CHAMBER NEWS
International students bring skills as well as enthusiasm to the table
Now in its 24th year, ISPO (International Student Placement Office) continues to work with the region’s business community to match companies’ specific requirements with that of ambitious, dedicated and skilled international students. Business Network spoke to
Chamber member Xbite’s Operations Director Simon Brereton and a selection of the company’s international students to understand the value ISPO has added. Xbite, a fast-growing internet-
based retailer of video games, toys, gadgets and gifts, joined the Chamber in 2013 in order to utilise a wide range of services. However it is arguably its engagement with the ISPO programme that has proved to be the most rewarding and fruitful aspect of its membership of the Chamber, as Simon explains. “Xbite began its journey with
ISPO in March 2014, recruiting three German interns. Initially the students were brought in to develop a series of websites and online platforms to help the business trade internationally. “Since then, all online platforms
have been implemented and Xbite has been consistently recruiting three ISPO students at a time with multiple language skills, helping the company access several markets across Europe.” The responsibilities undertaken
by Xbite’s ISPO students have been wide-ranging and this flexibility and diversity is, Simon believes, of immense value to the company. Equally, Xbite’s ability to engage
with clients and potential clients in a variety of languages has led to tangible results. “Language is the main
advantage, allowing Xbite to build relationships with their consumers
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ISPO executives. Finding a place to live abroad is no easy task either, but, thankfully, ISPO relieved me of this obligation as well.” Equally, ISPO students are able
to benefit from placements both professionally and culturally. “The placement relates to my
studies as I am able to speak different languages and work with customers from different parts of the world. My degree also requires us to be able to multitask and be able to use different skills in our jobs which I believe I am able to do here,” explains Alexia Loizeau, a fellow Xbite ISPO student. “I have been able to adapt to a
Xbite's ISPO students have made a big impact on the company
‘Sales in countries such as the Netherlands and Germany have increased markedly due to having ISPO students’
across Europe and reach a bigger and broader market,” says Simon. “Sales in countries such as the
Netherlands and Germany have increased markedly due to having ISPO students who speak the respective languages. “The students have assisted the
business in a variety of ways; occupying customer relations roles, marketing and data analysis. We’ve been highly impressed with the number of languages our students can speak. Students are able to respond to client queries and put a human element to their services, avoiding the use of Google translate, which is not always accurate or correct. “As an online business, Xbite primarily communicates B2C, having students with language skills whereby they can speak and
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respond to their clients’ enquiries is invaluable.” The benefit is twofold. While
Xbite sees clear value in taking on international students, the students themselves are gaining substantially from the experience, with the logistical and practical issues taken care of, as Xbite’s ISPO student Nick Kanellis explains. “I spent quite a few months
looking for a placement myself, but to no avail. The paperwork, the lack of contacts, the difficulty of setting up interviews, all this had almost discouraged me from pursuing an internship abroad,” he says. “Within a few weeks of joining
ISPO I already had some interviews lined up for very interesting positions. All the paperwork and the arrangements were conducted in a very professional way by the
new environment and gain confidence. I was expecting it to be a lot more formal. The work environment at Xbite is a lot more relaxed than what I expected and I really enjoy it.” ISPO continues to be a positive
experience for both Xbite and its students and as a service, it’s one that both fully advocate. “ISPO is our perfect partner,
aligning us with the best European candidates that match our requirements,” says Simon. “It’s a wonderful experience and opportunity both for the students and for businesses to understand other cultures and languages, without mentioning the other skills they bring to the table. I would certainly recommend it.” Nick concludes: “I have already
recommended ISPO to several friends who are looking for an internship abroad.”
To understand more about how ISPO can enhance your business, contact Maria Martin-Albarran on 0333 320 0333 ext. 2141, email
maria.albarran@
emc-dnl.co.uk or visit
www.ispo.co.uk
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