Study in Europe
Studying abroad is a great opportunity to make the most of your time at University whilst immersing yourself in a culture quite different from your own. It provides an alternative perspective on your chosen subject and opens up brand new avenues of academic thought. However, it is more than an outstanding academic experience. It is also about your own self-development; it is about growing in confidence and making life-long friends from all over the world.
ERASMUS - European Community Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students
Erasmus is an exchange programme that has been running for over twenty years and offers students the chance to spend a period of time studying abroad at a European partner institution. So far, over 3 million students have participated in the scheme.
Where can I go?
There are many countries participating in the Erasmus exchange programme. The countries that have links with CPLAN in 2010-11 are Italy, Germany, Turkey, France, Greece, Latvia, Netherlands, Portugal and Sweden. This list is updated annually.
How long can I go for?
In some cases it may be possible to study for a whole academic year (maximum time - 10 months) in which case your degree would then normally take four years. In other cases, students study abroad only for one semester (minimum time - 3 months).
Who can go?
Most students are eligible to take part in the scheme. You must have already completed part one of your studies and be a full-time student, but eligibility extends all the way up to doctoral level. You must also be a national of a European Union member state or European Economic Area member, or officially recognised by the United Kingdom as a refugee, stateless person or permanent resident. You must also not have already taken part in an Erasmus exchange scheme.
What if I can't speak a foreign language?
Many students are put off by the fact that they are unable to speak a foreign language, and so feel that they would be unable to live and study abroad. However, some universities (especially for science subjects) offer Erasmus courses taught in English, and so it is not essential to speak another language. Nevertheless, the ability to communicate effectively in another language apart from your own is a great skill, and the programme seeks to enhance linguistic ability. If you can't speak another language, it is always worth looking to see if there are opportunities open to you, and it is worth remembering that the host institutions often put on free language courses for the Erasmus students. A basic knowledge of the target language though is almost always recommended.
How would the extra year be funded?
The British Council offers a grant that is available to all students participating on the scheme. The grant money is intended to offset any additional costs created by living abroad, and is meant to extend to costs such as travel or any extra accommodation costs etc. On top of this, the receipt of an Erasmus grant does not affect your eligibility for a national or state loan as you might normally receive.
Will I have to pay fees?
Cardiff University students studying abroad for the full academic year through the Erasmus Programme will not be asked to pay tuition fees to Cardiff University. Students studying abroad for one semester only will be asked to pay half fees to Cardiff University. Students will not be asked to pay any tuition fees to their host University.
I would like to study abroad. What do I do now?
If you would like to participate in the Erasmus scheme, the best option would be to talk to your School Co-ordinator about your options. If you have any questions regarding the structure of the scheme itself, please contact the Erasmus Office.