Erasmus+ student guide

We recommend reading "Study Abroad Student Handbook" prepared by the Center for Global Education which is "is an international research and resource center that provides support for international learning at colleges and universities, providing support for faculty, staff, students and parents with information and resources about a variety of issues including integrated international learning, health, safety, diversity, and the impact of study abroad on student retention and success." (http://globaled.us/). The handbook can be found here. It provides information about:

• motivation for studying abroad,
• financing study abroad,
• application process,
• pre-departure planning,
• foreign laws,
• communication while abroad,
• packing,
• expectations,
• health & safety,
• culture shock,
• coming home and reverse culture shock.

It also includes questions and checklists which may be helpful when planning the journey and stay abroad.

Having an account on the PIONIER.Id for Erasmus+ platform, apart from access to the Online Learning Agreement (see: Instruction to the Learning Agreement for Studies), the student is also able to log in to the free Erasmus+ App, created by the European Commission. The application is available in the Google Play and App Store, as well as at: https://erasmusapp.eu/.

Users of the app will receive information on Erasmus+ opportunities and guidance on the mobility process - from the application stage to returning home. Features of the Erasmus+ App include:

•     tips on living away from home (general, country-specific and city-specific);
•     interactive checklists with step-by-step guidance throughout the mobility period;
•     information on local events and activities;
•     integration with the OLS Language Support Platform.

The language test may be completed by students participating in the mobilities abroad. The test is available in the following foreign languages: Bulgarian, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Irish, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Maltese, Portuguese, Romanian, Slovak, Slovenian, Swedish and Spanish. It aims to determine the level of language proficiency according to the framework set by the European Commission (CEFR - The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). The CEFR language levels are: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2.

In order to complete the test on the EU Academy platform, the student should create an account in EU Login. The student has the right to choose the foreign language(s) he/she wishes to improve and in which he/she will be assessed, with no limit on the number of courses and languages. The self-assessment module in one language will be available immediately after the student logs in to OLS and at any time thereafter. When creating an account on EU Login, users will be asked to consent to the processing of their data by the EU Academy, including by accepting the privacy policy. Consent to data processing is necessary to access the resources of the language platform.

Instructions on how to set up an account with EU Login, as published by the EU Academy, and how to use the OLS resources can be found below in the attachments.

For one semester, Buddy takes care of one exchange student in various ways such as:

• airport pick-up;
• help with getting to know the Academy and its work system at the beginning of the semester;
• help with integration with the Academy and the Wrocław community;
• during the semester, ensuring that the exchange student is involved in extra-curricular and social life (homecoming, exhibitions, club events);
• help in emergency situations (going to the doctor, buying a monthly ticket, etc.).

In addition to having a lot of fun, broadening their horizons and improving their language skills, the student will receive a higher grade from the language classes at the end of the semester. The grade is given on the basis of a questionnaire filled in by the exchange student at the end.

Additionally, the student will receive extra points when applying for a mobility abroad within the framework of the Erasmus+ Programme or bilateral agreements for studies or traineeships. The fact that you were a Buddy should be stated on the Application Form for studies or traineeships.

If you would like to take part in the programme, please contact the Spanish language teacher, Mrs Agata Sikora-Jańska, at the following email address: agatasikorajanska@asp.wroc.pl.