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School of Languages, Linguistics and Film

Year Abroad

The Year Abroad is an integrated, compulsory part of all Modern Languages degrees at Queen Mary University of London, and is designed to provide you with an experience of real-life language learning and intercultural encounter.

British Council

As an English language assistant, you can teach English on six-month or year-long placements, obtain experience in another country, gain new skills and make your CV stand out. 

The programme gives you the opportunity to: 

  • diversify your CV
  • hone your language skills
  • gain transferable skills, such as communication, presentation, time management, organisation, team-work, independent work, and creative thinking / problem-solving
  • immerse yourself in another culture
  • gain cultural awareness
  • gain professional confidence.

Teaching time is limited to between 12 and 20 hours a week, giving you plenty of time to pursue other interests.

We offer a range of modules in your 2nd and final year which can enhance, you can read more about this Language Teaching Pathway

Industrial Placement

In a highly competitive jobs market, employability skills and relevant work experience are seen as increasingly critical by employers, and are among the most significant factors considered when recruiting graduates.

Work placements are particularly valuable for their contribution towards later employment prospects and working during your year abroad can prove to be a valuable stepping stone.  Work experience has become increasingly important for graduate roles, with 68% of UK employers prioritising relevant work experience when recruiting graduates showing notable growth over the last few years (CBI Education and Skills Report). For many companies, international work experience is seen as the most valuable asset and research by the Council for Industry and Higher Education shows that 65% of companies that operate internationally view a graduate with work experience abroad as more employable than their peers without work experience.

The School of Languages, Linguistics and Film offers a range of support for students interested in working during their year abroad from CV and interview workshops to invitations to employer presentations and one-to-one consultations. Over the years, we have developed numerous relationships with employers around the world and as a result are able to share a number of interesting roles with our students. Employers include:

  • British Chamber of Commerce in Belgium 
  • Bosch, Spain
  • Argentina Independent, Buenos Aires
  • Lewis PR, Paris
  • Siemens, Germany
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