Placement overview
Name: Zoe
Vocational area: Hair & Beauty
Duration: 4 weeks
Location: Rethymno, Crete (Greece)
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"I would recommend to anyone who is considering a placement to just go and experience it, as it is an opportunity that might never come up again. Some of the girls felt really homesick. As soon as they got back to Bath, they realised they hadn’t missed anything, but had gained so much from being away."
The motivation
The placement gave me the chance to practice my skills in a new working environment.
The placement
my main duties included carrying out treatments including hot stone massage, body wraps, facials, reflexology and scalp massage. I was also involved in reception and client care, cleaning and organising the spa centre and promoting treatments.
The location
It was a great learning experience to see how things worked in another country, as the spa set up was really different. The staff really trusted us; I hasn’t expected to be involved in giving treatments, and it has really built my confidence. I have learnt to keep calm and professional and be flexible in the way I work. Sometimes, with the language barrier, I got a bit confused at first about the treatments but learnt to overcome this.
We got to know the other therapists at the spa and went out for coffee together. They told us about their lives and how they got to where they are now. They work much longer hours than we do; from 8am-8pm, which was a real eye opener!
The impact
It was my first time away from home, and was an opportunity to be independent. Even travelling to and from work each day was a learning experience for me and pushed me out of my comfort zone. The time flew by, and my walk to work along the beach soon became second nature.
The time away gave me a chance to think about what I want to do next. I now plan to work part time in a spa and part time on my own business, and I feel confident to take this forward.
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.
