Exchange programmes help students become more mature, knowledgeable and ultimately, employable, Anna Callus, deputy director of the university’s International and EU Office tells Sandy Calleja Portelli.

Travel opportunities are probably nowhere near the top of most new undergraduates’ wish list. However, as Anna Callus, deputy director of the university’s International and EU Office tells me, perhaps they should be.

“Undergraduate students have the opportunity to participate in two exchange programmes during the term of their studies: the International Student Exchange Programme which incorporates universities in the US, Canada, Japan and occasionally to Australia, and the European-funded Erasmus, which is the EU student exchange programme covering all EU member states.”

A student’s eligibility to apply for any exchange programme depends on two main factors: the student’s grades obtained during this year (in this case 2014/2015) and on permission from the head of faculty. The latter requirement is to ensure that students do not miss crucial work that is not covered by the foreign university they plan to attend.

The International and EU Office organises information meetings to disseminate information on both programmes. The ISEP meeting is held in early October as applications must be submitted by the end of November.

“Universities in North America do not function according to the same timetable as we do. Their first semester starts in August and we need to nominate our students earlier to be able to get the paperwork sorted in time. On the other hand, our European partners start in September or October and applications for the Erasmus programme are issued in February.

“Our students tend to be more comfortable travelling within Europe rather than long-haul destinations. We are seeing a rise in the number of students who are travelling to Eastern Europe although the most popular destinations remain Italy and the UK. Lecturers play an important role in encouraging students to consider ‘new’ countries. One member of staff in the engineering faculty has built very good ties with Brno University in the Czech Republic and we are now seeing an increasing number of students competing to study there.

“Maltese students are more knowledgeable about British universities than any other country but just because you don’t know about a particular university doesn’t mean it is not a good one. However, every student has a different story and their reasons for choosing a particular destination varies wildly. Of course, if you are studying French you will obviously choose an exchange in France.”

It is not just about their studies any longer: they also have to make their own decisions, handle their finances and stand on their own two feet

Callus is keen to point out that exchange programmes are not a distraction from a student’s normal studies.

“With the recent recession, ­people’s minds are now also ­focused on employability, not just their studies. Courses are written with this in mind, and faculty staff choose partner universities that will complement and reinforce the programme being followed in Malta. This is how the International Office has always seen the Erasmus programme.”

In the 13 years Callus has worked in the International Office, she has never met a student who did not benefit greatly by their participation in the exchange programmes. Students return from their exchange knowing more about themselves and more aware of the opportunities in their chosen field of study.

“Sometimes we have students who return knowing they need to change their course of study and do something different. Sometimes it is just the area of specialisation they want to change while for others, the experience reinforces their original decision.”

Students who have participated in an exchange programme also seem to benefit as individuals.

“It is not just about their studies any longer; they also have to make their own decisions, handle their finances and stand on their own two feet. We notice how students who go on exchange programmes are often more assertive and outgoing. We often ask students to pinpoint their strong points and weak points. Before going, they are almost always much quicker to point out their weak points but on their return they are also more aware of their strong points.”

Going on an exchange programme carries a financial burden which cannot be overlooked.

“The financial grants we give do not cover all the expenses but there is financial support. Our students still receive their stipend while they are abroad and do not pay tuition fees at their host university, which is a huge saving. In the long run I think it works out more expensive to go for a short visit than to spend a semester away. For now our students don’t think of going to university and travelling the world which is the case in some countries. Often our students are aware of Erasmus and ISEP and think they have to choose one or the other but in reality they can do both. Of course, students have to be able to balance their ­academic life too: many courses are short you wouldn’t be able to do both.

“Some students will go on training courses with student organisations. One student went to Japan over the summer and we only found out because he came in here to ask about regulations and visa: otherwise we wouldn’t have known about his trip at all.

“Students may also not be aware that Erasmus now has a placement programme as well as the studies programme and students can participate in each programme once.”

While the studies programme offers students the opportunity to study abroad for a semester, the placement programme offers students the opportunity to go abroad for anything from two to 12 months for training. It is unlikely that many students will go away for 12 months during their studies: the summer months would be ideal. Presently, a number of pharmaceutical students take advantage of the placement programme during practicals.

“It is traditional for healthcare or pharmacy students to be offered practical training in the field. However, you don’t have to come from a vocational background to take advantage of this programme. You could join the two together: perhaps take an Erasmus study programme during the second semester and then spend the summer on a placement in your field as long as the experience relates to the area of study. Whether the student earns ECTS credits or their placement depends on the individual faculty although it will always show up on their records. Finally, students can opt to take a placement after they graduate before starting work or starting their Masters degree.”

Callus describes placements as a new trend for Maltese students but she believes that students can benefit a great deal from the experience. Not only does it give them experience but, with a year’s experience in the field, students are more employable at the end of their study life.

“You will also build a network of foreign friends which can open many doors in the future. This is an opportunity students shouldn’t miss.”

Kelsey Renaud (psychology) and Ryan Saliba (environment studies) have both graduated in their respective fields and both feel their experience abroad was an enriching one.

Kelsey never thought of travelling while at university. However, she was inspired to apply for a semester in the US after attending an information meeting at the beginning of her university life. She went on to participate in ISEP and Erasmus, spending a total of six months abroad.

Ryan always wanted to explore new countries, so he jumped at the opportunity to study architecture in Italy through Erasmus.

I’m more ready to take on a challenge now

“I was open to any destination and was quite keen on going to Cyprus as there was nobody else going there. However, I was thrilled to be chosen for Italy and learnt so much from the experience. It was a great opportunity to live independently for a while.”

Although studying at the University of Bologna, Ryan and his fellow Maltese students were actually based in Cesena. He had the opportunity to witness ongoing restoration works in Bologna and says this was a great experience.

“There is a major difference between seeing magnificent buildings on a screen and actually being near or in the building itself: it’s priceless.”

Having been bitten by the travel bug, Kelsey hedged her bets by applying to both ISEP and Erasmus. She was chosen for both.

“I was accepted in Florida, US after a heart-stopping application process when I was told I had not been accepted to any of the 10 institutions I’d applied for and would be going to Illinois instead. Luckily, I finally made it to Eckert College in Florida which had been my third choice.”

Ryan’s application process was pretty plain sailing but finding accommodation when he got there was something of a challenge.

“We went up without accommodation planned and initially went from a hotel to a hostel and even stayed with an elderly lady for a bit. We roped in estate agents, looked around and ended with up with a great place to stay at a very reasonable rent.”

Indeed, the group eventually found a spacious house with a great veranda allowing them to organise barbecues for about 30 of their closest new friends.

Kelsey enjoyed the experience so much that she was considering extending her stay in the US by a further six months when she received her acceptance letter from Erasmus. After sitting for her exams in the US, and spending a month as a tourist, Kelsey moved on to Coventry University in the UK for a further six months.

“The experience changes you in ways that are difficult to explain. I’m more ready to take on a challenge now,” she says.

“I agree with Kelsey. I’m also more assertive and decisive now and can assess situations much better. When you are away, everything is down to you from choosing the right mobile phone service to finding accommod­ation. Also, living with new people teaches you a great deal about getting along with others.”

So would they recommend exchange programmes to new students? Both Kelsey and Ryan definitely agree.

“Make it your own experience,” Ryan says. “Study hard, travel and mix with new people.”