![]() |
|
Site Index | ![]() |
ICP Outcomes
Preparation Courses
An intensive, five-day preparatory course, held late in the Summer Term at
Lancaster University, alerts students to a variety of issues likely to
confront them during their Period of Residence Abroad (PRA). Advice is given
on how to use the PRA to best individual advantage: linguistically, culturally
and from the point of view of students' future careers. Following an
introduction by a representative from The Central Bureau for Educational
Visits and Exchanges, there are contributions by members of staff from various
sectors of the University and from St. Martin's College of Higher Education.
The course is taught in a relaxed post-examination atmosphere and all elements
are made as enjoyably interactive as possible.
As well as information concerning projects and coursework which students are
expected to undertake whilst abroad, detailed advice is offered on personal
financial management (including tax and insurance) and students are fully
briefed about official procedures and paperwork specific to their country of
destination. Particular attention is paid to issues connected with health and
accommodation.
Other country-specific sessions provide insights into the relevant foreign
lifestyles, with discussions focusing on issues such as dress-codes, personal
and professional relationships, sex and drugs. Learners are encouraged in a
variety of game-sessions to switch into an intercultural mind set, to recognise
difference and to see things through the eyes of the other. Important 'do's'
and 'don'ts' are highlighted.
For intending foreign language assistants, induction courses in TEFL run by
professional teacher-trainers are provided, complemented by surveys of the school
structures of the host countries. Equivalent slots cater for students attending
university or on work placement whilst abroad.
Informal, 'live' sessions led by students who have just returned from abroad give
practical hints, supported by personal anecdotes.
Whilst it is recognized that it is impossible in the time available to cover all
the contingencies that may arise in students' experience during their period of
residence abroad, an attempt is made to sensitize individuals to the variety of
cross-cultural challenges, both stressful and exhilarating, that they are likely
to meet.
In addition to the programmes offered by agencies in host countries following
students' arrival, an increasing number of UK universities and colleges run
intensive preparation courses prior to periods of residence abroad.
These typically take place in the closing stages of the summer term/semester of
the second year of a four year BA programme. Courses may be concerned with general
preparation or may focus more specifically on EFL teaching skills. In both cases,
there is a strong emphasis on the raising of intercultural awareness: through the
provision of information and through organised group interaction.
Sessions provided during the course make use of project- developed
materials including
quizzes (country-specific Interculture Quizzes and the
Identity Quiz),
Intercultural Incidents and the
SARA and STEFE databases.
Download a copy of the latest Preparatory Course programme
as an RTF file (approx 21K).
NRAD Database at
http://nrad.fdtl.ac.uk/nrad/index.htm
RAPPORT project at
http://www.hum.port.ac.uk/slas/rapport
| |