NUI Galway was awarded an Erasmus University Charter (Extended) in July, 2007. This was renewed in Autumn, 2008.
Institutional Code: IRLGALWAY01
Charter Number: 28471-IC-1-2007-1-IE-ERASMUS-EUCX-1

erasmus policy statement

1. NUI Galway's Strategy, Objectives and Priorities for its Erasmus Activities

NUI Galway is a student-centred, research-intensive university committed to fostering and expanding its international links through staff and student exchanges and research collaboration. Its Erasmus activities – staff, student and researcher mobility, trans-European projects and thematic networks – have been, and will continue to be, key elements of this strategy, as will its ongoing participation in industrial placements.

In keeping with our Strategic Plan, the internationalisation of our campus includes welcoming the contribution to university life of overseas students and encouraging mobility among our own students so that their education, too, gains an international dimension that will benefit them as individuals and ultimately contribute to the development of society and the economy.  While language learning is undoubtedly a key motive for participation in Erasmus, the university has consistently promoted wider educational and developmental goals for its European exchanges, such as intercultural understanding, improved graduate employability and a sense of European citizenship.  The Erasmus Programme is very successful at this university and further partnerships will be sought to satisfy the growing demand for study abroad opportunities.  Events will be organised regularly to heighten the visibility of the scheme.

NUI Galway views teaching visits by overseas academic staff as an enhancement of its programmes of study, providing international exposure for non-mobile students, and complementing existing student exchanges and research collaboration. International faculty exchange and collaborative projects are already fundamental and well-established practices at this university. Bilaterally and multilaterally (e.g. through our membership of the high-profile Coimbra Group of European Universities), it will encourage even greater participation in teaching exchanges by its own staff, promote the new opportunities for non-academic staff and involve itself in initiatives promoting the knowledge society, sustainable economic development and social cohesion in Ireland and across Europe.

NUI Galway is committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and students irrespective of sex, race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, religious belief, age or disability.  It positively values the participation of students with disabilities in its programmes, welcoming applications from such students and making provision to facilitate their access and participation. The University’s active Outreach Programme is aimed at potential adult learners across its mainly rural geographic region, while its Access Strategy targets in particular low-income and socially-excluded groups as well as refugees and migrant workers.

2. Ensuring the Quality of Academic Mobility Activities

NUI Galway’s well-resourced International Affairs Office has a special section dedicated to European matters. Working closely with departmental subject coordinators, it ensures that outgoing students receive comprehensive advice and guidance on all aspects of their study periods abroad. Procedures include coordinator consultations with students and a general meeting of all outbound students with the International Office to ensure clear understanding of the programme’s rules and provisions.  In addition, the International Office produces a detailed information brochure and is at the disposal of students for any queries; a resource library and reports from past students are available for consultation. All outgoing students receive a copy of the Erasmus Student Charter. Contact is maintained with students abroad and pastoral visits by coordinators are encouraged. Students receive full recognition for credits earned while on Erasmus. 

ECTS is the standard credit system at NUI Galway and forms the basis for all student mobility.

Incoming students receive a detailed information brochure at the time of application. The International Office organises a comprehensive orientation programme at the start of each semester, provides ongoing support and assistance, has a staff member dedicated to pastoral care of international students, and liaises with departmental coordinators who mentor and advise students on academic matters. Preparatory/refresher English courses are offered at the beginning of each semester.  Other services include the university’s Accommodation Office and Student Counselling. The International Office supports the International Students Society in integrating incoming students. Well-organised student volunteering and service learning opportunities are available for visiting as well as Irish students.

We will continue to promote teaching staff exchanges by regularly advertising this opportunity and assisting interested staff with the organisation of such visits.

3. Ensuring the Quality of Student Placement Activities

A number of programmes in NUI Galway support a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) programme termed Professional Experience Programme (PEP). This forms the basis for all the university's student industrial placements. PEP is an integral module of the students’ programme of study. Students cannot progress to their final year if they have not completed PEP satisfactorily.

Prior to commencing their overseas placement, students are encouraged to attend language classes and are provided with linguistic aids.  The language tutors brief the students on the culture of the participating country.  The university's Placement Officer assists with all administrative follow-on: travel, insurance, accommodation.  Students have both work-based and academic supervisors, and the Placement Officer also monitors students' progress. The WIL programme is agreed by the academic PEP coordinator, the company and the student. The WIL must be relevant to the students’ programme of study and incorporate technical and language skills. Students are monitored by phone and e-mail and, where possible, a visit by the coordinator to the host organisation takes place. 
The academic staff member reviews progress on an agreed time frame with the student/company.
There are a number of aspects to the reporting requirements for the students. These are assessed as part of a contribution to Year’s Work in Fourth Year.  The students' communication skills and their ability to reflect critically on the various learning outcomes of their experience are assessed through reports and presentations.

All PEP students are required to maintain a weekly logbook or a diary. The host organisation must complete an assessment report. PEP students must complete an obligatory written report and give a presentation on the work experience they have gained. PEP performance is formally assessed and credited in the students’ final/fourth year results through a satisfactory assessment report, written report and a presentation.

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