Erasmus Exchange
Erasmus exchanges enable students to study abroad at one of Edinburgh's partner institutions in Europe, on a grant. The International Office administers Erasmus exchanges with support from coordinators in each subject area.
Erasmus coordinators' responsibilities
The role of the Erasmus coordinator is as follows:
- to develop and maintain good relationships with their counterparts at their partner institutions.
- to be aware of courses available at each partner institution, of compatibility with Edinburgh courses, and of how the marking system at each works. It is also helpful to be aware of application procedures and deadlines.
- to promote Erasmus opportunities to students in their School/Subject Area - inform students of exchanges available, hold information sessions, etc.
- to select students to participate in the School/Subject Area's available exchanges, ensuring that students have adequate academic and language skills to enable them to successfully take up their place.
- to advise outgoing students, before and during the exchange, on academic issues such as permissible programmes of study at their host university, and credit and course requirements for Edinburgh.
- to approve learning agreements/contracts of study submitted by students on exchange, and review transcripts on their return.
- to host visits from partners to ensure good relationships, troubleshoot, etc.
Promoting exchanges
Some funding is available, via the International Office, to support activities which will promote Erasmus exchanges to Edinburgh students. If you would like to request funding for a promotional event or activity in your subject area, please contact the International Office.
Posters and other promotional materials are also available from the International Office.
A Study Abroad Fair is held at least once a year to publicise study abroad opportunities for Edinburgh students.
Selecting students
Students submit an online application for participation in the programme, and coordinators are asked to select their outgoing students by the end of February each academic year (for Semester 1) and by the end of October (for Semester 2).
European Credit Transfer System
Outgoing students are normally required to obtain full credit for the year (or semester) spent on exchange. Most European universities use the European Credit Transfer System, with a typical annual courseload of 60 ECTS credits (equivalent to 120 Edinburgh credits).
Transcript of results
All exchange students are required to return to Edinburgh a transcript of results from their study abroad period. A copy will be sent to coordinators for confirmation that the learning outcomes of the year abroad have been met.
The Committee for Progression of Study Abroad Students will meet every September to consider the transcripts of students who do not appear to have met the minimum requirements of the exchange year (except in the case of students studying a Modern Language, whose transcripts will be considered by the School's exam boards).
Credit for the work the student successfully completes at the host university will be transferred to their degree here at Edinburgh. Marks will not be translated for most subjects (except in the case of Modern Languages students, whose marks may be translated and counted towards their final degree classification.)
Reviewing exchanges
A review of all exchanges is carried out annually. Erasmus exchanges are required to be reciprocal, as far as possible, so where exchanges are not being used by outgoing students, partnerships may be reduced or discontinued.
Visiting partner universities
Funding is available for staff to undertake preparatory visits to prospective partner institutions, or to make site visits to existing partners. Contact the International Office for details.
We recommend visiting prospective and existing partners regularly in order to ensure that good relations with your partners and up-to-date information are maintained.
This article was published on Feb 9, 2011