Reason: 13
Language graduates have normally spent a year abroad. They may have done a work placement, or worked as language assistants. They can emphasise the ability to act independently, adapt and work in a novel environment, all of which are strong points to make. The ability to communicate effectively, teamwork, organisational ability and logical reasoning could be other key elements to stress. The Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services suggests that employers want people who can communicate effectively, work independently and in teams and apply a logical and analytical approach to solving problems
Reference:
Connell, T. (2002) Languages and Employability: A Question of Careers (www.cilt.org.uk/careers/pdf/reports/employability.pdf)
Related Keywords:
Academic skills, Autonomy, Communication, HE (Higher Education sector), Key skills, Problem solving, Residence abroad, Teamwork, Work experience
Reason: 92
The ability to function in a new linguistic cultural environment is a skill highly prized by international employers, many of whom will not consider graduates without experience of living and working outside their native land
Reference:
Work and Study Abroad (Residence Abroad Project at www.llas.ac.uk/resources/mb/626)
Related Keywords:
Employability, Globalisation, HE (Higher Education sector), Intercultural competence, Residence abroad, Work experience
Reason: 191
For graduates as a whole, there were found to be measurable benefits to be gained from undertaking a substantial period of work experience during higher education (placements, vacation work, other forms of work experience), especially if the graduate had been taking a non-vocational course. Involvement in extra-curricular activities was related to successful employment outcomes ..as was some kind of overseas study or work
Reference:
Brennan, J., Shah, T. (2003) Access to What? Converting Educational Opportunity into Employment Opportunity (London: The Open University, Centre for Higher Education Research and Information)
Related Keywords:
Employability, HE (Higher Education sector), Residence abroad, Study abroad, Work experience
Reason: 355
The year abroad { as part of a language degree programme} is valuable in broadening work experience, social contacts and employability. It enables students to develop not only their language and cultural skills, but also key life skills of self-reliance and resourcefulness
Reference:
The Nuffield Languages Inquiry (2000) Languages: the next generation (London: The Nuffield Foundation)
Related Keywords:
Autonomy, Employability, Experiential learning, Intercultural competence, Key skills, Language learning skills, Networking, Personal and social development, Residence abroad, Work experience
Reason: 394
If young people leave school in a state of entrenched monolingualism or faltering and apologetic bilingualism, they will not enjoy equality with their more 'mobile' peers elsewhere in Europe when it comes to opportunities for further study, training, work experience or employment
Reference:
Scottish Executive, Ministerial Action Group on Languages (2000) Citizens of a Multilingual World: Key Issues (www.scotland.gov.uk-library3-education-mwki-07.asp)
Related Keywords:
Education Studies, Employability, Equality (equal opportunities), Mobility, Work experience
Reason: 422
Study of languages and related studies will normally include an extended period of residence abroad in a country where the language concerned is spoken, usually in the form of a study or work placement. The period of residence abroad - encourages intercultural awareness and capability, qualities of self-reliance and other transferable graduate skills
Reference:
Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (2002) Languages and Related Studies: Subject Benchmark Statements (Gloucester: QAA)
Related Keywords:
Autonomy, Experiential learning, HE (Higher Education sector), Intercultural competence, Personal and social development, Related subjects, Residence abroad, Study abroad, Work experience

700 Reasons to study languages...