Useful Tips and Advice

GENERAL ADVICE FOR STUDENTS GOING ABROAD ON ERASMUS+ TRAINEESHIPS

• Students would normally be advised to book flights well in advance to ensure the cheapest rates, but in the particular circumstances where Covid-19 creates travel uncertainty, it may be advisable to wait till closer your start date at the host organisation.
• If an orientation programme or language course is offered, it is strongly recommended that you attend these, and make your travel arrangements accordingly.
• Find out about other students that may be going to the same destination as you. Try to travel in pairs or in a group, as this will make it cheaper for taxis and also safer in terms of luggage supervision.
• Be vigilant at rail and bus stations and keep a close eye on your luggage.
• Keep valuables out of sight and keep cash and credit cards in zipped pockets or in a secure money belt worn inside your clothes.
• Find out if any areas of your host city are considered unsafe and avoid them if possible.
• Have a list of important telephone contact numbers and the number of your credit/bank card as well as the bank’s emergency number, and keep these details about your person or in a safe place, in case you are unfortunate enough to lose your wallet or mobile phone.
• Be aware that in many countries, local bus or tram tickets purchased from a machine must be punched to validate them – if you are caught travelling without a valid ticket, you may have to pay a substantial fine.
• If you have pre-booked accommodation in a university residence, check its opening hours for key collection (reception might be closed in the evenings or at weekends).
• Make sure that when you arrive in your host country you have sufficient funds for your initial expenses. Note that, in relation to accommodation, you may have to pay a deposit plus a month’s rent in advance.
• If, at the time of moving into your accommodation, you notice anything broken or damaged in the room/apartment, make sure the owner or caretaker is aware of it, or you could find yourself liable for repairs when you are leaving.
• When opening a bank account abroad you may need to produce the following documents: a translated birth certificate, your passport, proof that you are a student, evidence of your address in the host country.
• You should also set up internet access to your Irish bank account.
• Students based at partner universities: each university will have an International Office or a European/Erasmus+ Office. When you arrive at your host university, find out its location and its opening hours. It should be your first point of contact for any non-academic problems you might encounter. If you need to contact home urgently, the staff of this office should be able to assist you in doing so. At most universities, staff are not available at the weekends. It’s a good idea to go to offices early in the morning as, in many universities, offices may be closed to the public in the afternoons. Notify the host university if you have any illness, disability, or learning difficulty that should be brought to the attention of staff.
• Ensure that you know the name, office address and telephone number of the departmental/ academic coordinator in the host university.
• You may find that administrative procedures are extremely bureaucratic in some countries. Remember that it’s the same for all other students and that you shouldn’t get too bothered by it all. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you don’t understand something.
• Please follow the general advice given to you by your University of Galway discipline or academic coordinator regarding the destination that you are going to.
• If you have concerns about any academic issue, be sure to contact your University of Galway academic coordinator as early as possible.
• If problems other than academic ones arise, please inform the University of Galway International Office — we’re here to help, if possible, but we cannot help you if we are not made aware of any difficulties!
• Try to find out as much as you can in advance about the culture and customs of the host country. Even then, you may well experience initial homesickness or culture shock. This is a common reaction to a new environment but if you allow yourself a couple of weeks to make the transition, and if you are open-minded in your approach, you will most likely find that you will settle in quite quickly.
• The time abroad will go by more quickly than you imagine, so make the most of it. Take advantage of any official student events or activities, try to integrate as best you can, and, if you are a language student, resist the temptation to socialise only with other native English speakers. Make use of any opportunities to travel at weekends or during holiday periods, and see as much as you can of the host country. An International Student Identity Card (ISIC) can be useful for obtaining reductions on travel, entertainment, sightseeing, etc.
• Remember that you are bound by the regulations and the code of conduct of both the host university and of University of Galway. As Erasmus+ students, you are ambassadors for your country and your university and it is expected that you show respect for the host country, its people and its customs. For instance, there is no doubt that socialising and making friends are important aspects of the study abroad experience, but in many countries you will find that alcohol plays a less prominent role in these activities than it does in Ireland. Bear in mind that you are in an unfamiliar environment, and that excessive alcohol or drug consumption may lead to unpleasant incidents and even jeopardise your personal safety.

• Please be mindful of your neighbours and/or housemates and respect their need for peace and quiet at night.
• Keep your accommodation clean and tidy and respect the property and its furnishings, or you may be fined or have your deposit withheld at the end of your stay.
• While you are abroad please remember to stay in regular contact with your family. When you travel abroad, your loved ones will be anxious to know that you have arrived safely and are settling in well. A quick phone call, text or message will put their minds at ease.
• If any significant incidents occur in your host country or city, make sure that your family know that you are safe. Follow any instructions given by the authorities, and if you have concerns, get in touch with staff at your host university’s international office, who will be able to give you appropriate advice.