Some simple things that you can do, and remember, that will give you the best possible start to your year abroad, and every chance of making the experience a successful one.
4. Go prepared… Forward planning Practicalities & documentation While you’re abroad… Page 4
5. Case study Maarit Aartoaho, from Finland, is studying Social Anthropology at the University of Kent and has just returned from a year at Japan’s Waseda University. Page 5
6. Case study 2 Naqiya Ebrahim from Hong Kong, who studies Drama at the University of Kent, spent at the University of California, San Diego. Page 6
7. Part 1: Forward planning Research Mental preparation Make contacts with students who are going abroad and those students who have returned Page 7
8. Part 1: Forward planning Prepare documentation and forms ClassesMake sure you have selected your classes at the correct level and that your School is happy with your classes Page 8
9. Forward planning - summary “Studying in Japan definitely differs from studying in England. Even though scholarly success is highly appreciated in Japan, for Japanese university students, the grades do not seem to be important. Instead, the goal is to pass a course. Class attendance which is checked every lecture is high while participation in class discussion low. The courses by foreign professors tend to be more demanding than the ones by Japanese professors. With deadlines, more second chances are given to students than at Kent.” Maarit Page 9
10. Part 2: Practicalities - documentation Passport Page 10 Visa Money Insurance http://www.kent.ac.uk/finance-staff/services/insurance/studentfieldwork/index.html
11. Part 2: Practicalities - health Doctors and dentists Medications Vaccinations? Additional support Page 11
12. Part 2: Practicalities - accommodation What’s included? Choice? Forms & deposits Page 12
13. Part 2: Practicalities - arrival Important documents From the airport to the university? Orientation Late check – in Get involved Page 13
14. Part 2: Practicalities - arrival “Meet people, explore your new city, go adventuring. I was extremely lucky to have a nicely balanced academic and social life at UCSD and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. Get involved as much as possible. Also, remember to have fun!” - Naqiya Page 14
15. Part 3: While you’re abroad – remember… Your role as an ambassador YOUR YEAR ABROAD COUNTS TOWARDS YOUR DEGREE! Page 15
16. Part 3: While you are abroad – keep in touch Tell Hazel your address while abroad Make sure your email account is not over quota Page 16
17. Part 3: While you’re abroad – culture shock Don’t worry Key times Prepare Awareness Time Resources Get involved Page 17
18. Part 3: While you’re abroad – culture shock “Waseda students very eagerly participate in activities organized by different student unions. Almost every student belongs at least to one club. For international students, there are lots of cultural activities and even trips outside Tokyo during weekends and vacation time to explore Japanese culture.” Maarit Page 18
19. Why didn’t you tell me?- USA The “Certificate of Eligibility” that your host university sends you will dictate which visa you can apply for. You will either apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa The visa application process is set out in “Year Abroad in the US guide”, available online from the International Office website If you GPA drops below 2.7 or if you are registered for less than 12 credits this affects your current visa status If you have academic concerns you should contact your School Page 19
20. Why didn’t you tell me? - Japan You are required to take Japanese language classes while abroad due to visa requirements. They do not contribute to your final mark Once accepted you can start the visa application process. This is set out in detail in our “Year Abroad in Japan Guide” available online through the International Office website All universities offer accommodation If you have academic concerns you should contact Dr Sarah Hyde (Politics) or Jan Horn (Anthropology) Page 20
21. Why didn’t you tell me?- Argentina Once accepted you should make a visa application. Information is available from the Argentina Embassy website: http://www.argentine-embassy-uk.org/ General information on studying in Argentina is available online: http://estudiarenargentina.siu.edu.ar/pages/study100.php The University will help you find accommodation and you can rent a flat or live with a host family If you have academic concerns you should contact Dr Ruth Blakeley (Politics) or Dr William Rowlandson (Spanish) Page 21
22. Why didn’t you tell me?– Hong Kong Useful information for HKU and City U students:http://www3.hku.hk/oise/eng/incoming_studying.phphttp://www.cityu.edu.hk/cityu/admissions/index.htm City U and HKU students will complete the visa application process directly with the university Both universities offer accommodation for exchange students If you have academic concerns you should contact Dr Pak Lee (Politics), Professor Wade Mansell (KLS), Dr Jesse O’Hanley (KBS) or Dr Ana de Medeiros (Humanities) Page 22
23. Why didn’t you tell me?- China Once accepted you should make a visa application. Information is available from the China Embassy website:http://www.chinese-embassy.org.uk/ If you have academic concerns you should contact Professor Wade Mansell (KLS) If you have any other concerns you can contact the International Office and we can contact SWUPL for you. Page 23
24. Why didn’t you tell me?- Peru Page 24 For any academic concerns, please contact your School The Student Academic Exchange Program currently offers pre-registration options via Internet www.pucp.edu.pe ALL STUDENTS – if you have any other concerns, please contact the International Office, and we can contact your host university
25. “Allowing myself to be open to these new environments and new experiences has shaped who I am. I have gained insight and learned about both myself and others. It is interesting to see new approaches to curriculum and teaching styles, to see the cultural and social differences, and to soak up an entirely new world. I strongly recommend it, for it will be an experience that you won’t want to end.” Naqiya Page 25 Final word
As you may know, the year abroad has the potential to be a truly outstanding year of your life, academically, socially and personally. Here are a few quotes from recent year abroad students…
However, the success of the year abroad is down to you. Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback we receive from our returning students, we must emphasise that there is no guarantee that every year abroad student will be met with the same success…
But, the good news is there are some simple things that you can do, and remember, that will give you the best possible start to your year abroad, and every chance of making the experience a successful one. And we will cover these in this presentation.
We’ll be drawing on the experience of two returning students to illustrate these three areas, Maarit, who studied in Japan…
…andNaqiya, who studied in San Diego.
1. Research your host university - READ EVERYTHING THEY SEND YOU CAREFULLY. 2. Consider expectations,Expect differences, Be open minded, Look forward to the travel opportunities… Leave contact details for the holidays with us
You should notify us if you have any questions about the courses you are registering for. Any changes should be approved by your School. Students going to the US should notify Hazel of your classes in Semester 1 and 2. Remember if it is not approved by your School it will not count towards your degree!
Illustrating some points of consideration – what to expect & choosing the right courses.
Documents: Passport - valid for full period plus 6 months after the end of your studies. Avoid any travel plans for the summer before you leave. Vaccination documents – please check with your host university what is required. Visa: Apply for visa in a timely fashion. Certificate Eligibility: Once they have received your financial guarantee, your host university will send this to you and provide the necessary information to begin the application process. You should receive it from May onwards. This will depend on the country – be aware it can be difficult to get replacements You should check that the information matches the details on your passport. For details on applying for a visa please check the Embassy website for the country you are travelling to. If you have any questions please come and see us in the International Office.Money: Tuition fees and Student loans – please email your LEA and Art ID to Emma. We will contact your LEA and in some cases higher payments are available. Funds for the start of the year: It is a good idea to work during the summer to earn some extra money. You should keep in mind that your student loan will not always arrive before you depart the UK. Budget for accommodation and meal plan at your host university if appropriate. Bank accounts – online access is a good idea; but be aware of charges for overseas transactions and what to do if you lose your card abroad. Insurance:It has been agreed that study abroad students will be covered by the University Insurance Policy. However, please note that you may still need to purchase additional insurance to cover all of your travel and health requirements. To find out what is covered by the University Insurance Policy, please visit the insurance website.Please remember that some US universities require you to purchase their own health insurance
Consider access to doctors and dentists while you are abroad. Make a dentist appointment before you leave. Can you get medications out there or can you take medications with you before you go? Do you need a record of your vaccinations? Please check with your host university what is required. If you need any additional support while you are abroad for example extra time in exams please let us know as soon as possible so we can notify your host university
Most students will live on campus – you should research what will be included in your room. Some of the US universities will expect you to buy everything from bed linen to pots and pans so keep this in mind. You will be notified of the range of accommodation options available at your host university.
1. Carry important documents in hand luggage. 2. Check arrangements on how you will get from the airport to the university – in some cases the host university may arrange transportation . 3. If there is an orientation programmeorganised you should aim to attend this. 4. If arriving late check arrangements on where and when to get your key for accommodation. 5. Get involved and join lots of societies
When you are studying abroad, you are a University of Kent ambassador. Please maintain the excellent reputation which Kent students have had abroad. REMEMBER: YOUR YEAR ABROAD COUNTS TOWARDS YOUR DEGREE! Remember all academic advice relating to which courses you can take to count towards your degree should come from the University of Kent not your host university. Please can you check with your School about what they expect from you during your year abroad before you leave
We will contact you through your Kent email during your year abroad so you will miss important announcements if you do not check it regularly.
1. It is to be expected – don’t worry if it happens to you. 2. Stressful times at the start of the year and on national holidays and birthdays etc. 3. Prepare well. 4.Make yourself aware of cultural differences. 5. Getting over it is often a matter of time. 6. Use all resources to seek assistance. 7. One of the best ways to overcome it is to get involved in University life
Ever year we will be asked for repeat information, preceded by the phrase Why didn’t you tell me, on a daily basis. So here’s that information, for the first of many times….
Finally, remember your aims in pursuing the Year Abroad, academic, social or personal. For the university, the benefits of a year abroad are clear and we’re delighted to support you along the way, because we feel that by studying at a second university overseas, you really are adding value to your education, and giving yourself a great head start when you start to pursue your career.
Visit the international office website for your year abroad guide. Any questions?