Durham Year Abroad

Firstly sorry for asking the questions that you must hear year in year out!!

Ok... so I was wondering how the year abroad when studying languages works particularly in Durham University. I read that there are Universities, schools to assist in... but I just don't get what the University (Durham) expects from you!! Like do the Uni classes count for your degree or not? Sorry to ask alot!!

Last question: How does it work when you do 3 Post A-level languages?

:suith:

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Reply 1

socialist cook

8

No idea about the Modern Languages Department but I can pitch in with my experience somewhat from the Politics Department, which I feel is likely to be similar to other non language departments who send students abroad.

In the Politics department you study for 10 months in a University either in Aix en Provence, Salamanca(where I am), Amsterdam, Oslo, LUISS in Rome.

I have to pass my year abroad, but this doesn't necessarily mean I need to get absolutely fantastic marks. If I get bad marks, these will be looked at by my department but it will be taken into consideration that I have had to grapple with studying Politics at a somewhat higher level(fourth year modules for instance) and that I'm learning the language at the same time.

I've also got to write a mid year report, but I think is fairly informal. I also get a visit from my departmental Erasmus co-ordinator at some point in April/May to see how I'm getting on, and I'm quite looking forward to that because my Erasmus co-ordinator and I get on well and I'm looking forward to moaning how much work I've had to do as well. :wink:

When I get back I have to write a year abroad essay again, but as this will be in English it's likely to be very easy. :biggrin:

Incidentally, I'm absolutely loving my year abroad and would encourage anyone who has the opportunity to take one! :smile:

Reply 2

Nutter

16

You should really write to the Admissions Office of Durham (or even ring them up) to get more information on this programme.

The people here may be able to give you bits and pieces of details but nothing beats the official policy from the university itself.

Don't worry; they're not monsters. :smile:

Reply 3

Piggsil

16

Nutter

You should really write to the Admissions Office of Durham (or even ring them up) to get more information on this programme.

The people here may be able to give you bits and pieces of details but nothing beats the official policy from the university itself.

Don't worry; they're not monsters. :smile:

Herro. I'm on my year abrpad now, I think I can give a better account of it than some stupid univesity policy.

Basically, for your YA as part of Modern Languages, Durham give you 3 choices:

1. Study at university for either a year of a semsester. This can be on an Erasmus exchange, like me or you just apply to foreign unis. The department helps you with this a lot.

2. Work as an assistant in a foreign school. You do this through the British Council, but again the dept helps you loads. The process differs slightly depending on which country you want to work in, so for some countries you might have to have an interview etc.

3. Get a job. The dept doesn't help you as much, you have to apply and stuff yourself, although they do send round emaisl detailing any opportunities, so that's helpful. Also, the place you decide to work at has to be approved by the dept.

I do French and Italian, so I am currently doing a semester of Erasmus exchange in Limoges, France, and then in February I will do a semester at L'Aquila university, Italy.
If you go to uni through the modern languages dept, lectures are not compulsary, nor are exams. The only thing on your YA that counts towards your degree is the 'Year Abroad Essay'. You write on of these (in the native language) for each language you are going to study at Level 4, so I will write one in French and one in Italian. They have to be on different topics and are 2,000 words each. You hand them in at the beginning of 4th year.

Right, that's a basic summary, hope it helps a little. If you have more uestions, fire away! :smile:

Oh, and I'm not sure what you mean exactly abut the 3 post-A level langs question.

Reply 4

socialist cook

8

Becca

If you go to uni through the modern languages dept, lectures are not compulsary, nor are exams. The only thing on your YA that counts towards your degree is the 'Year Abroad Essay'.

Lucky you!

I've got to take and pass exams here, which I think will be the hardest thing I've ever done.

To the OP I'm on Erasmus too, here in Salamanca, for two semesters otherwise known as 9 months....

Reply 5

Mizmoz

OP

6

Thank you for all your replies :-)

The second part- sorry for not being clear....

I want to do Russian, French and German all at post-alevel- Can I split the year between 3? Or will that not be long enough? Plus I guess it would be 3 looonggg essays!

How are you guys enjoying languages at durham? I really want to get in!! I am doubtful thou becuase of all the super clever people that apply there!!!
:suith:

Reply 6

Piggsil

16

Mizmoz

Thank you for all your replies :-)

The second part- sorry for not being clear....

I want to do Russian, French and German all at post-alevel- Can I split the year between 3? Or will that not be long enough? Plus I guess it would be 3 looonggg essays!

How are you guys enjoying languages at durham? I really want to get in!! I am doubtful thou becuase of all the super clever people that apply there!!!
:suith:

Over 45% of people who apply for langauges at Durham get in, so don't be negative! I love languages at Durham, except the Spanish department, but that's another story! The French and Italian depts are great, I can't really say much about the others!

Whether you split the year between the 3 languages depends on whether you carry them all on to 4th year....you can decide that closer the time!! :smile:

Durham Year Abroad

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