Solving problems

Find out who to contact if you experience problems while abroad.

We hope your time abroad will go smoothly.  However, in the event that you do experience any problems, we want to make sure you know the appropriate avenues and people to contact so you can solve them as quickly as possible. 

The information below provides a guide to who you should contact depending on the situation:

If you have any issues or problems relating to your host institution, you should initially contact the appropriate person or department at your host institution (for example International Office, Accommodation Office or Disability Service). 

They should be able to help you with issues like:

  • application to host institution
  • registering for classes
  • accessing additional support
  • on-campus accommodation
  • industrial action or strikes.

If the host institution is unable to assist, please contact SWAY.


The Study and Work Away Service (SWAY) provides centralised administrative support for your SWAY activity via email and the Mobility Online system. Remember you need to use your EASE login details to access Mobility Online.

SWAY can provide support on:

  • your Mobility Online workflow and exchange-related documents  
  • pre-departure information  
  • the support options during your SWAY activity
  • questions about your SWAY activity or the host institution    
  • questions related to your host – especially prior to your direct application to them.

SWAY can be contacted via email, telephone and through bookable MS Teams appointments.

Your School(s) or subject area(s) may also provide specific School-related administrative support or guidance which relates specifically to your degree programme and academic requirements. Please check emails or other communications to ensure you have the necessary contact information.


If you have any issues or problems relating to your academic studies which might impact on your University of Edinburgh degree, you should contact your School Exchange Coordinator. This member of academic staff is your key contact for academic support throughout your exchange.  

Issues could include:

  • selecting or getting approval for courses at your host institution
  • completing or signing off your learning agreement
  • academic concerns before, during or after your exchange.

If you need to, you can also follow up with your School Student Adviser. Your Student Adviser’s contact details are available on the Studies tab on MyEd.  


If you need support for any personal or pastoral issues or problems, you should contact:

  • SWAY, and
  • any support services at your host institution and Edinburgh, and
  • your School Student Adviser.

Your Student Adviser is your contact for pastoral support throughout your time at the University of Edinburgh and while you are abroad. Your Student Adviser’s contact details are available on the Studies tab on MyEd.

Issues could include:

  • health concerns (physical, mental or emotional)
  • family emergency.

Please note that if you normally pay tuition fees to the University of Edinburgh, you will continue to pay tuition fees to the University of Edinburgh during your exchange – not to your host institution. 

If you have any questions about tuition fees, please contact the Fees and Student Support team.


Your host institution/organisation and the embassy/consulate of your host country should always be your first ports of call for visa advice. 

You can find contact information and resources on our Visa webpages.


If you're considering leaving your exchange or placement early, please don't jump on the next plane home – talk to us first!

Let us know what the problem is – you should contact your School Exchange or Placement Coordinator and copy in SWAY and your School Student Adviser.

Your Student Adviser’s contact details are available on the Studies tab on MyEd.


Remember that you can still access University of Edinburgh support while you're away.  Find out what guidance and support is available:

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