Listening Section 3: Multiple Choice & Matching: Question 9

Transcript-based practice (no audio).

Ms Delgado: Thanks for coming in together, since you're both applying for the same semester exchange, it's easier to go through the details once. Have you decided between the two partner universities yet?

Charlotte: We've been going back and forth. University A has lower tuition top-up fees, which was tempting at first.

Marco: But once we actually checked the module lists properly, University B works out better for us, far more of its modules map directly onto our credit requirements back home. Cost mattered less once we saw how much extra paperwork University A's modules would need.

Ms Delgado: That's the right way to weigh it up. Now, University B does have a language requirement, but it only applies to two specific modules, the ones taught in the local language. Everything else on their standard list is taught in English, so it's not a blanket requirement.

Charlotte: That's a relief. I was worried we'd both need a full language certificate just to go at all.

Ms Delgado: Not at all. Now, accommodation. My strong advice is not to book anything privately off-campus before you leave, even if you find something that looks cheap online.

Marco: We were actually considering that, to save money.

Ms Delgado: I'd steer you away from it. Apply through the exchange partner's own international office for university-managed accommodation instead. It's guaranteed, and it's usually arranged before you land, which private bookings often aren't.

Charlotte: Okay, we'll do that. Marco, what about the Comparative Politics module you wanted to take?

Marco: Right, I was told it transfers automatically, no paperwork needed.

Ms Delgado: Actually, that's not quite right, no module transfers automatically. You'll need a syllabus comparison form approved by your home department before you leave, so the content's confirmed as equivalent in advance.

Marco: Ah, okay, I'll get that started this week, then.

Ms Delgado: Good. And on funding, are you both applying for the general mobility grant?

Charlotte: Yes, and I assumed that was the only funding available.

Ms Delgado: There's also a supplementary bursary for this particular exchange, and the eligibility criteria don't overlap with the mobility grant, so it's worth applying for both rather than choosing one.

Marco: Good to know, we'll apply for both, then.

Ms Delgado: Last thing, the application deadline. It's fixed at three weeks before the end of this term, and that applies to both universities equally, so there's no advantage in choosing one over the other on timing grounds.

Charlotte: Good, that clears things up. Thanks so much.

Ms Delgado: No problem, send me the syllabus comparison form as soon as it's ready, Marco.

Choose the correct letter, A, B or C.

1. Why do Charlotte and Marco decide to apply to University B rather than University A? A. University B has more places available before the deadline. B. More of University B's modules map onto their credit requirements at home. C. University A charges lower tuition top-up fees.

2. What does Ms Delgado say about the language requirement at University B? A. It applies only to two specific modules; the rest are taught in English. B. It requires a full language certificate for the whole exchange. C. It has recently been removed for exchange students.

3. What does Ms Delgado recommend regarding accommodation? A. Apply for university-managed accommodation through the partner's international office. B. Book private off-campus accommodation early to secure a cheap rate. C. Wait until arrival to arrange accommodation in person.

4. What does Ms Delgado clarify about the Comparative Politics module? A. It transfers automatically without any paperwork. B. It requires a syllabus comparison form approved before departure. C. It cannot be transferred under any circumstances.

5. What is agreed about funding applications? A. Apply for both the mobility grant and the supplementary bursary. B. Apply for the mobility grant only, as Charlotte first assumed. C. Apply for the supplementary bursary only, since it covers more costs.

6. What does Ms Delgado say about the application deadline? A. It differs depending on which university is chosen. B. It has just been extended by several weeks. C. It falls three weeks before the end of the current term, for both universities.