Mobility support

MOBILITY SUPPORT

This section is dedicated to the forms of support and the services that you can rely on if you want to make the most out of your mobility experience.

It includes opportunities to improve your language and communication skills, information on student organizations, as well as useful contacts in case you need psychological support. 

You can find more information here.

PEER SUPPORT (MENTORS/TUTORS/BUDDIES)

When you arrive in a new environment, you may feel a bit lost and unsure who to turn to. To support you during your student life abroad, you can count on a variety of peer support services. Whether you need help with everyday life, academic challenges, or building a social network, programs to connect with peers are available at each partner university.

Please check the following chapter to learn more about how each Arqus university organizes its support services.

Graz

At University of Graz, the student union (ÖH Uni Graz) provides support for students via their different departments (Social Affairs Department, Accessibility Department, Foreign & International Departments, Cultural Department, Sports & Health Department, Queer Department, etc.)

International exchange students receive additional support through the Erasmus Student Network which is also linked to the student union. ESN Graz offers support to students throughout their exchange stay, from the buddy program focusing on arrival and getting settled, to the regulars table as well as a multitude of events and trips throughout the semester. Students can also sign up for the ESN membership card which offers a variety of discounts. ESN is an excellent opportunity to meet and mingle with local students and have a full exchange student experience.

The University Sports Department (USI) offers non-credit-bearing leisure sports courses for students, providing excellent opportunities to connect with both international and local members of the university. 

The Integrated Studies Centre serves as the central information and contact point for people with special needs and/or chronic diseases who are already studying or planning to study at the University of Graz.

Granada

At the UGR, we feel that diversity provides a great opportunity for creating rich learning environments and promoting social integration. The UGR Buddy Programme (in Spanish: Programa Mentor) is a student-oriented initiative designed to help out our international students with their cultural, academic and language integration at the UGR.

Our buddy programme aims to make the transition as stress-free as possible – enhancing the academic and personal experience of incoming international students, enabling them to form close bonds with our home students, and introducing them to everyday UGR life. Moreover, the Buddy Programme provides our home students with a significant opportunity to gain insights into new cultures and lifestyles, practice their language skills and build up their international networks.

The programme kicks off in September every year and normally runs for a semester or full academic year (depending on the availability of our home students). The UGR’s International Relations Office will pair up incoming students with a UGR mentor, prior to their arrival, belonging to the Faculty or School where these students will be undertaking their studies. The mentor or buddy will provide them with on-going support both before and during your time at our University. They will help them with everything from completing administrative procedures, searching for accommodation, and finding your way around the University campuses and Granada. They will also organize cultural activities such as visits to monuments and historical sites; guided tours; excursions; concerts; plays etc. (students can decide on these activities with their mentors).

If you are an incoming international student and wish to take part in our buddy programme, you must:

• Propose activities to your mentor.

• Attend meetings.

• Help UGR assess the buddy programme by evaluating your mentor. A month after your arrival, you will receive a survey link to rate your mentor’s activities. Before departing Granada, another survey will be sent for you to provide a comprehensive evaluation of your mentor. We greatly appreciate your feedback, as it provides us with valuable information to help us improve future editions of our Buddy Programme.

• Before returning to your home University, you must sign the activities report (memoria de actividades).

To participate in this initiative you just have to click on the option I apply for the Buddy Programme (at the moment of the online application).

If you were not able to apply for the Mentor or Buddy Programme through the online application, you can also fill in this Mentor Programme application form and send it scanned to programamentor@ugr.es.

Once you apply, the International Relations Office will assign you during the month of July a mentor from the Faculty/School of the UGR where you will be studying, whenever possible. The mentor will be a volunteer student from the same school. The mentor assignment depends on the availability of mentors in each Faculty/School. If you have applied for a mentor through the online application and there are mentors available at your Faculty/School, your mentor will contact him/her/they by email once the buddies-mentors are assigned. If you do not receive any email, you should ask for your assigned mentor at programamentor@ugr.es. 

Lyon 1

The buddy system in Lyon 1 is handled by ESN Cosmo Lyon (Erasmus Student Network). Your buddy will be a young person from Lyon who will welcome you, show you around the city, help you with the administrative formalities and introduce you to other young people in Lyon. You can join the program by registering on the dedicated webpage: https://buddysystem.eu/en/register

In addition, students can benefit from a tutor system offered by the university and managed by Master’s students, which focuses on providing academic support.

Vilnius University

Arriving in a new country for an extended period can be challenging, with many changes to navigate. An ESN buddy from Vilnius University’s Erasmus Student Network can make the transition much easier, offering support during your first week and throughout your entire study period.

The Erasmus Student Network Vilniaus Universitetas (Vilnius University’s Student Association) promotes student mobility and helps international students integrate into university life at Vilnius University.

ESN buddies are volunteer local students who welcome you upon arrival and provide essential guidance, such as getting to know your dormitory and the city, and assisting with documents related to your studies and residency in Lithuania, including student cards, visas, and migration issues.

Beyond practical matters, they also offer informal insights into student life, help you integrate into the local student community, and ensure you enjoy your time at university, have fun, and make lasting memories.

Padova

At UNIPD, incoming exchange students can rely on a solid group of Buddies that can help out with everyday challenges and guide them through the most relevant tasks.

Buddy support can be optioned before arriving in Padua and is guaranteed to whoever requests it.

Some Departments or Schools provide even further support through peer tutors, who specialize in matters related to specific study programs.

If you want to find out more about the Buddy system, please visit https://www.unipd.it/en/services-useful-info-incoming-students

Minho

The University of Minho (UMinho) is running the project “sou.uminho 5.0”, an innovative initiative that aims to anticipate and act preventively in situations of potential school dropout, promoting the academic success of students enrolled in the 1st year for the first time. This project was developed in collaboration with students and various schools, institutes and units from the University.

The fundamental aim of the “sou.uminho 5.0” project is for the university to become a place where students feel welcome and to involve the academic community in this process. “sou.uminho 5.0” is based on an action plan that encompasses a series of initiatives designed to innovate and modernize UMinho’s institutional practices.

Also, Students Unions and Associations promote their own initiatives in terms of peer support and buddy programmes:

–   UMBuddy promoted by the Students Association, AAUMinho: https://www.aaum.pt/

–   Buddy Programme promoted by ESN-Minho: https://esnminho.org/buddy-programme

Other University initiatives, include, the University of Minho’s Peer Tutoring Program, which aims to promote a healthy and proactive integration of students in the context of Higher Education, thus promoting their academic success. This program aims to contribute to the development of transversal skills, such as personal, social and interpersonal skills, which are now associated with the concept of a higher education student. It is based on a tutorial system, in which students who have been attending UMinho for at least a year (Tutors) provide individual and personalized support to students attending the University for the first time (Tutorees). This support covers issues related to adaptation/integration into Higher Education, such as structural aspects of the course, the University, the relationship between colleagues, academic characteristics and the skills to be developed in order to achieve a successful education.

Finally, the University of Minho’s Mentoring Programmes aims to promote the overall development and professional integration of students, helping them to get to know the realities of the working world and to value themselves personally and professionally.

–   In the case of UMinho’s International Mentoring the aim is to give students the chance to get in touch with professionals, all of them UMinho Alumni with successful careers outside Portugal. The mentors/alumni live and work in different countries;

–   Besides that, the Mentoring Program is presented as a professional development tool in which a more experienced professional (Mentor) helps someone less experienced (Mentee), based on the personal and professional experience acquired throughout their career. In this program, the mentor/mentee pairs are from different training areas, with the aim of developing the mentee’s transversal skills and, consequently, making them better able to face various professional situations, boosting their personal and professional growth. 

PRE-MOBILITY – Arqus MoVEs

Arqus MoVEs is a virtual exchange programme dedicated to all students beginning an international mobility experience. The program takes place before the start of each semester and is also open to students who haven’t yet had the chance to study abroad but are eager to meet new people in an intercultural and multilingual environment.

Who is “Arqus MoVEs” for?

This initiative is intended as a pre-mobility project that involves students from:

• different academic backgrounds
• different cultures
• different languages
• different ages
• different disciplines
• different time zones

Arqus students meet and welcome international and exchange students preparing to go abroad. Participation is free and open to all students from -or visiting- an Arqus partner university, though spots are limited. Students will be selected based on their motivation and previous experience.

What do students learn?

Students develop a wide range of skills and competences. In particular, the project will:

• Enhance and foster soft skills
• Foster intercultural competence and global competence
• Boost critical thinking
• Stimulate interest in global issues
• Create cohesion among participants
• Cultivate curiosity towards other’s culture and active listening
• Promote inclusive multilingualism
• Develop linguistic, digital competences
• Practice various languages at the same time/simultaneously
• Boost students’ mobility

How does it work?

The project uses different modes of communication:

• many-to-many communication: participants use various languages, not just English, as linguae francae. 
• few-to-few: small groups collaborate on specific activities.

When does it take place?

The programme takes place prior to international and exchange students’ departure. Its duration varies depending on the level you choose:

• BASIC: 5 meetings with interaction focused on cultural topics such as food, art, and music;
• ADVANCED: for students who have completed the Basic module and wish to further develop their intercultural skills through additional interactions, networking, and thematic activities.

The estimated workload is 2–3 hours per week, combining synchronous and asynchronous activities.

For further information please visit our one-sto-shop or contact us at: moves@arqus-alliance.eu

LANGUAGES AND CULTURE

PSYCHOLOGICAL CARE AND COUNSELING

Granada

The Psychological and Psychopedagogical Support Service, as a service attached to the Vice-Rectorate for Student Services and Campus Life, offers members of the university community, specifically undergraduate and graduate students, information, counseling and training that encompasses personal, academic and/or vocational-professional dimensions.

It is a health center authorized by the Consejería de Salud de la Junta de Andalucía with NICA number 63873, and it is also ISO 9001 certified.

Psychological Care

• Personal Counseling: Attention to the different areas of students’ lives that may be affecting their academic performance and personal adjustment due to problems such as depression, anxiety, stress and personal relationships, among others. To receive this type of counseling it is necessary to come personally to our center to fill out an information protocol. Afterwards, you will be contacted to schedule an appointment.
• Group workshops and programs:
  • Depression/anxiety group program
  • Group stress reduction program
  • Values education group program
• Mental Health Survey

Psycho-pedagogical Care

• Tutorial Action Plans: Activities that the office develops in schools and faculties for students at the request of their faculty and, in general, in support of their role as tutors. Thus:
  • Are you new to the UGR: what, how, when, where and what to study for. 
  • How to manage anxiety before exams. 
  • Guidelines to organize and plan your time.
  • Program on “Welcome days for new students”: designed by the staff of the office and developed in the centers in collaboration with the teaching staff to facilitate the adaptation to university life of new students.
  • Other collaborations.
• Academic and vocational counseling: Information pertaining to the psycho-pedagogical care services is available here. Contact details for further inquiries or assistance are provided therein.
  • Academic counseling:
    • It helps students with problems to cope adequately with the demands of their career through study techniques and time planning. To receive this type of counseling it is necessary to come to our center in person to fill out an information form. Subsequently, you will be contacted to make an appointment.
    • Counseling services for changing degrees, as well as guidance on simultaneous studies and permanence options, are also offered by our psycho-pedagogical office.
    • In case you need information about masters and postgraduate studies, please contact the International Graduate School through the following link. You will find all the information on postgraduate studies and specific information: syllabus, faculty, etc.
  • Vocational counseling:
    • Supporting people in the decision making process to make a realistic and effective choice of the studies they wish to pursue. Clarification of expectations, goals and beliefs regarding the degree they want to access, through information.
• Workshops: The office contributes to the acquisition of professional competencies in students through the delivery of workshops throughout the course such as the following:
  • Study habits and techniques: so that students acquire the necessary skills to obtain optimal academic performance, improving their learning through the understanding and use of appropriate study techniques and the help of new training strategies.
  • Strategies to improve public speaking skills: so that students learn to communicate, argue and defend before others, with rigor and confidence, the most significant aspects of a specific topic.
  • Working in teams: so that students become competent in adequately resolving group situations by putting into practice strategies for active listening, decision making and conflict management.
  • To elaborate academic papers: students learn to locate information on a specific topic, to organize it and to present it with rigor and under the established academic standards.
• Programme of Transition from Baccalaureate and Higher Level Training Cycles to the UGR.
• Attention to Students at Risk of Dropping Out Programme (AERA). AERA was created to respond to the needs of students at the University of Granada who find themselves in a complicated academic situation that may lead them to drop out of their university studies.

Resources

• Main problems and challenges
  • Study habits
  • Procrastination
  • Optimal conditions for studying
  • Multiple-choice tests
  • Study techniques
  • Stress
  • Public speaking anxiety
  • Test anxiety
  • Depression
  • Sleep problems
  • Roommates
  • Family relationships
  • Relationships
  • Unwanted pregnancy
  • Sexual orientation
  • Sexual abuse and assault
  • Eating disorders
  • Healthy eating habits
  • Acne
  • Alcohol problems
  • Cannabis
  • Assertiveness
  • Helping friends with problems
  • Culture shock (see the Mobility Awareness section)
• Survive the grade by learning healthily
• Resources on how to plan our time
• Guidance booklets
• Memoirs
• Standing Orders
• External Resources
• EMPOWERED
• Psycho-pedagogical Guide

Vilnius University 

All students can receive professional psychological support when they experience a whole range of psychological difficulties, affecting their well-being, relationship with others, academic life and daily functioning.

We offer students up to 4 individual sessions with experienced and qualified practitioners. Sessions can be held either remotely (via MsTeams, Skype, Zoom, etc.) or face-to-face in counselling facilities at the Faculty of Philosophy.

Urgent free-of-charge emotional support by phone:

Line of Hope 116123 (24/7)
Help for Women 880066366 (24/7)

Lyon 1

– The SSU (University Health Service) in Lyon 1 is responsible for prevention, health promotion and care (through consultations) for students.

The team of the SSU is composed of doctors, nurses, psychologists and psychiatrists. The consultations with psychologists are free of charge and can be face-to-face or by teleconsultation (by video or telephone, depending on your preference). You can make an appointment (the first appointment has to be done with a nurse or a doctor) connecting to your account here or by phone +33 (0) 4 27 46 57 57.

– There is a phone platform LIVE (8 a.m. – 8 p.m.) which is a call service for crisis management and referral to psychological or emergency support (in French and English): +33 (0) 4 37 91 55 99. 

Depending on the psychological support you need, here is a directory to focus on different themes:

• Psychological support and follow-up
• Psychiatric care and emergencies
• Mutual support associations
• Discrimination and violence
• LGBTQIA+
• Addictive behaviors
• Information and helplines

Padova

Psychological assistance is part of the healthcare and primary services offered by UNIPD to its students and staff.

The service is available to all students experiencing psychological difficulties during their studies, including exchange students.

Graz

Students in need of counseling can find support with the Psychological Counseling Center for students. Reaching out for appointments ahead of arrival is advisable to ensure the support starting right from arrival in Graz. 

The Centre for Integrated Studies (ZIS) of Graz University offers services for students with disabilities, chronic or mental illnesses.Here is the link to the website of the Integrated Studies Centre:

Website: https://integriert-studieren.uni-graz.at/de/

Students in need of counselling can also contact psych.ber@uni-graz.at 3 months prior to their arrival to make an appointment and discuss their needs.

Wroclaw

Psychological consultations and counseling are available for students facing various difficulties or crises. These services are designed for those experiencing depressed mood, anxiety, shyness, or feelings of helplessness, as well as students having problems in relationships with loved ones (partner, family, or peers). They are also intended for students struggling with stress, studying, concentration issues, or difficulties adapting to a new environment.

Minho

The Psychology Association of the University of Minho (APsi-UMinho) is an association that provides psychology services to the community in general and is the result of a partnership between the University of Minho, through its School of Psychology and Social Services, and the Municipalities of Braga and Guimarães, given their proximity to the local community. 

APsi-UMinho’s professional collaborators include lecturers from the School of Psychology and other collaborators from outside the School, who are qualified for professional practice by the Portuguese Psychologists’ Association. They are part of a system of supervision practiced by the respective coordinators of the units that make up the association’s functional structure, through training and group meetings on the services and practices in force at the Association.

Also, the Social Services (SASUM) of the University provides Clinical Support Services aimed at contributing to the general well-being of the academic community and promoting healthier behaviors, such as nursing care, particularly for accidents, routine medical examinations and general health promotion measures; carrying out screening and awareness campaigns and promoting psychology support for students by appointment.

Maynooth

Student Services | Maynooth University

MU Student Services provide a number of services/supports for students, including:

The Student Helpdesk – there are two physical helpdesks located on the North Campus, one in the TSI Building and the other in the Arts Block. They also provide support online, over the phone and via chat.

Student Support Officer – offers support to students in areas of academia, accommodation, mediation, bereavement, integration, mental health, etc.

Counselling Service – also offers support to students for their general wellbeing.

Student Health Centre – operates on an appointment basis. Students can use their MU student email to book appointments. There is also a mental health nurse on the medical team.

Maynooth Studentpad – off-campus accommodation service

Student Budgeting Advisor – can offer advice to students on how best to manage their finances/budget.

STUDENTS UNIONS AND ASSOCIATIONS

When you arrive in a new city and a new university, one of the best ways to meet friends and explore the local culture is by joining student unions and associations. Whether you’re passionate about protecting the environment or a tech enthusiast, you can find opportunities to express yourself and make your experience truly memorable.

Lyon 1

In Lyon, around 80 diverse associations are spread over all the sites : associations linked to a component, a department, teaching stream associations, cultural associations, humanitarian associations, sports associations, and so on.

You can find all the associations in Lyon 1 here: 

https://etu.univ-lyon1.fr/activites/associations-etudiantes/liste-des-associations-etudiantes

Artistic workshops supervised by passionate artists are also open to students. You can take part in music, visual arts, video, literature, theater, and dance activities.

More information is available here: https://etu.univ-lyon1.fr/activites/culture/activites-artistiques

Granada

Here you can find a complete list of services that international students might find useful throughout their stay in Granada: https://internacional.ugr.es/en/students/ugr-services 

Within the Vice-Rectorate for Student Services and Campus Life of UGR, there is the Secretariat for Student Participation and Representation.

All legally constituted student associations that carry out work for and on behalf of the university community are registered here. The Secretariat promotes student activities through the granting of financial aid to them.

This grant is awarded in accordance with the basic principles of publicity, competition and objectivity. In addition to financial aid, any type of collaboration and assistance is provided to all those associations that are duly registered.

The aim is to encourage student associations to collaborate in all those activities that are considered enriching for the training of our students.

For inquiries directed to the Secretariat, you can contact them via email at asociacionismo@ugr.es or by phone at (+34) 958 24 31 01. 

Graz 

At University of Graz, the student union (ÖH Uni Graz) provides support for students via their different departments (Social Affairs Department, Accessibility Department, Foreign & International Departments, Cultural Department, Sports & Health Department, Queer Department, etc.)

International exchange students receive additional support through the Erasmus Student Network which is also linked to the student union.

Maynooth

Students at Maynooth University are represented by the Maynooth Student Union (MSU). There are four officers in the MSU: the President, the Vice-President of Academic Affairs, the Vice-President of Welfare & Equality and the Vice-President of Student Life.

The Erasmus Student Network (ESN) is also very active, organising many events and activities for students, such as trips around Ireland, game nights, movie nights, “Meet & Mingle” events, etc. The ESN also has a Buddy Programme for incoming exchange students.

Incoming students are also strongly encouraged to join the many student Clubs & Societies that are available to them. There are over 200 different clubs and societies. Some societies include: Arts & Crafts, Disney, Tea, Pride, Swiftie, Trad Music, Women in STEM, Anthropology, History, Criminology, etc. Some Clubs include: Ultimate Frisbee, Trampoline, MUCK (Maynooth University Canoe and Kayak Club), rugby, soccer, rock climbing, etc. Students can join clubs and societies and see the full list here. Please note there is a €3 fee per club/society.

Minho

Upon arrival at UMinho, new students are welcomed and supported by the Student Associations AAUMinho and ESN Minho. Both work together and individually, welcoming and integrating students, helping and supporting them in several aspects of the academic life and organizing activities and events throughout the academic year.

Students can also participate in several Student Unions/Associations and Sections that actively promote and boost academic life and encourage networking within  Schools/Institutes, Departments and/or Degrees: https://www.aaum.pt/nucleos-seccoes-e-delegacoes/.

In addition, the Cultural Groups at the University of Minho play an important role in promoting the culture of the University, the cities and the country. Here, the students can gather, exchange knowledge, values and practices, and learn and promote the arts of music, singing, theater and dance. 

Padova

Padova hosts a very active ESN local branch that supports exchange students by answering their questions and helping them with any issues they may encounter. ESN also organizes activities, trips and parties to promote Italian culture with the aim to create a positive environment where everybody can feel at ease and make new friends.

Find more about ESN and other associations offering activities dedicated to students on the UNIPD’s website (Italian version): https://www.unipd.it/associazioni 

Vilnius

At Vilnius University, many different societies, clubs, and individual projects have been created over time. These opportunities invite students not only to spend their free time actively but also to deepen their knowledge and acquire new skills. Students can explore art groups, join the Vilnius University Student Representation, participate in scientific societies across various fields, or engage in other activities.

Vilnius University Students’ Representation (VU SA) invites students to join a wide range of clubs and programs, including debate, photography, film, and Kendo clubs, Energy Society, as well as tutors, mentors, “Label-free” (Lith. Be etikečių), “Honestly” (Lith. Sąžiningai), and more. The common aspirations, various projects, and activities currently bring together more than 1000 active members.

The Culture Center brings together 15 art groups, including choirs, orchestras, theatres, and various ensembles, with more than 600 members. These groups organize or participate in over 150 events across Lithuania and abroad. Students can train individually or in group classes, and also play team sports in the four gyms of the Health and Sport Centre, located in three different areas of Vilnius.

Wroclaw

Every Erasmus student arriving in Wroclaw can connect with the International Student Network (ISN) and receive a personal buddy through the Buddy System. Buddies are Polish students who volunteer to help and guide exchange students around the city. In addition, ISN organizes events for both international and local students, such as book clubs, hikes outside the city, and international dinners, giving everyone a chance to meet, engage, and socialize.

The group has its own Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/isn.uwr/