Brief overview of ERASMUS+ (2014-2021) for students LEARNING MOBILITY OF INDIVIDUALS (KEY ACTION 1): Expected outcomes: as regards students and trainees, the mobility activities supported under this Key Action are meant to produce the following outcomes:          improved learning performance; enhanced employability and improved career prospects; increased sense of initiative and entrepreneurship; increased self-empowerment and self-esteem; improved foreign language competences; enhanced intercultural awareness; more active participation in society; better awareness of the European project and the EU values; increased motivation for taking part in future (formal/non-formal) education or training after the mobility period abroad. Student mobility:   a study period abroad at a partner higher education institution (HEI); a traineeship (work placement) abroad in an enterprise or any other relevant workplace. A study period abroad may include a traineeship period as well. To ensure high-quality mobility activities with maximum impact on the students, the mobility activity has to respond to student degree-related learning and personal development needs. The study period abroad must be part of the student's study programme to complete a degree at a short cycle, first cycle (Bachelor or equivalent), second cycle (Master or equivalent) and third or doctoral cycle. Traineeships abroad at a workplace are also supported during short cycle, first, second, third cycle studies and within a maximum of one year after the student’s graduation. This also includes the 'assistantships' for student teachers. Wherever possible, the traineeships should be an integrated part of the student's study programme. Student mobility can be in any subject area/academic discipline. Duration:   Study periods: from 3 to 12 months (including a complementary traineeship period, if planned). Traineeships: from 2 to 12 months. The same student may receive grants for mobility periods totalling up to 12 months maximum per each cycle of study, independently from the number and type of mobility activities . The duration of a traineeship by recent graduates counts towards the 12 months maximum of the cycle during which they apply for the traineeship. Venue(s) of the activity Students must carry out their mobility activity in a Programme Country different from the country of the sending organisation and country of residence. STEPS AND PROCESS OF ORGANIZING STUDENT MOBILITY: 1. Student first makes an application at RGSL within the announced Call 2. Selection Committee reviews all applications, selects the students for Erasmus studies and grant support 3. Each student is notified individually about the selection results 4. RGSL Erasmus coordinator informs the respective partner universities of nominated RGSL students 5. Nominated students then may proceed with registration at the partner university (usually done online, host universities contact each student individually). Universities provide practical information about housing, insurance etc. 6. In the period of June-August individual grant agreements and standard Learning agreements are being prepared and signed (RGSL, student, host university) 7. Student makes his/her own travel arrangements and begins study mobility. 8. Student takes a mandatory language assessment test in their main study language just before mobility – the European Commission’s On-line Language Support for Erasmus students. A language training course online will be optional. 9. Grant transfer is made in two payments: advance payment 90% by the first day of actual Mobility and the the final payment of 10% - upon return and submission of final report 10. Learning agreement and necessary changes are finalized during the first month of the study semester abroad (must be approved by RGSL in writing) 11. A short mid-term progress report from RGSL students is required after 2 months of studies (a standard form will be sent to students) 12. Before the end of mobility the student must obtain confirmation letter about the period of studies at the host university 13. Student takes the 2nd language assessment test online right at the end of mobility – the European Commission’s On-line Language Support for Erasmus students. 14. Upon return at RGSL the student will submit final evaluation report and a personal experience story. 15. Final payment of grant is made. 16. Transcript from the host university is sent to RGSL and the student usually within 5 weeks after the final exams. 17. Student submits a form for „academic recognition” of courses at RGSL to the study department. FINANCIAL GRANT SUPPORT FOR THE MOBILITY OF STUDENTS Students will receive an EU grant as a contribution to their costs for travel and subsistence during the period of study or traineeship abroad. Group 1 Programme Countries with higher living costs Denmark, Ireland, France, Italy, Austria, Finland, Sweden, United Kingdom, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland Group 2 Programme Countries with medium living costs Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Spain, Croatia, Cyprus, Luxembourg,Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Iceland,Turkey Group 3 Programme Countries with lower living costs Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 500 EUR / month 450 EUR / month 400 EUR / month NB! Additional grant available for students from low income families, if applicable, please provide official documentation (in 2014/2015 the amount was EUR 100 per month) _____________ For information: in 2014/2015 additional Latvian state co-financing was available for all Erasmus students (at RGSL the amount for Group 1 countries was EUR 140 per month, Group 2 countries – EUR 112 per month, Group 3 countries – EUR 90 per month). At the time of the Call announcement information is not yet available about the state co-financing in the academic year 2015/2016.