Step 6: After your exchange
Welcome back; we hope your stay abroad was valuable and fun!
It is important that you arrange the transfer of the grades and credits you received abroad carefully.
Read the information below to check what is important after your return. We hope that you will share your experiences with future exchange students.
Most of our partner universities send the transcripts to the international office, but please check if this actually happens. You are responsible for arranging the transfer of your grades and credits.
The convertion of credits and grades you obtained abroad is regulated in the Education and Examination Regulations of your programme. The authority lies with the Board of Examiners of each individual study programme.
Most European universities use the European Credit system (EC) and normally, you obtain 30 EC per semester. For universities that do not use EC, a credit conversion table is available.
For the credits to count towards your degree, you may be asked to provide additional information besides the transcript of grades. Your Board of Examiners may, for instance, require an overview of the number of hours you spent on a particular subject, as well as the study materials used.
Grades you obtain abroad are converted to Pass or Fail. In addition, the original courses and grades are recorded in OSIRIS and printed on the International Diploma Supplement. You can find more information about this in the Education and Examination Regulations.
By writing a report
Erasmus students/other students. Your report will be made available to UU students preparing for an exchange, placement or research period abroad. We will hide your name and student number.
If you did an exchange via the Universitywide International Office please send your report to ubd.oo.verslagen@uu.nl. If you did an exchange via the International Office of one of the faculties, please send your report to the Faculties International Office.
By attending a Study Abroad Presentation or Pre-Departure Meeting
Talk about your experiences with other students, and answer their questions. They, as well as the International Office staff, will greatly appreciate your help! Contact your exchange coordinator at the International Office.
Use your international experience in Utrecht
If you are interested in getting to know international students in Utrecht, visit the website of ESN Utrecht. ESN is a student organisation that helps international students feel at home in Utrecht and the Netherlands by organising activities and through a mentor programme.
BuddyGoDutch
BuddyGoDutch connects international students to Utrecht students. The idea is to meet up in pairs for cultural exchange on a personal level. In addition, informal activities and get-togethers are organised for the participating students. BuddyGoDutch is always looking for enthusiastic Utrecht students to take part. Would you like to be a buddy to an exchange student? Sign up at www.buddygodutch.nl or check Facebook.com/BuddyGoDutch.
Read more about the phenomenon of 'reverse culture shock' that you might experience when returning home.