Position Overview: Supporting Students in Excelling During Their Year Abroad

The University of Reading invites applications for a part-time, permanent role within the Department of Languages and Cultures. This position is vital to supporting undergraduate students pursuing Modern Languages who undertake a compulsory year abroad as part of their degree. The year abroad offers students the transformative opportunity to live, study, or work in environments where their target language is spoken, fostering linguistic fluency, cultural understanding, and personal growth.

As the Year Abroad Administrator, your responsibilities will encompass maintaining up-to-date records of students’ destinations, providing clear and accurate information about study or work opportunities abroad, and supporting both students and academic staff in ensuring the successful preparation and guidance necessary for the year abroad experience. Students may choose from three main options: attending a partner university, gaining work experience as a British Council teaching assistant, or taking up a professional placement in an international organization. The role involves providing logistical support, addressing queries, and being a key liaison for both students and faculty throughout this process.

This position is ideal for individuals passionate about global education, international student mobility, and fostering academic success and personal development through cultural immersion.

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Advice for Applicants: Approach from an International Education Perspective

For those considering applying for this position, having an international education mindset and intercultural awareness will be instrumental to succeeding in this role. Here are some tips to help you stand out in your application:

1. Highlight Relevant Experience in International Education Support:

If you have worked in roles that involve supporting international students, managing study abroad programs, or assisting with student mobility processes, be sure to emphasize these experiences. Familiarity with the logistics and challenges of cross-cultural transitions will be highly valued.

1. Show Your Commitment to Student Wellbeing and Success:

This role is not just administrative; it involves being a key source of guidance and reassurance for students embarking on potentially life-changing experiences. Demonstrate empathy, active listening skills, and a student-centered approach in your letter or interview.

1. Discuss Technological Proficiency:

Knowledge of modern office management systems (for example, MS Office tools, shared drives, databases, and virtual communication platforms like MS Teams) is essential. Showcase your ability to organize and manage information efficiently while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.

1. Demonstrate Cultural Competence:

Highlight experiences that have developed your intercultural competence-whether through personal travel, bilingual or multilingual communication skills, or work with diverse global partners. Understanding cultural nuances in communicating with students and institutions abroad is crucial.

1. Research UK Immigration and Student Mobility Guidelines:

Since students may require visa support and the job itself involves adhering to international mobility procedures, familiarize yourself with UK Visas and Immigration policies regarding work, study, and placement abroad. This will not only inform your application but also showcase your understanding of regulatory considerations.

1. Be Passionate About Languages and Global Exchange:

While not mandatory, showcasing genuine enthusiasm for language learning and global cultural exchange can give your application an edge. Whether you’ve learned a foreign language yourself or promoted multilingualism in prior roles, these skills align perfectly with the nature of this position.

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Application Considerations for International Applicants

Please note: Sponsorship under the UK Skilled Worker Route is not available for this position. Therefore, applicants currently residing outside the UK must already hold permission to work in the UK before applying.

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Why Join the University of Reading?

The university is committed to diversity, inclusion, and providing flexible working opportunities. It champions equality through initiatives such as the Athena SWAN Charter, Race Equality Charter, and LGBT support frameworks. If you’re seeking an opportunity to make a measurable difference in the international educational journeys of students while contributing to an inclusive and supportive academic community, this role is an excellent fit.

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How to Apply:
To apply, prepare a strong CV and cover letter demonstrating your alignment with the job description, particularly your administrative expertise, intercultural awareness, and student-centered approach. Submit your application by 23:59 on 21st July 2025 via the University’s application system. For queries, contact Professor Melani Schroeter (m.schroeter@reading.ac.uk) or Dr. Catriona McAllister (c.mcallister@reading.ac.uk). Interviews will take place on 31st July 2025.

Join us in advocating for international education excellence at the University of Reading!