How to go Abroad

Guide: Broaden Your Horizon 2013-14 – Exchange Programmes for Outgoing Students pdf version 

What you need to do before the exchange

A) STUDY PLAN

• Get to know the courses offered by the universities you are applying to
• Show your study plan (Learning Agreement) to your Departmental Coordinator at the University of Oulu
• 1 study point (opintopiste) in the University of Oulu is equal 1 ECTS point (for students going to Europe). University of Oulu does not have requirements concerning the amount of study points students need to gain during the exchange period. However, in order to receive study support, the minimum amount is 5,0 study points per month. Please note that the host university may have requirements concerning the courses and/or the amount of credits per semester. For more information, you can contact the International Services or your Departmental Coordinator.
• Check the course information in case of changes
• Be flexible and aware of information during the first semester

B) PAPERWORK AT THE UNIVERSITY OF OULU

• Apply for exchange grant by completing a grant form and return it to the International Services. Your can get the form from your department’s international coordinator. The information goes straight to the study support officials once you submit an application to the International Services.
• Remember that registering to the university is compulsory, registering to the student union is optional (except for students who are going through ISEP or to UNCG or Washington College)
• Apply for a residence permit, from Finland or from your home country, well in advance
• Get the European Health Insurance Card (formerly E111 and E128-forms) form KELA if you are eligible for it.
• If you are on regular medication, take some medicine with you, as well as check its availability in the host country. Check if you have a need for vaccinations

C) INSURANCE

• Take an insurance that covers the whole duration of your exchange
• Insurance of the University of Oulu is not valid during the exchange period! Some people think that taking an insurance is overreacting and even waste of tight budged. However, experience has shown that every year for some student a good insurance coverage is worth more than gold. Better to be safe than sorry!

D) HOUSING

• Remember to apply for housing in time!
• Finding an apartment varies depending on the destination and exchange programme. Helpful information can be found in feedback forms given by previous exchange students.