Our course aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed in an international work placement, adapt to diverse cultural environments, and represent
themselves and their institutions professionally abroad.

The course consists of 10 modules, each featuring recorded lectures, interactive materials, and assessments. Each module will also feature a live workshop and Q&A. Our course is designed to be flexible so students can complete it alongside their regular studies. At the end of the course, students will prepare a final reflective portfolio, and completion certificates
will be awarded to students who pass all modules.

Module outline

Module 1: Introduction to Global Work Placements
Module 2: Researching Your Host Country and Employer
Module 3: Dealing with Culture Shock and Intercultural Communication
Module 4: Workplace Professionalism Abroad
Module 5: Language Basics and Workplace Language
Module 6: Health, Safety, and Wellbeing
Module 7: Accommodation and Integration
Module 8: Managing Finances Abroad
Module 9: Transferable Skills and Employability
Module 10: Returning Home and Reflecting

Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Global Work Placements

This opening session introduces students to the purpose, expectations, and opportunities of international work placements. Students explore how global mobility enhances personal growth, employability, and intercultural competence. The session sets the tone for the programme, clarifies responsibilities, and encourages students to approach their placement with professionalism and curiosity.

Content

• Overview of course structure and placement timeline
• Benefits of international work experience
• Expectations from students, host employers, and institutions
• Professional conduct and representation abroad
• Common challenges and opportunities

Practical Element

Students write a short personal goal statement outlining three professional goals and three personal development goals for their placement. They share in small groups and receive peer feedback.

Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of this session, students will be able to:

• Describe the purpose and structure of their global work placement
• Identify personal and professional goals
• Understand expectations and responsibilities
• Recognise potential benefits and challenges

Module 2: Researching Your Host Country and Employer

Preparation is key to a successful placement. This session equips students with research strategies to understand their host country’s culture, economy, workplace norms, and the specific organisation they will join. Students learn how informed preparation builds confidence and professionalism.

Content

• Key aspects of country research (culture, laws, customs, politics)
• Understanding workplace structure and sector context
• Researching employer mission, values, and expectations
• Identifying cultural differences in work practices

Practical Element

Students complete a structured research worksheet on their host country and employer, then present one key cultural insight and one professional insight to the group.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

• Conduct effective background research
• Identify key cultural and workplace norms
• Demonstrate knowledge of their host employer
• Anticipate potential cultural differences

Module 3: Dealing with Culture Shock and Intercultural Communication

Living and working abroad often involves adapting to new cultural norms and communication styles. This session explores the stages of culture shock and builds students’ intercultural awareness to help them navigate differences constructively.

Content

• The stages of culture shock
• Cultural values and communication styles
• High-context vs low-context communication
• Strategies for managing misunderstandings

Practical Element

Students analyse short case studies involving intercultural misunderstandings and role-play appropriate responses.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

• Identify stages of culture shock
• Apply strategies to manage cultural adjustment
• Demonstrate intercultural communication awareness
• Respond constructively to misunderstandings

Module 4: Workplace Professionalism Abroad

Professional standards vary globally. This session examines workplace etiquette, hierarchy, punctuality, dress codes, and communication expectations in international settings. Students reflect on how to adapt while maintaining authenticity.

Content

• Professional behaviour expectations
• Dress codes and etiquette
• Workplace hierarchy and feedback culture
• Digital professionalism and social media awareness

Practical Element

Students review workplace scenarios and identify appropriate and inappropriate professional behaviours in different cultural contexts.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

• Recognise varying professional norms
• Demonstrate appropriate workplace behaviour
• Adapt to different feedback and hierarchy systems
• Maintain professional digital presence

Module 5: Language Basics and Workplace Language

Even when working in English, understanding key local phrases enhances integration and professionalism. This session focuses on essential workplace vocabulary, polite expressions, and strategies for communicating clearly in multilingual environments.

Content

• Key greetings and polite expressions
• Workplace-specific vocabulary
• Clarification strategies and active listening
• Communicating professionally in writing

Practical Element

Students practice short workplace dialogues and draft a professional email introducing themselves to their supervisor.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

• Use basic workplace phrases appropriately
• Apply clarification strategies
• Write a professional introductory email
• Communicate clearly in multicultural settings

Module 6: Health, Safety, and Wellbeing

Ensuring personal health and safety abroad is essential. This session covers practical safety planning, health systems, insurance, mental wellbeing, and emergency procedures to prepare students for responsible independence.

Content

• Travel insurance and documentation
• Emergency contacts and procedures
• Workplace health and safety regulations
• Mental wellbeing strategies abroad

Practical Element

Students create a personalised safety and wellbeing plan, including emergency contacts, local healthcare details, and coping strategies.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

• Identify essential health and safety preparations
• Understand emergency procedures
• Develop strategies for maintaining wellbeing
• Take responsibility for personal safety abroad

Module 7: Accommodation and Integration

Adjusting to new living arrangements and building social connections are central to a positive experience abroad. This session explores housing expectations, co-living etiquette, and strategies for social and cultural integration.

Content

• Types of accommodation
• Tenant rights and responsibilities
• Living with others and resolving conflicts
• Building social networks and community involvement

Practical Element

Students develop a “first two weeks integration plan” outlining actions they will take to settle in socially and practically.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

• Understand accommodation responsibilities
• Demonstrate respectful shared-living behaviour
• Develop strategies for social integration
• Build confidence in establishing networks

Module 8: Managing Finances Abroad

Financial management is crucial during international placements. This session helps students budget effectively, understand currency exchange, manage banking, and anticipate hidden costs.

Content

• Creating a realistic monthly budget
• Banking and currency considerations
• Understanding taxes and stipends
• Managing unexpected expenses

Practical Element

Students create a sample monthly budget based on their host country’s cost of living and identify potential financial risks.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

• Construct a realistic budget
• Identify key financial considerations abroad
• Plan for unexpected expenses
• Manage finances responsibly

Module 9: Transferable Skills and Employability

International work placements develop highly valuable transferable skills. This session helps students identify, articulate, and evidence these skills for future job applications and interviews.

Content

• Identifying transferable skills (adaptability, teamwork, problem-solving)
• Recording achievements during placement
• Using reflective models (e.g., STAR method)
• Updating CVs and LinkedIn profiles

Practical Element

Students write a draft CV bullet point and a STAR-based example describing a potential placement scenario.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

• Identify transferable skills gained abroad
• Articulate experiences using structured examples
• Enhance employability documentation
• Recognise the career value of global experience

Module 10: Returning Home and Reflecting

Re-entry can be as challenging as departure. This final session addresses reverse culture shock, structured reflection, and leveraging the experience for academic and professional growth.

Content

• Reverse culture shock
• Reflective practice techniques
• Presenting international experience to employers
• Maintaining international networks

Practical Element

Students complete a structured reflective exercise and draft a short personal statement summarising their international experience.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

• Recognise reverse culture shock
• Reflect critically on their learning
• Communicate the impact of their experience
• Plan next steps for academic and career development