More information about our Stages, Internships and Work Placements in the UK

An Internship or Work Placement in the UK is a great opportunity to develop language skills and gain practical experience in a work place.

What is an Internship?

An Internship is an opportunity offered by an employer to give practical experience in an area of business/industry or commerce. It’s good for those students who want to develop language skills, have practical experience in the workplace and enhance their CV.

Internships are generally for undergraduates and will be for a fixed term of up to four months.

The employer commits to training and development of the student during this period. Internships can be paid or unpaid.

What is a Work Placement?

Work placements are similar to Internships but for a shorter period and will include structured learning sessions arranged by English Language Homestays. We offer courses in computing and preparing for work.

English language training will be provided for all those undertaking a work placement. Our courses provide a good foundation in the type of language encountered in a work situation.

We would also recommend these lessons if your language skills are adequate, yet you feel your confidence would benefit from additional training.

The teachers that we employ have extensive knowledge of teaching English as a Second Language (ESOL) and can adapt the language training to suit the requirements of the various members of the group.

What level of English language do I need?

For a successful Internship or Work Placement a student's will need English at an Intermediate Level or above.

Age restrictions

All students must be 16 years of age or over.

What do I need to provide?

All potential students will need to complete an application form and provide a CV with a covering letter.

What is a typical placement?

There are no ‘typical’ placements! However, we can offer placements in these and other areas:

• Accounts
• Administration
• Banking
• Communications
• Environmental Studies
• Healthcare
• Hotel
• Catering and Hospitality
• Information Technology
• Web Design
• Marketing
• Tourism

What have previous Students done as a Placement or Internship?

Here is an example of a recent placement.

Amelia is an undergraduate studying food technology at a French university. We placed her with an award-winning company who were developing a new range of sauces. Amelia used her skills and knowledge to assist in the creation of a new salad dressing that is now on the shelves of British supermarkets! She traveled to food fairs and factories around the UK and made many useful contacts.

Airline Placement Opportunities

English Language Homestays is working with representatives of a major British airline to provide a number of courses and work experiences at Gatwick Airport. Our students are training as cabin crew, learning about customer service and preparing for job interviews with airlines.

Who will help me while I am here?

We monitor and manage our Internship and Work Placement programme very closely to ensure you and the employer gain from the experience and so English Language Homestays will support you throughout your stay, including:

• Meet you on arrival and introduce you to your host family
• Provide you with relevant information on your first working day after arrival
• Provide you with work placement in a vocation of your choice
• Arrange accommodation with a caring host family
• Monitor you whilst you are in your work placement.

Where will I stay?

Accommodation is also arranged as part of your Internship or Work Placement package.

We will arrange for you to stay with an English host family. All families are known to us personally, and interviewed by ourselves to ensure a good fit with all our student.

The accommodation vetted is to the highest standard. Meals will be provided.

Staying with an English host family ensures you gain in confidence from the support and encouragement provided by your host family in a family environment. Your first time away from home can be a daunting experience, especially in a country that has a different culture. Your host family will help to improve your language skills and your understanding of English culture and enhance your experience in the United Kingdom far more rapidly.

Is there a minimum stay?

Yes, the minimum stay is 2 weeks.

How much does it cost?

Our Internship and Work Placement programmes are tailored to your needs and so we can only provide you with an indicative cost once we understand your aims. Contact us today and we will be happy to talk you through the various options and give you a price.