Exchange bank
A step-by-step guide for students
1. Read the ESN Principles carefully.
2. Print the Application in your own language and read it carefully together with your family. If you agree with everything in the Application, sign it and bring it to your school coordinator. You will then be given a password for the Student Exchange Bank.
3. Explore this website and decide which countries you would like to go to for an exchange period. Choose at least three countries.
4. Log in on the Exchange Bank and fill in YOUR PROFILE. Your search profile will then be available to all other students on the Exchange Bank and you can start your search.
5. When you find a potential exchange partner, contact him/her by e-mail. Have a look at the example letter. Include all essential information in your first letter. If you are contacted by another student, answer their e-mail IMMEDIATELY and be polite. Be patient and check your e-mails daily. Do not make people wait for your answer!
6. When you and your exchange partner have decided that you are going to proceed with the exchange, click NOT AVAILABLE on your Exchange Bank Profile. In case the exchange doesn't take place, you can become available again.
7. Tell your school coordinator that you have found a match. Note that an ESN exchange cannot take place during school holidays in the host country.
8. Print the Agreement and read it carefully (in your own language). You need two original versions of the Agreement: one for your school coordinator and one for the host school coordinator (English version). Fill in the Agreement and get all the necessary signatures for both originals.
9. Proceed with your travel plans (insurances, flights, gifts for the hosts, etc.). You need adequate health insurance, for example the European Health Insurance Card. Talk to your teachers before you travel in order to get assignments for the exchange period.
10. Bring an original version of the Agreement to the host school coordinator. He/she will explain to you the rules of their school and provide you with further information.
11. Keep a journal during the exchange period and send your evaluation report to your home school coordinator within two weeks after your return to your home country.
12. IMPORTANT! Click the box "Exchange done" on your Exchange Bank profile. Your exchange will then be added to the statistics box on the Home page.