Guidelines for Students Practical Training Semester
(PTS)

Bachelor Degree Programmes full-time School of Business

Krems, December 2010 Doc.Nr.: FHM-5-0006 Version 03; Revision 00; E Approval by: Prof. (FH) Mag. Eva Werner/ Rector (FH)
Subject to modification printed version  just for Information

IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems Guidelines for Students - PTS

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Table of Contents
Preamble 3 1 OBJECTIVEs, FIELDS of Application and Duration of the practical training ............. 4
1.1 1.2 1.3 Objectives ................................................................................................................... 4 Fields of Application .................................................................................................... 4 Duration ...................................................................................................................... 4 Fundamental Decisions ............................................................................................... 5 Support by the IMC University of Applied Sciences ..................................................... 6 Practical Training Co-ordinator (PTS Co-ordinator) .................................................... 7 Requirements for the Practical Training ...................................................................... 8 Practical Training Contract.......................................................................................... 8

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Finding a training placement ........................................................................... 5
2.1 2.2 2.3

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General REgulations ....................................................................................... 8
3.1 3.2

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Process and evaluation of the practical training semester ................................. 10
4.1 Initial Report .............................................................................................................10 4.2 Reflection Report (Seminar paper) ..................................................................................11 4.3.Presentation .....................................................................................................................13 4.4. Performance in the Organization .....................................................................................15

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Practical Training in Austria and Abroad .......................................................... 16
5.1 5.2 5.3 Practical Training in Austria .......................................................................................16 Practical Training Abroad ...........................................................................................17 Financial Aspects: Sponsorship, Insurance ................................................................18 Visa, Work Permit and Residence Regulations ...........................................................20 Austrian Representations Abroad...............................................................................20 Vaccinations...............................................................................................................20 Important Documents ................................................................................................21 Illness and Accident ...................................................................................................22 Changes and Flexibility ..............................................................................................22 Homesickness and „Practical Training-Blues“ ............................................................23 Europass ....................................................................................................................24 The Austrian Chamber of Commerce ..........................................................................24 Documents which can be accessed through the eDesktop .........................................24

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Visa & Diplomatic Representations, vaccinations, important documents .............. 20
6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4

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Possible Problems during the Practical Training Semester ................................. 22
7.1 7.2 7.3

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Additional Useful Information ........................................................................ 24
8.1 8.2 8.3

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MGU - AttachmentS ..................................................................................... 25

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PREAMBLE

Dear Colleagues! The practical training semester is a great chance not only to gain real life practical experience in an organization but in some cases also to actively experience an unknown culture. In order to support you with the preparation for this great challenge and also to manage organizational, practical, or research-related duties within the organization, we have prepared and put together the „Student Guidelines for the organization and Completion of the Practical Training Semester“. These guidelines are a useful tool for orientation in many work situations and circumstances and at the same time can be used as an „instruction manual“ for the successful completion of your minimum required 22-week practical training. In case you have any additional inquiries, or are in need of further assistance, we are at your disposal (via e-mail, telephone or by personal appointment). We wish you a successful practical training!

Your Study Programme Team

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1 OBJECTIVES, FIELDS OF APPLICATION AND DURATION OF THE PRACTICAL TRAINING 1.1 Objectives
The essential objectives of your studies are to guarantee a practice-oriented education on an academic level, to accomplish tasks in the respective occupational area and to find solutions with the help of research methods, as well as to boost your flexibility. The practical training semester is an integral part of all studies at the IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems and enables an overview of fundamental areas of professional life, enhances subject-specific operations as well as the acquisition of needed expertise and social skills. Your success in the organization, the conclusions drawn from as well as the critical reflection in regards to accomplished subject-related courses are essential parts of practical, demand-oriented studies. Through your practical training you will also get in contact with decision makers in organizations before active entrance in your professional life takes place.

1.2 Fields of Application
The practical training semester can be completed either in areas relevant to the study programme or in research institutions, which have a relevant connection to the subject-related study contents.

1.3 Duration
The duration of the practical training semester must be at least 22 working weeks with at least 32 hours per week.

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2 FINDING A TRAINING PLACEMENT
The active preparation for a practical training semester is a special challenge and already begins with the application process. Certain individual milestones must be accomplished, such as the search and pre-selection of a suitable organization, the conscientious preparation of the application documents (curriculum vitae and motivation letter designed for that particular organization) as well as the actual process of the application, which may include personal or telephone interviews. You are requested to complete these tasks independently, pro-actively, on time and conscientiously. In case assistance is needed, the practical training coordinator of your study programme may guide you ifwhere necessary.

2.1 Fundamental Decisions
Already before your active search for a suitable practical training placement, the following points should be taken into consideration:  Intended career/sector-choice Which career are you aiming at with your chosen studies? The practical training offers a great possibility to actively and realistically experience the chosen field of action. Department Is there a meaningful relationship between the organization that you would like to work for and the study plan of your selected studies? Type and dimension of the organization The dimension and type of the chosen organization will also determine the internal structure and hierarchy as well as the variety of application possibilities for the practical training. A large organization does not necessarily guarantee an interesting training. Activities/Departments Before you begin with the actual application you should know what type of activities/departments you would like to carry out/work in. Hence, it is still important to show a high degree of flexibility. Country Which country would you prefer working in? Do you have sufficient language knowledge? Is a visa necessary, what are the visa regulations? Do you need a work permit? How and where can you get the work permit? Are vaccinations required/recommended? Personal interests Which personal interests can be completed in the framework of the practical training semester? Advantage for the Organization What advantage does the practical training bring to the organization? Not only the trainee but also the organization should benefit from the practical training. („win-win“ situation).

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Preparing an exact application time-plan can be very useful. Determine the deadlines by when you expect to receive a response / acceptance. In case you do not achieve an outcome by your expected/proposed date, you should contact the practical training coordinator at the IMC, in order to receive help on further application procedures.

2.2 Support by the IMC University of Applied Sciences
To be successful in finding a practical training placement the following instruments are available by the IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems:
● Practical Training Database (PTS Database), incl. company addresses (selection possibilities according to countries, industries, languages etc.); Practical training reports from students of previous semesters; Useful Information for organizing the travel and residence (search through the eDesktop->Start page->PTS/ARTS) Supporting documents such as: Letter of recommendation, model contract for the practical training, confirmations for public authorities (visa, scholarship, health insurance, etc.) (Download through the eDesktop->Programmes->PTS/ARTS possible) Transmission of concrete job offers to students (publishing on the eDesktop>Programme->PTS/ARTS, or per email) Individual consulting from the practical training co-ordinator of the specified study programme (by appointment) Mentoring (either in the form of a specific course in the curriculum - or as an information session outside the regular study plan): Information on application papers as well as the letter of motivation, curriculum vitae, application interview, industry, suggestions to application strategies and time plan.

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2.3 Practical Training Co-ordinator

(PTS Co-ordinator)

Information in regards to the practical training as well as up-to-date data can be found on the eDesktop pages -> Programmes -> PTS/ARTS. Here you can find the contact information of your practical training co-ordinator, up-to-date training offers and relevant changes with regards to your practical training. Additionally, the course “Practical Training Semester” is listed under „my courses“. Besides the Syllabus, details to your practical training may be included by your practical training coordinator. During the practical training semester, students are obliged to check their IMC e-mail account (Outlook) as well as the eDesktop of the IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems on a regular basis for important and useful information! Make sure all your inquiries are sent to your practical training co-ordinator on time. When your practical training co-ordinator is on vacation or in case of illness, the Director of Studies of your study programme or the practical training coordinator of a different study programme will substitute your training coordinator. Corresponding information in regards to the arrangement will be passed on where necessary.

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3 GENERAL REGULATIONS
Your practical training is a great chance to gain (first) experiences in an organization and to check the usability of the acquired knowledge in a working environment. You will maintain the status of an active student at the IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems during your practical training. Before the semester begins you will receive a confirmation of enrolment from the administration office. The study fees must also be paid for during the practical training semester.

3.1 Requirements for the Practical Training
The practical training must fulfill the following minimum criteria: ● ● The organization as well as the department where the practical training is being completed must correspond to your studies. The time frame of the practical training must be at least 22 working weeks. In case vacation time is agreed upon during the training period, this must be done in such a way that the minimum requirement of 22-weeks is still achieved. The weekly minimum working time is 32 hours. When discussing the duration, make sure the start date does not take place before the end of the current semester, and also take into consideration that the practical training must be completed before the following semester begins. The required practical training time must be confirmed by the practical training co-ordinator. If more than 25% of the training time is missed (in exceptional cases, e.g. shutdown of the company, illness etc.), the missed time must be made up.

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3.2 Practical Training Contract
The application for a practical training placement must be submitted by the student to the respective organization (Research Institution). Make sure that you sign the contract after the practical training co-ordinator has accepted the training placement. The practical training contract can be found on the e-desktop under e-Desktop -> Career Orientation or through Programmes->PTS/ARTS and can be printed out and given to the organization for their signature. (the contract can also be printed out on IMC stationary. Contact your practical training co-ordinator if this is necessary).

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It is important that the contract is printed in triplicate1:    One copy goes to the organization, One copy is for the trainee, The third copy stays with the practical training co-ordinator at the University of Applied Sciences Krems.

In case an organization prefers using its own training agreement, the following elements must be included in order for the contract to be valid:           Name and address of the organization Name, telephone number and email address of the supervisor in the organization Name, address and telephone number of the student Duration of the practical training Type of work, the planned task(s) Payment/compensation and/or other benefits/reimbursement for the student Amount of working hours per week Signature by the organization„s representative Student„s signature Signature of the practical training co-ordinator (in case this is not included in the company contract an “amendment of approval” has to be added)

Specific terms should be included by the organization in correspondence with the student, e.g. time frame of the practical training, amount of compensation, type of work etc. Note: The time frame of the practical training is also included in your final documents. Any changes made to the original practical training duration must be passed on to the practical training co-ordinator in written form immediately. Sign the contract after all details such as task(s), duration, compensation, etc. have been finalized. A change in your proposed practical training after the start of the training or the approval is not foreseen. In case a change is absolutely necessary, this needs to be accepted by the practical training co-ordinator.

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To assure pragmatic and efficient handling, the original documents as well as legible fax copies or pdf-files will be accepted.

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4 PROCESS AND EVALUATION OF THE PRACTICAL TRAINING SEMESTER
The process of the practical training consists of two different core areas that are graded individually. According to the following percentage distribution, they make up one overall grade for the entire PTS: Course: Practical Training Semester 28 ECTS Performance in the company Assessment “completed successfully/unsatisfactorily” Course: Practical Training Semester Coaching Seminar Assessment Initial report 20% Reflection report (Seminar paper) 50% Presentation 30% Additionally an online entry on the eDesktop->PTS/ARTS must be made:  Personal contact information  Company data (additional information about the organization) 2 ECTS

4.1 Initial Report
The initial report (1-2 pages) describes the situation of the student (his orientation) at the beginning of the practical training as well as the mutual expectations to the respective field of activities.  Delivery of the initial report must be done by direct upload on the eDesktop-> My PTS/ARTS by the end of the 4th week from the start date of the practical training.  It is recommended, after the contract has been finalized to determine the tasks with the organization, in order to research specific literature beforehand.

4.1.1 CONTACT DATA ONLINE
Personal contact data at the practical training destination (address, phone number, etc.) of where you can be reached in case of emergency outside of office hours (at the latest 14 days after the training begins). Upload of additional information in regards to the organization and application process at the latest 7 days after completing the practical training.
Note: For uploading as well as entering data on the eDesktop the instruction manual can be used „Instruction Manual for the use of the PTS Database“ on the eDesktop>guidelines->Career Orientation

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4.2 Reflection Report (Seminar paper)
4.2.1. Goals and Core Data of the Reflection Report The reflection report describes the experiences of the student in the organization and reflects upon already completed courses and their contents. Furthermore the report should give an overview of the organization and should reflect the student‟s own role during the practical training. The report must be written in the form of a seminar paper according to the criteria: „Guidelines for Scientific Work at the IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems“.  Length: 10-12 pages (including the executive summary, excluding the appendix and table of contents). Mentoring: by the practical training co-ordinator of the respective study programme as well as the Director of Studies or selected lecturers of the IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems. Delivery of the report through direct upload on the eDesktop>My PTS/ARTS by the end of the 20th week of the practical training. The reflection report will be confidential and can only be seen by the practical training co-ordinator. In addition to the report, the executive summary (of the reflection report) will be uploaded on the eDesktop>My PTS/ARTS; this executive summary can also be viewed by study colleagues. The upload of the executive summary must also be done by the end of the 20th week of the practical training.

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4.2.2. Content of the Reflection Report The following information must be included: 1. Executive Summary (max.2 pages): o Reflection of the work and mutual expectations (student + organization) according to the initial report o Short description of the role and position of the student in the organization o Reflection on knowledge gained, lessons learned, capacity building, etc., personal statement.

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2. Report (10 pages) (Reflection report/Seminar paper): o Detailed description of the organisation according to the identity model (3 pages, see 4.2.3) with evidence of the connection between internal structures and the respective surroundings (context); o Description of two detailed dimensions (one internal and one external) (2 pages per dimension) o Comparison between, as well as critical reflection on theory (knowledge learned from the previous semesters) and the experience during the practical training (1 – 2 pages): were there challenges, situations where you were able to use the learned theoretical knowledge, had troubles finding solutions, creativity was demanded …. o Conclusion and personal statement (1 -2 pages).

4.2.3. Excursus: The Identity Model of an Organization: The identity model differentiates internal structures / dimensions of the corporation/organization/the system (internal structures) as well as context dimensions:

CONTEXT CONTEXT
SYSTEM Corporation/ Organization CONTEXT

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The internal dimensions include: ● Objectives and strategies o contribution to defining the organization‟s boundaries o provides orientation to the organization‟s/company‟s members (mission statement, vision) o strategic planning and controlling o services, products and markets Organisation (organisational chart, process flow chart) o organisational framework for services and production o communication structure, processes Culture o values, norms, behavioural patterns

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logos, events, office equipment, etc.

Personnel structure and human resources o personnel planning, recruiting, personnel structure, personnel development …. (amount of qualified personnel, personnel planning and recruiting, development ….) Infrastructure o location, premises, information and communication technology, other infrastructure (location, building, ICT, …) Budget and financial resources Technology

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The context dimensions include: ● ● History, status quo, expectations and perspectives Socio-economic environment (stakeholders, competitors)

Literature and reference on the topic „Identity Model“ Gareis, R., Stummer M. (2008): Processes & Projects. Manz, Vienna, pp.26-39 plus the various courses in regards to „Management“ and „Fundamentals of Business Management“ from the respective study programme.

4.2.5 Assessment of the Reflection Report (Seminar paper)  Executive Summary  Content/Scope and depth of the reflection  Formal Criteria 10% 70% 20%

4.3.Presentation
You are also expected to present your experiences during your practical training semester at the beginning of the following semester. You may present your personal

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experiences from your working field as well as a reflection on your cultural experiences. The assessment of this part includes the preparation and the upload of the power point slides to the eDesktop as well as presenting before a jury and colleagues in the framework of the event „Experience“. Assessment will be based upon the contents, structure and presentation techniques used. In case no presentation takes place, this part will be graded with 0%. Exception: Students completing an exchange semester. In this case, the power point slides must be designed in such a way, that the contents is comprehensible without a live presentation. Checklist for the presentation:    Direct upload of the power point presentation in the eDesktop by the student (eDesktop - My PTS/ARTS) Deadline for the upload of the presentation at the latest 2 working days before the presentation Take special care when preparing your presentation o Persuasive personal communication (verbal, nonverbal) o Limited presentation time: 7 minutes o Application of technical presentation resources: (Power Point Presentation, Video recorder, CD- / DVD-Player etc.) o Small data size o Pictures scanned as JPEG-data (NOT as TIF-Data) o Image dissolution grade: 75 – 100 dpi (dots per inch) o Integration of continual background pictures in the master screen o No eccentric writing types (only Times New Roman, Arial, etc.) o Integration of sound recordings as „wav-“ or „mp3-data“ possible o Integration of video clippings (incl. soundtracks) „readable“ as „avi-“ and/or „mpg-data“ o Problems may arise with the usage of „Quicktime“ The exact date for the presentation will be announced at the beginning of the following semester (after the practical training semester). A negative evaluation of the Practical Training Seminar result s in a re-sit examination (see IMC examination regulations as amended)

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4.4. Performance in the Organization
An impartial and reasonable assessment of your performance as well as the feedback of your supervisor in the organization are essential criteria for your own professional development. Ask your supervisor for a respective feedback As proof of the completion of your practical training you are required to forward a certificate of traineeship after finishing your training to the UAS Krems (PTS coordinator) Deadline for submission: the first day of the semester following the practical training semester We recommend asking your supervisor to issue an employment reference in addition to the certificate of traineeship for your own use.

The repetition of a negatively graded or unsatisfactorily completed practical training semester is not possible .

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5 PRACTICAL TRAINING IN AUSTRIA AND ABROAD
Since there are differences in Austria and abroad in regards to legal and social insurance status of trainees, these issues will be explained in different paragraphs.

5.1 Practical Training in Austria
5.1.1 Legal working status as a practical trainee in Austria

The legal status during the practical training depends on how the organization registers the trainee with the social insurance agency. The registration of the practical trainee has to be in compliance with the labour law. There are two principal possibilities of registration:  „Employment status“: The student has “employee status” and is subject to all regulations of the labour law and collective bargaining and, if applicable, entitled to compensation, special payment, holidays, etc. In case the monthly salary is above the legal minimum wage3, the practical trainee is automatically fully insured (Health and accident insurance). In case the monthly compensation is below the minimum wage, the practical trainee is only partially insured (accident insurance). Health insurance is then either provided through the insurance of the trainee‟s parents or through self insurance. In both cases the student does not have access to unemployment benefits. http://www.auva.at/esvapps/page/page.jsp?p_pageid=120&p_menuid=7913&p_i d=4 Volunteers: Volunteers are students who work in an organization temporarily for educational purposes. The following conditions must apply: Reason for employment: expansion and application of knowledge to acquire the skills in real life practice, that are relevant for the education. The internship should mainly benefit the trainee. There are no working commitments or payment claims. http://www.auva.at/esvapps/page/page.jsp?p_pageid=120&p_menuid=62759&p _id=4

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3 the amount of the minimum wage is regulated by law and is constantly adjusted

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5.1.2 Practical Training Compensation The amount of compensation for the practical training may vary and depends on the employment status in Austria. It is important to note that organizations are not obliged to pay practical trainees compensation. Therefore the amount of compensation (as long as there is no employment through a collective agreement) will partially depend on the negotiating skills of the student. Additional organizational offers such as fringe benefits and allowance in kind, like accommodation or a discount on meals, may also be a form of compensation.

5.2 Practical Training Abroad
Students enrolled in the „Export Management“ programme are obliged to complete their practical training semester abroad. Students studying in the „Tourism management“ programme must complete their practical training in a country where their native language is not spoken. Students from other study programmes at the IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems may complete their practical training semester outside of Austria. In this case certain criteria should be taken into consideration: 5.2.1 Legal working status as a practical trainee abroad Also abroad, the organization is obliged to register the trainee in compliance with the labour law. The legal working status of a trainee abroad will strongly depend on the country where the practical training is being completed (full/partial insurance). Due to the different legal status from country to country, students are recommended to inform themselves about the particular situation before the practical training takes place and if needed to obtain an additional health and accident insurance for their stay abroad. 5.2.2 Compensation for practical training abroad The amount of compensation varies from country to country. In countries such as France, Spain, or the United States, organizations pay little or no compensation at all. Additional organizational offers such as extended benefits and allowance in kind, like accommodation or a discount on meals, may also be a form of compensation. In rare cases, some organizations may take over part of the travelling costs.

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5.3 Financial Aspects: Sponsorship, Insurance
A practical training, especially when taking place abroad, may cause an additional financial burden. Diverse risks should be covered through the insurance. Make sure you clarify the registration requirements, work permit, visa, etc. As a member of the ÖH (Austrian Students‟ Union) you have liability insurance. The insurance policy can be found on the ÖH-Homepage: http://www.oeh.ac.at/quicklinks/oeh_versicherung/ or under studierendenversicherung@oeh.ac.at. An additional health and accident insurance when working abroad is highly recommended! 5.3.1 Student Grants In case the student receives a student grant, there may be a remuneration limit, which must be taken into consideration. The amount of the maximum yearly earnings vary and depend on whether it comes from non-self-employed earnings or also from earnings derived from self-employed projects. Since both options have their limitations and are based on relevant criteria and calculation models, it is recommended to have a counselling interview with the „Studienbeihilfenstelle”. For a practical training abroad there is NO increased “Studienbeihilfe”. Stipendienstelle Wien Gudrunstraße 179 1100 Wien Tel +43 (1) 60 173-0 E-Mail: stip.wien@stbh.gv.at - http://www.stipendium.at/stbh/ 5.3.2 Sponsorship for Working Abroad For the EU area (except Austria), EEA-countries and Turkey an application for a mobility scholarship given by the European Commission („Erasmus Placement“) can be placed. Further information as well as the application forms can be found on the edesktop eDesktop->International Department. An exception to this rule is Switzerland. Here it is also possible to apply for an Erasmus placement grant, but this application can only be done through a Swiss agency. (StudEx: http://www.studex.ch ) Additonally there is the possiblity in certain Austrian provinces, to apply for a scholarship for study-related projects abroad. Questions and applications must be addressed to the respective agencies of the provincial government. Exceptionally for Austrian “Stipendienbezieher” the possibility exists to apply for assistance through the Federal Ministry for Research and Science (BMWF). (www.bmwf.gv.at )

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5.3.3 Health, Accident, Liability Insurance If the practical training is completed abroad, it is best to prepare for any eventualities before leaving. The following information may help as a good base for your health and medical precaution. The completion of any additional health and accident insurance abroad is highly recommended! e-Card: Health Insurance for EU- / EEA-Countries The e-card gives Austrian citizens insurance protection not only within their own country, but also in countries that are members of the EU and EEA. In case your practical training is taking place outside the EEA / EU countries, it is important to contact your insurance agency (or your parents‟ insurance agency) in time. In case there is a bilateral agreement between a certain country and Austria, the e-card should be valid in these countries. In case there is no bilateral agreement between Austria and the host country, an additional health / accident insurance is highly recommended when going abroad. It may happen that doctor bills must be paid for upfront (this could also be the case in EU/EEA countries). These bills will be (partially) reimbursed in Austria. This reimbursement will only take place if you have a detailed receipt of the doctor or hospital. The receipt should include the following: name, address of the doctor / hospital, date and type of treatment (a precise listing), and amount, confirmation of the payment, signature and stamp from the doctor. Health protection in the rest of the world In case the practical training will be completed in a destination outside of the EU/EEA-area, it is highly recommended to have an additional health and accident as well as travel insurance. The insurance should also include the return transport through a flight ambulance. Many travel insurance agencies offer all inclusive packages for general medical maintenance, surgery, dental treatment or a return transport to Austria. Liability insurance Students are not insured through the IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems against any liabilities such as person, or property damage. Corresponding policies may be asked for from various organizations. It is highly recommended to get competing offers from insurance agencies before the beginning of the practical training and to complete a contract correspondingly. (Inquire through the ÖH about your insurance protection)

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6 VISA & DIPLOMATIC REPRESENTATIONS, VACCINATIONS, IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS 6.1 Visa, Work Permit and Residence Regulations
Since visa regulations, work permits, and residence regulations constantly undergo changes, it is important to find out the current terms through the consulate and embassy of the proposed host country. http://www.bmeia.gv.at

6.2 Austrian Representations Abroad
Since there have been dramatic cases in the past (terrorism, hurricanes, etc.), it is recommendable to inform the Austrian embassy on site about any longer period of stay abroad. This is especially advisable for exotic overseas destinations. A short email or telephone call is usually sufficient, where your name, address abroad, planned duration of stay and a telephone number in case of emergency are communicated. Likewise it is necessary to inform the embassy about the end of the temporary residence. This will ease the Austrian authorities‟ contact in case of emergency. Austrian Representations Abroad: http://www.bmeia.gv.at/view.php3?r_id=204&LNG=de&version

6.3 Vaccinations
In many countries one or more vaccinations against tropical diseases are obligatory or strongly recommended. Further information can be found under http://www.impf.at or via the Zentrum für Reisemedizin (Centre for Travel Medication) Zimmermanngasse 1a 1090 Wien Tel: +43 (0) 1/403 83 43 http://www.reisemed.at WHO – World Health Organization http://www.who.int/en

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6.4 Important Documents
International Student Identity Card (ISIC: http://www.isic.de ) This can be issued by STA Travel in Vienna and allows discounts in museums, cultural activities etc. International Driving Licence Information is given by (http://www.arboe.at). ÖAMTC (http://www.oeamtc.at) or ARBÖ

International Youth Hostel Identification Information is given by the Austrian Youth Hostel organization in Vienna (ÖJHW: http://www.oejhw.or.at ).

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7 POSSIBLE PROBLEMS DURING THE PRACTICAL TRAINING SEMESTER
Upon arrival in the organization and during the remaining practical training weeks, possible stress situations and problems may occur.

7.1 Illness and Accident
In case of a longer illness (>1 week) or an accident, the practical training coordinator at the IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems should be notified immediately (see page 7).

7.2 Changes and Flexibility
Unexpected changes in the original training plan may occur during the practical training period. Such short term changes occur in most organizations and should be seen as a personal challenge and not as an unsolvable problem. Flexibility, adaptability to unplanned situations as well as patience and perseverance are considered as vital professional strengths of committed managers. You can learn to find original and creative solutions, and experience success with handling exceptional situations. The practical training should never be discontinued on your own, even when unfamiliar and difficult situation arise (and this could happen). Problems should be passed on or discussed with your supervisor in the organization and solutions should be reached directly through a positive discussion. In case major problems arise, it is important to inform your practical training coordinator at the IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems, so he can contact your supervisor in the organization in order to come up with a suitable solution. In order to change or break off the practical training, you need a written consent from the Director of Studies as well as the Practical Training Coordinator. In case the practical training placement is cancelled without consent this will lead to a „negative“ grade in the evaluation of the practical training.

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7.3 Homesickness and „Practical Training-Blues“
In case your practical training destination takes place abroad, you may experience separation difficulties from the familiar environment (family, partner, friends, society, food and drinks, climate, etc.), especially when the exotic character of the work environment and the cultural lifestyle changes. From experience the practical training blues usually comes after a few weeks and is a relatively normal experience. „Radio Österreich 1 – International“ may be a useful tool with web radio-news from Austria http://oe1.orf.at/service/international. Further internet pages that may be helpful when encountering homesickness are for example ORF APA (Austria Press Agency) Der Standard Die Presse Kurier http://www.orf.at http://www.apa.at http://derstandard.at http://www.diepresse.at http://www.kurier.at

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8 ADDITIONAL USEFUL INFORMATION 8.1 Europass
Through the initiative of the EU the Europass was introduced. This contains five standardized documents common for the entire European Union:      Curriculum vitae Language pass Proof of Mobility Certificate Diploma Supplement

The templates for the curriculum vitae and the language pass may be helpful when putting together the application documents. The proof of mobility becomes relevant, when the practical training and/or an academic exchange semester takes place abroad in the EU. The use of the Europass is used solely on a voluntary basis. These documents may be helpful with a later job application (www.europass.at).

8.2 The Austrian Chamber of Commerce
On the homepage of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce you can find interesting profiles of many countries and markets that were compiled by trade experts. These combine economic, geo-political and intercultural aspects (http://portal.wko.at).

8.3 Documents eDesktop

which

can

be

accessed

through

the

On the eDesktop of the IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems you can find relevant information for the organization and completion of the practical training semester:      Contract of Practical Training Evaluation form Student Guidelines for the organization and completion of the practical training Field reports, seminar papers of previous experiences of students from the IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems Initial reports, executive summaries, power point presentations.

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9 MGU - ATTACHMENTS
Name of form Confirmation of Practical Training Semester_
FHM-5-0006;Vers03;E;Rev00_Feb2011

Contract PTS_
FHM-5-0006;Vers03;E;Rev00_Feb2011

School of Business_Evaluation Students Performance_
FHM-5-0006 Vers 03 E Rev 00_Feb2011

Reflection Report - Table of Content

Access path eDesktop – Guide Lines Career Orientation Bachelor eDesktop – Guide Lines Career Orientation Bachelor eDesktop – Guide Lines Career Orientation Bachelor Page 26/27

-

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Reflection Report

compiled during the practical training semester with the following Company/Organisation _________________________________________ _________________________________________
(Destination, Country)

from________________ to ___________________
(Period, Dates)

Author

Student’s Name
(Student ID)

Study Programme:

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IMC Supervisor: WS / SS 201_ Date:

Table of Content
Reflection Report Objective: The Reflection Report describes the student‟s experiences with the company/organisation and provides a critical flashback on the courses (and their content/relevance) of the IMC curriculum the student has already completed. The Reflection Report is conceived as a seminar paper and has to comply with the guidelines compiled in the „Manual for Academic Research”. Executive Summary Critical reflection of the tasks as briefly outlined in the Initial Report; presentation of the mutual expectations of student and company/organisation; reflection on the learning outcomes (according to the Syllabus) of the Practical Training Semester… Introduction Tasks, expectations, reasons for choosing the company/organisation Structure and Organisational Chart Detailed description of the company/organisation; and the interrelationship between internal structures, the system and its environment,… Description of 2 Dimensions based on the Identity Model Description of 2 dimensions - 1 internal dimension, 1 context dimension Reflection of tasks/experiences Comparison of theoretical knowledge (semesters 1-3) and experiences during the practical training semester Final Part Conclusion and personal statement Appendix, Tables, Bibliography Books, journals, internet sources,…

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