Although the Year Abroad seemed daunting at first, it was the best thing I have ever done. It has shaped what I hope to do in the future, which is exactly what I did: work with children, in France.
Fran Foot, BA French
As part of the School of Modern Languages undergraduate courses, all students spend their third year studying and/or working in a different country of their choosing. This includes students on Joint Honours courses (eg French and Music), as well as those on Single Honours courses.
Our Year Abroad scheme enables students to immerse themselves fully in the culture(s) that they have been studying throughout their first and second years. This experience helps to develop skills that are transferable into a broad range of personal and professional activities, including: increased linguistic competency; cross-cultural communication; international understanding; self-management; and adaptability. Students are able to visit a great range of countries, typically: the EU member states, Russia, and Latin America. Previous students have spent time in a whole host of destinations, from Buenos Aires, Berlin and Bordeaux, to Saint Petersburg, Port-au-Prince, Prague, Rio de Janeiro and Venice.
The school provides extensive information, advice and support to all Modern Languages students throughout the entire process - before, during and after the Year Abroad - to ensure each student is able to make informed choices about where they want to go, what they want to do there, and how to make sure their experience is as safe, rewarding and exciting as possible. Indeed, many Modern Languages graduates cite their time abroad as one of the most important and stimulating aspects of their degree at the University of Bristol, for the positive experiences and new opportunities it affords.
Detail of "El fin del mundo" Tierra del Fuego, Argentina by Robert Gratwicke. Winner of Year Abroad Photography Competition 2009/10, category 'Places'.
The School of Modern Languages runs an annual photography competition for students on their Year Abroad, sponsored by thirdyearabroad.com.
