Why did you decide to intern abroad with The Intern Group in London?
Clémence: I was looking for a working experience in an English speaking country, during the summer. I didn’t plan to pay for a program at first, I just wanted a job in a restaurant or whatever. I stumbled upon the Intern London website and read about the special program for the 2012 Olympics in London. It all seemed perfect to me: the job would reimburse the program, I would meet students from all over the world, live on my own in an unknown country... and I would be part of the most amazing event in the world, the Olympic and Paralympic Games!
What made this internship so unique and special?
Clémence: The fact of working in the heart of the Olympic and Paralympic athletes village was already something unique and special. I have met athletes, each one more amazing than the others. First it was all the Olympian celebrities known for their achievements and medals. But the best part was with any doubts the Paralympics, because these athletes are so much more sociable and humble. They all have different stories that have marked them for life, but they are so happy and proud of what they achieve. After meeting them, not only are your views on the handicapped changed forever, but you also understand that all the things you complain about every day are so insignificant.
“The Olympics is where heroes are made. The Paralympics is where heroes come.” Joey Reiman
How has this experience impacted your future?
Clémence: My job was to supervise a team of servers in the athletes restaurant on the Olympic village. I’ve achieved management skills, and had to work in team with the other supervisors. I learned how to deal with almost every kind of person since the servers were between 16 and 60 years old, and from many different origins and cultures. During the Paralympics, I learned how to behave around disabled people: it’s actually not different than with every one else, but not always easy!
I had already been on my own abroad several times, but I still had to cope with everyday life problems, I got more confident and self-running. And of course my English improved a lot!
What is one piece of advice you would give someone considering interning abroad in London?
Clémence: London is an expensive city to live in, mostly for transportation. Try not to live and work in different zones. But it’s also a huge city, always living, with so many kinds of boroughs, and a lot of free museums for students. One tip: take the most of it, never stop visiting and trying new places!