UNIVERSITY OF BERGAMO

General ECTS-Guide European Community Course Credit Transfer System

Academic Year 2003/2004

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CONTENTS
1. a) b) c) d) e) ECTS AND THE UNIVERSITY OF BERGAMO What is ECTS? How does ECTS work? Credit Allocation ECTS Students Participating Institutions

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2. THE ITALIAN UNIVERSITY SYSTEM Introduction and Description I) University Entry II) Grading System III) Exams at Bergamo University IV) Tutoring 3. THE UNIVERSITY OF BERGAMO a) The City of Bergamo b) The University I) Background II) Faculties and Degrees Awarded III) Location IV) Enrolment V) Library Services VI) Computer Centre VII) Language Centre VIII) Services for the Disabled IX) Work Placement Centre X) Students' Office (Segreteria Studenti) XI) ISU and Canteen XII) Students' Associations c) International Relations Office d) Academic Calendar 2003 - 2004 e) Important Points to Remember f) Accommodation g) Residency Permits h) Health Services and Insurance i) Courses of Italian Language and Culture 4. OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION a) Cost of living b) Miscellaneous c) Application Form d) Learning Agreement e) Transcript of Records

1. ECTS AND THE UNIVERSITY OF BERGAMO

This Handbook describes the University of Bergamo and the courses to help future ECTS students plan their study programme.

a) What is ECTS?
ECTS, the European Community Course Credit Transfer System, is a pilot project within the ERASMUS Programme (European Community Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students). One of the main aims of the ERASMUS Programme is to promote academic recognition of studies within the European Community and between EC-member states and EFTA countries so that students can take part of their courses abroad.

b) How does ECTS work?

ECTS was set up on an experimental basis for a maximum of six academic years, from 1989-90 to 1994-95. It has involved 145 higher education institutions, each of them participating with one faculty or department. Starting from 1995-96, other universities - including the University of Bergamo - adopted ECTS, particularly in view of the imminent launch of the SOCRATES Programme, of which ERASMUS forms a part - that regarding universities. ECTS is a decentralised system based on the principle of mutual trust between the participating higher education institutions. The few ECTS regulations on information (on courses available), agreements (between local and host institutions) and the use of credit points (to indicate student workload) help reinforce this idea of mutual trust. Each ECTS faculty describes the courses it offers not only in terms of content but also indicating the credits awarded by each course.

c) Credit Allocation
ECTS is a credit system based on the student workload undertaken in each course. This includes lectures, practical work and private study, that is, all the work required to take an exam. Sixty credits are given for a year of study, with 30 credits per term or 20 credits for a session (three months). Please note that no special courses are set up for ECTS purposes, but that all courses are mainstream courses offered by the participating institutions, as followed by local students under normal conditions. It is up to the participating institutions to allocate credits for each course, according to their importance. Practical work and optional courses which do not form an integral part of the course of studies do not receive academic credit. Non-credit courses may be mentioned in the academic transcript. Credits are awarded only if the course has been completed and all the required exams have been passed.

d) ECTS Students
Students participating in ECTS will receive full credit for all academic work carried out at any ECTS-partner institution. They will be able to transfer these academic credits from one participating institution to another on the basis of prior agreement between the institutions involved. Most students participating in ECTS will enrol in a host institution in an EC-member state, study there for a limited period and then return to their home institution. Some may also decide to stay on at the host institution and take a degree there. In both of these cases, students will have to meet the legal and institutional requirements of the country and institution where they take their degree. When the student returns home after successfully completing the study programme previously agreed upon between local and host institutions, their credits will be automatically transferred and they will continue the chosen course of studies at the home institution without any loss of time or credit. If, on the other hand, the student decides to stay at the host institution to take a degree there, they will have to adapt their study plan to the legal, institutional or departmental regulations of the host country, institution or department. In order to 3

participate in ECTS, students must fulfil the conditions of eligibility for an ERASMUS grant, that is: - students must be citizens of one of the EC-Member states or one of the EFTA countries (or recognised by one of these countries as having the status of political refugee or stateless person or permanent resident). EFTA nationals registered as students at an institution in another EFTA country or in an EC-member state are only eligible for mobility grants if they have the right of permanent residency; - the student will not be required to pay tuition fees at the host university, but may, however, be required to continue to pay their normal fees to the home university during the study period abroad; - if the student is already the holder of a national grant for study at their home university, this need not necessarily be discontinued, suspended or reduced while that student is studying in another member state and is receiving an ERASMUS grant; - a study period abroad should not last less than three months or more than one year (only for SOCRATES/ERASMUS students); - first-year students are not eligible for ERASMUS grants.

e) Participating ERASMUS Partner Institutions of The University of Bergamo: Faculty of Foreign Languages and Literature
FRANCE 1. Universit de Haute Alsace-Mulhouse 2. Universit Stendhal Grenoble III 3. Universit Lumire Lyon II 4. Universit de Paris III - Sorbonne Nouvelle 5. Universit de Paris XII - Val de Marne GREAT BRITAIN 6. University of Hull 7. University of Leeds 8. University of Manchester 9. University of Reading 10. University of Wales Swansea GERMANY 11. Rheinisch-Westflische Technische Hochschule Aachen 12.Humboldt-Universitt zu Berlin 13.Georg-August-Universitt Gttingen 14. Ruprecht-Karls Universitt Heidelberg 15.Universitt Karlsruhe 16.Universitt zu Kln 17. Universitt Leipzig 18.Universitt Mannheim 19.Ludwig-Maximiliams-Universitt Mnchen 20. Westflische Wilhelms-Universitt Mnster 21. Universitt des Saarlandes - Saarbrcken AUSTRIA 22.Leopold Franzens Universitt Innsbruck 23.Universitt Salzburg SPAIN 24.Universidad de Barcelona 25. Universidad de Cadiz 26.Universidad de Extremadura 27. Universidad Complutense de Madrid 28.Universidad de Murcia 29.Universidad de Salamanca 4

30.Universidad de Santiago de Compostela 31.Universidad de Sevilla PORTUGAL 32.Universidad do Porto Partners in projects similar to ERASMUS (without scholarship grants) U.S.A. 33.University of Missouri Columbia AUSTRALIA 34.University of Technology Sydney

The Faculty of Arts and Philosophy

FRANCE 1. Universit de Perpignan SPAIN 2. Universidad Autonoma de Barcelona Partners in projects similar to ERASMUS (without scholarship grants) SWITZERLAND 3. Universit de Genve U.S.A. 4. University of Missouri Columbia AUSTRALIA 5. University of Technology Sydney

The Faculty of Economics

English Language Partners GREAT BRITAIN 1. University of Hull 2. Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College 3. Sheffield Hall University Sheffield Business School THE NETHERLANDS 4. Universiteit Maastricht 5. Hogeschool InHolland Haarlem 6. Hanzenhogeschool Groningen NORWAY 7. Norwegian University of Science and Technology Trondheim 8. Molde College SWEDEN 9. Vxj University 10. Mlardalens Hgskola Vastera FINLAND 11. Satakunta Polytechnic Kankaap

CYPRUS 12. University of Cyprus French Language Partners FRANCE 13. Universit Jean Moulin Lyon III 14. Ecole Suprieure de Commerce du Havre Le Havre-Caen 15. Ecole Des Dirigents et Crateurs dEnterprise Courbevoie 16. Ecole Suprieure de Commerce Clermont Ferrand 17. Group Ecole Suprieure de Commerce Chambry Savoie BELGIUM 18. Haute Etudes Commerciales Lige German Language Partners GERMANY 19. Universitt Trier 20. Fachnochschule Osnabrck 21. Fachnochschule Reutlingen 22. Universitt Fridericiana Karlsruhe 23. Fachnochschule fr Wirtschaft Berlin AUSTRIA 24. Fachnochschulverein Inntal Kufstein (some courses are also in English) Portugese Language Partners PORTUGAL 25. Universidade de Aveiro Spanish Language Partners SPAIN 26. Universidad de Barcelona 27. Universidad de Deusto de San Sebastian 28. Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria 29. Universidad de La Laguna - Teneriffe Partners in projects similar to ERASMUS (without scholarship grants) U.S.A. 30. University of Missouri Columbia AUSTRALIA 31. University of Technology Sydney CANADA 32. Ryerson Polytechnic University Toronto MEXICO 33. Cetys Universidad

The Faculty of Engineering

English Language Partners GREAT BRITAIN 1. Bolton Institute Faculty of Technology 2. University of Brighton MALTA 3. University of Malta THE NETHERLANDS 4. University of Technology Delft 5. Eindoven University of Technology 6

NORWAY 6. Norwegian University of Science and Technology Trondheim CZECH REPUBLIC 7. Czech Technical University in Prague German Language Partners GERMANY 8. Universitt Hannover 9. Friedrich-Alexander-Universitt Erlangen-Nrnberg 10. Universitt Dortmund 11. Technische Universitt Darmstadt Portugese Language Partners PORTUGAL 12. Universidade Tecnica de Lisboa Spanish Language Partners SPAIN 13. Universidad Politecnica de Catalunya Barcelona 14. Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Partners in projects similar to ERASMUS (without scholarship grants) SWITZERLAND 15. University of Applied Sciences Aargau U.S.A. 16. University of Missouri Columbia AUSTRALIA 17. University of Technology Sydney

2. THE ITALIAN UNIVERSITY SYSTEM

The entire Italian education system is under the centralised control of the Ministry of Education, Universities and Research (MIUR). Following the reforms contained in Decree-Law No. 509 of 03.11.99, university study in Italy is now organised into three stages: University Diploma The basic teaching structure is the Faculty which offers one or more degree courses. The degree courses organise and co-ordinate teaching in individual disciplines. These may lead to many different qualifications, and the Diploma is conferred after three academic years, having gained a total of 180 credits by passing the exams required by the study plan. The type and organisation of courses is regulated by law. The Diploma is conferred after passing the required number of exams and having presented and discussed the final written thesis. Admission to these courses is regulated by the general requirements for university admission. Specialised Degree After a three-year degree course, it will be possible to gain a 2-year specialised degree (120 credits) which integrates the 3-year course with specific training. Research Doctorate The aim of the doctoral studies programme is to potentiate research techniques in various scientific areas. Programmes include individual research under the guidance of professors and special seminars. The minimum period of study is three years. This third-level academic degree, called Dottore di Ricerca, is awarded to candidates who have carried out significant scientifically important research documented in a final written dissertation. This programme is open to a limited number of candidates), who must be university graduates or hold equivalent degrees from foreign universities. Italian citizenship is not an essential requirement. OR Post-graduate Diplomas of Specialisation These diplomas are awarded by schools offering special advanced professional training courses in various subjects. The limited places are reserved for university graduates or those with equivalent foreign qualifications. The courses last 2-3 years and include practical experience. Attendance is compulsory. The final examination is a defence of a written thesis. I) University Entry Entry to Italian universities is granted only to holders of a Diploma di Maturit from an Italian secondary school. Foreign students (see Enrolment p. 11), or Italian students from secondary schools abroad, are admitted on the basis of equivalent qualifications. There are no limitations on entry except to medical faculties (medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine), in private (libere) universities, and to some newly established universities/degree courses where entry is on a quota system. II) Grading System Until 1968, secondary school grading was on a scale of 0-10 (maximum) and 6 was the minimum pass mark. Since 1969, different systems have been adopted for different schools. In primary school, an overall assessment is made at the end of each year. In the lower secondary school, final assessment is expressed as pass, good, distinction or excellent. In the upper secondary school, final marks are on a scale of 0100, with 60 as the minimum pass mark. The maximum final university grade is 110. For exceptional students, the degree may be awarded cum laude. Individual courses are graded on a scale of 18-30. MARK 18 - 23 24 - 25 26 - 27 28 - 29 30 - 30 cum laude ASSESSMENT pass satisfactory/fair good very good excellent 8 ECTS GRADE E D C B A

The highest mark (30/30) is possible. Students may refuse to accept a mark awarded if they are not satisfied with the result and may re-sit the exam. The Italian system does not use a compensatory mechanism between courses in the same year. In many European universities, students who are awarded a mark which is slightly below the minimum necessary to pass the exam, may not be required to re-sit the exam but may compensate with any high level marks in other exams. If a student fails an exam in Italy by a very small margin , they are not given 17/30 - they must re-sit the exam in any case. According to Italian law, all exams should be oral exams, but sometimes Professors will also ask students to sit a written exam, depending on the kind of course. III) Exams at Bergamo University Students must enrol for all exams - either written or oral - at the self-service desk, via Internet www.unibg.it or by telephone (035.250094), choosing the most convenient appello (exam date) within that particular sessione (examination period). If a student fails an exam, they may sit it again on the next exam date. At the end of their study period, foreign SOCRATES/ERASMUS students must go to the International Relations Office and hand in the certificates given to them by each individual teacher along with a list of all the exams taken and the marks obtained in them. Students are also requested to complete the questionnaire provided by the International Affairs Office and hand it in before they leave. IV) Tutoring Foreign students in the SOCRATES/ERASMUS programme will be allocated to a member of the Faculty staff who will provide guidance on courses and exams, and help solve any problems that may arise.

3. THE UNIVERSITY OF BERGAMO a) The City of Bergamo

Bergamo has a population of about 140,000 and is situated in central Lombardy, 50 kilometres east of Milan on the A4 Milan-Venice motorway, at the foot of the Alps. Citt Alta, the old part of the town, built inside the 16th-century Venetian walls, is rich in historical and artistic interest, while Citt Bassa, the lower part of the town, is built on the edge of the Po Valley plain. It has a solid industry-based economy, prevalently made up of numerous small-sized businesses. The province of Bergamo is one of the richest in Italy. For further information consult the local tourist authority (APT) website: www.apt.bergamo.it

b) The University
Name and address of the Institution: Universit degli Studi di Bergamo Via Salvecchio 19 24129 Bergamo Chancellor: Prof. Alberto Castoldi Registrar: Giuseppe Giovanelli I) Background The University of Bergamo has been a state university since November 1, 1992. Formerly, it was the Istituto Universitario di Bergamo, a private university set up in 1968. It is a medium-sized university with 10,871 students enrolled in the academic year 2002-2003. There were 139 foreign students enrolled, as well as 91 European students who attend Bergamo University as part of the SOCRATES/ERASMUS programme, which the University of Bergamo has been participating in since 1987. The University has a teaching body of 161, comprising full professors, associate professors and researchers. There are 156 members of the technical-administrative staff, including 23 language experts and assistants and 1 native-speaking "lettore" (conversation teacher). II) Faculties and Degrees Awarded The University of Bergamo has four faculties: At a session on 24.03.03, The University Senate passed a motion to offer the following first level degree courses (L) and specialist second level degree courses (LS) in 2003-2004 (following the Decree-Law No. 509 of 03.11.99). Faculty of Foreign Languages and Literature First Level (L) Degrees awarded: Laurea in Foreign Languages and Literature Laurea in Communication Science (2nd and 3rd Year) Laurea in Public and Institutional Mass Communication (1st Year) Laurea in Intercultural Communication for Co-operation and Business (1st Year) Second Level (LS) Degrees awarded: Specialist Laurea in Foreign Languages for International Communication (1st Year) Specialist Laurea in Planning and Management of Tourist Structures (1st Year) Faculty of Arts and Philosophy First Level (L) Degrees awarded: Laurea in Arts Laurea in Educational Studies Laurea in Science and Techniques of Interpersonal Relationships and of Social Organisations (1st Yr) Second Level (LS) Degrees awarded: Specialist Laurea in Consultancy in Education and Educational Research (1st Year) 10

Faculty of Economics First Level (L) Degrees awarded: Laurea in Economics and Commerce Laurea in Company Law Laurea in Company Administration Laurea in Foreign Commerce Laurea in Statistics and Computing for Company Management Laurea in Economic-Financial Security (training for Customs Officers in collaboration with the University of Milan-Bicocca, and with the Academy of Customs Officers Second Level (LS) Degrees awarded: Specialist Laurea in Company Finance and Management (1st Year) Specialist Laurea in Law (1st Year) Faculty of Engineering First Level (L) Degrees awarded: Laurea in Management Engineering Laurea in Mechanical Engineering Laurea in Computer Engineering Laurea in Construction Engineering Laurea in Textile Engineering Second Level (LS) Degrees awarded: Specialist Laurea in Management Engineering (1st Year) Specialist Laurea in Computer Engineering (1st Year) Specialist Laurea in Mechanical Engineering (1st Year) Research Doctorate The University of Bergamo offers the following courses leading to a Dottorato di Ricerca: Faculty of Foreign Languages and Literature - Research Doctorate in Text analysis and theory Faculty of Economics: Research Doctorate in Computational methods for economic and financial decision-making and forecasting Faculty of Economics: Research Doctorate in Electronic Marketing and Commerce Faculty of Arts and Philosophy: Research Doctorate in Anthropology and Epistemology of Complexity Faculty of Engineering: Research Doctorate in Economics and Management of Technology Faculty of Engineering: Research Doctorate in Energy and Environmental Technology III) Location The University is formed by a collection of buildings on various sites. The Chancellors office, the Faculty of Foreign Languages and Literature, the Faculty of Arts and Philosophy are housed in three buildings in Citt Alta (Via Salvecchio, Piazza Vechia, Piazza St. Agostino). The Faculty of Economics and the administrative offices are in Citt Bassa at Via Dei Caniana, 2. The Faculty of Engineering is in the town of Dalmine, a few kilometres from Bergamo. Further instructions for reaching all campus sites is available from the University Website under http://www.unibg.it/come arrivare (how to get there). IV) Enrolment General Requirements: Enrolments in the Degree Course of Psychology Sciences and Techniques have a quota of 300 students. After pre-enrolling, those interested are required to sit a selection test on 2nd September, 2003. All other degree courses are open. 11

Pre-Iscrizione (Pre-Enrolment) and an aptitude test is only required for students enrolling in courses within the Faculty of Engineering. Requirements for Foreign Students (not enrolled in Exchange Programmes): A limited number of places are available for foreign students not enrolled in Exchange Programmes. Non-EU students who are resident in a foreign country should forward their request through the Italian consulates in their home country within the periods and following the procedures set each year by the MIUR (Italian Ministry of Education) (protocol 1129 of 08.05.03 see Website www.miur.it). Before being admitted, all non-EU students are required to pass a test to prove their proficiency in Italian, enabling them to study at an Italian University. The Italian Institutes of Culture in various foreign countries, and in Italy the Universities of Perugia, Siena and Rome III, all offer Italian courses. EU students, wherever they reside, and non-EU students resident in Italy can apply directly to the University within the same time limits applying to Italian students. V) Library Services The University of Bergamo Library services supply back-up for all teaching activities, for study and research, making its resources and assistance available to satisfy the information needs of all its users. Each Faculty has its own library, organised to answer the primary study and research needs of its students. Reading rooms offer quiet, comfortable study conditions, books and journals are mostly freely available on open shelving for immediate use, and can also be taken out on loan or photocopied. Numerous connection points for students own lap-top computers allow on-line access to further resources. The Universitys libraries contain in total: around 150,000 books, 1,500 current subscriptions to journals, collections of working papers, data-bases for bibliographies, law, literature and periodicals, and thousands of titles of on-line journals of the principal international scientific publishers. The documents available within the libraries or accessible on-line are supplemented by all that can be found through the document supply and inter-library loan services. Continuously updated information regarding new acquisitions, special collections, data-bases and on-line publications, and inter-library activities can be found in the Website - http://www.unibg.it/library All libraries are open from Monday to Friday. 8.30 - 19. 30 and Saturday 8.30 - 12.30. LIBRARIES Faculty of Economics Library Address: Via dei Caniana, 2 - 24127 Bergamo Tel: 035 - 2052527 (Desk) 035 - 205253[1-4] (Office) Faculty of Foreign Languages and Literature Library Address: Piazza Vecchia, 8 - 24129 Bergamo Tel: 035 - 2052418. (Desk) 035 2052 401/417/430 (Office) Faculty of Engineering Library Address: Viale Einstein, 2 - 24044 Dalmine (BG) Tel: 035 - 2052304; (Desk) 035 2052331/632 (office) VI) University Computer Centre and Information Services The Computer Centre, together with the University of Bergamo Information Services, provides all computer services for administrative, teaching and research purposes. It implements and manages the Universitys web-site, the current version of which has recently been graphically and functionally re-designed and is under further development, the result of study and planning to improve, integrate and harmonise the different forms of web communication used in the former versions.

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The Computer Centre also supplies support for the necessary hardware and applications on behalf of the two inter-Faculty centres which plan and develop the teaching resources used in the e-Learning project. Learning Space, the eLearning management system, runs more than 30 Faculty of Economics courses, 12 Faculty of Engineering courses and 16 other courses for the non-technical Faculties. Perception is used for the preparation, administration and correction of tests. The Computer Centre manages laboratories throughout the site. In Via dei Caniana three classrooms offer a total of over 100 work-stations and another is equipped with a wireless network with a capacity of over 20 users. In the Faculty of Engineering in Dalmine there are 4 computer laboratories with a total of about 120 work-stations. Three new laboratories are to be completed during 2003: one in Via dei Caniana of 25 work-stations; one in the new building in Piazza St. Agostino; and another in the Faculty of Engineering for the use of 16 undergraduates. All these classrooms allow connection to the Internet and the individual computer programmes of Microsoft Office, as well as a number of software packages such as Solid Edge, Matlab, System Architect, Stata, E-views, Scientific Workplace, Mathematica, Maple, etc. Computer Laboratories available to users: Laboratory N 7 (First Floor) Via dei Caniana site 60 places available Rooms (Aule) 1 and 2 Dalmine site (Engineering) Viale Marconi 30 and 20 places available Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 09.00 19.00 The University of Bergamo web-site address is http://www.unibg.it VII) Language Centre Address: Via Salvecchio, 19 - 24129 Bergamo Tel: 035 - 2052225 (User service); 035 2052216 (Secretary); 035 2052200 (Technical Office) Fax: 035 - 2052227 e-mail: clubg@unibg.it Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 09.00 - 19.00. The Universitys Language Centre is an inter-faculty centre providing services for teaching/learning of foreign languages. The teaching facilities comprise: one computer language laboratory with 30 PCs connected to the network and 60 student places; one multi-media classroom equipped for simultaneous interpreting; two language laboratories; independent learning facilities including 40 places in a laboratory with audio-active-comparative equipment, a video library with 12 video-viewing stations and a computer laboratory with 15 PCs giving local network and Internet access. The Centre makes the following services available to users: language courses with audio-cassettes, phonetics courses, exercises and trial tests (dictation, summarising, translation) grammar books, dictionaries, etc. multimedia language courses, exercises and tests on computer, CD-ROM about culture, Internet connection satellite TV channels (viewing must be booked), original language films (with glossary and script transcription), videos and documentaries, television recordings. Music CDs (the video library currently holds more than 1,000 titles), To help choose between these various options, all materials are catalogued in a database which can be checked using any of the computers in the computer room, and which give a brief description of contents (level, activity) and useful advice about using them. During the academic year, students may consult the tutors (undergraduates or graduates in the language who are available in the Centre for 5 hours per week) both about choice of materials and about any language problems - (e-mail tutor@unibg.it)

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ERASMUS students who wish to get in touch with Italian students in order to practice their Italian can join the TANDEM project; the Language Centre provides information and enrolment forms. For further detailed and updated information (materials, Tutors timetables, etc.) students may check the Centres webpage in the Universitys website www.unibg.it VIII) Services for the Disabled Ufficio Servizi ai Disabili Via dei Caniana, 2 24127 Bergamo Tel: 035 2052595 Fax: 035 2052836 e-mail: servizi.disabili@unibg.it Opening Hours: Tuesday: 09.00 - 12.00 Wednesday: 16.00 - 19.00 In order to guarantee the right to study and to encourage social integration of disabled or chronically affected students, the University has set up a Commission for Disabled Services and an Office for Services for the Disabled whose task it is to offer special services through the following channels: Exemption from enrolment taxes for those whose disability is assessed at over 66% and extra funding from the Lombardy Region, through the ISU as a further contribution to any existing scholarships. Consultancy on teaching/learning matters through the Faculty Commissioners. Specialised Tutoring Service, offered by new graduates or students enrolled in the second or later years of the same Faculty, which provides: study support (lecture notes, mediating with teachers, etc.) organisation of transport and mobility services to and from and within the University help with administrative procedures drawing up of study plans planning of timetables and lecture hall use keeping places free in lectures/lessons recording of materials on audio-cassettes Appointment of interpreters and other professionals to help the hearing-disabled Personalised equivalent examinations using specific technical services (to be agreed with teaching staff) Handling of requests for technical equipment and specific teaching/learning aids (specialised PCs, Braille writers, etc.) Co-operation with external organisations (Italian Union for the Blind, Provincial Education Office, etc.) IX) Work Placement Centre Piazzetta Verzeri, 1 - 24129 Bergamo (Citt Alta From Autumn 2003 moving to Piazza Vecchia). Opening Hours: Monday and Thursday - 1500 - 17.00 Tuesday and Friday - 09.30 - 12.00 Wednesday - Closed Dalmine Site - Wednesday 09.30 12.00 Building A, First Floor Via dei Caniana, 2 - Thursday - 09.30 - 12.00 Room 218 Tel: 035 - 210597; Fax: 035 - 224979 e-mail: maggioni@unibg.it; mariangela.ravanelli@unibg.it; barbara.corti@unibg.it; veronica.caspani@unibg.it The University of Bergamo, in the context of University reforms, has chosen to offer students the opportunity to enrich their study/training with work experience in local organisations or businesses willing to establish a continuing relationship with the University. Work Placement is now compulsory in nearly all degree courses: course credits are given as part of the total 180 needed to complete the three-year degree course. In most cases the end of course report is developed on the basis of workexperience.

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In November 2001 the University opened the Work Placement Office which collects applications from students and co-ordinates the administrative procedures and documentation required before work can commence (insurances and social welfare aspects). Work Placement is governed at a national level by a Ministerial Decree N. 192/98 under Law N. 196/97 and applies to all undergraduates (including those doing Master, Specialisation and Specialist courses) and students who graduated in the 18 months prior to the application date. It lasts for a maximum of 12 months (24 months in the case of disabled students). Organisations or businesses enrol in the scheme and sign an agreement which does not require any financial commitment from the host organisation, since it is a period of training to complete a study programme. To date, about 800 agreements have been signed in the Province of Bergamo, the Lombardy Region, other Italian Regions and internationally. Work Placement applications are based on an Individual Training Project, signed by one of the supervising teachers in the students course, by the student and by the Company Tutor (the person whose role it is to guide and support the student within the organisation or business). The Training Project defines the contents, programme and objectives of the placement, integrating the expectations of the host, the learning requirements of the University as well as the expectations and participation of the student. Students can find application forms on the Internet on the Universitys website www.unibg.it, clicking on tirocini (work placement) in the list for their Faculty. X) Students' Office (Segreteria Studenti) There are two offices: One on the Bergamo campus, in Via dei Caniana, 2 (Open Monday to Friday 10.00 12.00; Monday and Wednesday 17 00 - 18.30) and responsible for students in the Faculties of Foreign Language and Literature, Arts and Philosophy, and Economics; The other office is on the Dalmine Campus, in Via Einstein, 2 (Open Monday to Friday 10.00 - 12.00; Monday and Thursday 14 00 - 15.30) and responsible for students in the Faculty of Engineering. A toll-free telephone service or numero verde (800-014959) is available for all types of information. Self-service stations have been set up in all University campuses using the Internet to check general information (lecture times, exam dates, etc.), to check study programmes and to book exams, to apply for certificates (enrolment, exam results, booking appointments for consultations, social services). To use this service, students will be asked their Student Number and a password which will be allocated to them after enrolment. The University of Bergamo website is http://www.unibg.it. XI) ISU (Istituto per il Diritto allo Studio Universitario) and Student Canteen ISU Address: Via S. Salvatore, 14 - Bergamo Tel: 035 - 213148 Fax: 035 - 226614 e-mail: isuberg@tuttopmi.it Open: Monday - Friday - 09.00 - 12.00 This association helps students enrolled in the University of Bergamo to find accommodation, besides ensuring the disbursement of scholarships. For ERASMUS/SOCRATES students, a study room is available in Via Salvecchio, 4 (Opening Hours: Monday to Friday- 09.00 -17.00). A Book Lending Service in Via S. Salvatore, 14 (open 09.00 -17.00) provides books and material for exam preparation. During October 2003 the offices will move to a new address which will be advised in the Canteen and on the University website: www.unibg.it

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Canteen (Mensa Universitaria) Via S. Lorenzo, 11 - Bergamo (Citt Alta) Via dei Caniana, 2 - Bergamo (Citt Bassa) with a Caffeteria open 08.30 - 16.00 Via Pasubio, 13 - Dalmine. It is open to students between 12.00 and 14.00 from Monday to Friday. Single dishes cost between 0.80 and 2.92. A complete meal (first and second courses, side dishes and including bread and fruit or dessert, but not including drinks) costs 5.34 ERASMUS/SOCRATES students receive a 30% discount on single dishes or meals (excluding drinks). XII) Students' Associations AEGEE Association des Etats Gnraux des Etudiants de lEurope This is a young and dynamic non-secret, non-profit student association aimed at European integration. Its intention is to create a Europe without borders and without discrimination, where democracy, freedom, human rights and tolerance are the principles for living together in our wonderful continent. To reach these objectives, AEGEE organises travel, courses and many activities, giving participants the opportunity to move around Europe. Address: Via Salvecchio, 19 Room 28 bis Open Tuesday 11.00 - 13.00, Wednesday 16.00 - 18.00, Thursday 15.00 - 16.00 Websites: www.web.tiscali.it/aegeebergamo www. aegee.org CUS Centro Universitario Sportivo (University Sports Centre) Address: Via Salvecchio 19 (Room 28) and on the Dalmine Campus Tel: 035 - 247579 Open Mon. - Fri. 10.00 - 17.00 (Via Salvecchio and Via dei Caniana); Mon. - Fri. 10.00 - 14.00 (Dalmine) ALDIUB Associazione dei Laureati e Diplomati in Ingegneria dellUniversit degli Studi di Bergamo (Association of Graduates in Engineering) Graduates and teaching staff of the Faculty of Engineering founded this association on 22 May 1999 with the aim of creating a non-profit , socially useful organisation, without union or corporate functions, as a stable and enduring reference point for all its members, something lacking up to that time. The Association fosters interpersonal contact between its members and is committed to organising meetings of a professional nature with the help of member and non-member training personnel, as well as activities related to helping University and High-school graduates to enter the working environment.. ALLIUB Associazione Laureati Lingue e Letterature Straniere (Association of Graduates in Foreign Languages and Literature) Address: Via Salvecchio, 19 Tel. and Fax 035 - 220557 CELSB Cooperativa Editrice Libraria Studium Bergomense (Students' Co-op Bookshop) Address: Via Salvecchio, 3 (top floor) Tel: 035 - 222032 TeleFax: 035 - 234685 CENTRO STAMPA Photocopying and Printing facilities. Address: Via Salvecchio, 19 (ground floor). Via dei Caniana, 2 (ground floor) Dalmine Campus Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 09.00 17.00

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TRIPS OUT Students' Travel Agency. Address: Via Salvecchio, 3 c/o CELSB Tel: 035 - 243352 Fax: 035 - 234685 CUT Centro Universitario Teatrale (Students' theatre group) President: Giuliano Gariboldi Address: Piazzetta Verzeri, 1 24129 Bergamo Tel: 035 - 210597 Cell: 335 - 6854262 Fax: 035 - 224979. Website: http://www.unibg.it/organizzazioni-studentesche/index.htm TSU Teatro Sperimentale Universitario (University Experimental Theatre) For information and to take part in activities the Website is: www.progettocinema.org Address: Via Salvecchio, 3 (Bergamo Alta), c/o the CELSB University Bookshop President and Legal Representative: Argeo Magi Tel: 035 - 243352 Fax: 035 - 234685 e-mail: tripsoutart@yahoo.com Opening Hours to be defined, call first.

c) The International Relations Office

This office is situated on the Campus in Via Caniana, 2 - 24127 Bergamo. It deals with all procedures regarding arriving and departing ERASMUS students, as well as with the SOCRATES/ERASMUS programme in general. It also provides information on European programmes and international exchanges at under-and post-graduate levels. Office staff: M. Paola Riva, Patrizia Cortinovis, Giovanna B. Della Cioppa Tel: 035 - 2052830[1-2-3] Fax: 035 - 2052838 Opening Hours: Tuesday. and Thursday. 10 00 - 12.00 / 14.00 - 16.00 e-mail: relint@unibg.it web site: http://www.unibg.it/relint

d) Academic Calendar 2003-2004

Faculty of Foreign Languages and Literature AND Faculty of Arts and Philosophy: 1st Term: 06 October 2003 - 20 December 2003 (11 weeks) 2nd Term: 10 February 2004 - 17 May 2004 (13 weeks) Exam periods: 07 January 2004 - 14 February 2004 17 May 2004 - 30 August 2004 01 September 2004 02 October 2004 Vacations: Christmas: Easter : Labour Day: 22 December 2003 - 6 January 2004 08 April - 14 April 2004 01 May 2004

Faculty of Engineering: 1st Term: 06 October 2003 - 21 December 2002 (11 weeks) Mid-Term Exams: 24 November 2003 29 November 2003 19 January 2004 24 January 2004 2nd Term: 24 March 2004 - 12 June 2004 (12 weeks) Mid-Term Exams: 15 April 2004 21 April 2004 14 June 2004 19 June 2004 17

Exam periods: Winter Session: 26 January 2004 - 06 March 2004 Summer Session: 21 June 2004 - 31 July 2004 Autumn Session: 30 August 2004 - 25 September 2004 Vacations: Christmas: Easter : Labour Day: 22 December 2003 - 6 January 2004 08 April 2004 - 14 April 2004 1 May 2004

Faculty of Economics: 1st Term: 29 September 2003 - 03 February 2004 Subperiods: A course may run for one or more subperiods I 29 September 2003 25 October 2003 II 10 November 2003 06 December 2003 III 07 January 2004 03 February 2004 2nd Term: 16 February 2004 - 12 June 2004 Subperiods: IV 16 February 2004 13 March 2004 V 29 March 2004 30 April 2004 VI 17 May 2004 12 June 2004 Exam periods: Winter Session: 27 October 2003- 08 November 2003 09 December 2003 - 20 December 2003 04 February 2004 - 14 February 2004 Spring Session: 15 March 2004 27 March 2004 03 May 2004 - 15 May 2004 Summer Session: 14 June 2004 - 24 July 2004 Autumn Session: 01 September 2004 - 25 September 2004 Vacations: Christmas: Easter : Labour Day: 22 December 2003 - 6 January 2004 08 April 2004 - 14 April 2004 1 May 2004

e) Important Points to Remember

Before you leave home Complete the Student Application Form and attach all documents requested and send them by post or by fax before 30 June for enrolment in the First Semester or Academic year, or by 30 November for enrolment in the Second Semester. Which documents do you need to bring with you? Valid Identity Card or Pasport; Form 128 (European health Insurance) or Private Health Insurance Card; Any document which proves you are a SOCRATES/ERASMUS Student, or the International Students Card; Four (4) passport-sized photographs. Important Dates 30 June 2003 Final date for enrolment in First Semester/Academic Year 22 - 27 September 2003 Intensive Italian Course for Beginners, First Semester 6 October 2003 Entry Test of Italian for First Semester 1 November 2003 Final date for enrolment in Second Semester 2 - 7 February 2004 Intensive Italian Course for Beginners, Second Sem. 16 February 2004 Entry Test of Italian for Second Semester National Holidays in Italy 1 November All Saints Day 8 December Immaculate Conception 18

6 January 25 April 1 May 2 June

Epiphany Liberation Day Labour Day Republic Day

IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT ALL STUDENTS ARRIVE IN BERGAMO AT LEAST ONE (1) WEEK BEFORE THE OFFICIAL COMMENCEMENT OF THE SEMESTER IN ORDER TO FINALISE ALL ENROLMENT PROCEDURES.

f) Accommodation
ALLIUB (Accommodation Service) Via Salvecchio, 19 (Citt Alta) Tel: 0039-035 - 2052232 TeleFax: 0039-035 - 2052238 e-mail: alliub@unibg.it Opening Hours: Monday Wednesday Friday 15.00 18.00 Tuesday Thursday 09.00 12.00 There is no residential campus at the University of Bergamo, and most students do not live in this University City, so ERASMUS students rent private apartments which they usually share in groups of three or four. Help in finding accommodation is provided by the ALLIUB. For the 2003-2004 Academic Year, Amelia (Milly) Lausetti and Giovanna Beghini are responsible for this service. (see ALLIUB above for contact information) Students should fill in and return the form that is sent to all students enrolling at the University of Bergamo in the SOCRATES/ERASMUS Programme or equivalent Exchange Agreement programmes Students are usually offered double rooms to share with another student. The rent contract is signed directly with the owner and the deposit paid to them. The price of a double room in an apartment (with bathroom) ranges from 170 to 240 per month, while the price of a single room is from 250 to 300 per month. Detailed information and application forms are available from the Internet site www.unibg.it/incoming. Temporary accommodation (maximum three weeks) is available at the Youth Hostel, Ostello della Giovent, in Via Ferraris, 1 - Bergamo, Tel. 035 - 361724. The Hostel is very new and very comfortable and offers single, double, triple and quadruple rooms, all with bathrooms, and the price includes continental breakfast. Other meals are available at reasonable prices. Opening Hours: Every day 07.00 - 01.00. The Hostel can be reached by car, taxi or Bus N 14 (from Porta Nuova next to the Cappello dOro Hotel).

g) Residency Permits (Compulsory)

A Permesso di Soggiorno (Residency Permit) must be applied for within 90 days of entering the country for EU students and within 8 days for Non-EU students. Students must apply to The Office for Foreigners, Ufficio Stranieri, of the Questura (Central Police Headquarters) which requires the following documents in order to issue the permits: 1. Form E128 (or a Private Health Insurance Policy). 2. Form 209, issued by the Questura (and available from the University International Relations Office 3. Passport (or Identity Card for EU citizens). 4. Photocopy of passport or Identity Card. 5. Form showing enrolment at the University of Bergamo (issued by the International Relations Office). 6. Proof of financial support. For EU students, a certificate from their home university stating that they have a grant or other means of support. For NonEU students, a photocopy of a credit card or a declaration of means of support issued by their bank (affidavit). 19

7.

8. 9.

For EU students, a copy of accommodation contract or a letter of transfer of ownership of property (which must be presented to the Questura by the new owner within 48 hours of entering the property). For Non-EU students, a form (MODULO DI DISPONIBILIT DALLOGGIO, available from Tobacconist shops) which must be completed by the landlord, and a copy of the rental contract. 4 photographs. 10.33 duty stamp (marca da bollo) only for Non-EU students

Address: Questura di Bergamo Via Noli, 1 - 24125 Bergamo. Tel: 035 - 276111. Office Hours: Monday to Friday - 09.00 - 12.30 N.B. EU Students have a fast lane on Mondays from 09.00 to 13.00

h) Health and Insurance

EU students are entitled to use the Italian National Health Service, providing they have with them a card or certificate issued by the health authorities of their own country. Students should take their E128 Form to the Bergamo Province ASL (Azienda Sanitaria Locale) in Via Galliccioli, 4, Bergamo (Tel: 035 - 385111) to obtain the document required in the case of needing a doctor or medical prescription. Non-EU students without Form E128 and without an insurance policy from their country of origin must take their Residency Permit to the ASL and pay 149,77.

i) Courses of Italian Language and Culture

The University of Bergamo offers small-group courses to students interested in improving their knowledge of the Italian language. The courses are not intensive and consist of 2 two-hour lessons a week in the following periods: 1st Term: 06 Oct. 2003 23 Jan. 2004 2nd Term: 16 Feb. 2004 28 May 2004 All students are obliged to sit a placement test on the first day of the course to help chose a group at the right level. The course is free of cost for ERASMUS students. Students who attend at least 66% of the course and who sit the final exam, will be given 5 ECTS Credits per term and a further 3 ECTS Credits for the Writing or Language of Economics Course. An intensive Italian language course for beginners is offered before semester starts. The enrolment form is available to all ERASMUS and Exchange Agreement students from the Internet site www.unibg.it/incoming. The University also organises intensive (5 hours of lessons per day for 4 weeks) Summer courses for foreigners in Italian Language and Culture. For further information and prices, contact the Course Secretary: Segreteria del Corso di Lingua e Cultura Italiana per Stranieri ALLIUB-CFP Universit degli Studi di Bergamo Via Salvecchio, 19 24129 Bergamo (Italy) Opening Hours: Monday Wednesday Friday 15.00 18.00, Tuesday Thursday 09.00 12.00 Tel: 0039-035 2052232 (Answering Service out of hours leave your name and contact phone number) Fax: 0039-035 - 2052238 e-mail: alliub@unibg.it web site: http://www.unibg.it/cis

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4. OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION a) Cost of Living

Money The EURO is the official currency in Italy. - There are no limits on the amount of foreign currency that can be brought into the country. - Foreign Currency Exchange in banks (Monday to Friday, 8.30 - 13.30 and 14.45 15.45). - Credit cards: widely accepted in restaurants, hotels, railway stations and shops. VISA is the most useful. Students are advised to bring with them a sufficient amount of cash or travellers' cheques to cover their immediate expenses, bearing in mind that transferring money to Italy from abroad can take some time. The fastest and safest method is by post which will take about 5 days to arrive. List of inexpensive hotels and hostels (approximate costs) S. GIORGIO Via S. Giorgio, 10, (Tel: 035 - 212043) single room (with bath): 42.00 single room (without bath): 28.00 double room (with bath): 60.00 3-bed room (with bath): 75.00 4-bed room (with bath): 95.00 CONVITTO CITTADINI Via Rocca, 10, (Citt Alta) (Tel: 035 -243911) Single rooms or double rooms, bed and breakfast from 25.00 to 35.00 YOUTH HOSTEL (Ostello della Giovent) Via Ferraris,1 (Monterosso district) phone 035 - 361724 *Prices are per person per night Single room with bath: 19.00 Double room with bath: 16.50 Family or group room: 14.00 Meals 8.00 Meals The University has a good canteen, where ERASMUS students receive a 30% discount on meals. There are also plenty of snack-bars, pizzerie and take-away pizza shops in the area around the University. Public Transport ATB bus services (www.atb.bergamo.it) cover the city and the suburbs. A single ticket, which is valid for 60 minutes, costs 0.90. A monthly intera rete season-ticket, valid for all buses, costs 26.00 for the city area, 39.00 for the suburbs. N.B.: Single and season-tickets must be bought before boarding buses at the ATB ticket-offices in Largo Porta Nuova or at the railway station, in Piazza Marconi, at newspaper kiosks or tabaccherie (tobacconists'). A shuttle bus service connects Milan's Malpensa and Linate Airports to central Milan. From there, trains (Stazione Centrale), and motorway coaches (Autostradali) (from Piazza Castello) leave for Bergamo almost every hour. From Malpensa there is also an underground connection from Stazione Nord to Central Station. From Bergamo's Orio al Serio Airport, you can take a bus or taxi into town. Public transport information can be found in Tuttocitt, a street directory published annually with the Bergamo telephone directory. Train timetables can be found on the website of the Italian State railways: www.fs-online.com

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Taxis Taxis are quite expensive in Bergamo, although fares obviously vary according to distance, journey time and the various supplementi (extra charges at night, on Sundays and national holidays, to and from the airport). Books Average costs are about 100 per Term. Most books can be bought second-hand. Shopping It is less expensive to buy basics (food, toiletries and clothes) in chain stores or supermarkets (such as Oviesse, Upim, GS, Auchan, Esselunga, etc.) than in small shops. Cinema, Theatre, Concerts Cinema: a cinema ticket costs 7.50 (which is reduced to 5.50 on Wednesdays in many cinemas). Films in English are shown at the Capitol Cinema. Theatre and concerts: tickets cost on average from 16.00 to 25.00. Some associations offer discounts for students. Milan, 50 kilometres away, offers a wide range of events. You can find information about it at www.corriere.it/vivimilano.

b) Miscellaneous
Italy is 1 hour ahead of GMT and BST. Climate and Clothing Italy extends over 1,200 kilometres from north to south, so the climate varies considerably, with winter temperatures of -5C (23F) in the north and summer temperatures of + 40C (105F) in the south. Bergamo, with its northern position, is hot in summer and cold in winter. Medium-weight clothing is recommended, but you should bring an overcoat or heavy jacket for the winter. Post Offices These are open Mon. - Fri. 8.30 - 13.30 and Sat. 8.30 - 12.00. Tobacconists' also sell postage stamps. Telephoning The Italian telephone service is run by Telecom, so wherever you see the SIP/Telecom sign, you'll find a public phone. To telephone from a public phone, you need a phone card (available from Tobacconist shops). A local call costs 0.11 for about four minutes conversation. Long-distance and international calls are calculated according to time of day and the distance called. Tourism For enquiries and brochures, the best place to go to is the main Bergamo APT (Azienda Promozione Turistica) office in Viale Vittorio Emanuele, 20 (Tel: 035 213185). There is a branch office in Citt Alta in Vicolo Aquila Nera, 2 (Tel: 035 242226). See the website: www.apt.bergamo.it Sports The University Sports Centre (CUS) is the local branch of the CUSI Centro Universitario Sportivo Italiano, a recognised association promoting sporting activities within universities and a part of CONI (Italian Olympic Committee). This academic year CUS is offering, at extremely competitive rates, the following activities: athletics, badminton, football, horse-riding, gymnastics, judo, karate, swimming, basketball, volleyball, fencing, skiing, squash, scuba-diving, tennis, sailing and windsurfing. These sports are arranged in the following manner: organisation of beginners courses and practice sessions; equipment made available, organisation of Inter-Faculty Championships at an amateur level, participation in activities organised by the Sporting Federation of CONI at competition level, participation in the National Universities Championships (only for students at competition level) 22

Consulates Most Consulates are located in Milan. Electricity The current in Italy is 220 volts. Emergency Phone Numbers Call 113 in case of any emergency (Police, Red Cross, Fire Brigade, Ambulance). This is a free call. Other emergency numbers can be found at the beginning of the Yellow Pages telephone directory (Pagine Gialle).

Application Form, Learning Agreement, Transcript of Records

You will find the forms on the web at www.unibg.it/incoming > Admission and registration.

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