Practical Matters

7. Practical Matters

Register study abroad in Progress

You have to register your Minor Study Abroad in the ProgressPortal. Go to the ProgressPortal and log in with your PCN number. Then follow the steps:

Enrollments
Fontysminors
Start February 20XX / September 20XX
Buitenlandminor

Go to the ProgressPortal

Safety (risk analyses) to be completed via Mobility Online

In order to determine whether you are allowed to travel, Fontys uses the travel code from the website of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The colour codes represent as well the safety and health risks in a country or area.

Green / yellow = GO: Students are allowed to travel to this country, region or city but are required to fill out a risk analysis form (see your workflow in Mobility Online)
Orange / red = NO-GO: Students will not get permission from Fontys to travel to this country, region or city. Fontys strongly advises you not to travel to this country, region or city.
The colour code on the day of departure is the final go/no go for your travels. Please be aware changes to entry rules for a country can be put in place at any time since situations can change very rapidly. This means it is best to check the colour code regularly.
An orange or red travel advice: what does it mean for my travels? If the travel advice for your country of destination is orange or red on the day of departure Fontys strongly advises you not to travel. Fontys will give a so called NO-GO for your travels.

Exception

There is one exception for the orange or red travel advice. If you fall into the below category you may be allowed to travel abroad for your studies when the travel code is orange or red: you are an international student and will do a minor or internship in your home country (e.g. you are a Bulgarian national and will do an internship in Bulgaria).

Keeping your Mobility Online account up-to-date

Details such as foreign address and phone number always should be correct. If these details change during your stay abroad, please update your Mobility Online details accordingly. The same counts for the dates of your stay abroad. If you need to change information in Mobility Online, but are not able to do this yourself, please inform your Institute Coordinator.

Accommodation

This is your own responsibility, make sure to start as soon as you have been accepted by your host university. They will generally also be able to assist with this search, but it will remain your responsibility.

Passport / ID Card

Make sure you have a valid passport or ID card. Please check the country of destination embassy website as some countries may require a passport with a validity of a certain amount of time after your arrival/ departure date.

Insurance

When studying abroad, it is essential to have the right insurance. You have to make sure you have at least valid insurance that covers healthcare, repatriation and third-party liability. You should also familiarize yourself with the specifics of insurance in the country of your destination.

Vaccinations

Make sure you have the required vaccinations.

Driver’s license

If you are planning to drive abroad, make sure you have a valid driver’s licence for that particular country and the required insurance.

Registration at local embassy

We strongly advise you to register your stay at the Embassy as well as download the Reisapp as in this case you will be updated in any danger situation.

For most European countries travelling to and residing does not require a visa. However this also depends on your nationality. Outside of the EU you will most likely need a visa. Visa applications take time and cost money. Make sure you check all the regulations for the country you are travelling to and start the process in time. Also, make sure you are informed about special documents and health requirements you might need for entering the country of your destination.

Arranging travel

You are responsible for organising your travel yourself.

Green travel options: when travelling abroad you can make a big difference in carefully choosing your means of travel in order to minimize your footprint. Advantages of Green Travelling:

Sustainability: less CO consumption, less noise, a more energy efficient way of travelling. 
Discover Europe: plan extra stops and see more of Europe than just your destination and the sky. Turn your journey into a vacation and meet different people from diverse cultural backgrounds on the way. Let the adventure start at your doorstep! 
The experience: enjoy slow travelling or take a night train. You can easily use the time on board to read, sleep, watch a movie and engage with fellow travellers. 
Budgetwise: travelling by train or bus can be cheaper than by air, for example to cities in Germany, Poland or France.  You can also apply for an Erasmus+ grant.
Luggage flexibility: less luggage restrictions apply to a bus or train; you could even take your bike on the train too. 
For tips about Green Travel read this blog and find Laura’s example here.

Pre-departure checklist

Don’t forget that in the pre-departure phase you are responsible for your own (online) application, visa, (medical insurances) and housing arrangements.

Please check the following prior to your departure:

Attended pre-departure session
Completed application partner university
Accepted by partner university
Applied for scholarship
Connected with fellow students
Created and submitted Learning Agreement
Received approval Learning Agreement
Registered Minor Abroad in ProgressWWW
Arranged housing
Arranged passport
Booked your travel
Applied for VISA (if applicable)
Arranged the necessary insurances
Got vaccinated (if applicable)
Applied for OV-compensation (if applicable)
Completed ALL steps in the section “Before study at partner university” in Mobility Online
Erasmus students: completed ALL steps in the section “Application Erasmus scholarship for study” in Mobility Online