Source: www.rubenvalero.com
Model questions and answers
Proposal- Model question 1
TASK
Your college currently doesn’t provide enough support for students planning to spend time studying in another country. You see this notice in the library.
The college is planning to introduce a special course for students planning to spend time studying in another country. The college principal invites students to send a proposal outlining any problems students may face when studying abroad and suggesting ways in which the course could address these problems. A decision can then be made about what to include on the course.
Write your proposal in 220-260 words in an appropriate style.
Proposal- Model answer 1
Student´s problems when abroad
Introduction
This proposal is intended to outline common issues students have when studying abroad, and suggest ways that a course could help them to deal with these. The final section makes recommendations about what should be included in the course curriculum.
Problems when studying abroad
Interviews were conducted with 20 students who have recently completed a student exchange programme. The majority of students were of the opinion that overcoming the language barrier in their new country was the biggest challenge and nearly half also said that they experienced culture shock. Other problems cited included unrealistic expectations, loneliness and packing the wrong things – particularly being unprepared for a different climate.
Ways a course could address these
A course could prepare students for culture shock by raising awareness of the phenomenon and describing cultural differences that students may encounter in their host country. To aid participants with language, a course could include some useful phrases for the first days after arrival, in addition to some resources for language learning. The course could also include a discussion about combating isolation and adjusting expectations.
Recommendations
I would like to make the following recommendations:
- Invite students who have previously studied abroad to share aspects of the culture they found surprising and give advice on what to take.
- Provide a list of useful phrases, together with suggestions of useful resources for language learning such as websites, blogs or e-books.
- Facilitate a discussion about engaging with people to avoid loneliness and isolation.
If these recommendations are implemented, young people are bound to feel more prepared for their experience.
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