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About the Exchange Programmes

It has been confirmed that from 2023 the UK will no longer participate in the Erasmus+ scheme.  However, a number of European institutions will still accept applications from the UK for study and we have some limited funding to help support this.

Who is eligible?

  • You must be enrolled in your second year of undergraduate higher education studies (Music) or your first year undergraduate higher education studies (Dance, BAMPI).
  • An agreement should be in place between Trinity Laban and the conservatoire of your choice.
  • Your study exchange must be for a maximum of 3 months.
  • You must have achieved an average of 60% in all performance elements of Principal Study (Music) or be in good academic and performance standing (Dance).
  • You must have a very good record of attendance and punctuality in ensembles and classes.
  • You must have completed all assessments for the current year at the time of application and will not be trailing and/or redeeming credits as a result of poor performance (unless Additional Consideration applies).
  • You must complete the application process in full by the given deadlines.

Where can I go?

Trinity Laban has partnerships with a large number of music and dance conservatoires throughout Europe and the world. Please note that since the UK exited the Erasmus scheme in May 2023, we have been reviewing all the partnerships we previously built. As a result, there might be some changes to the partnerships. However, the list mentioned earlier can still be a useful reference for you to check and choose your preferred institutions for application.

Language Policy

Before you apply, please take the time to seriously consider your ability in the native language of the country you wish to visit. Those students who are unable to demonstrate good/fluent ability are recommended to apply only to those institutions where the courses are predominantly taught in English.

For those students who wish to develop their language skills prior to exchange  we recommend attending intensive summer courses at the following institutions:

How to apply for the Exchange Programmes

If you decide to proceed with your application, you will need to:

  1. Take a look at our list of  Partners. Decide which institutions you would like to apply to. You are not able to apply to more than three institutions. Please make sure you have carried out some research into the institution(s) you are interested in going to and look into the type of programme they can offer you as well as any deadlines they have for applications. Each host institution has different deadlines for the submission of exchange applications and it is vital that your application arrives in time. Also check any language requirements.
  2. Discuss the possibility of exchange with your Head of Department, Programme Leader and/or principal study teacher.
  3. Fill in our Expression of Interest Form by the 8th January. (Late Applications will not be considered).
  4. Applicants will then be shortlisted for interview by an internal academic panel. Be prepared to discuss your reasons for wanting to do an exchange and also why you wish to go to your particular chosen institutions.
  5. Those students who are successful in the internal selection process will be invited to officially apply to their chosen institutions. Please note that an official application does not guarantee a successful placement.
  6. You will then need to create the recorded/portfolio audition for your application. This will vary depending on your artistic discipline, and where you want to go. Please see below for guidelines:

Musicians/Vocalists
If you are a musician you should prepare a recording of your playing. This should include 2-3 contrasting pieces (approximately 20 minutes worth). If you do not have an appropriate recording, then we will book some time in the recording studio for you to prepare one for your application.

Composers
If you are a composer you should prepare a portfolio of 2-3 pieces. If you have recordings include these; if not just provide the scores.

Dancers
If you are a dancer you should prepare a video recording of your work (approximately 15 minutes worth).It is particularly important that your recording be of good quality and be ready to send off with your application, so start thinking about the pieces you intend to record as soon as possible. It’s also worth noting that some institutions require materials to be submitted online.

Once all of your documentation has been prepared, please feel free to contact Admissions if you may need any help. We can go through your application with you to ensure that all is in order prior to submitting your application.

Students are responsible to submit their applications, please notify Admissions once the applications are submitted. After you applications have been submitted, there may be a considerable wait until you find out whether you have been accepted. The wait will vary in each institution. Some are able to let you know in the Spring or early Summer terms and others not until June or even July.

How do I give myself the best chance of being selected?

Bear in mind that some destinations are particularly popular, not only with Trinity Laban students, but others from all over Europe and the world, making them more competitive to obtain a place.

Don’t let this put you off applying to your ideal destination! However, we would strongly advise that you consider applying to a range of institutions.  Remember that less well-known conservatoires can have fantastic departments in certain specialist areas, e.g. historical performance, and this can be a great opportunity to explore a country you have never visited before, so do your research and be tactical.

Information for Successful Applicants

What Do I Do First?

In the first instance you will need to officially accept your offer by informing us in Admissions. We will contact your host institution and ask for further direction. It is likely they will require some form of pre-registration, though this depends entirely on your host institution, some require online registration, others simply require an email acceptance.

What if I have been accepted at more than one of my choices?

You will need to make a decision fairly quickly about which one you would prefer to go to. This is entirely up to you. As soon as you know, inform Admissions and we will inform your other choices that you do not wish to accept their offers.

Is there any paperwork I need to fill out?

We will need the following from you before you go on Study Abroad:

  • Signed Student Contract
  • Form with bank details
  • Signed Learning Agreement

Please ensure you fill these out as soon as possible following your acceptance and return them to Admissions. These are essential documents that will allow us to process your grant payment efficiently.

Once you have returned from studying abroad you will need to provide the following:

  • Transcript (Host institution to produce)
  • Completion of Exchange Certificate (Host institution to produce)

Please ensure you return the completed forms to Admissions as soon as possible after the completion of your studies.

Will my Transcript be officially recognised as part of my Degree Programme?

All signed-off and successfully completed activities within Learning Agreements are awarded the agreed ECTS credit allocation once confirmation has been formally received from the Host Institution.

Who arranges my travel?

You are responsible for making your own travel arrangements. As soon as the location of your study abroad period/work placement and dates of attendance have been confirmed, you should shop around for advice and quotes on available flights. For the cheapest fares it is often a good idea to avoid travelling at the weekend and to book well in advance.

What about accommodation?

Again, this will largely be your responsibility. Some institutions provide rooms in halls of residence and many will provide a welcome pack which will advise you on places/people to contact regarding accommodation options at your host institution.

Will I pay fees to my host institution?

No university fees (for tuition, registration, examinations, access to laboratory and library facilities, etc.) are paid to the host institution. Please note that if your host institution is providing accommodation for you, you will be required to pay any accommodation fees.

Will I pay fees to Trinity Laban?

Yes, you are liable for the full tuition fee at Trinity Laban. You should ensure that your loan is arranged or that you have paid your tuition fees prior to going on exchange.

Funding

Is there any more money available?

Yes, there is possibly more financial assistance available to you from SLC depending on your situation.

Travel Grants

Additional travel grants are available from SLC if you are studying abroad as part of your course. You can apply for a travel grant if you are studying a full-time higher education course and you are receiving student finance that depends on your household income, e.g. Maintenance Loan or Maintenance Grant. You must also be attending an overseas institution for at least 50% of any academic term.

The amount you can receive depends on your household income and covers reasonable costs incurred on travel expenses during an academic year.

Contact details for the regional funding agencies

Regional Funding Agency Telephone Number Website

How much money will I need for the time I am away?

This amount will vary from country to country. Ideally, you should do some research: work out how much it costs you to live in London per month and the answer is likely to be just below this figure.

Further Information

Do I need a visa to go on exchange?

Following Brexit and dependant on the length of your exchange you may require a visa to study in your host country. Please check if you will need a visa as soon as possible. Visas can take some time to process and it is best to get your application going early.

Do I need insurance?

It is important to ensure that you have valid travel and health insurance for the duration of your stay in your host country.

When travelling abroad it is also recommended that you take out a private insurance policy to cover you for loss of instruments, personal possessions, and money; missed flights; luggage delays; etc.

What if I don’t enjoy the exchange? Can I come home?

Being away from familiar faces and places, coming to terms with new people and customs, unfamiliar food and weather and different learning styles can all feel quite overwhelming. It is important to remember that this is just a temporary phase and also a perfectly normal reaction.

There are many things you can do to help yourself during this transition period. If you are going to a non-English speaking country, then try to learn some of the local language before you go. Look after yourself by eating good food – if it helps, seek out suppliers of food you may have been used to having at home. Talk to other international students – they will understand what you are experiencing. Learn about each other’s culture. Do not be afraid to ask for help if things are difficult. Learning and teaching styles may be very different from those you are used to; if you are in doubt, ask your Professor or tutor to explain something to you.

If, after trying the above, you still wish to come home then please contact us and we will be able to assist.

Questions

If you have any further questions, please contact the Admissions office

Key Facts

UCAS N/A
Duration 3 Months

Becky's Story

BA (Hons) Contemporary Dance