Information for Heythrop students wishing to study abroad
Why go on an ERASMUS exchange?
An ERASMUS exchange with one of our partner institutions can:
• Offer the chance to live, travel and study in a different culture
• Provide the opportunity to experience a different educational environment
• Enable you to study topics not available at Heythrop, or consider topics from different perspectives
• Allow you to receive credit for your study abroad towards your degree programme at Heythrop College
• Let you make friends and contacts in another country
• Help you improve your language skills or learn a new language
• Enhance your employability
• Help you to develop new skills and become more independent
• Provide funding to support you while you are abroad. Note: if you study abroad for two semesters you pay no tuition fees in England for that academic year.
• Provide support from your host institution and from Heythrop staff
Read what previous Heythrop students thought about their Erasmus Experiences or watch this short film about the Erasmus programme
Application process:
You are eligible to apply for the ERASMUS Scheme during the first year of your study at Heythrop, for a period of study abroad in your second year. ERASMUS study periods are divided into semesters and the whole year is made up of two semesters.
The deadlines for applications are:
For first semester study abroad: e.g. September to February: 31 May of the previous academic year
For second semester study abroad: e.g. February to June: 10 October in the autumn prior to the planned study abroad period
For whole year (two semesters) study abroad: 31 May of the previous academic year
First steps:
You should consult the list of ERASMUS partners to see what opportunities are of interest to you. You should think about:
• how long you want to study for
• the range of subjects available and how they link to your programme at Heythrop
• any language restrictions – whether an institution teaches in English or whether it offers language programmes to help you learn or improve your proficiency in the local language
You should complete the Outgoing Erasmus Application Form before the deadline. You should contact your proposed host institution to discuss your planned programme of study to see if it is suitable and feasible and also discuss your plans with the Erasmus Coordinator and your personal tutor.
Your application will be considered initially within Heythrop itself by a small working group, who will select participants based on criteria such as evidence of self reliance, commitment to academic study, academic progress to date and reports from tutors. If approved the application will be passed to the proposed host institution.
The ERASMUS Coordinator is available to deal with any queries (email: g.simmonds@heythrop.ac.uk and will hold a meeting each Lent Term for anyone thinking of participating in the scheme.
If you are accepted, your host institution will provide information including any help with accommodation, paperwork to take with you etc.
When the programme has been agreed you will need to complete and submit your European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) Learning Agreement to the partner institution for signature and transmission back to Heythrop College.
Check the ERASMUS website for more information.
Information on studying at the partner institution:
You should receive information from the partner institution prior to your arrival on accommodation, study requirements etc. You should contact their ERASMUS Coordinator if you have any queries or concerns, or contact Dr Simmonds.
Support while studying at the partner institution:
The partner institution should provide you with a contact name for student support. In addition, you can contact the ERASMUS Coordinator and your personal tutor for advice while you are away from Heythrop.
Credit for your study abroad:
When you complete your studies you will receive a transcript which should be given to the Undergraduate Administrator at Heythrop so that your study abroad can be credited to your degree programme.
Note: marks from European universities are subject to adjustment into the British system. This is beyond our control, as it is not Heythrop which stipulates the credits needed but the University of London in line with the British university system overall. Be prepared, therefore for your marks to be adjusted up or down when you receive your final transcript.