Whether you are interested in living in a different country, learning a new language, taking advantage of a wider range of study opportunities or meeting new people, there are countless reasons for taking part of your studies on an exchange abroad. Students have the possibility of participating in single courses (5-30 days) or exchange studies (1-2 semesters), for up to one academic year each study cycle. Exchange students are expected to take a full course load at the host university, i.e. 30 ECTS per semester. Students can also do an Erasmus+ blended student mobility in combination with either a short-term or a long-term physical mobility abroad. Blended mobility within Erasmus+ combines a physical mobility with a virtual learning component. By offering the possibility of short-term mobilities, the access to mobilities abroad becomes available to more students. Students can take part in a blended exchange for a short or a longer period. Blended exchange combines the study period abroad with a virtual activity online. The aim is to enable students to go abroad for shorter periods of time and to strengthen inclusion and participation. Exchange studies can be credited to the student's program at the University of Iceland, so the exchange period does not have to affect the total length of studies. Studies show that exchange studies have a positive impact on young peoples' employment opportunities since employers are increasingly looking for people with international experience. The application deadline is 1 February each year (or the next business day if the application deadline is on a public holiday). Study Abroad Brochure Choose from a broader range of courses Students can choose from a number of courses at foreign universities that are not offered at the University of Iceland and can, therefore, better differentiate themselves or cultivate a specialization. Another benefit of exchange studies is the opportunity to experience different teaching methods and different academic cultures, giving a new perspective to the program of study. Possibility of travel and subsistence grants For exchange studies in Europe, students receive a travel grant and a monthly stipend through the Nordplus or Erasmus+ programs. When applying for a Nordplus or Erasmus+ exchange period abroad, an application for the grant is automatically included. For exchange studies outside Europe, grants may be available in certain cases. Information on these grants is provided by the International Division, where applicable. Exchange studies can also enable students to study at the world’s foremost universities, which may otherwise be extremely difficult to gain admission to, notwithstanding tuition fees that may amount to millions of ISK. Additionally, exchange studies can open doors for undergraduate students planning to pursue graduate studies abroad. In the exchange program, tuition fees at the guest school are waived, but students pay the annual registration fee at the University of Iceland. Exchange Studies are credited to the student´s program at UI Students choose a course in the guest school in consultation with the relevant department and sign a study agreement, where the department commits itself to evaluate the courses in the student's study program at the University of Iceland. Thus, the exchange study does not have to affect the study time if the student is in full-time education ie. 30 ECTS credits per semester. International experience and networking opportunities to boost your career Research shows that exchange studies have positive effects on young people’s employment opportunities (see for example The Erasmus Impact Study 2019). During the course of their exchange studies, students acquire a wide range of skills that employers value, such as flexibility, ability to cope with challenges and make decisions, independence and tolerance. Those who go on an exchange are often better off than their peers when it comes to competition in a labour market that is becoming increasingly international. For more information on exchange studies please contact International Division, University Centre, 3rd floor. Phone: 525-4311 Email: ask@hi.is Further information Incoming exchange students facebooklinkedintwitter
