Year Abroad

This integrated, typically Erasmus-funded year is one of the most exciting elements of studying a Modern Languages degree at RHUL (and one that future employers find extremely attractive). The Period of Residence Abroad, or PRA, provides the unique opportunity to experience living, working or studying overseas in a structured way that brings intellectual and personal rewards that exceed those provided by any ‘gap’ year.

You will find this horizon-expanding year spent in one or two different counties invaluable in intellectual, career and personal terms. Not only do students invariably return from the PRA describing it as the best year of their lives, but this key year also develops the intellectual and personal maturity and deep intercultural awareness that are nowadays so highly prized in the work place.

To help you make the most of this invaluable year, we are one of the rare Modern Languages departments in the UK to let you choose between studying at some of the top universities in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Mexico, Cuba or La Réunion, applying to earn valuable teaching experience in the midst of the community as an English Language Assistant in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Québec or Spain, or organizing your own work placements (recent placements have included working in journalism, marketing, PR, fashion, publishing, a wide range of industries – from telecoms to manufacturing and automotive and hospitality, in banking, NGOs, language services and translation).

At Royal Holloway, we offer you a rare choice of ways to spend your year abroad:

•  Study at one or two of our many prestigious partner universities (almost always on an Erasmus exchange programme, so you do not have to pay fees)
•  As a teaching assistant in a school  
• On a work placement with a company/organisation abroad (you can combine this as a half-year option with university study)
• Guidance, help with your choices, and a comprehensive support network are provided by the School (each language has a dedicated PRA advisor, and your Personal Advisor will also be on hand). Whichever option/s you choose, you will continue to boost your academic performance by producing professional-standard reports during the year and you will be able to showcase your linguistic proficiency at an oral examination on your return, when your language skills are at their very best! These all count towards your final degree result.

We provide dedicated support as you prepare and enjoy your PRA:

•   Briefing sessions on the options available and the application procedures
•   Sessions with students who have already enjoyed their PRA on the practicalities of  living abroad
•  An online forum where students abroad or returning from their PRA share advice, insights and contacts
•  Help with the application procedures for assistantships and work placements
•  Help with applications, CVs and interview preparation
•  Provision of references
•  Email and telephone support during your PRA
•  A comprehensive online Period of Residence Abroad Handbook

For further information, visit the PRA webpage|.