The UKs European university STUDYING AT KENT THE

The UK’s European university STUDYING AT KENT – THE ESSENTIALS

WHO’S HERE?

Meet the Erasmus and Study Abroad Teams • Erasmus • • • Janet Wilson-Sharp Françoise Mc. Kee Brechje Klok-White (Monday, Tuesday and Friday) erasmus@kent. ac. uk 01227 824042 or 827818 • Study Abroad • Hazel Lander, H. Lander@kent. ac. uk • Sophie Baker, S. Baker@kent. ac. uk • Sammy-Jo Foster, s. foster@kent. ac. uk (Monday. Wednesday) • 01227 827994, 824088, 824904 • Where we are: • International Development • Room 155, first floor of the Registry extension

Programmes • • • Junior Year Abroad Erasmus JYA English Plus Fall semester Lotus Science without Borders

THE UK SYSTEM

Independent learning and research Different teaching methods Good academic practice Personal responsibility Participation and contribution Attendance Personal development Employability skills

Term dates Autumn Term – (12 weeks of academic study) 28 September 2015 - 18 December 2015 Spring Term – (12 weeks of academic study) 18 January 2016 - 8 April 2016 Summer Term – (6 weeks of examinations) 9 May 2016 - 17 June 2016

THE STUDENT GUIDE

Essential source of information • www. kent. ac. uk/student/ • Student Data System: • • Your timetable Your marks • Moodle • Kent’s Virtual Learning Environment • See your essay questions and submit work on Moodle • Important information • Deadlines • University news

Student Data System

Moodle

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

Study • Module Make-up • Majority of classes made up of a mixture of lectures and seminars • May have one-off practical sessions or workshops • 24 hour/military clock • 13. 00 = 1 pm • 16. 30 = 4. 30 pm • Room numbers • GS 7 = Grimond Seminar Rm 7 • KLT 1 = Keynes Lecture Theatre 1

Credits Stay Kent credits ECTS credits Autumn (Fall) only 60 30 September to April (Autumn and Spring Terms) 120 60 Full year 120 60 It is not possible to change the credit weighting of a module. Your home university has agreed under the exchange to accept the credits we set.

Levels Level Taken in which year 4 Certificate Stage 1, first year of Bachelor/Undergraduate degree 5 Intermediate Stage 2 or 3; second or third year of Bachelor/Undergraduate degree 6 Higher Stage 2 or 3, second or third year of Bachelor/Undergraduate degree 7 Master 8 Doctorate Bachelor/undergraduate students may not take modules at Master or Doctorate level.

Requirements • Attendance • You should attend all your classes • Notify your School if you are absent due to illness • Tier 4 visa rules • Coursework and exams • You must submit all the work for your registered classes. • If you are registered for the Summer Term, you must complete your exams. Failure to do this will result in a fail mark (unless you have a genuine concession)

Assessment • Online module catalogue says how each module is assessed: • exam/coursework/oral presentation or combination of these • Full year students may NOT arrange alternative assessment • Academic integrity • • Referencing guides Turnitin and how to avoid plagiarism Assignment Survival Kit http: //www. kent. ac. uk/ai/students/index. html • Grades • Marking criteria • Information is provided on your School’s website • Grade inflation

Erasmus advice • Learning Agreements • Signed Learning Agreement • Changes • Arrival certificates • Your responsibility to return documents to your university. • Auditing classes is not allowed

Things to note • Check your timetable • Lectures are fixed but you may be able to change seminar group if there is a clash. • Time is allowed between classes to allow you to get from one class to another. • No unnecessary module changes If you need help, don’t suffer in silence!

ACADEMIC SUPPORT

Your School Help from academic staff: • Student Support Adviser/Officer • Exchange co-ordinator or adviser Help from other students: • Peer mentoring • School/course reps • Study groups

Student Support and Wellbeing For students with disabilities or specific learning difficulties who need additional academic or practical support For example • extra time in exams • note-takers www. kent. ac. uk/studentsupport/

Student Learning and Advisory Service Free study skills advice and support Resources Individual and group appointments Workshops • www. kent. ac. uk/student/skills/canterbury/index. html UELT Building Next to bank on campus www. kent. ac. uk/learning

Centre for English and World Languages English Language Development Programme • Sign up now • www. kent. ac. uk/cewl/courses/in-sessional/eldp. html Cambridge English Certificates • • Free classes for First, Advanced and Proficiency exams For info: examenglish@kent. ac. uk www. kent. ac. uk/cewl/currentstudents/exam/cambridge. html

WELFARE

Expectations and Reality It won’t be the same as at home. • Cultural, social, practical differences It might not always be easy, but it will be worthwhile! Misunderstandings can occur so be patient and ask if something doesn’t make sense. You will need: • • Enthusiasm and a desire to make it work Be willing to adapt An open mind a sense of humour Patience!

Home sickness Talk to someone about it Text or email home rather than phoning Facebook – a blessing and a curse Don’t worry, it’s normal! Top tips Take time to do things you enjoy Allow time to settle in Eat and sleep well Keep busy

THE FIVE STAGES OF STUDYING ABROAD

1. Euphoria

2. Hostility

3. Acceptance

4. Mastery

5. Reverse Culture Shock

CHECKLIST

Phone home! Register with the Medical Centre Claim your computing account, if you have not already done so Meet your academic coordinator and make an appointment, if necessary Find out about a library induction statusletters@kent. ac. uk – to open a bank account/enrolment verification Attend the Fresher’s Fair to discover what clubs and societies to get involved with

ANY QUESTIONS?

THE UK’S EUROPEAN UNIVERSITY www. kent. ac. uk