• University of Exeter Business School
• Module

Year Abroad (Study)

Module description

This module is for undergraduate Business School students to study abroad in their 3rd of 4 years on the ‘With Year Abroad’ programme. With this module you can spend an academic year at one of the Business School’s European partner institutions, a partner institution outside of Europe, or combine one semester study at a European and one semester at a non-European partner institution

An important element of international business is for you to understand the political, economic, and cultural differences between countries. By studying at another university as part of your degree programme, you will learn to think globally and come to understand how the world is interconnected through business. Adding an international component to your business degree, which may or not include learning of a foreign language, will make you more competitive in today’s multicultural, global business environment. You will also have access to a range of modules, potentially in areas not offered at Exeter, taught in a different learning culture and therefore broadening your overall academic experience.  

Module aims - intentions of the module

The module introduces you to the experience of academic study outside the UK, and, for some of you, a different language. It aims to challenge preconceptions and assumptions about higher education learning 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, different administrative procedures, and to living in a new country. Regardless of the language of study, you are expected to develop your communication skills. Many international companies recognise the importance of employing graduates able to understand and communicate across cultures.  These are referred to as cross-cultural literacy skills. This module enables you to gain cross-cultural literacy skills through both living and studying in another country, whilst at the same time developing your knowledge of international business.

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 a sound knowledge of a wide range of business theory and application
• 2. Identify new perspectives on chosen modules through exposure to teaching/coursework/assessment based in different cultural frames of reference and/or taught by local instructors

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

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

• 3. Evaluate the application of theoretical principles
• 4. Analyse the business environment and evaluate appropriate business practices

ILO: Personal and key skills

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

• 5. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in a different study environment and different cultural frame of reference
• 6. Develop effective time management, planning skills and initiative during the period abroad

Syllabus plan

The syllabus will vary according to the options provided by the host partner institution and module choices made by the student. You are required to maintain regular monthly contact with the Outbound Team. The team will facilitate the approval of your module choices at the partner institution by the Programme Director. It is your responsibility to ensure up to date and accurate module information is provided and that approval is granted. You must also ensure that all relevant year abroad paperwork is completed within the deadlines.

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

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

For modules taken at the partner institution, the partner institution’s rules on reassessment will apply. The accessibility support provided by the partner institution will vary. Please contact the Outbound Team if you have any queries.

In the event that you fail the year abroad due to your individual module results from the partner institution, the BUS3000B module mark will remain as a fail, and you will transfer from the four-year ‘With Year Abroad’ programme to stage 3 of the equivalent three-year programme. The failed BUS3000B Year Abroad module will remain on your record, but will not contribute towards your degree award.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

None

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

• ELE – https://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=13027

Indicative learning resources - Other resources

None

Key words search

Study Abroad, International, Employability, Year Abroad.