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 INFORMATION IN RELATION TO ERASMUS+ AND SAFETY

• 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 travelling to your destination, and in living and moving about in an area where there may be political uncertainty and health risks. This will feature in the Mobility (Risk) Assessment that all outbound students are required to complete.
• 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 and safety protocols in your destination country and abide by any national regulations that may apply.
• You will need to make sure that you are fully informed of, and adhere to, all health and safety protocols in operation at your host organisation as well as in your accommodation, in order to protect yourself and those with whom you come in contact.
• 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.
• European countries remain in a state of alert in relation to political uncertainty and infectious disease, and you could find that certain aspects of everyday life once again become subject to restrictions under 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.
• Keep in mind that regional authorities could decide to impose lockdowns during periods of time where there might be a health and/or safety risk. 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+ mobility.
• 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 political and health situation.