Going Abroad with Maynooth

When can I study abroad as part of my degree?

Please note that all second year students will be invited to apply for the Study Abroad and Erasmus programmes. Students travel abroad in their third year of study, returning to complete their degree in Maynooth before graduating.
Please note: if you fail your year abroad your BA International Degree will revert back to a BA Arts degree.

1. Students undertaking a 3-year BA degree

Students can study abroad as part of their degree after successfully completing two years of their BA degree at Maynooth University and they must spend a full academic year at their chosen host university. After the year abroad you return to Maynooth to progress into your final year. If you complete your year abroad successfully, your 3-year BA degree becomes a 4-year BA International degree. Because the year abroad is an additional year to your studies at Maynooth University, you are somewhat flexible when choosing modules at your host university. Language students are however required to complete modules taught in or through their target language and are advised to speak to the international departmental coordinator in order to fully understand what requirements they are expected to fulfill when abroad.

2. Students undertaking a 4-year BSc degree

There are two options to avail of if you are doing a 4-year BSc degree in Maynooth:

a) Studying abroad for one semester or a full year transferring credits obtained abroad back to your Maynooth University degree
This option is more suitable for some degrees, e.g. Product Design or Computer Science. You would be substituting the period abroad for part of your study in Maynooth which means, that after successfully completing your modules abroad, you would progress into the final year at MU and you would finish your degree within 4 years. Because you must find a match to the third year MU curriculum, you are advised to speak to your who can help you with appropriate course selection. Each substitute module must also be approved by the coordinator. NB: This option is not available to students undertaking a BSc in Psychology degree.

b) Studying abroad for a full year as an additional year to your 4-year BSc degree
This option is open to all 4-year BSc students. Because the year abroad is an additional year to your degree, you are somewhat flexible when choosing modules at your host university. After you successfully complete your year abroad, your 4-year BSc degree becomes a 5-year BSc International degree. Students must however remember, that availing of this option means that you will be required to pay full tuition fees in your fifth and final year. List of full fees for the academic year 2017/18 may be found here.

3. LLB students

You may study abroad in your third year taking optional courses in Law. LLB students are required to pass 60 ECTS creddits of approved law related courses. All modules must be approved by John Reynolds.

4. Psychology students

Students doing a 3-year Psychology program may apply to study abroad, however, you must take at least 50% of their courses in Psychology. Students on a 4-year Psychology through Science program may only avail of the 2b option described above.

When Can I Study Abroad?

When can I study abroad as part of my degree?

1. Students undertaking a 3-year BA degree

2. Students undertaking a 4-year BSc degree

There are two options to avail of if you are doing a 4-year BSc degree in Maynooth:

3. LLB students

4. Psychology students

There are several steps in the application process for the Erasmus+ exchange programme. Please read the below information carefully and contact Alena in the International Office if you have any questions.

Step One: Fill out the Online Expression of Interest Form via our Moodle page, enrol in our course Study Abroad and Erasmus Outgoing 2019/20. MOODLE COURSE NOW OPEN!
Deadline for submitting your Expression of Interest Form is 28th February 2020 at MIDNIGHT.

Identify the institution/s you are interested in attending for your student exchange. Click here to view a full list of our Erasmus partner universities. Please note that most of our Erasmus+ agreements are specific to a subject area. Some universities will let you take subjects outside of the agreement but usually within the faculty only.

Step Two: Nomination to Host University

After the deadline for the submission of the Expression of Interest has passed, the International Office will inform each student which university they will be nominated to. Please bear in mind that because there is only a few places at each university, you may not be accommodated for your first choice.

Step Three: Learning Agreement (MU Erasmus code: IRLMAYNOOT01)

This document must be filled out and signed by yourself and your, INTERNATIONAL COORDINATORS 2019/20 . We do NOT need you to have it signed by your host university at this stage, but if you do, it’s fine. Please complete the form electronically and only then print it out to be signed.

Single honours students must get the form signed by their departmental international coordinator.
Language students (German/French/Spanish) must get the form signed by their language academic coordinator as relevant (Dr Cordula Boecking, Simona Cutcan, Dr. Mercedes Abengozar). If you’re taking two of the three aforementioned languages, you must get the form signed by both academic coordinators.
International Finance and Economics students must consult both Dr. Paul O’Sullivan and the relevant language coordinator. All other students must choose a lead department and get the form signed by the departmental academic coordinator. Example: If you’re studying History and English, you may choose between the two and get the form signed by the relevant international coordinator, i.e. either by John Paul Newman or Conrad Brunstrom.

It is likely that the course catalogue for 2019/2020 will not yet be available, in which case please use the host university’s current course catalogue to identify courses you’re interested in taking. Please do this as soon as possible, regardless of whether you’ve already applied to your host university, so that you have time to get it signed by your academic coordinator. Don’t leave this to last minute!

Step Four: Application to Host University and Accommodation
It is the student's responsibility to check deadline dates for applying to their host university. Some universities will send information to students directly, but some may not, so it is very important to check the host university website and apply on time. Each university differs in their application process, so please do not rely on what your friends are doing if they are applying to different university.

Please submit a full copy of your application and/or acceptance letter to the International Office for our records. This can be submitted via email, post or in person.

If you are applying for on-campus accommodation, it is important to submit your application as early as possible. If you need to find your own off-campus accommodation, we suggest you join the official Erasmus page of your chosen host university where you may find your future housemates and perhaps the process of searching will become a little easier.

It is the student's responsibility to ensure that all application forms, accommodation forms and other documentation required by their host university are completed and submitted on time. It is the student's responsibility to maintain contact with their host university during summer months and to secure confirmation of accommodation if applying for a room on-campus. **If your university does not contact you and you receive no information about how to apply to them, please come and see us in the international office.

Please note: if you fail your year abroad your BA International Degree will revert back to a BA Arts degree.

Students wishing to participate in the Erasmus programme may be interested in reading the Erasmus Student Charter.

How to Apply for Erasmus+

There are several steps in the application process for the Erasmus+ exchange programme. Please read the below information carefully and contact Alena in the International Office if you have any questions.

Step Two: Nomination to Host University

Step Three: Learning Agreement (MU Erasmus code: IRLMAYNOOT01)

Single honours students must get the form signed by their departmental international coordinator.
Language students (German/French/Spanish) must get the form signed by their language academic coordinator as relevant (Dr Cordula Boecking, Simona Cutcan, Dr. Mercedes Abengozar). If you’re taking two of the three aforementioned languages, you must get the form signed by both academic coordinators.
International Finance and Economics students must consult both Dr. Paul O’Sullivan and the relevant language coordinator. All other students must choose a lead department and get the form signed by the departmental academic coordinator. Example: If you’re studying History and English, you may choose between the two and get the form signed by the relevant international coordinator, i.e. either by John Paul Newman or Conrad Brunstrom.

Please submit a full copy of your application and/or acceptance letter to the International Office for our records. This can be submitted via email, post or in person.

Please note: if you fail your year abroad your BA International Degree will revert back to a BA Arts degree.

Students wishing to participate in the Erasmus programme may be interested in reading the Erasmus Student Charter.

Before You Leave

Pre-Departure Orientation - the International Office will provide a mandatory pre-departure orientation for outgoing students in April and May 2020. Dates TBC.
NEW MANADATORY REQUIREMENT: Credit Requirement document must be completed and signed by student and their International Coordinator.
- Credit Requirement Document 4 year Integrated degree - students who are on a 4 year tract and year abroad is integrated into their degree.
- Credit Requirement Document 3 year BA International degree - students who are adding on a year to their three (3) year BA degree.
Student Emergency Form and Student Declaration these forms must completed in full before you are cleared to travel.
Student Travel Insurance Policy - Maynooth University provide an Emergency Student Travel Insurance policy free of charge to all MU outgoing students. This policy includes repatriation. Details on the policy: 2019/20 Student Travel Policy document 2019/20 MU Student Travel Insurance Policy
MU Registration - 2019/20 outgoing Study Abroad and Erasmus students NOT sitting repeat exams in August MUST register during the August registration period. The online registration process is completed as normal through the Student Web. Only those students taking repeat exams in August, will register during the September registration period.
Fees - Please be aware that you must pay the relevant fee due to Maynooth University while you are studying abroad. If you fail to register with Maynooth University by the deadline, you will be charged a late fee, if you fail to register at all, you will be considered to be a deferred student and your credits earned abroad will not count towards your degree.
Learning Agreement 2019/20 - your learning agreement MUST be completed and signed by your International Coordinator before you leave for your host university. Make a copy of your learning agreement for your records, your host university may require a copy. A copy of the completed and signed learning agreement is sufficient, you can scan and email a copy to patricia.hayden@mu.ie. The MU Erasmus code is IRLMAYNOOT01. You host univerity Erasmus code can be found on by a Google search.

Upon Arrival at your Host University and while Abroad

Once you arrive at your host university, check in with their International Office and ask them any queries you may have. Also find out when and where you register. They should also be able to give you campus maps and other information.
Erasmus students will be required to have the DATE OF ARRIVAL section on your Certificate of Attendance dated, signed and stamped by the host university.
Any changes to your Learning Agreement MUST be approved by your International Coordinator.

Before You Return to Ireland

Ensure you have completed all necessary course work (assessments, written or oral exams, etc)
De-register from the University (if required) Ensure all your bills are settled
Close your foreign bank account if you opened one Find out what way will your Transcript of Records be issued
Erasmus students will be required to have the DATE OF DEPARTURE section on your Certificate of Attendance dated, signed and stamped by the host university.

**If you experience any academic problems while abroad, contact your MU

INTERNATIONAL COORDINATORS 2019/20

immediately. If you are worried about anything be it big or small, please do not hesitate to contact the International Office!

Please note: if you fail your year abroad your BA International Degree will revert back to a BA Arts degree.

Before You Leave and While You're Abroad

Before You Leave

Pre-Departure Orientation - the International Office will provide a mandatory pre-departure orientation for outgoing students in April and May 2020. Dates TBC.
NEW MANADATORY REQUIREMENT: Credit Requirement document must be completed and signed by student and their International Coordinator.
- Credit Requirement Document 4 year Integrated degree - students who are on a 4 year tract and year abroad is integrated into their degree.
- Credit Requirement Document 3 year BA International degree - students who are adding on a year to their three (3) year BA degree.
Student Emergency Form and Student Declaration these forms must completed in full before you are cleared to travel.
Student Travel Insurance Policy - Maynooth University provide an Emergency Student Travel Insurance policy free of charge to all MU outgoing students. This policy includes repatriation. Details on the policy: 2019/20 Student Travel Policy document 2019/20 MU Student Travel Insurance Policy
MU Registration - 2019/20 outgoing Study Abroad and Erasmus students NOT sitting repeat exams in August MUST register during the August registration period. The online registration process is completed as normal through the Student Web. Only those students taking repeat exams in August, will register during the September registration period.
Fees - Please be aware that you must pay the relevant fee due to Maynooth University while you are studying abroad. If you fail to register with Maynooth University by the deadline, you will be charged a late fee, if you fail to register at all, you will be considered to be a deferred student and your credits earned abroad will not count towards your degree.
Learning Agreement 2019/20 - your learning agreement MUST be completed and signed by your International Coordinator before you leave for your host university. Make a copy of your learning agreement for your records, your host university may require a copy. A copy of the completed and signed learning agreement is sufficient, you can scan and email a copy to patricia.hayden@mu.ie. The MU Erasmus code is IRLMAYNOOT01. You host univerity Erasmus code can be found on by a Google search.

Upon Arrival at your Host University and while Abroad

Once you arrive at your host university, check in with their International Office and ask them any queries you may have. Also find out when and where you register. They should also be able to give you campus maps and other information.
Erasmus students will be required to have the DATE OF ARRIVAL section on your Certificate of Attendance dated, signed and stamped by the host university.
Any changes to your Learning Agreement MUST be approved by your International Coordinator.

Before You Return to Ireland

Ensure you have completed all necessary course work (assessments, written or oral exams, etc)
De-register from the University (if required) Ensure all your bills are settled
Close your foreign bank account if you opened one Find out what way will your Transcript of Records be issued
Erasmus students will be required to have the DATE OF DEPARTURE section on your Certificate of Attendance dated, signed and stamped by the host university.

**If you experience any academic problems while abroad, contact your MU

INTERNATIONAL COORDINATORS 2019/20

immediately. If you are worried about anything be it big or small, please do not hesitate to contact the International Office!

Please note: if you fail your year abroad your BA International Degree will revert back to a BA Arts degree.

Funding

As of now, students who are in receipt of a grant from SUSI or a local authority can continue to receive this grant when abroad, however they must pass the year abroad in order to receive the grant in their fourth and final year. BSc students who decide to take an additional year making their degree a 5-year BSc International degree can receive this grant for four years only.

ERASMUS GRANT

Important information on your Erasmus grant:

You must spend at least 3 months abroad to qualify for the Erasmus grant (mobility allowance). The 3-month minimum requirement is EU policy and not determined by the university.
There is no need to apply for the Erasmus grant
The Erasmus grant will be paid in 3 instalments (see below)

Payment and Grant Receipts

Grant Receipts will be issued by our Erasmus Officer, no need to request it.
Grant Receipts must be sent to Wendy at wendy.cameron@mu.ie before the second and final payments can be made.
Payments can only be made to your own personal IRISH bank account. Please make sure that the correct details have been inputed on the Student Web.
First payment: early December 2019
Second payment: May 2020
Final payment: July/August 2020
The International Office must have received your Certificate of Departure as well as the completion of your Student Survey before the final payment can be made. The EU will email you the survey link after we have entered your completion date on the Mobility Tool (EU online system), so please keep an eye out for it.

Total Amount

Will be contingent on the dates you will submit on your form.
Your amount will be adjusted in the final payment (the departure date will be entered in an EU online system which calculates the amount of days abroad)
Will be contingent on the country you are going to:
Group 1 (Denmark, France, Italy, Austria, Finland, Sweden, UK, Liechtenstein, Norway): €300/month
Group 2 (Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Spain, Croatia, Cyprus, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia,
Iceland, Turkey, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovakia): €250/month

Students who go abroad on Erasmus+ exchange are eligible to receive a small mobility grant awarded by the European Commission. This is to help students with flight costs, public transport fees, etc. There is no need to apply for this grant, students qualify automatically, but the International Office must receive paperwork required before any money is paid into student's bank account.The grant can only be paid into an Irish bank account in student's own name.

Budgeting

You will be required to show a bank statement when applying for a US or Canadian visa. The amount varies depending on the country, area and university but is usually based on the estimated cost of accommodation, insurance and basic living expenses. Click on the below link for information on the estimated cost of studying abroad in a non-EU partner university: It is very important that students save as much money as possible before going abroad as they can't rely on getting a job while studying at their host university. When budgeting for your year abroad, consider the following:

Flights (first and last, Christmas, possibly Easter and emergency)
Accommodation + bills for the entire period
Public Transport Food and Toiletries Phone + Internet Clothes
Travelling (e.g. excursions, trips organized by host university...)
Entertainment

STUDY ABROAD (OUTSIDE EU) COST OF ATTENDANCE DOCUMENT CURRENTLY BEING UPDATED

PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU VISIT OUR STUDENT BUDGETING ADVICE SERVICE WEBSITE FOR VERY USEFUL INFORMATION ON BUDGETING.

Finances and Estimated Costs

Funding

ERASMUS GRANT

Important information on your Erasmus grant:

You must spend at least 3 months abroad to qualify for the Erasmus grant (mobility allowance). The 3-month minimum requirement is EU policy and not determined by the university.
There is no need to apply for the Erasmus grant
The Erasmus grant will be paid in 3 instalments (see below)

Payment and Grant Receipts

Grant Receipts will be issued by our Erasmus Officer, no need to request it.
Grant Receipts must be sent to Wendy at wendy.cameron@mu.ie before the second and final payments can be made.
Payments can only be made to your own personal IRISH bank account. Please make sure that the correct details have been inputed on the Student Web.
First payment: early December 2019
Second payment: May 2020
Final payment: July/August 2020
The International Office must have received your Certificate of Departure as well as the completion of your Student Survey before the final payment can be made. The EU will email you the survey link after we have entered your completion date on the Mobility Tool (EU online system), so please keep an eye out for it.

Total Amount

Will be contingent on the dates you will submit on your form.
Your amount will be adjusted in the final payment (the departure date will be entered in an EU online system which calculates the amount of days abroad)
Will be contingent on the country you are going to:
Group 1 (Denmark, France, Italy, Austria, Finland, Sweden, UK, Liechtenstein, Norway): €300/month
Group 2 (Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Spain, Croatia, Cyprus, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia,
Iceland, Turkey, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovakia): €250/month

Budgeting

Flights (first and last, Christmas, possibly Easter and emergency)
Accommodation + bills for the entire period
Public Transport Food and Toiletries Phone + Internet Clothes
Travelling (e.g. excursions, trips organized by host university...)
Entertainment

STUDY ABROAD (OUTSIDE EU) COST OF ATTENDANCE DOCUMENT CURRENTLY BEING UPDATED

PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU VISIT OUR STUDENT BUDGETING ADVICE SERVICE WEBSITE FOR VERY USEFUL INFORMATION ON BUDGETING.

STUDY ABROAD

Students must ensure that they register for the required number of credits, 30 ECTS per semester, while studying abroad. Generally 0.5 US credits coverts to 1 ECTS credit, therefore students must take 30 US credits in the year. Some Canadian Universities translate as the same, for example 30 credits at Concordia University converts to 60 ECTS, but 0.5 credits at Carleton University converts to 6 ECTS credits. Please contact the International Office for further information on your chosen host university. It is each students' responsibility to ensure that they complete the required number of credits in order to successfully pass the year abroad.

Each student must submit a Transcript of Records from their host university listing all courses completed and credits earned during the study abroad period. The majority of universities send the transcripts directly to us, some send them to students and some universities do not issue transcripts automatically, in which case the student must request their transcript of records to be sent to the International Office at Maynooth University.

An Exam Board sits in October each year to review the transcripts of students who have been abroad. For students on a 4 year degree and must pass the period of study abroad in order to progress into their final year then their transcript must be received in time to be reviewed at the Summer Exam Board.

Please note: if you fail your year abroad your BA International Degree will revert back to a BA Arts degree.

ERASMUS+

Most European universities use the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), but some do not (e.g. UK). Students need to find out what credit system is used by their chosen host institution to ensure they register for the required number of credits: 30 ECTS per semester. Each student must submit a Transcript of Records from their host university listing all courses completed and ECTS earned during the study abroad period. Some universities send transcripts directly to us, some send them to students and some universities do not issue transcripts automatically, in which case the student must request their transcript of records, usually from the relevant department at their host university. It is each students' responsibility to ensure that they complete the required number of credits in order to successfully pass the year abroad.

Please note: if you fail your year abroad your BA International Degree will revert back to a BA Arts degree.

It is the student's responsibility to submit their Transcript of Records, and any certificates for courses attended as part of their student exchange, to the International Office at the end of their Erasmus.

DEADLINE for submission of transcripts and certificates is 7 September, 2019.

Transfer of Credit and Transcripts

STUDY ABROAD

Please note: if you fail your year abroad your BA International Degree will revert back to a BA Arts degree.

ERASMUS+

Please note: if you fail your year abroad your BA International Degree will revert back to a BA Arts degree.

DEADLINE for submission of transcripts and certificates is 7 September, 2019.

It is well documented that Erasmus and Study Abroad programmes give students a significant edge when applying for graduate work.

But, it’s not always clear why that is the case. Why are there employability related benefits from spending time studying abroad?
The time spent abroad is valued broadly by employers for the following reasons:
- You have to motivate and organise yourself to gain a place on the programme in the first place,-
- You have to plan carefully and fully research the details of the programme you apply for,
- You move outside your comfort zone, you take a risk,
- You show real commitment to your professional development by adding an extra year onto your education,
- An extra year of development in a year abroad usually helps you mature and is noticed by employers during selection processes for graduate work,
- You develop your written and verbal communication skills to a whole new level,
- You have to work with new people, from different backgrounds both individually and in teams,
- You must look after yourself and take responsibility for your own affairs for the entire duration of the programme. This includes organising and maintaining your accommodation, getting to university on time each day, maintaining an effective study schedule, performing academically, keeping yourself physically and mentally healthy, and, adapting to and learning from the culture in which you spend your time abroad.

Take note of the highlighted words above. These are the most common key skills that graduate employers include as ‘essential’ in their advertised jobs.
An Erasmus or Study Abroad Programme helps you build capacity in these key employability areas. The above are key skills, particularly those in the last point, that you MUST possess in abundance if you are to be able to perform for an employer in a graduate job.
You need to be able to learn the culture of an organisation, you must be able to understand how to get on with and work with different people from different cultures, you need to be able to show that you can present yourself on time for work (or class in university), and that you can push yourself past your comfort zone to perform.
These skills are hard-wired into each Erasmus and Study Abroad programme, so for a student thinking about doing a year abroad it’s comforting to know that it doesn’t really matter which university you attend or which subject(s) you study while abroad

You can add to these impressive achievements by studying something interesting, something new or something relating to a career interest you have.
In my experience, a CV that lists an Erasmus or Study Abroad programme is a stronger CV than a similar CV without such experience.

An Erasmus or Study Abroad programme is enjoyable and challenging. It is rewarding in terms of the exciting experience you enjoy while abroad, and for your graduate CV.

My advice is: If you can, take the opportunity.

Eanan Strain
Careers Advisor
Career Development Centre,
Maynooth University

Why Study Abroad?

It is well documented that Erasmus and Study Abroad programmes give students a significant edge when applying for graduate work.

An Erasmus or Study Abroad programme is enjoyable and challenging. It is rewarding in terms of the exciting experience you enjoy while abroad, and for your graduate CV.

My advice is: If you can, take the opportunity.

Eanan Strain
Careers Advisor
Career Development Centre,
Maynooth University

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