The Programme, which to a large extent involves the area of didactics, enables the acquisition of subsidies from the budget of the European Union. The finances come as part of the fees paid by the member and associated states, and are allocated to support financially the exchange of students (and teachers) between universities. In 2003 the European Commission granted the so-called “ERASMUS University Charter” to our University, which guarantees the University its participation in the Programme until the academic year 2013/2014.
The most common forms of international contacts subsidized by the Programme are study periods for students at European higher education institutions (one semester long, candidates for the doctor’s degree – 3 months long), which are considered to be an integral part of the didactic process at the sending institution, as well as training periods of students and staff and exchange of lecturers.
The criteria for qualification of students are as follows: completion of at least one year of studies; high average of marks (from 4.00 upwards), command of a foreign language allowing the student to participate actively in the courses offered by partner institutions, and eventually, to complete assignments and pass exams successfully; and furthermore – an issue of particular importance - acknowledgement by the partner institution or faculty of the planned course approved by the sending institution, and signing of an agreement between the student and the University of Physical Education in Warsaw.
Applications of the students are assessed by the inter-faculty commission headed by the Vice-Rector for Research and International Co-operation. The Commission assesses and qualifies the submitted applications, taking also into account the number of places available at the home institution.
The final decision regarding the individual amount of grants for students is taken by the Vice-Rector for Research and International Co-operation, in agreement with the University Co-ordinator for the ERASMUS Programme, depending on the actual sum of institutional grant assigned by the National Agency, as well as by the number of students qualified to participate in the Programme for the particular academic year.
According to the assumed principles the grant received by the student covers only a part of the costs connected with living abroad (though the Programme exempts students from paying for studies at partner institutions). The remaining costs - incurred during the stay abroad - the students cover themselves.
The University of Physical Education in Warsaw co–operates within the ERASMUS Programme with over 50 renowned universities in Europe; take a look at the separate list on the website:
www.awf.edu.pl
The number of students sent by our University keeps growing systematically; in the academic years 2007/2008 and 2008/2009 about 80 students (each year) went abroad and in the academic year 2009/2010 a similar number of students would be leaving.
An important advantage of agreements signed under the ERASMUS Programme is the fact that they are directly concluded by universities that have a compatible didactic offer.
It should be stressed that apart from the Institutional Coordinator, the Faculty Coordinators and the Coordinator on behalf of the Students’ Union (have a look at the ERASMUS Identification Form - below) every student who meets the basic requirements of qualification may undertake the initiative to get in contact with foreign universities. Some students have so far successfully made use of such a possibility.
Within the ERASMUS Programme the University of Physical Education also offers studying periods to students from foreign partner universities (in the academic year 2008/2009 over 35 ERASMUS students visited our University), preparing for them individual education paths on each faculty (physical education, tourism and recreation, physiotherapy) using materials and the help of our English speaking teachers and students.
In the academic year 2009/2010 a considerable number of courses on each faculty (physical education, tourism and recreation, physiotherapy) will be lead in English or with English support (take a look at the link: Courses in English or with English support, on www.awf.edu.pl).
In order to make this task easier for you, we suggest taking a look also at the ECTS & COURSE CATALOGUE and EVALUATION SCALE. An ECTS & COURSE CATALOGUE (in English) is available on our website: www.awf.edu.pl. Regarding more info about lessons please contact the respective Faculty Coordinator.
There is actually no special enrollment procedure for ERASMUS students from abroad. Just a short announcement sent by your University and a completed Application Form delivered according to the deadlines. Please get in touch with the International Office of your home university or directly with ERASMUS Coordinators at the AWF Warsaw.
