Study Abroad

Focus Area 5

Student Support

5.1 Practical Support Services (Housing, Visa, Finances)

5.1

When should this Design Principle be considered?

Prior to and during

Who should be responsible/involved?

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What does this design principle aim to do?

Establish a continuous support system to facilitate a smooth transition for students.

Address students’ practical needs, including access practice spaces and instruments.

Secure reliable short-term accommodation.

Streamline visa processes and offer comprehensive guides to ease bureaucratic challenges.

Provide clear financial planning guidelines

What possible actions are recommended?

Establish a dedicated support system that connects incoming students with advisors or coordinators before and during their mobility period to address practical needs.

Provide all relevant information (e.g., housing, visa, finances) in advance through a centralized website or portal, accessible from both home and host institutions.

Clearly define responsibilities between institutions to ensure seamless support and avoid gaps in service.

Establish partnerships with trusted local housing providers to offer safe, short-term accommodation options.

Create and maintain a centralized database of verified landlords and housing options to prevent scams and ensure student safety.

Collaborate with immigration authorities to simplify visa procedures and reduce processing times.

Create an online portal with step-by-step visa application guides, FAQs, and virtual consultation options for personalized support.

Offer pre-departure orientations and ongoing assistance for visa extensions or other immigration-related issues.

Provide clear and accessible guidelines on financial planning, including detailed information on scholarships, eligibility criteria, and application processes.

Ensure timely disbursement of funds and establish emergency financial support systems for unforeseen expenses.

Provide personalized financial advice and resources to help students manage their budgets effectively.

5.2 Health and Well-Being

5.2

When should this Design Principle be considered?

Prior to, during and after

Who should be responsible/involved?

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What does this design principle aim to do?

Designated Mobility Coordinator on department/programme level (if available) from the student's home institution

Alternatively: a trusted mentor (academic staff) – or at least someone with whom the students establish a relationship prior to departure

What possible actions are recommended?

Assign designated support persons (SP) to students, providing clear guidelines on roles, responsibilities, and communication channels.

Initiate contact between students and SPs before arrival and schedule regular check-ins to monitor adaptation and well-being.

Ensure SPs know who to contact for specific issues (e.g., health, academics, or well-being).

Train SPs to recognize signs of stress, anxiety or adjustment difficulties and encourage students to join well-being activities or support groups.

Provide students with clear, accessible information on whom to contact for different types of support.

Organize structured debriefing sessions after the mobility period to reflect on experiences and address any ongoing challenges.

Student Support

Focus Area V addresses the practical and personal conditions that allow students to fully engage with their mobility experience. It focuses on the everyday infrastructure of care: practical support for housing, visa, and financial matters, and continuous attention to students' health and well-being before, during, and after exchange. Mobility is framed here as a process that requires sustained institutional attention, helping your institution ensure that students are supported as whole persons rather than left to manage uncertainty alone.