Student profile: Tamsin Stirling on work placements abroad
Tuesday 12 March 2013
Tamsin Stirling, a final year Business Management and Spanish student has just completed two work placements in Spain as part of her Professional Training Year abroad, encompassing both elements of her degree; one working in the marketing department of a tapas and olive oil company in Córdoba and the other as an English language conversation assistant in a language school in Santander, two very different experiences but both equally as valuable.
Prior to leaving, I never thought I would be able to survive for 12 months away from home as this seemed like an impossible challenge but looking back, I needn’t have been so worried. I can honestly say that my experience abroad on placement was the best, most exciting, most rewarding and most valuable 12 months of my life; I feel very fortunate to have been given the opportunity, for which I am truly grateful to the School of English & Languages, and I will forever have unforgettable memories of my time in Spain.
Both work placements proved to be challenging and demanding yet hugely satisfying, providing the opportunity to use and build on my existing skills and knowledge but also the chance to learn and develop additional skills, which will be invaluable to any future career. Undertaking work placements in both the north and south of Spain allowed me to enhance my knowledge of Spain’s national diversity further and observe differences in language and accent, culture and way of life, providing a deeper insight into the country’s uniquely distinct regions.
My experiences abroad allowed me to apply theoretical studies learned in the first and second years to practical situations and are now providing further significance, combined with a greater appreciation of my studies in final year. The amount I have gained from my placement year abroad is simply immeasurable. I have taken away so much from this enriching experience, both personally and professionally, culturally and linguistically. I am now an entirely new person, having grown in confidence and independence. I have significantly improved my Spanish conversational skills, vocabulary, pronunciation and fluency and developed professional skills such as public speaking, time management and teamwork, learning to work both effectively and efficiently. I also feel a great sense of personal satisfaction and pride having made a positive and significant contribution to both work placement organisations, an experience which has been mutually beneficial to both parties. Throughout my adventure, I took great pleasure in exploring previously unknown parts of Spain, living and working alongside the Spanish people in their native environment, taking part in traditional festivities and local customs and simply making the most of every opportunity available.
Languages really do open doors. On completion of my second placement, I was privileged to be chosen as an ambassador for the British Council, dedicated to promoting the programme and sharing my experiences with others. In this role, I delivered a speech at the Spanish Embassy and also at a number of exhibitions and University events. My placement experience was so positive, that I will be embarking on another Spanish adventure with the British Council after leaving University. I am now looking forward to the future, knowing that my studies at Surrey and my experiences abroad will make me an attractive candidate when stepping out into the world of work. Not many future graduates will be able to say the same.
