Case Studies in Wales

The Leonardo da Vinci programme at ectarc provides students with an exciting and valuable experience: the opportunity to both live and work in a foreign country whilst gaining linguistic and professional skills.

It can be very daunting leaving your family, friends and home to work in a foreign country, but the experiences and memories that you gather will stay with you forever.

Language skills: 'huge progress'

Three French Leonardo participants, Muriel, Maïté and Johanna, who recently came to the end of their stay in Wales were interviewed by ectarc's work experience trainee, Sam Hodgetts, who asked them to sum up their experiences. They all said that the main advantage had been the improvement in their English language skills. They admitted to feeling very self-conscious about their level of English when they arrived in Llangollen but had made huge progress by the end of the three-week intensive language course provided by ectarc. Their advice?

'The best way to improve your English is to speak it whenever and wherever possible. Speak to your host family as often as you can and you will become much surer of yourself.'

New place, new friends, new culture

Another benefit which all three students recognised, having taken part in the Leonardo programme, was the opportunity to make new friends and talk to lots of different people. Maïté, who worked at Scala Arts Centre and commented on how beneficial and enjoyable it had been to learn about a new culture and country: 'A lot of people don't really know that Wales has a completely different language and culture to England, and it is interesting to learn about Welsh traditions and customs.'

And let's not forget the work placement!

The work placement aspect of the Leonardo programme often gives participants a new perspective on the world of work. Working methods in the UK do differ from those in other countries and the participants felt it was important to experience working away from home in a new environment. They learnt new skills and increased their self-confidence - vital tools for young employees about to enter today's EU employment market.

Host families - an unexpected benefit

A feature of ectarc's Leonardo programme, which is not always available to Leonardo participants in other locations, is the chance to stay with a local family. All three participants had thoroughly enjoyed getting to know their hosts, but pointed out that it is important to set aside time to spend with them, as they can contribute to making your stay an enjoyable one and help you to improve your English. Muriel commented, 'You need to have a strong spirit and try to do the best you possibly can at work and with your host family. At the end of your stay, you will be so proud of yourself!'
And if there's any time remaining, they recommend exploring the region. There is much to discover and see in Wales, from picturesque villages to exciting towns, and the only way to make the most of them is to get out and about and discover them for yourself! Or join the many, many 'ex-Leonardos' who have come back to visit us again, on holiday!