Paul's stay in London with GEB

When one of our teachers told us that we had the opportunity to make an internship in London this year, I knew immediately that I wanted to go to London. I was in the 3^rd semester in my vocational training as a foreign language correspondent and we were recommended to do an internship, if possible somewhere abroad.

Two weeks after I attended a preparation seminar it all began. I was still a bit nervous but I guess that is perfectly normal, after all I’ve never spent more than a month abroad. But soon the nervousness changed into excitement.

After our arrival at the airport we were picked up from the GEB team and brought to our accommodation. My landlord was very nice and the house was very cosy. During the seminar it was pointed out that the standard of the accommodations would not be the same as in Germany, so I set my expectations quite low. But my room was completely sufficient and had everything I needed.

The next day was the first day of my 5-day language course. I will always remember my first day using the London public transport. I was so fascinated by these huge crowds of people and how, despite the chaos, still everyone knew exactly where he/she had to go. But I prepared myself so I came only 5 minutes late to my first lesson. The language school itself was great. Sitting in a class room together with 15 people who had all together at least 6 different origins.

Then, one week after, it was time to start my internship. I already had an interview with somebody of the HR department on the telephone back in Berlin, so I could start immediately. I was working at the translation department of a travel and tourism company. There were also other interns from other countries. It is always good to find people which are in the same situation as you. My tasks were proofreading of some documents which were translated already, translating from German into English and vice versa but also to create my own texts about certain events or special offers.

It was a rather small company but this way I was not just any face. There was a relaxed atmosphere among each other (unless the deadlines were not kept). We also had a cooking shift, so a team of two people cooked for the whole group with the food delivery which the company received every week. The major advantage was that I did not have to spend any money on the groceries.

While I was still a bit shy during my first week of my internship I became more and more confident and started to show more self-initiative. One day the CEO who is usually in the Head Office outside of London paid us a visit to see how business was going in London. When I opened the door I did not recognise him because he was dressed quite casual.  So I asked who he was. That was one of the most embarrassing things that happened to me but he just laughed and thought it was a joke. Good for me.

Summed up I would say that the whole experience was worth it. I met so many new people and have something great to add to my CV (of course this was also a career-oriented decision). Even if I was annoyed many times by the overcrowded tube I would do it again.