Orientation and Destinations

Who can go on exchange?
All students in the second or third year of the Bachelor Economics and Business.

To what countries can I go?
You can go to: Austria, Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chili, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Italy, Lithuania, Mexico, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, Vietnam

To what cities can I go in Europe?
You can go to: Athens, Barcelona, Bucharest, Budapest, Bratislava, Brno, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Jönköping, Karlsruhe, Lausanne, Lisbon, Ljubljana, Louvain, Lund, Milan, Madrid, Munich, Oslo, Paris, Prague, Reims, Rome, Seville, Sofia, Tallinn, Toulouse, Vienna, Vilnius, Warsaw, Warwick

Do I need to have an average grade in order to be selected for exchange?
No, you only need to have obtained 90 EC for an Erasmus exchange and at least 120 EC for a bilateral exchange at the moment of departure.

Where can I find student reports?
Reports written by students who have been on exchanges to a variety of destinations are available at the Service & Information Centre, Binnengasthuisstraat 9 (open Monday to Friday, 10am-5pm).

Course selection

What courses can I take when I go abroad?
Some restrictions apply, so if you know where you want to go please first read the information in one of the pdf files below. Then you should contact one of our study advisers. (tel.: 020 525 4138) They will help you with making your study programme.

How many credits do I need to obtain during my exchange programme?
When you do the minor track, you need to obtain 30 EC. For the Erasmus scholarship a minimum of at least 20 EC is required.

Will the study credits I earn abroad count towards my degree at the UvA?
To count towards your degree here, the credits you earn whilst studying abroad must be officially approved by the Board of Examiners. This is always done after you have completed the exchange and returned to Amsterdam. But to avoid unexpected disappointment, it is a good idea to advise the Board of Examiners of your plans in advance.

Application deadline

I’m in the second year of the Bachelor Economics & Business. I want to go abroad in the third year. When should I apply? 
For studying abroad in Europe (academic year 2012-2013 the application deadline is March 1, 2012. For studying abroad outside Europe, the application deadline is closed.

Selection

What are my chances of being accepted?
This is difficult to predict, since it depends upon different factors: how good your application is, how many other students apply for the same destination, the number of places available. The most important factor though is the quality of your application. For the best chance of success, you need to show that you are highly motivated and have good average marks.

For how many destinations can I apply?
A maximum of two: your first and second choice. These do not need be in the same country, or even on the same continent. You will need to write a separate letter of motivation for each destination you apply for.The limit of two choices applies only to applications made through BIS for the UvA-wide exchange scheme. You can also apply separately to take part in the Erasmus programme. 

If I do give two choices, how does the selection procedure work?
Each application is assessed completely separately, in your order of preference. So including a second choice does not reduce your chances of being accepted for your first one

Is it always a good idea to give two choices?
You should only give a second choice if there really is an alternative you are interested in. On the other hand, if you are particularly keen to study abroad and are flexible about your destination, then it is always a good idea to include a second choice in the application.

Learning agreement

What is the learning agreement?
The learning agreement is the agreement between the FEB and the partner universitie on your exchange study programme. The learning agreement is an important document as your Erasmus grant will be based on it.

Who needs to sign the learning agreement?
The learning agreement needs to be signed by the receiving institution before you return to the Netherlands.

Once the learning agreement has been signed does that mean that my courses are approved?
No, The learning agreement doesn’t provide an approval of the courses obtained during your exchange.

Returning from exchange

What documents do I need to hand in?
All required documents like the Learning Agreement, a host institution statement, student report and Erasmus contract (if not done so yet) need to be handed in at BIS.

When can I expect to get my transcript of grades?
As soon as we receive your transcript of grades from the partner university we will inform you by email.

My courses aren’t approved yet. How should I proceed?
Please refer to one of the pdf files below: ‘Approval Bachelor's courses' or ‘Approval Master's courses’.

Who can I contact for questions concerning course approval?
You can contact the Board of Examiners on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 11.30 to 12.30, tel:  020 525 4201

I still have some questions about my study programme in relation to my graduation. Who can I contact?
Please contact one of our study advisers from 11:30 to 12:30, tel.: 020 525 4138.

Contact

I just returned from my study period abroad. Can I pass by at your office to clarify things?
Yes, you can pass by at the International Office on Monday or Thursday from 11:00 to 12:00 am in room E 1.54. You can also contact the International Office by telephone on Monday, Thursday or Friday from 10:00 to 11:00 am at: 020 525 5286.

I have classes during the International Office contact hours. Can I make an appointment?
Yes, you can make an appointment on Monday, Thursday or Friday between 10:00 -14:00. Please inform us what time would suit you best at studyabroad-feb@uva.nl.