Created to support students in their preparation for external work and study placements. It will integrate practical stages of work and study abroad preparations with intercultural learning elements in order to show how it impacts upon our ability to understand and function in new environments. Students will identify necessary skills for work and study placements and have peer-tutoring sessions with students who have returned from work and study placements. Proactive and practical support at an early stage will help to minimise feelings of disorientation and lead to effective participation and successful external study and work placements. The students will gain an understanding of different cultural backgrounds as topics covered will include culturally linked differences in business relationships and structures and academic institutions. They will learn how to develop intercultural competence and culturally sensitive behaviour in the workplace and at university in Ireland and abroad.

This module will prepare students for their external work placement and their study abroad period. It entails career development units and gives students an understanding of different cultural backgrounds and economies. Among the topics covered will be culturally linked differences in business relationships and structures, and develop their intercultural competence both in the workplace and at universities in Ireland and abroad.

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to: Identity skills they need for work and study abroad placements; Prepare a portfolio including a description of another university, a comparative essay on academic structures in Ireland and abroad; - Develop a range of interpersonal skills, critical self-awareness and problem-solving abilities; - Present an understanding of theories of culture shock and strategies to develop intercultural competence

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to: Show a mature awareness of international business and academic cultures and procedures positive attitude towards foreign language learning Develop intercultural sensitivity and awareness Acquire some levels of autonomous learning with the aid of material provided, peer tutoring and online resources

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The course consists of faculty-led lectures, tutorials, workshops and semi-structured peer-learning sessions with returned coop and Erasmus students. Students will be engaged in active learning both inside and outside the classroom and will be encouraged to develop autonomous learning strategies.