Please read this handbook carefully before you go on Erasmus+, and keep it for reference.

It contains a lot of useful advice, as well as the answers to many questions posed by students before and during their mobility period abroad.

SOME IMPORTANT ADVICE AND REMINDERS IN RELATION TO ERASMUS+ AND COVID-19

• Please note that students normally resident in Ireland will only be approved to go on Erasmus+ if Irish Government advice indicates that it is safe to travel to the destination country.
• You must be mindful of the risks involved in traveling to your destination, and in living and
• moving about in an area where there may be Covid-19 cases. This will feature in the Mobility Assessment that all outbound students are required to complete.
• Remember that travel insurance will not cover you if you go to another country against the advice of the Department of Foreign Affairs, so it may be wise to put off taking out an insurance policy until you at least know that travel to your destination is permitted.
• Many Insurers have introduced strict conditions and in some cases exclusions in respect of Covid-19. Read the Policy Documentation very carefully so you understand the breath of the cover provided and any policy limitations. Make sure you have read the Terms & Conditions that apply to your policy at the time of purchase.
• As part of your preparation to go abroad, you must keep a close eye on the travel advice by country that is published by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in relation to your destination country, as well paying close attention to the guidance issued by the HSE.
• You will need to familiarise yourself with the public health protocols in your destination country and abide by any national regulations that may apply (e.g., self-isolation or quarantine after travel, wearing of masks, etc.). In this regard, the Reopen EU website is a useful resource.
• Be aware that you may have to undertake Covid-19 testing as per the entry and departure requirements of your destination country. There is no provision within University of Galway for any associated costs.
• You will need to make sure that you are fully informed of, and adhere to, all health and hygiene protocols in operation at your host organisation (as well as in your student accommodation, where relevant), in order to protect yourself and those with whom you come in contact.
• European countries remain in a state of alert in relation to Covid-19, and you will likely find that certain aspects of everyday life are restricted and subject to national laws and requirements. This could impact on various elements of your Erasmus+ experience and reduce the scope for taking part in cultural activities, socialising, etc.
• You will have to keep in mind that there are likely to be outbreaks of Covid-19 throughout the coming months, and that regional authorities may decide to impose lockdowns at any time to contain such outbreaks. This could mean that you might be unable to leave a locked- down area, and you would have to factor this risk into any plans you might make for weekend trips, breaks, etc., in the course of your Erasmus+ visit.
• In an extreme scenario, you could be recalled back to Ireland by University of Galway.
• Changes of circumstances may lead to unforeseen financial commitments or losses, e.g., forfeited rent or rental deposits, flight cancellations, or changes.
• At the same time as signing your Erasmus+ grant agreement, you will be required to sign a statement acknowledging that you understand and accept the risks that may be involved in taking part in Erasmus+ during the current global health emergency.