Placement overview
Name: Colby
Vocational area: Rugby
Duration: 2 weeks
Location: Perpignan, France
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'Our team grew and matured together. My main highlight of the trip was living independently where I would respect others and be respected myself.'
The motivation
I wanted to understand a different culture whilst gaining work experience, so I was very happy when my tutor mentioned an opportunity to go play rugby in France. I prepared myself with all the travel supplies I might need and even bought a vocabulary book to learn some basics beforehand!
The placement
We trained with an academy; we were taught the French style of doing drills and matches whilst sharing our knowledge from England. We gained technical and physical knowledge. We also watched a professional rugby match where the local team, USA Perpignan, was playing. It was the first time I had seen the sport being played professionally and it was truly an amazing experience as a rugby student.
The location
Perpignan had a completely different vibe from my hometown in the UK as a small village surrounded by nature. My group had the chance to explore different sites and tourist attractions including seeing the mountains.
We were taught French every other day by the host partner. I used my vocabulary book to help me with daily life such as ordering food at restaurants as I did not know any French before I travelled.
The impact
The food at the hotel was nice, as was the chance to share the place with my teammates. We grew and matured together. My main highlight of the trip was living independently where I would respect others and be respected myself.
I had the chance to meet Erasmus+ students from other countries and we found that we were all in the same boat. We shared our experience and placement tips and I got to learn new phrases from two languages at once!
This placement has given me numerous professional skills which I hope to use when applying for rugby related courses at university, or sports qualifications. My dream is to be a professional rugby player.
Outcomes
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Improved language skills
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Exposure to cultural experience
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Confidence building
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Improved people skills
Collaboration and partnership is at the heart of what we do.
If you would like to find out more about the way we work, get in touch.
