My experience in Lille as a Group Leader and work placement coordinator
Hi, I’m Hélène, and I am a work placement coordinator for the French trips.
Since April 2022, I have also been on 2 trips as a Group Leader and 4 other trips to meet some of our partners, and find new places interested in working with us. This side of the job is valuable as we meet the students and our accommodation and work placements’ partners (and potential new ones) face to face.
Leading a group is very interesting and energetic. It is demanding and you need to be fully present and available at short notice, in case a student or one of the employers need you. Motivation is a must! And checking your mobile phone regularly for incoming messages is necessary too.
Leading groups in Lille
My first trip to Lille was with a group of 10 students in July 2022. It was after the worst of the Covid-19 pandemic and during a heatwave, and it went mostly well but we also had a student who suffered from heat exhaustion and did not leave her hotel room for a few days. I was there to assist her and brought her some food and drinks and medicine. She only completed a couple days of work, but it was understandable, and the employer was informed accordingly. She was well by the end of the trip, luckily!
The students were interested in their placements and in learning French. We had a few social evenings at restaurants and at a bowling, and other free evenings for the students to explore the city in pairs or groups.
My second trip in Lille was in April 2023, with Justin, another group leader, who is also a high school teacher. There were around 20 students this time. There was a hotel group and a host families’ group. Having a colleague with me was very helpful. The students appreciated the fact we were both here for them and it was a very enjoyable experience for everyone.
Supporting students abroad
I’d say that personally, my previous experiences working in schools and education settings, and being a mother, were a great help to prepare me to be a group leader. It was easier than what I originally thought as the students were between 16 and 18 years old, so they do not require constant supervision once they know their way around. They are aware that the group leaders and the host families are here for them in the foreign country they are visiting!
Some students will be more comfortable than others being abroad and will adapt easily to their new environment, but you will also have to reassure and help some students who might be panicking or stressing out because they are not in their familiar environment and are surrounded by new people. Usually all goes well and by the end of the week, the students that might have been struggling at first will be happy and satisfied with the whole experience.
I like being in touch with the team of group leaders who take the students to France for work experiences, it gives each group leader a different insight into the effort taken to build a trusting relationship with the employers who are welcoming the students in their workplace. They also help me by being able to talk to the employers face to face, and by being able to guide the students before their first day and during the whole week. It is a team effort, and they know I am available on the phone when needed. If I have a last-minute update or request, I’ll communicate that promptly to either the managing team or to the group leaders which will pass any relevant information to the students or employers.
Looking ahead
I enjoyed being a group leader twice, it was a good experience and the students’ feedback were lovely, it made me confident that I have done a good job. As a work placement coordinator, I am looking forward to working with the current and the new group leaders as the relationship is important to help make the trip smoother.
If you’re interested in completing Work Experience Abroad in Lille, why not join one of our seasonal mixed-school group trips? We travel during the Easter and summer holidays. Head to our Mixed School Work Experience Abroad webpage for more information.
