1. Start a year in advance

Our main tip: start on time; at least a year in advance. Investigate the possibilities: where can you go and in which year of your studies? This varies by school or study programme, and you can inquire about it from the internationalisation coordinator of your school or from the CoIA (Centre of International Affairs) of the Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences (Hogeschool Rotterdam): coia-exchange@hr.nl, +31 (0)10-794 60 05.

2. When to register?

If you want to leave in September, you will have to register around January/February. For February, you need to apply in September/October. The exact deadline varies per study programme, so make sure to ask! The Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences will look at your study progress. You need to have enough credits to be allowed to go abroad. Often, you will also have to attend an interview at your institute to explain your reasons for making a trip abroad.

3. Always apply for a scholarship

Once you are registered, you can start looking at scholarships. Are you going to an EU country? Then, you are eligible for the Erasmus+ scholarship. The amount of this scholarship varies by year and country, but is approximately 200 euros per month. Will you take up a course of study or do a placement outside Europe? In that case, you can submit an application for the Explorer scholarship (a once-only amount of 150-200 euros) and the Holland Scholarship (for a course of study, placement, or research outside the EEA; 1,250 euros only once). Both scholarships are from the Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences. The deadlines for applying for these scholarships are fixed at May 1 and November 15.

There are numerous other scholarships that you might be entitled to. You will find an overview on www.wilweg.nl/beursopener. Make sure to take your time – it could save you a lot of money!

4. Convert your public transport student card into a compensation

Are you still receiving student benefits? You are able to continue receiving these during your time abroad. In that case, you will receive student benefits for students living away from home. You can have your public transport student card converted into a compensation. This amount changes every year, but is approximately 90 euros. You can arrange these matters through www.duo.nl, and you should do so no later than two months before departure.

5. Visa

If you stay in an EU country, you do not need a visa. Sometimes, you do need a visa for European countries outside the EU. You can apply for this quite quickly and easily. This is different for non-European countries; often, you have to apply for a visa well in advance, and sometimes, you have to wait for approval for a long time. Therefore, you should start the process on time! Through www.wilweg.nl/landen, you can check if you need a visa and what kind of visa you need.

6. Room or campus

Nearly all host universities have a programme to help you find a suitable room; sometimes, this is harder for a placement. You can also look for it yourself. Ask your host university or placement company whether there are reliable websites and agencies that can help you. On www.wilweg.nl/documentatie/begrotingen.pdf, you can see the usual rent for the country or city where you are going. Incidentally, you can find more useful information about prices and currencies in this estimate.

7. Register your address abroad with the Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences

As of this academic year, it is mandatory to register your placement or study address abroad with the Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences. This allows the university to track you down if there is a crisis situation. Check the section in the Student Handbook on this subject (article 9.4, subsection 7).

Text: Femke Radder
Illustration: Anna van Dooren