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Going Abroad - FAQ

Before going abroad it may be worth your while writing to your grant authority (LEA), explaining that you are going abroad as part of your law studies, and could they send you a form for a grant. They will probably ask for some confirmation from the Department, please apply to Amanda Cahill-Ripley.

Do make sure you have a valid passport and (for those going to an EC country) E111 form. Visit http://www.ess-europe.de/en/study_in_europe.htm for information on European Health Insurance.

Arrival at host University

Your first couple of weeks will probably be a bit tiring, since you will have to go through the chores of settling in, filling out administrative forms and so on. Do not get discouraged during this period, it is inevitable and will end quickly. The Socrates co-ordinators in your host University will tell you whatever you need to do, so just follow their advice. If you do have serious problems and your host University cannot help, then contact Amanda Cahil-Ripley

When you arrive an your host University and have found accommodation, send Sharon and Amanda your address. This is important since we may need to contact you during your time abroad.

What to study

Students staying abroad for a full year normally study 60 ECTS credits. Some exceptions apply. Your host institution will give you more detailed guidance about what is expected when you arrive. You are expected to study, where possible, the domestic law of the host country.

Do not panic if you find the courses difficult for any reason. Discuss the matter with your Socrates contact at the host institution. Please feel free to write to the Director of European Legal Studies and International LL.B and explain why you have difficulties and we can talk about the problem. If you have any doubts as to whether you are studying enough courses, or too many courses or the wrong courses, please write to us as soon as possible.

Conversion of marks

For those of you who are going abroad for a full year your grades will be averaged into a single unit. Your marks for the year abroad will be converted into Lancaster marks during your final year.

The ELS Director translates the mark with reference to:

• Your transcripts, where a host university table is available;
• A common grading sheet provides a 'translation' of the grades, based on the ECTS grading system. This sheet is not followed mechanically, but use it as a guideline, since it is very difficult to achieve a perfect translation. Grading sheets are found on all respective transcripts;
• Knowledge of standards of universities;
• Precedence;
• Social circumstances and adjustment.

Conversion of marks is not an easy task. Students are informed of what we think their results should be assessed at before they are officially registered here at Lancaster, and students may make representations then.

All marks awarded are provisional. They may be subject to review by the External Examiners. The final mark will be determined by the full Board of Examiners.

Staying in touch

As regards staying in touch during your period abroad - we will be writing regularly to you (provided you give us your address). Any of you may contact either Amanda or Sharon at any time should a problem arise - the most efficient way is by email.

Culture Shock

Do not worry if things are done very differently in the host University. Some of our partners have law classes with 600 students, some have oral examinations, some have closed access libraries, etc., etc. Different Universities do things differently in different countries. Do not let it worry you. Remember that Lancaster students perform quite well while abroad, usually returning with 2.1 results (or even firsts).

Unpleasant Necessity

We dislike reminding you of this, however we have had to invoke this rule in the past. If you leave any debts at the host university during your time abroad, these will be treated as debts to Lancaster University. That is to say, you will not be allowed to graduate unless they are cleared.

Finally...

we trust you have an enjoyable and profitable period abroad, and we are sure that you will be excellent ambassadors for Lancaster University!

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