Since I know very well how difficult and opaque seemed to me to apply for Erasmus, I would like to make a small advance guide available. The first impression is deceptive unfortunately not because it is a relatively large bureaucracy. But eventually we become rewarded.
1) Spoilt for choice
At the beginning you have to first decide on a college. Here you can choose from a list of partner universities select your university. Usually the lists are available on the Internet or they will learn how at the University of Siegen, via the International Office (AAA). The relevant information about the universities you learn on the Internet or through acquaintances, so that you can get yourself more or less en good picture. A 100% waterproof IST Decision you can make but never, I would just leave me there on my gut instinct and choose in each case, rather on the region and not by the reputation of the university. Finally, it is primarily concerned with life in the foreign culture and not another point in the life course.
2) Initial discussions with the program coordinator
Even if you believe it sometimes does not like, yes, your university will have a program coordinator who is responsible for the particular university abroad is. Do you have interest in a particular university and brought you initial information, you discuss the further Course with the relevant program officer. He will give you detailed information about Fremduni also find information about the further application process. At the University of Siegen, Lara and I needed as next to the program sheet also a motivation letter and a resume in French. (Was for later applications, however, apart from the last two letters, so that the program has been enough data sheet completely)
a link to the program sheet of the University of Siegen you find here.
3) wait, wait, wait ...
So now is show it, be patient and wait until you get a response from the AAA. This will tell you if you have been accepted or not. It is advisable in the meantime already put up with the partner university related and there to present non-binding. The Program Officer shall give notice as soon as you have been accepted by the partner university. If all the positions in your Wunschuni, you are logged on to your second choice.
4) organization of visits
Now the real organization. Let's start with the most basic: How do you get? Where are you going?
Find out about opportunities arrival. To France, you can either drive, fly (cheap airlines: Ryanair , Air Berlin, German Wings ) or take the train (cheap is because the Thalys, which runs from Cologne to Paris). Within Europe, the above airlines will probably be the cheapest. After
Guadeloupe, which in fact in France, in practice it is located in the Caribbean, one can not so simple. There are basically limited to cheap airlines Air France, Air Caraibes and Corsair. We fly past societies, simply because prices unbeatable favorable. The flights are, however, each of Paris-Orly, so we have booked another flight with Air Berlin to Paris.
For the second to apartment. We were made it easy. We have received a list of various housing options with prices and brief description (but mind you without a picture, etc.!). There, we have made in our apartment a cross and the request will hopefully gone to arrival to accommodation.
Safe you can be of course if you have previously visited once de apartment. It is recommended to browse through foreign newspapers or watch on the web. In most Cases it will be possible to spend a weekend in the twin city and an apartment to look after another.
have thus clarified the most important you ever.
Only thing is, if you get sick again? international health insurance n there en masse. It is shear impossible to give a recommendation, since each has different needs, and is otherwise insured. Wr both Lara and I are, of course not experts. I have made it so that I have taken an afternoon of time to search the Internet for various medical insurance. Then I made a list for everyone, absolutely everyone Insurance called to ask if this which also includes long-term insurance (you have to watch something that surround most medical insurance for a relatively short period of time for a vacation for example). Guadeloupe, in the case it was particularly complicated because most employees did not know whether it actuarially now one of France or the Caribbean. In most cases, was between the two places namely a very high financial difference. Ultimately, we chose both for the long-term international health insurance for the ADAC. The cost for members is currently EUR 147.00 for the entire period of coverage (a little over 6 months). As we both were not yet a member, it was possible for us to join or as a member. This is the first year free of charge and costs otherwise only EUR 19.00 a year. Detriment of insurance is that you must pay for each initial treatment EUR 50.00. Since the insurance cost so much but was, and I generally rare to see a doctor, I think it was the right decision.
5) Learning Agreement
The Learning Agreement is the assurance that the purchased credits are counted in Germany. Given their corresponding forms found on the homepage of the appropriate AAA. It means Internet search or run it again write to the universities to obtain a current course catalog. Did you present this, ye looking out the most beautiful, interesting and of course suitable courses. Writes directly on how many credits you want to purchase expected. With this piece of paper you go to your head of department. Who's that, you learn from your program coordinator or the Examinations Office of your faculty. These signs then to review the courses that form. Another signature of the program officer of the AAA and everything is settled on the German side. It still lacks the signatures of the partner site. But you either send the form to the appropriate People of the partner university (before making copies!) Or wait until you are there. The latter is only allowed in exceptional cases, because you have given is usually the Learning Agreement in full before departure is required. Guadeloupe is however due to the Caribbean mentality and reliability so exceptional.
6) during the day evening
This topic really deserves its own sub-item. In principle, it is not that difficult, but practically, it was for me at least, a huge mess of paperwork. But do not be discouraged because if you get during the day evening, you get not only the monthly amount, but also a flat rate of up to EUR 500.00 travel expenses reimbursed. In addition, you have up to an amount of EUR 5000.00 to pay back anything.
Man fills out the forms (available here ) and sends it back with the appropriate equipment. You need:
- the normal forms plus Form 6
- confirmation of health insurance
- confirm Entsende-/Stpendiumsorganisation (in this case, ERASMUS)
- confirmation of the command of the language (only required if language is the language the same) to send the best Abizeugnis copy. If the language was acquired at the university, there are also a form of student loan office, which you sign with a professional instructor can be
- matriculation certificate issued by the host universities abroad
- lease abroad
- certificate of housing benefit, which can possibly .
- receives certificate of current assets (just ask the bank to print the off)
- then of course depending on the case: the parents' tax return, proof of other assets, evidence of the ability of siblings
- after 4 Semester, you need the confirmation from the Audit Office that on 80% of the study has completed (Form 5)
Very important: Make yourself in any case copies of all forms! It occurs, often having to look up again late filing or something.
So if you have brought this whole mountain of tasks and administrative procedures behind you can see, ye finally sit back and make the most important: enjoying the anticipation!
Submitted by Lea
