Identifying Strategies and Tools Used by the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies’ Students to Address the Challenges Faced in Their Year Abroad in Their Target Language Countries

Juan Muñoz-López, School of Languages, Cultures, and Societies, University of Leeds

Project Context, Rationale, and Research Questions

This pedagogic research project investigates the challenges encountered by students in the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies during their compulsory Year Abroad in countries where their target language (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Thai) is spoken. The Year Abroad is a central component of language degree programmes, providing students with valuable opportunities to develop linguistic competence, intercultural understanding, personal independence, and professional skills. However, the experience can also present a range of challenges that may affect students’ academic progress, wellbeing, and overall experience abroad.

The project seeks to identify the linguistic, cultural, social, academic, and practical difficulties students face while living, studying, or working in their target language countries. It also aims to explore the strategies and tools that students use to overcome these challenges and successfully adapt to their new environments. By examining students’ experiences across different Year Abroad pathways, the study will provide a richer understanding of the support mechanisms and resources that contribute to positive outcomes.

Data will be collected through a questionnaire distributed to students who have completed their Year Abroad in 2025/2026. The questionnaire will gather information on the challenges participants have experienced, the strategies they have employed to address them, and the resources and tools they have found most effective. The quantitative and qualitative data obtained will help identify common patterns, successful coping strategies, and areas where additional support may be beneficial.

The findings of the project will inform the enhancement of pedagogical, academic, and pastoral provision for students before, during, and after their Year Abroad. By identifying effective practices and recurring challenges, the study aims to support the development of evidence-based guidance and resources that will help future cohorts prepare for and make the most of their international experiences.

Research Questions

1. What challenges do students encounter during their compulsory Year Abroad?
2. What strategies and tools do they use to navigate these challenges?
3. How can the findings inform pedagogical, academic, and pastoral support before, during, and after the Year Abroad?