Employment Experience Abroad
| Module title | Employment Experience Abroad |
|---|---|
| Module code | SSI3018 |
| Academic year | 2020/1 |
| Credits | 120 |
| Module staff | Dr Amy McKay (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 | 11 | 7 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 10 |
|---|
Module description
When taking this module you will live and work abroad for the whole academic year (a minimum of 28 weeks). You will use one or more work placements to gain skills that equip you to work in the global jobs market and to improve your knowledge of foreign cultures. You are encouraged to think about the intercultural competence and the employability skills that you acquire during their year abroad.
You will need to have gained an overall average mark for the year of 50% or above at Level 1 in order to participate in the work abroad programme.
If the operational language of the work placement organisation is not English, you must have obtained an Advanced Level module via the Foreign Language Centre at the University of Exeter (in your own time outside of your programme requirements*), or be able to demonstrate the equivalent level of language acquisition.
Please note that it is your responsibility to find a suitable work placement/or placements for you to undertake as part of this module.
*Please note there may be a charge for attending these courses.
Module aims - intentions of the module
To increase your employability skills in an increasingly competitive international market through
- seeking and successfully gaining a work placement abroad
- being in a workplace for a significant period and reflecting on that experience
2. To develop your intercultural awareness and competence through reflection on the experience of living and working abroad
3. To enhance your capacity for self-assessment through structured reflection on your experience
4. Where appropriate to the main language of the country of residence, enhance your awareness of the process of foreign-language learning and to develop strategies for more effective language learning
5. Enhance key transferable skills through the managing of their learning in an independent context. i.e. working with others; problem solving; communication
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Produce job applications that represent the students' strengths and target specific employers in an appropriate manner;
- 2. Demonstrate knowledge and application of the attitudes and qualities that are required to function well in a foreign work environment
- 3. Reflect critically on practical experiences gained, and the impact they may have on your views and actions;
- 4. Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the host country and a sensitivity to its culture so as to function as an integrated member of its society
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. Demonstrate skills in the research, selection and evaluation of specific jobs and the structural context of those jobs;
- 6. Communicate (in writing and in speech) in a manner appropriate to the particular workplace context;
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 7. Develop / enhance practical work-based skills and experience;
- 8. Negotiate the different types of working relationships with staff within the workplace, and others - directly or indirectly - relevant to the placement;
- 9. Identify and reflect on personal challenges and to learn from their resolution;
- 10. Use a range of technologies and applications relevant to most work places;
Syllabus plan
Work placement(s) abroad for the full Academic year (minimum of 28 weeks) in one or more placement approved by the University of Exeter.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 1200 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Work placement abroad | 1200 | Work placement undertaken with an organisation(s) approved by the University of Exeter. The hours are approximate and may vary on an individual basis but are to include all assessment and study time. |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reflective Essay | 1000 words | 2;9 | Written and Oral |
| Curriculum Vitae | 750 words | 1; 2; 3; 5; 6; 7. | Written and Oral |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 65 | 0 | 35 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reflective Essay | 50 | 2,000 words | 2;4;9 | Written and Oral |
| Video Interview Responses | 35 | 10 mins | 2; 9 | Written and Oral |
| Updated Curriculum Vitae and/or linked-in profile | 15 | As required | 1; 2; 3; 5; 6; 7; 9; 10 | Written and Oral |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reflective Essay | Reflective Essay | 2;4;9 | referral/deferral period |
| Video Interview Responses | Video Interview Responses | 2;9 | referral/deferral period |
| Updated Curriculum Vitae | Updated Curriculum Vitae and/or linked-in profile | 1; 2; 3; 5; 6; 7; 9; 10 | referral/deferral period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Basic reading:
Turnock, C. & Mulholland, J. Learning in the Workplace. A toolkit for placement tutors, supervisors, mentors and facilitators. Kingsham Press, 2007.
Cottrell, S. (2003), Skills for Success: The Personal Development Planning Handbook. Palgrave Study Guides. London
Fanthorne, C. (2004), Work Placements – A Survival Guide for Students. Palgrave Study Guides. Macmillan, London.
Kolb, D. (1984), ‘Experiential Learning: Experience as a source of Learning and Development.’ PHI, New Jersey.
Longson, S. (1999), Making Work Experience Count. How to Books.
| Credit value | 120 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 60 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 6 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 01/11/2016 |
| Last revision date | 12/02/2021 |
