Abstract
This chapter makes an argument for the place of Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) in tertiary language studies, with specific reference to the Spanish and German programs at the University of Melbourne. Incorporating WIL into our curricula has enabled us to connect students with local communities and cultural institutions, as well as provide them with work-relevant skills, in particular intercultural competence. Providing students with opportunities to develop work-relevant skills has seen us focus our energies not just on the more advanced-level language subjects where students are clearly suited to placements and internships, but also on beginner- and intermediate-level language subjects. An advantage of this whole-of-curriculum approach is that students understand the contemporary relevance of language study from the outset of their degree. Language study is often seen as something that adds value to another core degree and, as we incorporate WIL into our curriculum, it is our hope that we are able to articulate more clearly the value of language study to our diverse cohort of students.
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Notes
- 1.
The anonymous online survey was answered by 9 of 15 students and included the following questions: Prior to undertaking this subject, had you ever considered that your German learning might contribute to your career choice?; During the subject you studied and visited two organizations that deal with German culture in Australia (Goethe Institut and SBS). What did you find useful/informative/relevant about these visits?; You also had the opportunity to conduct a career interview. How, if at all, did this help you to think about your own future career path?; Can you imagine your German skills being relevant or useful in your future career?; Would you like to see more or less work-relevant content in your German subjects?; Do you have any other comments about the work-related content in this subject?. Survey date: 23/10/2017, University of Melbourne.
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Anderson, L., Are, K., Benbow, H.M. (2020). Languages at Work: Defining the Place of Work-Integrated Learning in Language Studies. In: Fornasiero, J., Reed, S.M.A., Amery, R., Bouvet, E., Enomoto, K., Xu, H.L. (eds) Intersections in Language Planning and Policy. Language Policy, vol 23. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-50925-5_12
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