An English student's view

In the midst of GCSE revision, English student Tommy took the initiative to organise work experience with TTPL during his Easter break – we’re very impressed!

Hello everyone,

My name is Tommy and I’m a year 11 student at Torquay Boys’ Grammar School. At this time I’m standing only four weeks away from the most important exams of my life so far. I found work experience at TTPL because of my school and the careers day that we had to look at possible options for the future.

I am, from what I’m told, a rare English student who was lucky enough to have work experience at TTPL. I’ve spent my two weeks off during the Easter holidays working in the TTPL office, and even though this meant I had next to no days off throughout Easter, due to work experience and extensive amounts of revision, I am glad I have had this opportunity. 

Unlike most other students, I didn’t quite have the large experience over the two weeks as I did not have to travel across Europe or stay with a host family. However, this did not take away from my experience at TTPL.

Throughout the two weeks I learned many new skills and had the chance to work with a very friendly, funny and hard-working team. It has been a genuine pleasure to work for them over these two weeks and they have made me look forward to my future time in the working world. I would just like to say a big thanks to everyone for making me feel so welcome during my work experience.

To anyone reading this who is considering coming to England through TTPL, you will not have a better group of people looking after you when you are here!

My time in Torquay – an unforgettable experience

In February, TTPL welcomed Alba – a Business Management Degree student from Valencia. Here's Alba's take on her first two months in Torquay:

Do you want to work in a foreign country and learn a different language too? If you think about this for too long maybe it will seem hard, but the experience is unforgettable! Let me tell you about my short experience…

I’m a Spanish girl and I arrived in Torquay last February. I remember when I said goodbye to my parents in the airport and I was very confused about the new area that I would live in for five months.

My first days in a new country were a bit odd because I had to know new places and talk in a different language, but here the people are very kind and they try to help you if they can. Nevertheless you make a daily habit quickly!

Since I started my internship at TTPL I feel well received and every day they help me to improve my English. Furthermore, when I go to my new home, I spend a lot of time talking with my host family.

During my first two months here, I have had many experiences and visited lots of different places, and I can say that it is amazing! At the moment, I’ve visited lots of places near Torquay, and if you want to take beautiful photos and spend all day around nature, I recommend you that visit Berry Head in Brixham, it’s really nice!

I decided to come here because I want to learn more English and understand different cultures and work habits in another country. Before I arrived, I thought that it maybe was a difficult adaptation, nevertheless now I can say this is a tremendous opportunity to grow and meet new people.