Preparing for Your Study Visit

Going on a Study Visit and need some information? Our step-by-step guide has lots of useful advice to help you feel prepared.

1. Read the Study Visit Reporting Handbook for Participants

The Reporting Handbook for Study Visit participants in 2009-10 academic year is a comprehensive guide to help you prepare for your visit. It introduces the Study Visits programme and contains important information on your contract and grant. So, do not miss out, read it!

2. Read the Participant's Companion

The Participant's Companion is a handy guide published by CEDEFOP, with lots of tips and guidance to help you make the most of your study visit.

3. Attend a Study Visits briefing seminar

Attend one of our Study Visit briefing seminars, where we will explain exactly what you need to do before your visit and how to receive your grant. At each seminar you can hear a former participant share their experience of taking part in a study visit. 

The briefing seminars will take place all across the UK in September and October 2009. If you can't attend, then you may find it useful to download the Briefing Seminar presentation slides (available by end August 2009).

At the Belfast seminar last year, a former study visit participant, Gillian Stewart, talked about her visit to Finland in early 2008. You can download Gillian’s presentation, which has hints and tips on making the most of your study visit.

4. Find out more about the country you’re visiting

Learning about your host country and its education system before the visit is an excellent way to prepare yourself. The following links will help you find the information you need:

Thematic information
CEDEFOP will publish thematic information for participants on their website http://studyvisits.cedefop.europa.eu. Please use the ‘Documentation Door’ and select ‘documents per theme’ to find these.

Researching the topic
The National Foundation for Education Research (NFER) has published a useful factsheet for Study Visits participants. 

Finding out about other education systems
You can find summaries of the national education and training systems of 31 countries on the Eurydice website. These summaries will give you excellent background information for your visit.

5. Don’t forget!

Before you go, make sure you have all the information you need. Our top tips are:

• Remember to find out from your host if you are expected to give a presentation on the UK during the visit. If there are other UK participants on your visit, consider giving a joint presentation.



• Have you asked your host about the dress code? In some countries you will be expected to dress smartly, particularly when visiting other organisations. You might also need particular clothing depending on the weather in your visit location and the kinds of places you’re travelling to.



• Don’t forget to pack business cards, promotional materials from your organisation, and a small gift for your host (if you like). It shouldn’t be expensive, but it will be appreciated.