ML2PYA: Preparing for the Year Abroad Part 2

Module code: ML2PYA

Module provider: Languages and Cultures; School of Humanities

Credits: 0

Level: 5

When you’ll be taught: Semester 1 / 2

Module convenor: Dr Catriona McAllister , email: c.mcallister@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2025/6

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list: No

Last updated: 3 April 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This non-credit bearing module aims to equip you with the knowledge and practical tools necessary for undertaking a Year Abroad. This module will support you in navigating: choosing which route to take for your Year Abroad (study, work or a combination); selecting and enrolling for study placements; the practicalities surrounding work placements; and the practical and cultural aspects of preparing for a year in another country/countries. You will also explore the academic assessment requirements and engagement expected during your Year Abroad.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:Ìý

1. Complete the required processes for selecting and enrolling on study placements, and/or work placements/assistantships.ÌýÌý
2. Be prepared for visa applications​ and living abroad. Ìý
3. Outline the academic assessment requirements for the Year Abroad.ÌýÌý
4. Demonstrate a commitment to the responsibilities and engagement expected from 51ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø students during the Year Abroad. ÌýÌý

Module content

Content provided will include a range of online resources, briefings and events including peer support, and will also include an element of self-guided personal study time in order to prepare and apply for their Year Abroad placement(s).Ìý

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The Year Abroad support module will mainly include briefings by the Department of Languages and Cultures Year Abroad team; external providers relating to assistantships and other placement opportunities; and embassies. It will also include peer support and sessions to reflect on the cultural aspects of living abroad and how to support your wellbeing while abroad.

Online content will be made available to all students.Ìý

Study hours

At least 20 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

There is no assessment on this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: /cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Students will be required to submit the following paperwork:

Semester 1:

• Study placement choices form
• Next of kin form

Semester 2:

• Progression form

In semester 2, students will also be required to organise their own paperwork for their visa applications and enrol correctly at their study placement(s)/fulfil the preparatory requirements for their work placement(s).

Reassessment

Additional costs