How to prepare
If you decide to spend a study period abroad, it is important to start preparing your stay well in time. There are many different things a students needs to take care prior to departure. Below you can find information about: housing, finances, visa, health care and medical insurance.
Finances
Tuition fee
All students who go on exchange to an ESE partner university stay enrolled as student at the ESE and pay the regular tuition fee to the EUR. You do not have to pay a tuition fee to the partner university. However, a few partner universities charge administrative costs.
Costs
An important aspect to consider when preparing your exchange is cost of living. To get an idea of the possible extra costs involved in an exchange period, you can read the students reports of former exchange students. These reports show the budgets of former exchange students. Bear in mind that some countries are more expensive than others. Please click here to find the student reports and to find information based on the countries you prefer.
Scholarships
The Erasmus Scholarship
Students who are selected for an exchange to a destination within the European Union can make a request for the Erasmus Scholarship. This scholarship offers an extra monthly payment of € 200,-.
It is possible that you qualify for an Erasmus Scholarship. Distribution of the scholarships is dependent on popularity of destinations and on the perceived costs of living.
For the academic year 2012-2013 there are five partner universities selected for receiving the Erasmus Scholarship with guarantee. Click here to find out which universities these are.
The ESE scholarship
Students who are selected for an exchange to a destination outside of the European Union (except the above mentioned countries) can qualify for the ESE scholarship. The requirements are as following: you have not received an ESE scholarship before and you will go on exchange for at least three months. This scholarship in total is € 500,-- and will be paid in two parts. The first part (75%) will be paid before departure. After return the second part (25%) will be paid after you handed in a number of documents (see After return).
Financial support by the ESE
The ESE offers an additional scholarship of maximum € 500,-- for a few students who are highly motivated and who can prove that they do not have sufficient means to go on exchange. Please notice that the budget for this scholarship is limited, only a few students can receive this scholarship. More information about this scholarship will be given to you after you have been selected for the exchange programme.
Other scholarships and funds
There are many ways to apply for scholarships and funds. At the ESSC (E-building) you can find a database with other scholarships and funds to apply for to obtain additional finance. We advise you to apply early for these funds. You can also check the Studying Abroad website of the ESSC.
Student financing
Students who receive a student grant (Studiefinanciering in Dutch) and who are listed as living at home can – during their stay abroad – register as living away from home at the IB-group. You can find more information via www.ib-groep.nl.
OV jaarkaart
Exchange students can get compensation for the so-called OV jaarkaart for the period that they are abroad. Please check the internet site of the IB-group for more information about this: www.ib-groep.nl.
Housing
Finding housing abroad
The partner university will send information about housing to the selected students. Many universities will help you to find accommodation. Some universities offer their own housing facilities (for example on a campus).
Subletting your room
You can offer your room for sublet for a foreign student, researcher or teacher. Rooms that are offered should be completely furnished. The EUR has an online systems to submit your room for subletting: Housing Anywhere.
You can also sublet your room via Stadswonen or your landlord. The Erasmus Student Network Rotterdam can also help you to get in touch with potential subtenants.
Residence permit and visa
Within the EU you can travel without formalities. Upon arrival you should apply for a residence permit at the aliens department of the police station in your host city.
For all other countries a residence permit has to be applied for before departure. Usually the partner universities have forms to arrange this or they will inform you about the procedure. More information on the application can also be obtained at the embassy or consulate concerned. You can also check the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at www.minbuza.nl. On this site you can find the addresses of Dutch embassies and consulates abroad as well. Information can also be found at the Studying Abroad website of the EUR.
Medical insurance and health care
Insurance
Do not go abroad without being sufficiently insured! Inquire in advance as to whether or not your insurance policy is valid abroad. Some countries can have very high claims, so sometimes even the maximum compensation is not enough.
If you are going abroad for study or practical training, make sure that you are properly insured. Requirements differ per country. Consider supplementary insurance, special statements from your insurance company and third-party liability insurance. In some countries you are even required to take out a new insurance policy locally. You can take out good supplementary insurance via the Erasmus Student Service Centre, the so-called Insurance Passport for Students (also see www.acepolis.com/ips). This insurance is valid internationally, except in the country of origin. Another option for your supplementary insurance is via AON, more information at www.students-insurance.eu
Vaccinations
Check before departure with the GGD/Municipal Health Service website whether you require specific vaccinations for your final destination: www.ggd.rotterdam.nl or www.travelclinic.com.
