EVERYONE seems to take one look at the idea of doing work experience abroad and run away screaming, thinking either their language is too lacking or that it simply won't interest them.

In honesty, at first I felt this too, having gone on several trips abroad, taking part in exchange and not feeling much benefit to my language on reflection.

So, at the start of the summer, myself and three other sixth form students bit the bullet and applied to take part in the work experience to Rouen in Normandy, that was being organised by the company, Acorn Educational Exchanges for this October.

At first, I panicked about the fast pace in which the trip was being organised, when in fact, it was a relief to be updated so regularly on exactly what was happening, and not have to wait about for weeks; setting myself goals in terms of language and organisation really boosted this trip for me before it had even begun!

We set off on Saturday, October 25, in the painfully early morning, tucked up in coaches travelling from service station to service station, before finally reaching Dover. A smooth ferry crossing and three hours travelling later, we arrived in the beautiful, historic town of Rouen.

Our hotel was simple but met all our needs, and in the evenings we would eat in different and diverse restaurants that the city seemed to have vast supply of.

On the Sunday, we were instructed to venture off in small groups and find our work placements for the following morning. This was of course a daunting prospect, some of us having to use public transport, or even attempt to use a (might I add, very vague) map!

Within 15 minutes, I reached my work placement; the fashion boutique, United Colours of Benneton. Although it was closed, I took my time to shop a little and check out my surroundings, then moved on to attend a Catholic mass in the city's stunning Cathedral Notre Dame.

Luckily, after an interesting (slightly wine fuelled) evening, I did not have to start work on the Monday until 2pm. On the first encounter with my boss and his wife, they struck me as the sort of people who would be fun to work with, though would not tolerate laziness; I soon discovered my intuition to be correct!

The work itself was a little monotonous. I was restricted to simply putting clothes away and serving customers, which was a great test on not only my spoken French and pronunciation, but I also struggled to understand many of the customers, as they spoke so casually and fast-paced, which is often something that normally puts me off trips abroad; I wanted this time to be different. After an exhausting day and some tear-filled phone calls, I decided to wear some comfier shoes, plan out my outfit and go to work with a clear head the next day; it payed off.

After just a few hours in the shop, as I got used to the variety of the products that Benneton sold, I became more comfortable in greeting and advising people and speaking to my colleagues.

The days were a little too long, despite the 90 minute lunch break, and there was definitely a limit to how much work I could do, which meant I tended to only think about my empty stomach, the pain in my heels and the constant criticism about how I wasn't paying attention to the rangement or the pliage - not the best environment for trying to improve your French!

On the contrary, I did enjoy meeting so many new, interesting people that really only wanted to let me work for myself, and I made some amazing friends that I plan to keep in contact with. I also got given a few presents from my colleagues and the endless compliments, amazing food, unique and chic fashions and 'European greetings' made me realise why I fell in love with the French culture in the first place.

Although my French has not improved drastically, I can definitely appreciate it a lot more, as well as the culture differences between two countries so close such as England and France. The time away and just being left to my own devices, even for just eight days, made all the difference to my self-confidence and I look forward to revisiting the city again in the summer.

Despite being a little expensive, and the long journey, I really enjoyed this trip. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly, as we were all in the same boat, with the same worries and similar experiences, and that support from such a close peer great really pushed me to complete my placement with a brave face!

In the words of Edith Piaf "Je ne regrette rien!"

Nicole Sterry.