Free Movers ****************************************************************************************** * ****************************************************************************************** If you are thinking about a study period abroad, you can also choose to become a free move arrange your stay independently, outside the framework of existing exchange/scholarship pr This type of mobility has one principal advantage: you can choose virtually any foreign un consider interesting. You are not limited by a predefined range of options, and you can go the university of your choice. The main disadvantage is the amount of paperwork: you will everything yourself and the whole process of arranging your mobility will therefore be mor than if you went under one of the well-established exchange/scholarship programmes. • How long in advance should I start making arrangements for my stay abroad? • How to choose a university abroad? • What documents shall I need? • Funding options available • Support as part of student mobility in case of emergency and extraordinary situations [ www.cuni.cz/UKEN-588.html"] ****************************************************************************************** * How long in advance should I start making arrangements for my stay abroad? ****************************************************************************************** You should start planning approximately 12 to 18 months before the envisaged beginning of abroad. Eighteen months before the planned beginning of your studies abroad: Around this time you should start choosing your university (or universities) abroad – see to choose a university abroad. Make sure your “favourites” send you as much information as possible about their degree pr financial support available to students, accommodation options etc. Go to the website of y university and look up all available information about how and when to apply. Twelve months before the planned beginning of your studies abroad: Host universities may require a proof of your language skills; it is therefore important t language examinations you are expected to pass or what certificate to submit to satisfy th Then send your application/s to your chosen university/universities. If you lack sufficien study period abroad (to cover your tuition, living and travel costs, etc.) and if you have looking for alternative funding sources yet, do so now. Also, make sure you have all the d prospective host university requires in addition to the application form. For more informa documents, see the next section. Nine months before your planned date of departure: Ask the study department at your faculty for a certified transcript of your examination gr (i.e. Transcript of Records). Some universities may even require an authenticated (notariz of the graduation examination certificate from your secondary school. Send your applicatio all the required documents to the university abroad (keep all the deadlines, including the applying for a financial support). After you have been notified of your admission to the university/universities: If you have contacted more than one university, choose one, and notify all the other unive applied to of your decision. Send all the required documents to the university of your cho proof of payment of the admission fee. Contact the university about your accommodation and health insurance requirements for international students in your host country. Book or pur ticket. Three months before departure: Apply for an entry visa (if a visa is required) and take out a travel insurance policy. If have enough money to embark on your study period abroad, some universities will allow you enrolment (usually by a maximum of two semesters). ****************************************************************************************** * How to choose a university abroad? ****************************************************************************************** Do not take your decision lightly: take your choice after a careful consideration of all a information. Find out in advance as much as possible about the foreign university's degree programme an the credits obtained there will be recognized in your studies at home. ****************************************************************************************** * What documents shall I need? ****************************************************************************************** Application Find the application form on the website of your chosen university; keep the application d Universities may run on-line application procedures, or may require the application to be Your application must include an accompanying letter listing all required documentation at incomplete, state what documents will be provided later). Most universities also make sure the application fee and require a proof of payment. Letters of recommendation As a rule, the application must be accompanied by two or three letters of recommendation f teachers. The teachers should assess your academic performance, personal qualities, motiva and ability to pursue the study in the respective foreign language. More information on letters of recommendation [ URL "http://www.writeexpress.com/recommend letters.html"] Letter of motivation/ Statement of purpose Universities place different emphasis on this part of the application. The motivation lett parts of the applicant's CV with a description of professional plans for the future. How to write a statement of purpose [ URL "http://www.applyadvice.com/"] Transcript of records from your university, a copy of diploma and secondary school certifi The foreign university will request an official record of your study results to date (ofte a transcript of records), which can be obtained at the study department of your faculty, o your diploma and diploma supplement, or possibly also a certificate of your participation study period abroad. It may also request an officially authenticated translation of your s graduation examination certificate. Proof of financial security Universities often require applicants from abroad to provide evidence that they (or their enough money in their bank account to cover the cost of studying and living in the given c ****************************************************************************************** * Funding options ****************************************************************************************** Do not let yourself be intimidated by the cost of tuition: foreign universities often offe support from various sources, scholarships, subsidies or grants. If you can provide knowledge and skills in your field, why not apply for a direct financia some universities you can also earn some extra money by doing temporary jobs on the campus Mobility outside the framework of exchange/scholarship programmes is more costly because t offer advantages for which free movers do not qualify, such as waiving tuition fees or pro scholarships and grants. However, some universities do offer foreign students financial su so make sure that you check this possibility. You can also apply for support from your fac university sources or take advantage of the offer of various foundations, grant agencies a institutionssupporting student mobility.