SOCRATES/ERASMUS Programme is an integrated programme of the European Union (EU) aimed to enhance the quality and reinforce the European dimension of higher education by encouraging transnational cooperation between universities, boosting European mobility and improving the transparency and full academic recognition of studies and qualifications throughout the Union.

Students applying to the SOCRATES/ERASMUS programme have the opportunity to study abroad for a defined period of time (between 3 months and a full academic year) in an EU Member State. The period of study will be recognized by their educational institution, as decided upon in the Learning Agreement..

ERASMUS students are, in fact, expected to complete and subscribe a Learning Agreement which has to be signed by the home and host institutions. The Learning Agreement is an informal contract that indicates precisely what modules the student will be studying. It should be completed well before arriving at the host institution. Subsequent modifications to the Learning Agreement are permitted as long as they are agreed by all parties concerned. At the end of the study period abroad, the host university will provide the exchange student, as well as the sending university, with a transcript reporting the results obtained in the agreed programme of study.

Financial support to students.

SOCRATES/ERASMUS provides mobility grants to thousands of students. These grants are intended as a contribution towards covering the extra costs involved in studying abroad, such as travel expenses, language preparation costs, higher general costs of living in the host country. The SOCRATES/ERASMUS grant covers the period of study abroad.

The admission to the SOCRATES/ERASMUS financial support is subject to the

following conditions:

a) the period of study abroad must last for at least three and not more than twelve months and must be

carried out at a University of another EU Member State;

b) students must receive formal recognition in writing, generally from the University

of origin, for the period of studies abroad.

Students must be exempted from fees at the host University whether or not fees are

paid at the University of origin. However, small fees may be charged for costs, such as insurance, student unions, the use of photocopiers, laboratory products etc., on an equal basis with local students. Where appropriate, normal fees are payable to the home institution. While abroad students must continue to benefit from financial support or grant at national level or from other sources.

How to participate in the SOCRATES/ERASMUS Programme.

To participate in the SOCRATES/ERASMUS programme, a student must fulfill the following conditions:

- He/she must be enrolled in a formal programme of study at higher education level leading to a degree or a diploma (including doctoral level) in one of the participating countries.

- He/she must be a citizen of one the participating countries (or are recognised as having an official status of refugeee or statelesss person or permanent resident).

- He/she must have completed at least the first year at the home university.

Students who wish to participate in the SOCRATES/ERASMUS Programme must submit an official request form (generally within the month of February) including a certificate of the exams passed, with the related marks, issued by the administrative Office of the home University.

Students must indicate the area of study of interest, the University where they wish to study abroad, as well as the courses they want to attend. Students must pass a language test and attend an interview.

In order to obtain the SOCRATES/ERASMUS financial support, selected students must contact the SOCRATES/ERASMUS Programme Office at the home University.

ASSISTANCE TO FOREIGN STUDENTS

The Faculty of Engineering of the University of Naples “Parthenope” has a partnership with Erasmuspoint to offer complete assistance to foreign students during their staying in Naples.

Go to http://www.erasmuspoint.eu to get useful information and download the application form. Then fill the application form with your preferences and all other info that can be useful to assist you and arrange your staying.

On your arrival in Naples you will reach the Erasmuspoint where you will be given an info kit and your personal Card. You will be temporarily arranged in a hotel or B&B. The day after you will be accompanied to choose your final arrangement among those selected on the basis of the info you have provided in the application form. You will get advise and legal assistance. You will also be accompanied to the University for the registration.

Then, you can take advantage of the following services at the Erasmuspoint Helpdesk (on weekday from 9 am to 7 pm):

- General delivery

- Translation service

- Residence permit assistance

- Medical assistance

- Registration to the University Sports Centre

- Internet point

- Legal assistance

- Full administrative assistance

In addition, you can take advantage of favourable conditions for bank account, credit card, mobile phone card, local transportation and excursions.