Department of German
Year abroad on film
This project proposed to capture Year Abroad student experiences in digital format while students were studying or working abroad, and to share digitally these experiences with students who were yet to go on their Year Abroad (i.e. for second year students. The YA represents the third year component of the degrees of BComm International, BA International and BA World Languages). The idea stemmed from my research in two related fields, i.e. within the Year Abroad (O’Reilly, 2015, 2014), and Teaching and Learning for the Year Abroad (O’Reilly, 2014). One problem area identified in the classroom, is that students often believe that learning a language in some way takes care of the cultural and intercultural competence that they need to successfully navigate communication situations when studying and working abroad. A second problem is that students, without relevant anchors, tend to disconnect from learning content designed to promote intercultural communication and competence for the Year Abroad. It is therefore necessary to include situation-relevant materials that explicitly connect theoretical knowledge with practical insights and experiences. Film produced by UCC peers, would encourage students before they go on the YA; it will help them see a can-do attitude which will help with any issues of anxiety, and it will deliver relevant and up to date information on the universities and cities on offer within the degree programmes. For students entering the competition, the film helped students to reflect on what key messages they wished to capture on film and encouraged them to express their learning and excitement of the YA digitally, and to share culture-specific and university knowledge with peers.
To watch Claire’s presentation at Digital Week please click here and watch from minute 55:00.