Congratulations! You have been selected to study abroad for a semester. After selection and nomination by VU International Office, you will have to apply to the partner university, ask for approval of the Examination Board, make practical arrangements (visa, housing, etc.) and you can possibly apply for a scholarship.
If you've been selected for exchange, you will receive an automated email from our system. Please check your VU and personal inbox carefully! You have 3 days to accept or ignore your selection offer.
If you have been selected by VU International Office, you will first be nominated at the partner university. This doesn't automatically mean that you will go on exchange. After you are nominated by VU International Office, you will have to apply at the partner university and follow their application procedure. To make sure the partner university will admit you, please follow the following steps:
Pre-departure meetings
We organize pre-departure meetings to inform you about what to expect and what to arrange once you have been selected. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions. If you are selected, we will send you an invitation for the pre-departure meeting of your region.
After the pre-departure meeting you will receive our pre-departure checklist by mail.
The Unpack Your Study Abroad (UYSA) programme has been designed and developed by VU Amsterdam’s International Office, in collaboration with the LEARN! Academy of VU Amsterdam. The programme is part of your exchange semester, and it was designed according to VU Amsterdam’s Mixed Classroom principles. This means that it was developed to support and enhance your ability to make successful cultural adjustments and to optimize your preparations for your semester abroad.
The programme is divided in three phases: before, during and after exchange. You will become acquainted with the theoretical concept of culture, while also experiencing a new country first-hand during your exchange. By completing the assignments for each phase of your exchange in your e-Portfolio, you will learn how to reflect upon your experiences and how you can use the competences obtained abroad upon your return.
You will be added to the UYSA Canvas page after you have been selected for exchange. You can then also get in touch with other students selected for your destination.
When you are staying abroad for your programme, for instance because of an internship or an exchange, you can apply for compensation for the student travel product with DUO. To apply for this compensation, go to www.duo.nl. In order to apply for this compensation, you need a signed statement from the educational institution. This form needs to be signed by the Student Desk (either by mail or in person). Please double check this with the Student Desk.
You can only get the statement signed by the Student Desk after you are fully enrolled for the academic year in which you are going abroad. So, are you going to another country for your education in the academic year 2021-2022? Please complete your enrolment as soon as possible (including the payment of tuition fees); after you get a notice from Studielink that you are fully enrolled you can request a signature.
Do not forget to fill in all the information about your study/internship as accurately as possible. You can do so using the app study/internship abroad in My Dashboard.
See our policy (International policy in case of crisis).