programme – which enables UK university students to study or work in 33 European countries.


Dr Jo Beall, the British Council’s Director of Education and Society said: “The good news is that this poll shows people are beginning to recognise how vital international skills are for enhancing their career. Research last year revealed that more UK employers look for international awareness and experience above academic qualifications. But the bad news is that not enough people in the UK are taking opportunities to gain international experience. That needs to change if the UK will successfully compete in the global economy.”


Ben Chatfield, from Wimbledon, was a Language Assistant in France in 1994, and now runs his own successful marketing agency, OscarMike. Ben said: “My international experience, at a relatively young age, changed the course of my life entirely. It got me a job in a massive international advertising agency, and I then worked extensively in France. My French speaking got me my first proper client when I created my own business. A French client – Hermes - is the bedrock of my business now.”


Ben has gone on to write a book, Mediterranean Homesick Blues, about his experiences abroad.


Lucy Ling, from Manchester, worked as a Language Assistant in 2003, and now regularly uses


foreign languages in her job. Lucy said: “Learning languages and spending time abroad working and studying has had a huge impact on my career: thanks to my French and Italian I now have a job managing contracts for a leading holiday company and get paid to travel all over Italy. My experience overseas not only helped to develop my technical language skills but also gave me the confidence to pursue an interesting and fulfilling career.”


Jo Beall added: “Our recent research showed that while almost two-thirds of students felt they had an international outlook, they failed to see the potential career advantages to be gained from international experiences.


We are working with government and businesses to try and provide more opportunities for gaining international skills, and make students aware that this is the most valuable work experience of all. It’s heartening therefore that there are 2500 opportunities available to get paid work experience through the English Language Assistant scheme, and I would strongly encourage anyone who wants to


give their career prospects a boost to apply.


Find out more at: www.britishcouncil.org


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