The Erasmus Programme for Swansea University students

 
If you enjoy travelling, and want to experience living in another culture, why not consider an Erasmus study or work placement abroad as part of your degree?

The Erasmus student mobility programme, funded by the European Comission, offers students the opportunity to study or work for a period of time in another EU country or 'partner' state, and for that study or work to be recognised by Swansea University as part of your degree.

Why take part in the Erasmus scheme?
Studying or working abroad is a valuable and worthwhile experience in many ways. Adding a European dimension to your degree programme allows you to become immersed in a foreign culture, develop your knowledge of another language and realise a greater degree of self reliance. Many students who have spent time studying or working abroad come back feeling more confident and self assured. It can also be great fun – you will have a chance to explore a new country, understand a new culture and make new friends while broadening your education. Studying or working abroad can also widen your employment opportunities once you graduate. Employers put a high value on initiative and maturity of outlook – both of which you will gain from a placement abroad.

How long is an Erasmus placement?
The placement period needs to be a minimum of 3 months and can last for a maximum of 12 months. Generally students go abroad for a full academic year, usually the 3rd year of a 4 year degree, but it is also possible for students on 3 year degrees to go away for part of the second or final year of your course.

How much is the Erasmus grant?
Students taking part in the Erasmus scheme are paid a Mobility Grant to offset some of the costs of taking part in the scheme. In the 2011/12 academic year, eligible Swansea students undertaking an Erasmus placement receive 225 Euros per month.

What is an elegible Swansea student?
To qualify for the grant under the Erasmus scheme, students need to be enrolled at Swansea University and have not received an Erasmus grant in the past.

Will I need to pay tuition fees?
If you spend less than a full academic year abroad on the erasmus scheme, standard tuition fees are payable to Swansea University. Students spending a full academic year abroad under the Erasmus scheme may qualify for the Erasmus tuition fee waiver. No tuition fees are payable to the host university.

Do I need to speak a European language to take part?
As you would be living and working/studying in a foreign country, a basic knowledge of the language is going to be helpful, but there are a number of European destinations where teaching is delivered through the medium of English.