Work experience can be stressful, especially if it’s your first time and even more so if it’s in a different country. It’s a whole new environment with lots of unknowns. Reflecting on my personal experience, here are a few tips to enjoy and make the most of it.
How did you feel beforehand?
Before my work experience, I felt a little nervous. I didn’t really know what I was going to do. Fortunately, I am bilingual, so I wasn’t worried about the language barrier. Once I arrived, I loved it. I did my first-week placement in a primary school in England. The teachers were really kind to me and made me participate in the school’s life. For my second week, I worked at Blue Stamp Travel, assisting the operations and marketing team and gaining an insight into the study travel industry.
For my first week of work placements, I worked at a primary school gaining valuable experience working with children.
Why did you choose work experience abroad?
I chose work experience abroad because I wanted to discover how people worked in different countries. I think a work placement in a different country is more enriching than one in your own country. You discover a new type of person and new ways of working, and you improve your language skills.
How did you choose the placement?
I chose my work placements by myself. I like to discover new things, so I wanted to go to a school to see how teachers work. You can also go to a company based on your career prospects.
What was different from your own country? What stands out?
After a few days at the school, I liked the way it operated. It is quite different from my home country, France. In England, pupils finish earlier than students in France, and I feel the lessons were more complete compared to France. However, most of the organisation and teaching styles are similar.
Which parts were most enjoyable?
I enjoyed meeting new people, as they were interested in me and how things work where I am from. They asked a lot of questions and were comprehensive. I enjoyed working at the school because the teachers were happy to have me help them. I found helping the students with their learning during their lessons especially rewarding.
I also like exploring new places in England during my free time, which is another reason why I chose work experience abroad.
During my second week of work experience at Blue Stamp Travel, I enjoyed the variety of tasks I was given, such as designing posters and acting in TikTok videos.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about work experience abroad?
To work efficiently during your first work experience abroad, it is important to know the language or at least the basics. Without a good understanding of your tasks, you’re not going to enjoy your work and get the most out of it.
Next, you need to manage your stress. Even though you are experiencing something new, it’s not so different from what you know in your home country. Your co-workers will be kind and understanding towards you.
However, I would say the most important thing is to be curious and ask questions to your colleagues. Employers appreciate interns who want to learn and improve, and it will also connect you with your associates. Being open-minded and embracing challenges will make the experience more fulfilling.
Make sure to stay organised and bring a journal take notes and plan your time. This will also help you reflect on your work experience after the placement.
Completing your first work experience abroad can be stressful and intimidating, but it’s one of the best decisions you can make to grow both personally and professionally and make new friends. It also helps improve your language skills and discover new cultures, so, if you have the opportunity to do it, go for it!
If you’re a French, German, or Spanish student based in the UK and considering completing a work placement abroad, why not consider our Work Experience Abroad package? Gain all the benefits outlined in this blog while developing your language skills, increasing your chances of exam success, and strengthening your CV and UCAS application. Check out our explainer video for a summary of what this package entails.
