Study Abroad Success: Overcoming Challenges for UCLM Students
Studying Abroad: An Introductory Course
Introduction
The aim of this proposal is to offer insights into the possible obstacles students might face when taking courses at universities abroad. Additionally, suggestions regarding the content of the course offered by the UCLM will be made to provide students with the necessary tools to cope with potential hurdles.
Possible Drawbacks Students Face Studying Abroad
A survey was conducted among UCLM students planning to study abroad in the upcoming semester. More than half of the participants claimed to be unaware of suitable sources for searching for student accommodation. A smaller percentage stated that they missed an introductory language course offered by the university. Moreover, most students asserted that they would find it helpful to have guidance when choosing an Erasmus destination.
Solutions to Address These Issues
To overcome the aforementioned problems, the following suggestions should be added to the course:
- Teach students how to recognize common scams when renting student accommodation.
- Provide a lesson on the most reliable sources for finding and renting an apartment or student residence hall.
- Implement introductory foreign language classes so students can obtain an A2 level before arriving at their chosen destination.
- Invite students who have experienced Erasmus exchange courses to join the course as volunteers to offer their firsthand advice.
Conclusion
If the suggestions offered in this proposal are taken into account, the course will be effective in assessing the issues that students might face when studying in a foreign country.
Improving the Quality of Education at UCLM
Introduction
This proposal aims to provide an overview of the main concerns UCLM students have about their university experience. Additionally, a survey among students of the English Studies degree was conducted to gather data from which a set of recommendations will be presented to improve the current situation.
Student Concerns
A series of interviews were conducted among English Studies students, where they expressed concerns about various aspects of the university’s organization. Among those interviewed, more than half expressed that timetables were often changed without notifying students, creating confusion. A significant number of exchange students claimed that the University’s webpage was inefficient when looking for practical information such as schedules, calendars, and academic activities. Lastly, students expressed that the Moodle platform often crashed and that they did not have a backup platform to use instead.
Suggestions to Improve the Situation
In light of the interview results, these suggestions should be considered to solve the problems at hand:
- Publish sudden timetable changes on the Faculty of Arts’ main website.
- Maintain a directory with representatives’ emails to contact them regarding significant schedule changes.
- Implement better user experience practices in the design of the institutional webpage.
- Set up practical information such as updated calendars, schedules, and activities on the web pages of the Faculties and Departments.