Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for Erasmus+?

• A student going on a study or practical placement abroad must be enrolled to study in an accredited programme at a higher education institution; he/she can study full-time or combined.
• The student must be enrolled in studies at the home university for the entire duration of the study or practical placement (not applicable to graduate internships).
• The student can be a citizen of any country, but must be studying in the Czech Republic in an accredited study programme.
• The student must have been selected in a duly announced selection procedure according to the Erasmus+ Selection Policy at the VŠPJ here (study and work placements) and here (graduate traineeships).
• A student who has already completed an Erasmus+ study placement or work placement in the past may also participate in the Erasmus+ programme, with the previous months of mobility being cumulative at the same level of study.

Why apply for Erasmus+? What is it good for?

Thanks to Erasmus+, you will gain new experiences, find out how things work elsewhere in the world. You will meet new friends from all over the world. You'll also gain a competitive edge on the job market, as graduates' international experience is starting to be demanded by employers!

I am not afraid of the language barrier. How well do I need to know the language?

You need to have a minimum level of B1, but preferably B2, in the language of study or work. B1 is the level of the school-leaving exam. It is important that, in addition to knowing grammar, you are able to communicate, understand, express ideas and respond appropriately!

I am afraid that I will not be able to study in a foreign language...

From the time of registration to departure, you have 3 to 5 months to improve your foreign language. Erasmus+ students tend to be more friendly and understanding with foreign teachers, so there is nothing to worry about. Plus, the Erasmus+ programme now allows students to take online language courses! However, just like any other university, you need to work during the semester and be prepared for the exam to get the necessary amount of credits.

How do I choose a university abroad

The list of partner schools is published when the selection process is announced. Information on all partner schools can be found on the International Department's website here.

Which courses and what curriculum will I be taking while abroad 

Information about course offerings can be found on the websites of the international universities here, in the International Department or from the International Mobility Guarantor in your department.

Can anyone advise me on which courses I should choose to study?

Sure! S herewith, the guarantor of the international mobility in your department will advise you:

KCR - Ing. Alice Šedivá Neckářová, Ph.D.

KES - Ing. Martina Chalupová, Ph.D.

KZS - PhDr. Lenka Görnerová, Ph.D.

KTS - Mgr. Zdeňka Dostálová

KSP - Mgr. Martina Černá, Ph.D.

You can also check the database of Erasmus students' final reports here.

And don't be afraid to ask questions!

When choosing an internship, am I limited to the internships advertised or can I come up with my own internship?

You can arrange your internship individually. On the International Department website here you will find many tips for internships abroad. So why not do a semester-long internship abroad and gain a huge advantage in your future job search!

The host institution/organisation must be from the following countries:

• EU member states
• EEA countries (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein)
• Turkey, Northern Macedonia

 How to apply

Each semester, the International Department announces the selection process via IS - in IS you have to fill in the application form, attach a CV and a candidate questionnaire. After the application deadline, the International Department will invite you by email to participate in the selection process.

How does the selection process work? What should I expect?

The student is required to participate in a motivational interview, during which knowledge of the study/work language, ability to communicate and motivation to go abroad are assessed. The study average is also assessed.

For more information on the selection procedure rules, please refer to the Erasmus+ selection procedure policy at the VŠPJ.

What to expect from a motivational interview?

Be sure you are properly prepared for the motivational interview. You will be assessed not only on your knowledge of the language of study/work, but also on your ability to communicate, understand and respond. A large part of the assessment will also be your study motivation for the exit. Find out about the school/organisation in advance, visit its website, think about why visiting the destination is beneficial for you.

When and how will I know the outcome of the selection process?

On completion of the selection process, you will know the result in your IS within a few days.

What if I don't get into the school I have chosen?

There is still a chance that you will be selected for the school you have listed as an alternate destination. That is why there is an option to write down another alternative so that if you are unsuccessful, we can offer you another alternative and accommodate your wishes.

I've been selected for a study placement, now what?

After you have successfully completed the selection process, an information session will be held with the selected students, where you will learn all the practical information about preparing for your stay abroad.

First you have to choose your study subjects and draw up a so-called study plan. The study plan consists of courses studied abroad and possibly also courses studied at the VŠPJ without continuous study.

The subjects you intend to study abroad should also be entered on the Learning Agreement for studies form (available from the International Department) and confirmed by the foreign mobility supervisor in your department.

After you have given your consent to travel in the IS, you will sign a participation agreement for the Erasmus+ programme.

I have been selected for a practical placement, now what?

You are required to attend a practical placement information session. At this point students should have a clear idea of the employer they will be doing their work mobility with. Primarily, students actively seek out employers on their own, however, the International Office can assist students with employer

find. You should also discuss your internship abroad with the internship supervisor in your department. Before starting your traineeship, you must complete and have confirmed the Learning agreement for traineeships form (available from the International Department). Once the form has been confirmed, you will sign the Erasmus+ Participation Agreement with the International Department.

Can the Learning Agreement for studies/Learning agreement for traineeships be changed?

Yes, the Learning Agreement for studies/learning agreement for traineeships can be changed during the mobility. You can make changes by completing the "During the mobility" section of the form no later than within 30 days of the start of the study placement or practical placement. The document must show what has changed compared to

that has changed from the originally confirmed contract. It is essential that the changes are confirmed by all parties - you, the receiving and the sending institution!

How should I set up my timetable at the VŠPJ?

During the timetable creation process, you will register and enter only the courses that you plan to study without continuous attendance. The registration sheet will be sent by the Office of Academic Affairs upon your request. Courses for which you will be requesting credit are not entered into your schedule.

Before the semester, the receiving university organises a language course, orientation week, etc. Does the financial support also apply to this period before the start of mobility?

Yes, this period can also be included in the total duration of mobility under the following conditions:

• these activities are organised directly by the host institution/organisation itself
• the receiving institution/organisation will confirm this period on the Confirmation of Erasmus+ Study period/traineeship

What will be the amount of my scholarship?

The amount of your scholarship depends on the country you have chosen for your mobility. Please contact the International Department to find out the exact amount.

The final amount for the duration of the mobility is determined by multiplying the number of days/months of mobility by the corresponding rate per day/month for the respective host country. In case of incomplete months, the financial support is calculated by multiplying the number of days in the incomplete month by 1/30 of the unit cost per month.

 How will the grant be paid to me?

The Erasmus+ scholarship is paid in two instalments. The first is an advance payment, which is usually 80% of the total scholarship. At the end of the mobility, after the submission of the compulsory documents, the balance is paid. Both instalments are made by wire transfer to an account.

I am worried that I will not be able to manage the study stay financially. Do I need to have a lot of money saved up?

The scholarship will usually cover about 70% of the cost. However, if you budget well and spend wisely, don't travel a lot and save money, the scholarship should cover all your living costs.

When should I buy a plane ticket, a bus pass?

The foreign institution/organisation should inform you of the dates they expect you. It is certainly advisable to wait until you receive confirmation of acceptance and other information regarding your mobility from abroad before making travel arrangements. If you want to buy your tickets/tickets well in advance, contact the foreign

institution/organisation to find out if it is possible to arrive on your proposed date. If you arrive early, it could be that accommodation etc. will not yet be arranged for you

What is a graduate traineeship?

A student can go on a graduate traineeship within one year of graduation, including the duration of the traineeship. The necessary documents must be signed while still studying at the university, the applicant must still have student status at the time of signing the documents.

For more detailed information, please refer to the Erasmus+ Selection Policy at the VŠPJ - Graduate Traineeships here

 What documents do I need to submit upon my return from my study placement?

On your return, it is your responsibility to submit:

• Confirmation of Erasmus+ study period
• Transcript of records
• On-line completed final report (EU Survey)

 

What documents do I need to submit after returning from my internship?

• Confirmation of Erasmus+ traineeship
• On-line completed final report (EU Survey)

What data should I have confirmed on the Confirmation of Erasmus+ Study Period/Traineeship?

You should have the actual start and end dates of your mobility confirmed. The start date of the mobility corresponds to the first day on which the participant is required to be present at the host organisation (first day of teaching, welcome programme, etc.) The end date of the mobility abroad corresponds to the last day on which the participant is required

presence of the participant at the host institution/organisation (day of the last exam, teaching, etc.). Travel days are not included in the mobility period.

Who should I contact regarding the recognition of courses taken abroad?

The process of recognition of courses studied abroad is described in the Methodological Guideline on the organisation of teaching in accredited study programmes at the VŠPJ. Everything you have written in the Learning agreement for studies and successfully completed will be recognised at the VŠPJ. This means that all credits

earned abroad will be credited to you at the VŠPJ.

I'm in a bad socio-economic situation - what can I do?

If you are entitled to a social grant under Czech legislation and you want to take part in an Erasmus+ study placement, you just need to submit the relevant certificates to the International Department and you will be entitled to an increase in the basic grant rate by 250 euros/month.

You can find more information here.

I have a severe disability or special needs...

If your medical condition requires increased costs but you would like to take part in an Erasmus+ study or work placement abroad, you can apply for a special scholarship over and above the normal scholarship. In this case, please contact the International Department.

You can find more information here.

What is ESA?

Erasmus Student Activity is a volunteer programme for students at the University of Applied Sciences to help care for incoming international students. You can apply for ESA by sending a completed application form by email after the call for members has been announced. The benefit? You get a bonus 5 points per semester (max 10 points) in

Erasmus+ study placement/internship selection procedure for active participation in ESA. For more information about ESA, please see here.