Summer is approaching quickly, and for me and many others, it is the end of the 4th semester and the beginning of an adventure. The exchange. When some of my friends came back from their exchange, I had to endure a month where every sentence started with a “on my exchange…” So I’m excited to experience it myself.

I am leaving for Toulouse and I’m looking forward to doing something different after two years here in Lund, but I also feel lost. Yes, I have been accepted to my host university, but I have no housing, I’m unsure of what courses to take, and I have no idea how university works in France. So, how do I optimize my stay and get the absolute best out of it?

I booked a meeting with Sofia Mackenzie Thornton and Sara Svensson, the outgoing exchange team at LUSEM, to guide me towards the best path and to help me remember the important stuff that needs to be done before leaving. 

Starting off with the basics, who can apply for an exchange and where can they go?

• Most of our students can apply. All programs, including those who study politics with a specialisation in economics, those studying HR with a focus on business law, and students building their own bachelor’s at LUSEM. The requirement is that you have studied at least 30 points at LUSEM and passed 75% of your previous courses. Then all students applying end up in the same pool, with the ones having the highest GPA being first in line for the available partner universities. It should also be mentioned that some programs have fewer opportunities. The Bachelor’s in business and International Business can usually go to most places since they have already done business courses, meaning they are eligible to study more advanced business courses, which are the most common with our partners. But all programs have opportunities on several continents. 

For the first-year students, the application for exchange is coming up next semester. How should they prepare, and what is the deadline?

• Firstly, and most importantly, the deadline is the 15th of November, with the application opening on November 1st. If there is one thing I want to get out to the students who will be applying, it is to apply on time! This goes both for students who are planning to do the exchange semester in autumn and spring, the application for both opens in November. Further, the students need to make sure that they are eligible to go on exchange, i.e., they have enough points, and if they don’t, they need to show us a plan for how they will pass. Students have until April to pass the 75%. I would also recommend researching cultural and legal issues. Such as LGBTQ rights, visa issues, and vaccinations. 

Why would you need to consider LGBTG-rights?

• Some popular destinations have radically different views regarding legality and cultural values surrounding LGBTQ. So it is something to be aware of. 

Let’s move on to common mistakes, how do you avoid them?

• Firstly, housing. Make sure to start looking early, some universities provide housing, many don’t. I would recommend looking at the travel reports from the university you will be attending. They have lots of information on where it’s best to live, and what websites or Facebook groups are good to use. It is also important to be careful, a lot of people run scams aimed towards international students, where you pay the deposit in advance before the landlord disappears, leaving you without housing. Secondly, students must verify that the courses they pick are transferable. This is especially important for students going outside of Europe, where there is no learning agreement. So, find the courses that interest you and email them to us so we can approve them. Thirdly, try to be active socially in the beginning, go to events, and 

• We can help with everything from course selection to insurance, lost luggage, illness, and even homesickness. And if you will need specific support, make sure to let us know early. Many students seem to forget that they have a coordinator at the host university. I recommend using that support as well. Another support function is the make sure to attend the orientation day/week. Lastly, don’t forget to share your insurance certificate with your family. If something happens, they need the information to help you.

Let’s move on to more practical preparations. What should you do before the exchange?

• Visas and vaccinations are prerequisites for some countries, so make sure to research what you will need. For students who are in Sweden on a residence permit, it is important to check that you will be able to reenter Sweden after the exchange. Some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after you leave, so make sure to renew your passport.
  

What do you think students gain from an exchange?

• The experience. Of course, the courses matter, but living in another country, adapting to the culture, and speaking English every day. It’s all very educational, and students grow a lot from it.

Do you have any final tips?

Yes:

1. Submit your application on time
2. Make sure you will be able to transfer the credits from the available courses
3. Buy insurance and inform your family
4. Check the validity of your passport

And lastly, remember that you are an ambassador for Lund University, act accordingly. And please, when you come back, we would appreciate it if you volunteer to join our info meetings to share your experiences. It can be hard finding volunteers, but their stories are so valuable!

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Walking out of the international office, my head spins from all the information. So many things to consider and so many plans to make. At least now I have a guide on what to do and what to avoid. While I’m still unsure of what courses I have applied for and where to live, I know one thing for sure. I can’t wait to go on exchange!

Is your head also spinning from all the information? Here’s my guide!

1. Find a destination through research of travel reports and make sure that they provide courses that are transferable to your bachelor’s.
2. Apply in time (before the 15th of November
3. When you get accepted, be quick to request courses (popular ones might fill up quickly)
4. Find a place to live, It can be good to look at travel reports for tips on platforms and areas.
5. Buy insurance and share the insurance information with someone you trust.
6. Check the validity of your passport
7. Enjoy your exchange!