Learning Agreement
5. Learning Agreement (LA)
A Learning Agreement is a program of the studies for you to follow abroad. The purpose of the Learning Agreement is to provide a transparent and efficient preparation of the exchange to make sure that you receive recognition for the activities you successfully completed abroad. Before you go abroad, you must create and submit a list of all courses you plan to include in the Learning Agreement in Mobility Online.
How to select courses for your Learning Agreement
Usually, you will receive an updated course list from the partner university. If this information isn't available yet, use the course list of the previous year. Visit the website of the host university and look for suitable courses. Some universities offer a special program for international students. Other universities offer the same courses to exchange students as to their bachelor students. Choose courses you are planning to take. Your Learning Agreement can be changed later, if needed. Courses should be "deepening and broadening", adding knowledge to your study program at Fontys BUT be careful not to overlap partner courses with courses you had or will have at Fontys. Adding similar partner courses to Fontys courses is sometimes a tricky decision and lecturers are often consulted first before such a course is accepted. The course description is very important in reaching a decision.
Approval of your Learning Agreement (course selection)
In order for your Learning Agreement to go to the exam committee for official approval, fill in the Learning Agreement with the courses you want to take that equal at least 30 ECTS. ECTS are a standard that all European institutions use (1 Credit is 28 hours). In case you go to a non-European institution, you may have to convert the local credits to ECTs. As a first step, all courses in your Learning Agreement must be approved by your the examination board of your institute (some institutes have exceptions to this procedure). Your Coordinator Internationalisation can assist with your Learning agreement.
Requirements for your Learning Agreement
- Only Learning Agreements with a minimum of 30 ECTS and no course overlap with your Fontys study program will be approved.
- All courses in your Learning Agreement must be approved by your the examination board of your institute (some institutes have exceptions to this procedure).
- You will then need to get a signature from your Institute Coordinator and the sign it yourself.
- Send your signed Learning Agreement to your host university for a signature.
- The complete Learning Agreement signed by all three parties (your Institute, the partner university and you) must be uploaded in Mobility Online. Note: All of this takes place digitally with a .pdf that must have physical signatures.
- If the Learning Agreement is not accepted, you must change and resubmit the Learning Agreement with all 3 signatures in Mobility Online (through the same process).
Changes to Learning Agreement in Mobility Online (before departure)
Once you have submitted your Learning Agreement for approval and you want to change one or more of your courses, you must do this in Mobility Online.
- Ask your International Coordinator to re-open your Learning Agreement
- Your changes must be once again approved by all parties and uploaded in MO
- Delete a course: click the trash can icon next to the course name inside the step“Changes to courses in Learning Agreement”
- Add a course: click on “enter further courses…”. If you add a course, please do not forget to add the correct amount of credits (ECTS vs local credit)