Overseas experience and language study

Study Abroad

One obvious solution to the question of how best to ensure that students gain a global perspective and develop their multicultural awareness is through an overseas experience. The University of Reading has set itself an ambitious target of 33% of students spending time abroad as part of their studies by 2026 (click here for Presentation from Global Engagement Strategy update session May 2017). This could take many forms, such as an academic exchange programme, field trip, or work-based placement.

The Erasmus & Study Abroad Office can offer advice and support regarding opening new exchange agreements and integrating student mobility opportunities into your curricula.

Internationalisation at home

There are barriers to student mobility, from a limited number of exchange opportunities, to the cost of attending an overseas field trip. We should recognise, however, that the University of Reading is itself a global community. In constructing a global curriculum this is a resource you can draw on to ensure that your students, irrespective of whether they participate in an overseas experience, can enhance their global outlook and multicultural awareness.

Language Study

Language learning is very valuable for students in terms of their skills development and employability. Each year the Institution-Wide Language Programme enables over 800 students and staff to learn a new language or improve their existing language skills and intercultural competence, either for academic or other purposes.

Schools should actively facilitate and encourage their students to study a language with the IWLP as a credit-bearing module or as an extra-curricular, non-credit bearing, activity.