will enable our security team to put you through to the relevant member of staff in the University. Your main priority should always be to keep yourself safe. We advise you to check regularly for any changing situations globally in regards of terrorism and conflict. Remember the ‘Stay Safe’ advice provided on the NPCC website and ‘run, hide, tell’ in the event of a security alert. Also, make sure you are aware of the possibility of any natural disasters, such as earthquakes, tornadoes, heat waves or extreme cold weather. If there is an increased risk of any of these, your host should make you aware, and you should pay close attention to any procedures or guides provided on this by your host or the government of your host country.
CULTURAL ADJUSTMENTS The adventure you are about to set out on is going to be a very different challenge. It will be exciting, fun, challenging and scary all at the same time. Although it can be a life-changing experience, there can be a few surprises along the way, especially if you have never lived abroad before. 1. CULTURAL SHOCK Many people who move, especially abroad, will experience culture shock at some point. You may notice that you are feeling disoriented, anxious or homesick. Usually, this feeling will go when you settle in in your new country and at your host.
SOME STRATEGIES TO HELP YOU IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING CULTURE SHOCK: /A llow yourself some time to adapt to your new home. /K eep in touch with your family and friends. This is much easier with all the technology we currently have. /A ttend all of your orientation events to meet other international students, as many of them will be in the same situation as you. /W rite a blog or diary about how you are feeling, what steps you are taking, and any goals you reach. This will help you focus on why you have chosen to go away, and encourage you to continue. /C ontinue to do anything that you would normally do at home to help relieve stress e.g. yoga, reading, sports, etc. / J oin social or sports clubs either within or outside of the institution.
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Outgoing Students Handbook
ON YOUR RETURN RETURNING HOME 1. ERASMUS+ REQUIREMENTS Students on an Erasmus+ exchange must complete all of the required paperwork in order to receive their final grant payment. The documents are in your checklist, but one of the most important is your certificate of attendance, as this confirms the dates you were abroad and are eligible for your grant. In addition, you will be invited to complete a questionnaire by the European Commission – the Participant’s Report – which is a necessity for us to pay your final grant instalment. 2. TRANSCRIPT OF RECORDS If you are taking part in a study exchange, you must make sure you get a transcript from your host, which shows the modules you have taken, and the results you have achieved. This document is essential for you to progress to your next year of study at Salford, as your School need to transfer your credits.
All students are also required to complete a final version of their Learning Agreement. Students who have undertaken the Online Language Course provided by OLS must also complete their final language assessment. All students will also be asked to provide a final report/ testimonial. 3. REVERSE CULTURE SHOCK We earlier mentioned culture shock when you arrive at your host, and the same can happen when you return home. Although often overlooked, it is more common than most people think. It is often exciting to return home and see your family and friends, but this can soon wear off making you feel a little out of place. You become so accustomed to your new country and their culture without realising, and you may begin to miss it. Again, this is completely normal and you can follow similar steps as before to ease you back into life in the UK.
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CONTACTS Erasmus+ (studying or working within Europe) erasmus@salford.ac.uk
Student Loans Company slc.co.uk European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) ehic.org.uk
International Exchange (studying outside of Europe) studyabroad@salford.ac.uk
SOCIAL MEDIA
LINKS International Opportunities Team https://beta.salford.ac.uk/go-abroad AskUS support salford.ac.uk/askus UK Council for International Student Affairs ukcisa.org.uk UK Government Travel Advice gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
Foreign & Commonwealth Office travelaware.campaign.gov.uk
Follow the International Opportunities Team on: Twitter @UoS_IntOpps Facebook @UoSInternationalOpportunities You can also join the UoS Outgoing Exchange Student Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ groups/818190625181245/ You can also meet fellow UK students on the Study Abroad UK Alumni Network https://www.linkedin.com/ groups/8772963/
UK Embassy gov.uk/world/embassies
@UoSInternationalOpportunities
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@UoS_IntOpps
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beta.salford.ac.uk/go-abroad
salford.ac.uk