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Graduate tales of Europe!

A few first-hand accounts of our graduate internship scheme

France: Montpellier

“The benefits that I have gained from this programme extend not only to the development of the practically nonexistent language skills I had before I went, but also the cultural experience of living and working in a foreign country.
The skills that I have gained from the school work placement in particular, I am already utilising in my job role here in the UK. To sum it all up, the whole experience was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and if I could do it all over again I definitely would”.
Tamara Watts (May – July 08)

“Overall, I had a great Leonardo experience, which also goes down to Montpellier itself and the group that was there with me. I hope that I will stay in contact with them later on, and that I get the chance to visit Montpellier and my host family again. I also think this placement will help me in my professional life and is a valuable addition to my CV.”
Gloria Fanenbruck (September – November 08)

“Without a doubt this was an experience I will never forget. I visited so many new places and met so many people. Most importantly I improved my spoken French, which is what I set out to do. I also learnt a lot about the French way of life and culture, which is something I did not really learn about when I did my Erasmus year.”
Lucy Hartland (January – April 09)

“I am very grateful for the organisation helping me find a work placement in France. It made it very easy for me to work in France and gain experience, which would have been otherwise very hard to find, and I would have found it very difficult to finance by myself. I did not encounter any problems, there were no problems with my work placement or lodgings but if there were any problems I’m sure they would have been dealt with. There were regular meetings, with feedback and information”.
Benjamin Hughes (September – November 08)

“I have befitted substantially not only in my knowledge of the French language but also as a reinforcement of the subjects that I studied in University and this experience will be very useful in applications for careers”
Adriel Rouillard (January – April 09)

France: Ales

“There is no doubt that my language skills improved dramatically during my stay. My host family was fantastic very friendly and inclusive; I learnt a lot from them. I also ended up making some very good friends where I worked, despite the initial difficulties of the job.
My peers who I travelled out with were brilliant for support and are still great friends. I would certainly recommend the programme to anyone; there is no better way to learn about language and culture than from complete immersion for a prolonged time. I enjoyed my stay immensely and was sad to leave all the lovely people that I had met.”
Anna McArdle (September – November 08)

“I am absolutely delighted that I came across the chance to take part in the Leonardo da Vinci programme. I made some goods friends, both French and the fellow participants, and will without a doubt visit the families that I stayed with if I am in the region again. Furthermore, I raised my level of French considerably and this may well have a massive effect when it comes to future choices regarding a career, or secondment opportunities that would not have been feasible to me otherwise.”
Chris Thomas (April – July 08)

“I have befitted substantially not only in my knowledge of the French language but also as a reinforcement of the subjects that I studied in University and this experience will be very useful in applications for careers”
Adriel Rouillard (January – April 09)

“I feel I have drawn many benefits from my time in France – it was a very positive experience that I would recommend. My improved level of French will be very useful when I go back in October to work as a language assistant, and I hope for finding employment in the future. I have made some good friends who I will continue to keep in touch with. It gave me a chance to explore an interesting area of France that I had never visited before.”
Sarah Coward (April – July 08)

“I felt I benefited from this programme, in regards to my language skills and general confidence. The organisation was good because everything was arranged for us, so it made everything easier and more reassuring. It was also nice to be part of a group, because although we didn’t see each other that often (especially me who lived three hours away!), it was nice to know that there were other people in your situation, and who you could talk to and share your experiences with.”
Jenny Orton (September – November 08)

France: Lyon

“I saw an immense progress in my level of comprehension, speaking and writing. The placement successfully prepared me for my placement at the European Court of Justice, both linguistically and in the drafting and research tasks with which I was entrusted. Living with a family gave me an insight into French culture, the real spoken French and of course into the wine and cheeses!”
Rachel Morris (February – April 08)

“Overall, I was very happy with my decision to participate in the Leonardo da Vinci programme to Lyon and I am pleased to have been chosen to take part. I really felt that it was beneficial to my personal and professional development and I left Lyon feeling more confident about my future plans to move and work in France. My French certainly improved, I gained confidence, got to know new people and a new city and I am sure my work placement at Europe Direct will prove useful to me in my future job search in France.”
Madeleine Kidd (September - December 08)

“The day-to-day conversation with work colleagues as well as the language course has helped me improve my level of French. This has also helped me find a greater sense of purpose and enjoyment in learning foreign languages and encouraged me to also start learning German”.
Olivia Van Den Bergen (November – December 07)

“Above all else, my experience in Lyon as part of the Leonardo programme has been a personal journey. I return to England a more confident, independent and professionally prepared person. I now have the ability to throw myself into situations that previously I would have been scared to do.
Thank you to all those involved for making my stay in Lyon unforgettable experience, and giving me the opportunity to broaden my education. From start to finish I was very satisfied with the whole organisation.
I would recommend the Leonardo programme for all those who want to experience living abroad, whilst improving language, professional and personal skills. My time in Lyon has given me so much”.
Melissa Leigh (February – April 08)

“I think the Leonardo da Vinci programme has given me an unparalleled insight into life in a different country and some of the difficulties faced. The experience has broadened my horizons and given me personal confidence and the knowledge that I can adapt and survive by myself. Personally, I feel that I have had many experiences and met many people that I will treasure for many years.
On a professional level, I have learned that the skills that I am learning are transferable and can be utilised in any situation and I have the capacity to work outside the UK. This experience has given me a drive to complete my studies and focus on working abroad. I would not hesitate to recommend the programme and think that the benefits that it will have for me, personally are immeasurable”.
Katherine Duffy (May – July 08)

Spain: Sevilla

“My work placement has given me a greater confidence about working abroad and using the Spanish language. I have gained experience working in the international division of the customs and logistics department and gained a good understanding of what’s required to sell and export products globally. Overall I feel I have gained valuable work experience that I hope will aid me to find future employment.”
Benjamin Campbell-Smith (January – April 2008)

“I can say with all honesty, my choice to accept a place on the programme was one of the best I have made in my life so far. I have always kept my ability for languages on the back burner, opting in the past to search for a career using my art degree. However, after my time in Seville, I was able to improve my Spanish to a much higher level than I could speak before and the experience of living and working in Spain has left me wanting more. Professionally, I feel I have more opportunities available to me now than before. The placement has given me the confidence to pursue a career in either the design sector or in language teaching”
Che Michael Hargreaves (January – April 2008)

“My time in Seville has been amazing. I found Seville is a delightful city with mixed architecture, beautiful narrow roads full of trees and such a warm welcoming atmosphere that really gets under your skin. I am more confident and I have more ideas about the type of work I should be looking for given my interests and skills.”
Katherine Cox (September – November 08)

“I believe that my experience with Comisión de Ayuda al Refugiado has given me a very valuable professional experience in the charity / non-profit sector. It has served not only to strengthen pre-existing skills, but gave me the opportunity to develop new skills and knowledge which will strengthen future job applications. More broadly the experience of working in Spain with Spaniards, and using only Spanish, has proven to be a meaningful cultural exchange. Not only has it given me an insight into Spanish culture but also broadened the perspective through which I see Britain and the rest of Europe.”
Ezra Wallace (April – July 08)

“The idea to transplant flexible and eager-to-learn people into different culture, seems extraordinary .I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and I think my colleagues at Union Romani felt that I integrated well. The placement offered a unique opportunity to go deeper into their culture, and gave me enough time to look at the job market.”
Stefania Hirtopanu (June – August 08)

Gran Canaria: Las Palmas

“I feel that ETS is an excellent organisation offering an opportunity to people that is simply too good to miss. I am extremely happy that I took part in this three month programme and it really is a good use of European funding that should continue bringing other people like myself such experiences.”
Naomi Lomax (September – December 07)

“I feel the main advantage of the programme has been the enhancement of my C.V. Employers can now see that I have really pushed myself to learn and develop my skills in an innovate and interesting way. I have also developed my language skills, and intend to continue learning Spanish to a higher level. My communication skills have improved threefold and I am now a much more confident and mature individual, and feel more positive about my future career prospects.”
Gemma Welsby (January – March 08)

“The Leonardo da Vinci programme is a wonderful scheme, which serves to strengthen ties between nations in the European Community. The students on the scheme have been excellent ambassadors for their countries, approaching their life and work in Gran Canaria with enthusiasm and optimism. Now back in Leeds, I am continuing to study and speak Spanish and hope to return to Gran Canaria in the near future.”
Liam Raftery (January – April 09)

“The Leonardo da Vinci programme is a fantastic initiative and I feel that it was organised well. The two-week language school is a great asset. It helped me enormously not only with my Spanish but also with my initial settling into the way of life and getting to know Las Palmas before starting work. I was very happy and thankful for the placement Orlando found me, and felt that he was sufficiently supportive throughout our time on the programme.
I have learnt a great deal during my time on the programme in Las Palmas, and have had the opportunity to meet so many friendly people. My time there has been such an inspiration that I am currently looking for work and wanting to settle in the city for a longer period of time. My level of Spanish has obviously improved enormously, and I am still enjoying learning more day by day.”
Sian Jones (January – April)

“The programme truly exceeded my expectations in every way. It has helped me not only improve my knowledge of Spanish, but it had also a great influence on my personal and professional goals.
I have previously travelled to and lived in other foreign countries, however this place definitively has changed my perception about different cultures and people. I can now start looking for a new challenging career with more confidence and valuable skills acquired.
I am also very satisfied with the service provided by the sending and host organizations throughout the full duration of the work experience as they look into account personal needs. They made a lot of effort to match each participant’s skills and expectations”
Agnieszka Paszkiewicz (April – July 08)

Italy: Padova

“The work experience element of the programme for me was outstanding. I gained a wealth of skills and attributes that I can now contribute to future employers. I feel that my time management, team-working and computer skills have all improved during this experience. I also felt I worked well under pressure and whilst managing a demanding workload. The experience has added value to my professional career and character”.
Sundeep Bhatoa (September – November 07)

“I had a wonderful and rewarding time on my placement, and I would like to thank ETS for the opportunity given to me. I learnt many new skills and enjoyed the Italian culture very much, in a great city. My colleagues in work made my placement very enjoyable and worthwhile, and I now feel much more confident about applying for jobs. I am very glad to have completed the work placement.”
David James (January – April 09)

“The programme was overall a positive experience which enabled me to integrate into, and engage with, Italian language and society successfully. My placement within MetaArte alongside particularly helpful and encouraging colleagues enhanced my language skills immensely and at a far greater rate than would have been possible in a class environment in Britain or Italy. Throughout my placement I gained varied and valuable work experience in a diverse range of projects which directly relate to my prospective career.”
Michael Taylor (January – April 09)

“The Leonardo da Vinci programme was a brilliant experience. The programme is well assessed and communication was brilliant. When you start work there is never the feeling that you” are on your own” as they keep regular assessments of how well the placement is going and opportunity to raise any problems, if you have any. The programme is a good opportunity to get a feel for what it is like to live in another country and would also provide a good start if you were hoping to move abroad, to make connections with people in work and friends. The programme did have its challenges but overall was interesting and fun.”
Victoria Walton (September – November 08)

“The time I have spent in Italy has been a very positive one. Spending time living and working in another country has allowed me to develop language skills, and also general professional and personal skills. I did not encounter any particular problems while abroad, and feel I received adequate support from both the sending and receiving organizations. The skills and experience I have gained will certainly be beneficial in the future and the experience has also given me confidence, knowing I can learn new skills and adapt to different working environments.”
Eilidh Webster (September – November 08)

Czech Republic: Prague

“My experience in Prague overall is one which I will never forget. I went to Prague wanting a new challenge and got more than I ever expected, both in terms of general life and work experience. What more, it was all very positive. I undertook work experience that I would never have received unless I participated on the Leonardo Da Vinci programme and I met people that I could never have met. I return to Prague to live and work on the 29th April and I am very excited about that prospect, although I do realise things will be a great deal different this time around.”
Mark Basterfield (January – April 08)

“By far the biggest benefit gained from the programme was the experience, both of new work environments and a new culture. Just to be able to say I have worked in publishing immediately boosts my CV. The programme has helped me develop higher levels independence and self-sufficiency and enabled me to gain a unique experience of a part of the world I had never been before. I would recommend the programme to other people as I found it was a fun and worthwhile experience.”
Nicola Malone (September – November 08)

“It has been a wonderful two months in Prague and I have enjoyed the experience. I have gained a new sense of personal confidence, I have met many interesting new people, it has re-inspired me to pursue architecture, and I have received a good reference from ASGK Design. I have always wanted to live and work abroad so the Leonardo da Vinci programme presented an ideal opportunity and I would do it again if I had the option. It was my first time away from home in a foreign country so I found this a way to test the water for a relatively short time. I am glad to say that I feel it has given me the inspiration to go abroad again”
Naomi Marsh (January – April 2009)

“To be able to stay in such an extraordinary, cultured and completely different place was an incredible experience socially and for my own education. It has provided me with a brilliant insight on another culture, and to be working and living in the city instead of just visiting as a tourist has given me an in-depth understanding of another culture - and a different set of values.”
Rebecca Hemus (January – April 2009)

“I have gained solid work experience that has undoubtedly improved my CV and will be an impressive name when the right people consider my application. The programme had confirmed my career ambitions and provided me with the motivation to pursue a career within the Creative Industries.”
Alan Chaffe (January – April 2009)

Germany: Berlin

“The work placement has provided me with valuable experience within the charity sector. Currently I am carrying out temporary work within the charity sector before I complete a CELTA course, after which I will be looking for a permanent position within the charity sector. My Leonardo experience in Berlin has been phenomenal”
Olivia Sullivan (January – April 08)

“When I first sent off my application to take part in the Leonardo programme in Berlin, I hardly realised what a life-changing experience it would be! From appearing on German TV dressed as a butterfly to battling my way through the healthcare system, I have enjoyed my time in Germany and learnt much about German society, work and culture”.
Elizabeth Ball (April - June 08)

“I found the placement very beneficial and gained a variety of skills that can be transferable to jobs in the future. I have made many new friends, from within the UK, Germany and further afield whom I still keep in contact with. Before going, I was very shy with my German and only spoke the language when made to do so. On my placement, I enjoyed speaking the language and earning new things. I now feel more confident in many other situations because I have been removed from a comfort zone and learnt many new things in a new environment. I’d also be very interested in working within the tourism industry and have developed an interest in business trade fairs. I would like to live abroad in the future and feel that the program has heavily influenced this.”
Jayne Clark (September – December 08)

“The language programme was a big boost to my confidence and abilities and really got the ball rolling for the next ten weeks in my job. My time in Berlin allowed me to gain new language and work skills, has introduced me to a whole new area of employment that I am now seriously considering, has boosted my CV and my hunt for future employment, and was an all round great experience.”
Amy Thornton (September – December 08)

I believe that the work experience I gained in Berlin has improved my chances of getting the job I want. My experience of living in Berlin gave me the confidence to apply for jobs abroad and I am about to take up an internship in Brussels, which I am sure I wouldn’t even have applied for had I not enjoyed my time in Berlin so much!”
Natasha Ibbotson, (September – December 08)

Austria: Vienna

“The programme allowed me to meet some incredible people and have some amazing experiences, as well as helping me to improve my German to a level that I have been striving for over the past four years. I have already seen from talking to recruiters that the experience is well received on a CV, and would love the opportunity to do something similar again!”
Emma Clarke (September – December 08)

“Leonardo da Vinci programme enabled its participants to learn and improve foreign languages, so in my situation I had to use foreign languages (I am so happy for that). Additionally, I gained some more working experience, which will help me to find a better job in the future and what is most important, I learnt how to adapt in various working environment. Furthermore, I met lot of great people and all together we explored Vienna and Austria in general, and that helped us to learn more about the culture and the history of this country. Undoubtedly. I will not forget what I learned during that period.”
Marcin Polcwiartek (September – December 08)

“A study abroad experience provides the individual with wonderful personal, academic and career benefits. As a result of my time at Vienna, I gained an impressive resume and relevant experience. I feel that I will have more chance to get a good job because of my experience there. In addition, I became independent in my life, orientation and mobility, daily living skills and ability to travel.”
Lucia Chen Gallardo (January – April 08)

“The language course was of great use, helping me to refresh my German skills...I was given an excellent placement, where I had to think on my feet constantly...I am now better equipped to take on difficult challenges that I will no doubt face in any future employment.”
Gordon Fowler (January – April 08)

Germany: Hamburg

"I had a great experience with the Leonardo da Vinci programme. Everything was very well organised and I liked the fact that we needed to  meet everyday in Arbeit und Leben, the host organisation in Hamburg. That helped me to bond with the rest of the group from the beginning, who I will continue to keep in touch with. This was an experience I will never forget I visited so many places and met so many nice people. Most importantly I had the opportunity to speak German again. The internship has provided me with valuable work experience within the IT sector. I found the internship very useful  and gained a variety of skills that can be transferable to jobs in the future. I now feel confident in many other situations because I learnt how to interact with Germans and I improved my IT skills in a new environment.  The Language programme helped me to improve my confidence and abilities and assist me for the next ten weeks in my internship and I saw an enormous progress in my level of comprehension, writing and speaking."

Eleni V. (August - November 2010)