Read our answers to the frequently asked questions relating to the COVID-19 pandemic and how it’s affected Erasmus+ and other student mobilities for studying abroad.
I was supposed to start my mobility period abroad in the next few weeks, can I still go?
We suggest checking your host country’s government rules because they’re changing very quickly, sometimes daily. When the pandemic first washed across the block in early 2020, panicky countries restored border controls; people and trucks transporting everything from car parts to cabbages spent day waiting in long lines of traffic to cross borders. Most air travel temporarily ceased. Over the last year, as COVID-19 vaccines have become more widely available, those barriers have started to change — but they haven’t entirely gone away.
I am currently abroad, is return compulsory?
No, it is not. No one can force you to return home. Remember to follow the basic health and social guidelines and to always comply with your host country’s government recommendations. You are also best-advised to register on the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation’s website.
I am currently abroad but I wish to return home. Is this possible?
If you do not feel safe where you are, you can interrupt your mobility due to case of force majeure and return back home. Please remember to check the recommendations on travel restrictions by your host government and diplomatic authorities such as the embassies and consulates. In addition, fill in this form to notify your university that you are currently abroad.
Will I be allowed to travel back abroad when the emergency is over?
Since the epidemic is spreading, almost all EU-countries have taken measures to facilitate ending lease contracts.
My host university has suspended classes. What should I do?
You can attend your university courses online or wait for the course units of your host university to resume. Any suspension of teaching activities at the host university due to the COVID-19 outbreak will not be considered as interruption to your mobility period, and your grant will be guaranteed. The interruption period is not included in the calculation for the minimum duration of the mobility period. On the contrary, it will be included in the calculation for the maximum duration period (12 months) for which an Erasmus+ student can benefit from a mobility grant during the same study cycle.
The host university delivers course units on a distance-learning basis; does the university recognise this type of activity?
It depends, but often, universities ensure that all the course units specified in the Learning Agreement and in the Transcript of Records will be recognised, whether they are delivered on-line or face-to-face.
Am I allowed to attend courses delivered by both my home university and the host university?
Yes, provided that the course units do not cover the same topics. Given the exceptional nature of the ongoing situation, universities’ aim is to minimise academic-related inconvenience.
How can I get the ‘force majeure’ clause applied?
You will be emailed specific information about it. Meanwhile, make sure you keep evidence of any additional expenses for which you have not received a reimbursement for yet (neither full nor partial).
Are there any deadlines for changing the Learning Agreement?
No, there are not. Even the 30-day-deadline is not effective anymore. Please remember that updating the Learning Agreement is essential and protects your university career. The latest version of the Learning Agreement must be approved by the coordinators from both the University of Padua and the host university.
What should I do if I am on a mobility for the purpose of my thesis?
Make sure that both the supervisors can help you remotely. You can only get part of your thesis’ ECTS credits recognised; you will gain the rest of your ECTS credits on your final examination, when you graduate.
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