For all of you contemplating joining the Leonardo da Vinci programme but still finding it hard to choose between three months of living and working abroad, or staying at home to wait for the hysteria of the end of season sales, let me take a moment to share my LdV experience with you.

So let me see, what have I learnt about living in Barcelona over the last three months? Well, I must admit that I can now hold a conversation in Spanish for more than ten minutes without merely saying, “ Vale, muy bien!”  In fact, working as waiter in a 4* hotel could not have been a better work placement for me. I spoke nothing but Spanish for five hours a day, made many friends from all parts of the world and benefited from free meals.

In a nutshell, my time on the programme has allowed me to exponentially improve my level of Spanish, it has given me the opportunity to experience working in a foreign company and it has allowed me to share a flat with some of the most lovely yet craziest people I have ever had the fortune to meet. We all come from many different countries and walks of life whilst still being like-minded young students or graduates. And finally, if after all this advertising and blatant propaganda you’re still not sure, remember one small thing, its absolutely free!!!!

Matt

For me it wasn’t only about improving my German: I wanted to get some genuine work experience in the field in which I hope to work in the future, so I was really pleased that GLS language school, which work with Twin from the Berlin side, was able to find me a job in an NGO.

Naomi

I feel that I have really benefited from the Leonardo da Vinci programme. Not only did it provide me with the perfect opportunity to improve my Spanish language skills, I have also gained invaluable work experience after being placed within a professional work environment – an experience which I will, no doubt, continue to profit from in years to come.
The support I received from Twin and the host organisation, both of which were dedicated to crafting the best programme for me on an individual level, definitely contributed to a trouble-free and truly enjoyable experience.

Seville is also such a beautiful city, filled with history and culture – there is never a shortage of things to get involved in!

Jennyfer

I had literally no Spanish when I got to Seville.  However the host organisation found me a job with a marketing company, as that was my degree course and, although I am by no means fluent, I am confident and can interact with everyone in Spanish.  The host organisation found me a flat close to my work and the city centre where I was living with lots of different nationalities.  We were provided with everything we needed such as travel cards, spending money, a cultural introduction and received 24-hour support. 

It was a really good experience as I think that you can’t really experience a countries’ culture until you’ve lived there for a while. Spending 3 months in Spain for practically nothing while gaining work experience and meeting loads of different people is an experience I would recommend to anyone.

Ben

Thanks to Twin, I had the opportunity to spend 3 months in sunny Seville where I worked in a small translation company. From the very beginning of the application process and right throughout the programme, there was help at hand for any query that arose, from Twin before departure and from Incoma, the Spanish host organisation, while I was in Seville. The Incoma staff were both friendly and welcoming, and helped me to settle in quickly.

Kim

This has been a real great opportunity for me; it has opened my horizons and my mind in many different ways. I have always been used to being taken care of by my parents and all the daily needs were provided. Since I have been here, I have had to shop for my self, cook, clean, wash and all sorts of other chores. I have gained a lot responsibility at the same time as learning a new language and fitting into a new culture.  I’ve also made so many Italian friends.

Ksandros

At first I was apprehensive about embarking on the Leonardo da Vinci programme, as I feared that I'd struggle settling into a foreign working environment. However, I'm glad I followed my instincts and took the risk, as obtaining foreign internship has taught me so much. Over the past few weeks, I have come to realise that I've developed my independence, particularly from travelling to and from work alone, and living with other participants.

Karen

My 3 months here in France have been extremely rewarding - linguistically, vocationally, and socially. My work placement really has surpassed my expectations in terms of how it integrates you fully in the running of the establishment. I arrived with a very low level of confidence in my oral expression, but have been amazed by how quickly you are encouraged to get over the initial barriers. I have been lucky enough to be working with people used to having an intern amongst them, and they have been super-helpful in making me feel at home. It's like my own little family.

John

The hotel I work at has exceeded all expectations. I feel as if the placement was tailor-made for me. The staff members have been extremely welcoming and I’ve really integrated into the way of life here. On top of that, the host organisation have really done their best to make sure everything goes well and it definitely helps to have someone you can call if there are any problems.

Osob

The Leonardo da Vinci programme promised a lot and I can honestly say it has not disappointed. Without doubt this has been one of the most formative experiences of my life. The support I received from the host organisation was fantastic, they made sure my boss understood what I was there for and helped me settle in. Right from the beginning in my first work placement I was given plenty of responsibility.

Mark

Hi! I’m Helen. I applied for the Leonardo da Vinci programme just before graduating from university in European Studies and German, as I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do with my future. The programme has really helped me to decide though, as I’m really enjoying my job out here in Leipzig.

Helen