Bachelor of Arts (International Studies)

The Bachelor of Arts (International Studies) requires students to:

• use and understand verbal communication in English
• use and understand non-verbal (social) communication.

Verbal Expression and Comprehension (understanding)

What do I need to be able to do?

You will need to:

• understand and respond to verbal communication appropriately and in a timely manner in both academic and internship settings
• verbally communicate clear instructions and explanations in academic and internship settings. 

What are some examples of this?

Examples of when you will need to use verbal communication include:

• participating in tutorial discussions and practising professional communication skills during class
• establishing rapport and responding  appropriately to clients, peers, supervisors and other professionals in the internship setting

Why do I need to be able to do this?

You will need to use and understand verbal communication because:

• understanding verbal information and communicating with peers and academic staff is an important part of undertaking academic study. Academic material is presented verbally in English in the academic setting
• accurate, timely and clear verbal communication is required for establishing understanding with clients, colleagues and supervisors, when undertaking your internship

What reasonable adjustments could be considered?

Additional time allowances for comprehension and expression may be provided for students within the academic setting. However, the circumstances of internship activities often require timely communication, and this should be considered prior to commencing the internship.

Consideration may be given to the internship type and location – some internship options may be better able to accommodate students with specific identified needs.

Social Communication

The capacity to understand and use appropriate non-verbal communication such as:

• eye contact
• gestures
• facial expression
• speaking volume and tone of voice
• proximity
• verbal turn taking.

What do I need to be able to do?

You will need to:

• recognise, interpret, use and respond to non-verbal communication behaviours (such as those listed above) appropriately in internship and academic settings
• be aware of and have sensitivity to individual and/or cultural differences

What are some examples of this?

Examples of when you will need to use non-verbal communication include:

• recognising and responding appropriately to non-verbal cues from peers and staff in the academic setting
• interpreting stakeholder's 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

Why do I need to be able to do these things?

You will need to use and understand non-verbal communication skills because:

• the ability to notice, understand and use appropriate non-verbal cues, including those that are culturally appropriate, is critical to establishing and assessing stakeholder needs

What reasonable adjustments could be considered?

The School will give consideration to non-verbal communication behaviours appropriate to your disability or condition. If you have a vision or hearing impairment, you may rely more on either auditory or visual communication behaviours as appropriate.

Consideration may be given to the internship type and location, some internship activities may better be able to accommodate students with specific, identified needs.

The Bachelor of Arts (International Studies) program requires students to:

• demonstrate effective reading and reading comprehension
• demonstrate effective written communication skills.

Reading

What do I need to be able to do?

You will need to:

• read and understand a range of material in a variety of formats in both academic and internship settings
• read and understand information related to specific clients and other essential professional material during your internship

What are some examples of this?

Examples of when you will need to use your reading skills include:

• reading and comprehending academic texts and required readings in the academic setting
• reading and comprehending supervisors instructions and written documents while on internship, such as induction processes, policies and occupational health and safety guidelines

Why do I need to be able to do these things?

You need effective reading and reading comprehension because:

• the majority of required course material in the academic setting is presented in written form, including written assessment tasks. Your ability to read, comprehend and interpret written information is fundamental for your learning and contribution during your internship.

What reasonable adjustments could be considered?

You may use specialised software to support your literacy in academic contexts. The appropriateness and practicality of using such software during your internship may vary between internships and should be discussed prior to commencing the internship.

Writing (Written Language)

N.B. This refers not to the physical act of writing but to the written content.

What do I need to be able to do?

You will need to:

• produce coherent written communication appropriate to academic and internship settings.

What are some examples of this?

Examples of when you will need to use written language include:

• completing written assessment tasks, such as essays and reports, that demonstrate your understanding of course content and skills learned in the academic setting
• administrative note-taking, preparation of reports or briefs during your internship

Why do I need to be able to do these things?

You will need written language skills because:

• written assessment tasks are a primary means of assessing your knowledge and understanding of academic subject matter
• preparing accurate and clear written communication is an integral part of internship duties

What reasonable adjustments could be considered?

You may use specialised software to support your literacy in academic contexts. The appropriateness and practicality of using such software during internships may vary between internships and should be discussed prior to commencing.

The Bachelor of Arts (International Studies) program requires the use of the following cognitive abilities in both the academic and internship settings:

• concentration
• memory
• problem solving
• planning and organisation
• information processing abilities
• reasoning skills.

What do I need to be able to do?

You will need to:

• consolidate learning material to complete assessment tasks in the academic setting and applying this knowledge during your internship
• focus, interact, solve problems and provide feedback to peers and supervisors in a time appropriate manner
• work collaboratively or independently on tasks allocated to you

 
What are some examples of this?

Examples of when you will need high level cognitive skills, such as those listed above, include:

• correctly applying theoretical knowledge, policies and procedures in both academic and internship settings
• remaining focussed while interacting with clients and colleagues during your internship
• problem solving and managing competing demands and tasks under time constraint during your internship

Why do I need to be able to do these things?

You need the cognitive skills listed above because:

• remembering and using theoretical knowledge, concentrating for extended periods, problem solving  and planning are all essential to International Studies practice during your  internship

What reasonable adjustments could be considered?

You may use assistive technology and strategies such as rest breaks to support your memory, planning and organisation – particularly in academic settings.  The practicality of using such strategies may not be appropriate and should be discussed prior to commencing your internship.

Many people who experience mental health challenges can be successful as students and go on to be successful graduates of the Bachelor of Arts (International Studies). The Bachelor of Arts (International Studies) and the demanding nature of the fields that graduates typically work in, requires all students to be mentally well enough and to demonstrate sufficient behavioural stability to perform optimally in both academic and internship settings.

Stable and consistent mental health promotes optimal engagement in academic and internship settings.

What do I need to be able to do?

You need to:

• demonstrate your capacity to manage multiple, complex demands in the academic and internship settings with focus, composure and adaptability
• manage professional interactions with stakeholders calmly, professionally and with sensitivity during your internship
• demonstrate behavioural stability to work constructively in diverse and changing academic and internship settings

What are some examples of this?

Examples of when your mental wellness and behavioural stability will be important include:

• reflecting on your practice and responding appropriately to constructive feedback in academic and internship settings
• manage your personal emotions and behaviour effectively when relating with peers, staff and clients during your internship. Some situations may be challenging such as, dealing with people from very different cultural backgrounds

Why do I need to be able to do these things?

You need sound mental health and behavioural stability because:

• behavioural stability is required to function optimally in both the academic and internship settings
• The University must prioritise the wellbeing and safety of you, your peers, staff and clients in academic and internship settings. Internship activities may be ceased if a risk is apparent. This could impact your academic progress.

What reasonable adjustments could be considered?

Reasonable adjustments such as reduced hours or consideration of internship type and location should be discussed prior to commencing your internship. The practicality of accommodating these adjustments during the internship will be considered but may not be possible.

If you become unwell, you may be supported to take time off from your studies and consideration can be given to deferring your internship, where possible, until you are fully recovered.