Information for Outgoing Erasmus and International Exchange Students

1.Erasmus Exchanges

The Erasmus programme is named after the philosopher, humanist and theologian Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam (1465-1536). Erasmus lived and worked in several parts of Europe, in quest of the knowledge, experience and insights which only such contacts with other countries could bring. By donating his fortune, he became a pioneer of mobility grants. Research shows that a period spent abroad not only enriches student lives in the academic field but also in the acquisition of intercultural skills and self-reliance.

I therefore strongly encourage you to spend either half a year or a full year studying at another university abroad. This is a unique chance for all of you to obtain education in another European country and acquire new linguistic, social and civic skills which you need in today’s increasingly interconnected knowledge-based society. An Erasmus exchange is an invaluable asset in terms of your employability! Comments from recent TCD Sociology exchange students highlight just how much you will gain during your time abroad.

I would like as many of you as possible to have a similar experience in addition to your education here at Trinity College. Students usually go abroad during their third (JS) year but those studying languages are encouraged to go during their second (SF) year or for half a year only during their third year. The Department currently has 8 Erasmus partners:

• Charles University Prague – Department of Sociology, International Office
• University of Copenhagen – Department of Sociology, International Office
• University of Helsinki – Department of Sociology, International Office
• Istanbul Bilgi University – Department of Sociology, International Office
• University of Munich - Department of Sociology, International Office
• Umeå University – Department of Sociology, International Office
• University of Malta – Department of Sociology, International Office
• University Lille 1 – Department of Sociology and Anthropology, International Centre
• Utrecht University – Department of Sociology, International Office

Note that all of our Erasmus partners (with the exception of Lille) teach through English. These exchanges are open to all Sociology students regardless of your degree programme. Funding is available to cover some of your travel and maintenance costs. The average grant for a full academic year abroad will be around €1,500 depending on destination. For further details, please consult the International Office webpage. All Irish grants and scholarships continue to be paid whilst you are away on an Erasmus exchange.

Students going abroad take modules to the equivalent of 60 ECTS, especially when these are offered through English. The minimum requirement for a full-year exchange is 45 ECTS and 22.5 ECTS for half a year abroad. Students are strongly advised to take more than the minimum 45 ECTS in case of failure in some elements. TSM students participating in a full year exchange must obtain a minimum 22.5 credits in each subject in order to rise with their year; TSM students on half-year exchanges 10 ECTS in each subject while abroad.

There are no mandatory modules in Sociology at Trinity but I strongly encourage all those of you who need to (TSM) or wish to write a dissertation in fourth year to select a research methods module at your host institution. Generally, you should design a balanced curriculum that includes thematic, methodological and theoretical modules. Feel free to select thematic sociological modules not currently on offer at Trinity to broaden your learning.

If you decide to spend only half a year abroad, you will be examined on the basis of work completed during the other half at Trinity plus any examinations in the modules you take at the host university. If you decide to spend a full academic year abroad, you will take modules equivalent to those at Trinity and your marks obtained abroad will be converted back into a Trinity grade. In either case, I shall advise you and approve your Learning Agreement.

2. International Non-EU Exchanges

The Department currently participates in nine international exchanges. Places are limited to 2-4 students per university, and a total of about 20-25 for the nine University of California campuses. Unlike with Erasmus, the minimum academic requirement is an Upper Second (II.1). You are competing against fellow Trinity students from other departments.

Please note that these are non-fee-paying exchanges and therefore a great opportunity for you to study for half a year or a full year at some of the best universities outside Europe. Most of our partners are in the Top 50 according to the latest Times Higher Education Supplement Global University Ranking. You need to be aware however that there are costs involved for overseas flights as well as accommodation and maintenance.

The following nine international exchanges are currently available to Sociology students (as part of a TCD wide selection process based on JF grades and a motivational essay):

• Australian National University – Department of Sociology, International Office
• University of Melbourne – Department of Sociology, International Office
• McGill University – Department of Sociology, International Office
• University of Toronto – Department of Sociology, Centre for International Experience
• National University Singapore – Department of Sociology, International Students Section
• Boston College – Department of Sociology, International Office
• Georgetown University – Department of Sociology, International Student Services
• University of Massachusetts – Department of Sociology, International Programs Office
• University of California – details available from Trinity’s International Office

The University of California (UC) system includes the campuses at Berkeley, Los Angeles, Davis, Irvine, Merced, Riverside, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, and San Diego. Successful Trinity applicants will be given a link to the UC on-line application form. You are then asked to identify three campuses of your choice and prepare a study plan for each. However, there is no guarantee that you can go to one of your three preferred campuses.

Applications for non-EU college-wide exchanges must be made through the International Office at TCD and not to the individual university in question. Further details including the College-wide application form is available here: https://www.tcd.ie/international/outgoing-trinity/non-eu-other/. Please make sure you study this link very carefully.

Following selection at Trinity, you need to consult departmental and institutional pages of your host university and also enquire whether you need to register on modules by a specific deadline. The onus is on you to liaise with the relevant administrative staff at the host institution and also with International Office staff here at Trinity College.

Please discuss the possibility of an Erasmus or International Exchange with your parents during Michaelmas Term, making sure you understand the financial implications and commitments involved in going abroad. Note that the Department of Sociology operates a very strict cancellation policy. Once you have been selected and sign the mobility grant form (Erasmus exchanges), you can only withdraw from an exchange in the most exceptional cases with a medical certificate or tutor note submitted to the Sociology Office.

If you have any questions about our Erasmus, International Exchange and Visiting Student programme in Sociology please do not hesitate to contact me on daniel.faas@tcd.ie but make sure you have studied this website and all the links carefully first.

Dr. Daniel Faas
Erasmus and Visiting Student Coordinator
Office hours: Wednesdays 14:00-15:30, Room 2.02, 3 College Green