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Year Abroad

Module description

This module supports students undertaking a study placement at a partner University abroad. It enables you to study at a European University under the Erasmus exchange scheme, or at an approved partner University elsewhere, by replacing optional modules at Exeter with suitable approved modules at the host University.  It significantly deepens your choice of the stage 3 optional subjects available by permitting you to take modules in areas of study not available here.  It gives you access to modules taught in a different learning culture, and so broadening the overall experience of your learning.

Module aims - intentions of the module

The module aims to introduce you to the experience of academic study in a different country, and, for some of you, a different language. It aims to challenge preconceptions and assumptions about higher education teaching by exposing you to a different approach to academic study.

You will be expected to develop resilience and flexibility as you adapt to different teaching styles and different administrative procedures, and to living in a new country. Regardless of your language of study, you are expected to develop your communication skills. You will be able to gain a perspective on your experiences of study in the UK by making a comparison with your experience abroad.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. demonstrate critical awareness of different approaches to your academic discipline and the learning process between Exeter and the host University;
• 2. demonstrate module-specific skills specific to the modules taken at the host University, at an appropriate level and scope for the number of credits taken;

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 3. demonstrate discipline-specific skills specific to the modules taken at the host University, at an appropriate level and scope for the number of credits taken;

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 4. demonstrate personal and key skills specific to the modules taken at the host University, at an appropriate level and scope for the number of credits taken;
• 5. demonstrate an awareness of the complexities of living and working in a different culture, and
• 6. successfully negotiate the complexities of living and working in a different culture

Syllabus plan

Placements for students opting for this module will be secured by the SSIS Erasmus & Study Abroad co-ordinator.  You will be provided with suitable preparatory materials and appropriate guidance during the final term of your second year.  You will join your host Universities direct without returning to Exeter at the start of the third year and will re-join your Exeter degree programmes at the start of the fourth year.  Whilst abroad you will follow the syllabuses as provided by the host University.  You will in addition be asked to monitor the newspapers of your host countries in respect of coverage of British news.

You will be required to submit applications for your selected universities (by Easter of the preceding year) and to ensure that all necessary paperwork is completed in due time, and to attend preparatory meetings during the second year (from December onwards). You will be provided with contact details for both the host institution and for Exeter University. You will be asked to maintain regular contact (at least termly) with an Erasmus co-ordinator at Exeter, who will approve your programme of studies at the host institution. You will be provided with suitable preparatory materials and appropriate guidance during the final term of their second year.

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Re-assessment notes

For modules taken at the host university, the host university’s rules on reassessment shall apply.

In the event that the student fails the year abroad due to their modules from the host university, and they have not been able to retake those modules, the module mark shall remain as a fail, and the student will transfer from the four-year ‘with Study Abroad’ programme to stage 3 of the equivalent three-year programme. The failed Year Abroad module will remain on the student’s record, but will not contribute towards their degree award.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Kolb, D.A. (1984) Experiential learning: experience as the source of learning and development Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Schön, D. (1991) The Reflective Practitioner. Aldershot: Ashgate Publishing Ltd.

Key words search

Study Abroad, Erasmus, Year Abroad, placement, European Study, International Study, exchange