[Leahcar]

Hello

I'm taking part in the ELA scheme this academic year (2012-2013) and I'm a bit confused about the whole Student Finance aspect...
I'm sure I've been told that I have to apply anyway and tell them that I will be studying abroad, but when I apply do I tell them that I'm continuing with the same course as last time but studying abroad, or do I tell them that I'm doing a sandwich year?
As far as I'm aware this will be counted as a gap year as far as uni is concerned because it isn't compulsory.

Also- I'm going to Amiens in France I'd love to hear your experiences/where you're going/where you have been etc! I'm so excited and I'd love to share it with someone who understands!

[kf289]

Very jealous! You'll have such a great time! I did an assistantship year in Spain in 2005/06 and it was an amazing experience. Make the most of it and use your holidays / weekends to travel around. If there are other people from your uni going to different places in France go and visit each other, you can't beat free accommodation and a 'local' tour guide! With regards to student finance I would give them a call and ask. I remember I had to pay half fees during my year abroad so still went through the motions as normal, but if that's not the case for you then I'm not sure. Where are you from by the way?

[Leahcar]

(Original post by kf289)
Very jealous! You'll have such a great time! I did an assistantship year in Spain in 2005/06 and it was an amazing experience. Make the most of it and use your holidays / weekends to travel around. If there are other people from your uni going to different places in France go and visit each other, you can't beat free accommodation and a 'local' tour guide! With regards to student finance I would give them a call and ask. I remember I had to pay half fees during my year abroad so still went through the motions as normal, but if that's not the case for you then I'm not sure. Where are you from by the way?

Thank you! I really can't wait to just get out there, it'll be so scary but so worth it! Pretty much the whole year group is going to France/Spain so there'll be plenty of visiting opportunities I definitely intend to make the most of it and do a bit of travelling, first on my list is definitely Disneyland Paris (you'd never know I'm 20 years old, honestly!)
I'll give them a wee ring tomorrow and see what's happening. Just asking on here to see what anyone else is doing! I hate having to speak to people on the phone
And I'm from Northern Ireland Studying in Scotland (Stirling) though

[kf289]

(Original post by Leahcar)
Thank you! I really can't wait to just get out there, it'll be so scary but so worth it! Pretty much the whole year group is going to France/Spain so there'll be plenty of visiting opportunities I definitely intend to make the most of it and do a bit of travelling, first on my list is definitely Disneyland Paris (you'd never know I'm 20 years old, honestly!)
I'll give them a wee ring tomorrow and see what's happening. Just asking on here to see what anyone else is doing! I hate having to speak to people on the phone
And I'm from Northern Ireland Studying in Scotland (Stirling) though

Small world! I'm from Northern Ireland too! Portadown. And went to uni in Scotland (St Andrews). Though am now working as a French and Spanish teacher in England. Just back from taking a group of 12 year olds to France and we went to Disneyland on the last day, so I completely understand your excitement! Hope everything goes well with your year abroad. It really will be great. I found January / February to be a bit tough at times, so my tip would be to make sure you plan something fun around then just to keep you going through the dark days of winter and give yourself something to look forward to after Christmas. Have you got accommodation sorted? I think that was the scariest thing for me, landing in Spain with no where to live and having to jump in at the deep end and go flat hunting! But worked out really well in the end

[Leahcar]

(Original post by kf289)
Small world! I'm from Northern Ireland too! Portadown. And went to uni in Scotland (St Andrews). Though am now working as a French and Spanish teacher in England. Just back from taking a group of 12 year olds to France and we went to Disneyland on the last day, so I completely understand your excitement! Hope everything goes well with your year abroad. It really will be great. I found January / February to be a bit tough at times, so my tip would be to make sure you plan something fun around then just to keep you going through the dark days of winter and give yourself something to look forward to after Christmas. Have you got accommodation sorted? I think that was the scariest thing for me, landing in Spain with no where to live and having to jump in at the deep end and go flat hunting! But worked out really well in the end

Ah wow! That's exactly what I want to do (although I'll probably stay in Scotland!)
I don't have accommodation sorted because I don't know where I'm going at all yet, I just know it'll be in the region of Amiens! I find out more in July I believe.
Thank you for all your advice