Bachelor of Arts (International Studies)
As part of the Bachelor of Arts (International Studies) program, you will undertake an internship. The following information outlines examples of the fundamental tasks you will be expected to carry out during on-campus learning activities and internship placement.
These examples are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.
There are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to undertake these tasks. Please contact the Equitable Learning Services to discuss any adjustments you may require.
Verbal expression and comprehension (understanding)
What do I need to be able to do?
Understand and respond to verbal communication.
This will assist you when participating in tutorial discussions and practicing your professional communication during on-campus learning activities.
Verbally communicate clear instructions and explanations in a time responsive way.
In internship settings, verbal communication is the primary source of communication between you, stakeholders, peers, supervisors and other professionals and will assist you when participating in meetings, discussions and collaborative projects.
What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?
A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Services (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.
Additional time allowances for comprehension and expression may be available to you for on-campus learning activities.
Internship tasks may require time responsive communication. This should be discussed with your internship coordinator prior to commencement.
Social communication
Social Communication refers to the capacity to understand and use appropriate non-verbal communication such as: eye contact, gestures, facial expression, speaking volume, tone of voice, proximity and verbal turn-taking.
What do I need to be able to do?
Recognise, interpret, use and respond to non-verbal communication appropriately to build relationships, establish trust and assess stakeholder needs.
In on-campus and internship settings, tasks which require your use of social communication abilities include:
- recognising and responding appropriately to non-verbal cues from peers and staff such as verbal turn taking in tutorials
- interpreting your peers, clients and staff social communication and responding with appropriate social communication skills such as body language, tone of voice, eye contact and facial expressions that are suitable to the cultural and social situation
What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?
A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Services (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.
Consideration will be given to the use of non-verbal communication appropriate to your disability or condition for example, if you have a vision or hearing impairment, you may rely more on using either auditory or visual means of social communication.
Reading
What do I need to be able to do?
Read and understand a range of written material in differing forms from a variety of sources such as: on screen material, screen-based and image-based texts.
In on-campus and internship settings, essential information is communicated in written form. Tasks which require your use of reading include:
- reading and understanding a range of on-campus learning material from a variety of sources
- reading and understanding information related to specific stakeholders and other essential written material
What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?
A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Services (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.
You may use specialised software to support your literacy for on-campus learning activities. The appropriateness and practicality of using such software during an internship may vary between settings should be discussed with the internship coordinator prior to commencement.
Writing (Written Language)
N.B. This refers not to the physical act of writing but rather to the written content.
What do I need to be able to do?
Produce coherent written communication appropriate to both on-campus learning activities and internship tasks.
In on-campus and internship settings, tasks which require writing include:
- demonstrating your understanding of course content and prescribed written material by completing written assessment tasks, such as essays and reports
- contributing to case notes, administrative note-taking, preparation of reports or briefs, database entry and email communications
What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?
A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Services (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.
You may use specialised software to support your literacy for on-campus learning activities. The appropriateness and practicality of using such software during internships may vary between settings and should be discussed with the internship coordinator prior to commencement.
Correctly use and apply knowledge of theory, research, and practice gained from the on-campus learning setting during your internship.
What do I need to be able to do?
In internship settings, tasks which require your use of cognitive abilities include:
- focusing, interacting, solving problems and providing feedback to peers and supervisors in a time appropriate manner
- working collaboratively or independently on tasks allocated to you
What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?
A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Services (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.
You may use assistive technology and strategies such as rest breaks to support your memory, planning and organisation in the on-campus learning environment. The use of these strategies during internships should be discussed with the internship coordinator prior to commencement.
Mental wellness is a state of well-being in which an individual can realise their own abilities or potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life and can work productively and fruitfully.
Behavioural stability refers to an individual’s ability to moderate their own behaviour.
Stable mental health promotes optimal and safe engagement in on-campus learning and internship environments. Many people who live with mental health conditions complete their studies successfully. The following services are available to support students living with mental health conditions at RMIT:
What do I need to be able to do?
The on-campus learning environment can be challenging and will require you to engage with peers and teaching staff, reflect on your work and respond appropriately to constructive feedback.
Internship settings can present complex and unpredictable human situations which require the following:
- managing multiple, complex demands with focus, composure and adaptability
- managing personal emotions and behaviour effectively when managing professional interactions when relating with peers, staff and clients during your internship. Some situations may be challenging such as, dealing with many different cultural and social circumstances
What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?
A range of adjustments such can be organised through the Equitable Learning Services (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.
You may be supported to take time off from your studies if you become unwell or have difficulties with behavioural stability. Your internship may also be deferred, where possible until you are ready to recommence.