Studying abroad under the Socrates - Erasmus Scheme
What is the Erasmus Scheme?
The European Union Erasmus scheme allows and encourages students from different universities in Europe to spend up to a year at another European University.
How does the Scheme work?
Under the scheme, individual universities make 'bilateral' agreements that allow the exchange of students. You have to check, therefore, which universities have agreements with your own institution. Humanities students go to universities where a bilateral exists with Greenwich University School of Humanities. The list is given at the end of this page.
Who is eligible?
You must be a British or European student to be able to apply for an Erasmus exchange We normally expect you to undertake an Erasmus exchange in your second year of study.
Application Form
An application form can be downloaded by following this link.
Please note that the scheme requires you to pass your year abroad, but it does not count in the calculation of your final degree result. Your final degree classification is based entirely on the third year work that you do when you return to the UK.
Do I need a foreign language?
Not necessarily. Some universities in Europe teach in English! Mid-Sweden, Krakow, Aarhus, Bremen (mainly), Prague. No foreign language required for most courses. For France, Italy or Spain you will normally need the language. (That's the main reason for students going there.)
Where can I go?
Prague (Charles University and also FAMU, the Film School), , Krakow, Mid-Sweden, Bremen, Rouen, Malaga, Aarhus (two institutions here). That is our list at the moment, but we hope to expand it over the next few years. See below for details.
What are the advantages?
Apart from the obvious - you travel, learn another language (not always required) or improve your language skills - there are financial benefits. If you stay for a full academic year (usually 9 months) in a foreign university you pay no fees to either your home university or the foreign university for that year (unfortunately if you stay only half the year you will be liable to home fees).
In addition, Erasmus will give you a grant for the year, on top of any other finance you would normally receive. It's not a large grant, but it will normally pay for travel and additional expenses incurred in being overseas.
How to find out more
Firstly, you can look at links to the institutions with which we have bilaterals. That will give you an idea of the university and the country; the courses you can study; the process of application. If you are interested in an exchange then you MUST see Simon Dye first; you also need to talk to your tutor or Programme Leader about the application, and discuss the courses you might take while on exchange. Your courses have to fit in, broadly, with your programme of study over here.
Then you will begin the process of application, choosing courses and getting accommodation. Normally this is fairly straightforward but be warned - it can take a little time! Also, there are various Erasmus forms to fill in. You may find it all a little bureaucratic, occasionally slow, and sometimes a little frustrating - but in the end we get there, and the rewards are enormous!
This page contains a link to an online copy of the main Erasmus forms you need.
Here is a list of institutions with which we have bilaterals, and to which you can apply (with main areas of study in brackets). Please note that for each institution we give the name of a member of staff who knows more of the detail about the country and the university.
Please be aware that your programme of study should broadly match what is being offered at the exchange university. If in doubt, discuss with Simon Dye and your tutor/programme leader. You will, in any case, need the permission of your course leader before you undertake study abroad.
Jagiellionian University - Krakow, Poland. A well regarded university which offers courses in English in the Humanities/International Studies area, but with some understandable emphasis on Poland. Teaching is in English. See Jagiellionian University's International Office and Humanities Studies web pages.
Mid-Sweden International Office: English language and literature, social sciences. Social sciences tend to be at the Sundsvall campus; English and linguistics at Harnosand. If you follow the Exchange Students link you should find a downloadable file of courses taught in English; courses in English have been reduced here, so look carefully at what is on offer. Teaching is in English. Lead contact: Simon Dye
Aarhus University, Denmark We are mainly linked to the Aarhus English Department, but we have recently had a visit from their International co-ordinator and it is clear that you can study in any of the departments in Aarhus. See Aarhus University's web page for international and Erasmus students.
Aarhus School of Business, Denmark mainly social science, law, business - Although a 'School of Business', its courses go much wider, including languages and law, for example. A good place for many in Humanities, not only those with '...and Business' as part of their degree. Teaching is in English. Lead contact: Simon Dye
Charles University, Prague (history, politics, film, literature, social sciences) Courses taught in English. Lead contact: Simon Dye
Malaga, Spain (mainly for Spanish language). Lead contact : Simon Dye
Bremen, Germany international studies, politics. Teaching is mainly but not exclusively in English - for students with some German. Lead contact: Simon Dye
FAMU (Film School, Prague): film studies and allied disciplines. Please note that you will be expected to provide a portfolio of work for this institution and acceptance is not guaranteed. Teaching is in English. Lead contact : Alev Adil
Rouen, France: mainly for French language. Lead contact: John Dunne
Bergamo, Italy and Catania, Italy mainly for Italian speakers or students who want to improve their Italian language skills. Lead contact: Simon Dye