Europe: student mobility, personal development, and employability Robert Blackwood

A student of modern languages

A student of modern languages Odessa State University

Director of the Year Abroad 175 students per annum on placements abroad Regulations Finance Assessment Support

Academic Lead for Internationalisation Irish Studies Politics History Classics Ancient History

Challenges identified

Challenges identified The language question

Challenges identified The language question Damaging to one’s degree: Cost Detrimental effect on academic performance Disconnect from one’s peer group

The internationalisation of the campus

The financial challenges An unhelpful lack of clarity in terms of funding arrangements... ...mitigated by Eramsus grants, fee waivers, costs of living

The academic challenges The academic disincentives The students’ perspective – the quest for a 2:i The staff perspective – ensuring consistency

Employability & placements

Personal development Rob Jones, BA (2011), French & Business Studies English Language Assistant, Guadeloupe

Employability & placements Languages in the Limelight, Careers & Employability

Personal Development Portfolios Reluctance of academic staff? Lack of obvious benefit to students?

Personal Development Portfolios Anecdotal evidence?

Personal Development Portfolios The British Council PDP for English Language Assistants

Support for students The challenge of enhancing the student experience in a different fees environment The suite of international placements Dealing with cohort syndrome

On-line supervision The options

On-line supervision Year Abroad Network

Concluding remarks Making the most of students returning from placements Using ‘veterans’ in the application process in supporting students abroad in the internationalisation of the campus Virtuous circle – enhancing their own employability