Student Doctoral student

Bulletins and guidelines

Since the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union came into effect 1 January 2021, the current situation and future of student mobility to the UK has been uncertain. The UK is withdrawing from the Erasmus+ student mobility programme (as it’s funded by the European Commission) as well once the ongoing programme is completed.

However, student mobility to the UK is still possible until the end of spring 2023: due to the coronavirus pandemic, the ongoing Erasmus+ programme has been extended until 31st May, 2023. This means that you may apply for Erasmus+ exchange or traineeship in the UK for the academic year 2022-2023. Please note that spring semester or traineeship should end before 31 May 2023 at the host university.

Update 20 Dec 2022:

The United Kingdom is continuing to be a part of the Erasmus+ programme as a partner country. This means that students will be able to apply for exchange at UK host institutions within the framework of the Erasmus+ programme. The UEF is currently in the process of confirming agreements with our UK partners and will inform about possible host institutions once agreements are completed. Currently, it is not yet possible to apply for exchange in the UK via the Erasmus+ programme.

More information about exchange to the UK will be published later once agreements and processes have been confirmed.

2. The war on Ukraine and its impact on student exchange

(Updated 28 June 2022)

Following the policies issued by the Ministry of Education and Culture on 9 March 2022, the University of Eastern Finland refrains from all cooperation with Russian partner organisations in higher education and science. According to the policies, new projects will not be initiated and existing cooperation between organisations will be suspended for the time being.

This means that currently UEF students are not able to apply for student exchange at Russian universities.

3. The coronavirus pandemic and safety

General guidelines

Follow reliable media in Finland and in the host country
Follow instructions given by UEF and your host university – if you are not sure about something, ask!
Follow your email and check your SPAM regularly.
- Use the same email account before, during, and after exchange!
Observe current travel guidelines in Finland and in the host country, sudden changes in country-specific guidelines and restrictions are possible.
Keep all exchange-related info (documents, contact info) safe at all times.
Keep your ICE contact up-to-date, safe, and easily accessible at all times.
Give updates to your home and host university coordinators about any (significant) changes during exchange.

Insurance

Outgoing students must have an up-to-date, comprehensive travel insurance (see FAQ on student exchange on Kamu).
- Make sure your insurance will cover situations caused by the coronavirus!
Remember: even if your insurance will cover unexpected expenses, the processing period for compensation claims can be long.

Travelling

Make a travel notification about all your trips.
Cancellation and changing tickets: we recommend you buy tickets that are as flexible as possible regarding cancellations and changes.
If you buy tickets from 3rd parties such as travel agencies instead of directly from the airline, make sure to check booking and cancellation terms.
Pay for flights and other charges with a credit card if possible (find out what your credit company will compensate).
When booking new flights to replace cancelled ones, check the airline’s website to see the most up-to-date information about which flights are operated.
Take into account any possible quarantine mandates: a 14-day quarantine may be required, and it may affect your accommodation arrangements.
Also consider guidelines about arriving to your host country: a layover in a risk country may make entering your host country more difficult.

Everyday life at your host country

Terms of accommodation if renting: what happens if your exchange is cut short, ie. deposit refunds, rent for the remaining time?
Remember to register with the local authorities.
Language proficiency: learn some basics of the local language, take advantage of translation applications on mobile devices, is there a local you can ask for help (e.g. a tutor student)?
The European Health Insurance Card (if applicable) and/or other insurance information is good to keep with you at all times.
Follow local coronavirus safety guidelines, mobility restrictions etc.
Make sure you know where you can get healthcare from and where you can be in contact with.

Studying at your host country

Consider guidelines from your host university: lectures may be paused or cancelled, education may be partially or entirely online, etc. Mobility restrictions in the campus area and in the host country are also possible. Follow instructions!