My expectations:
Before the start of my stay abroad, I was very excited but I looked forward to my time in England. I was very curious about what would expect me, how it would be to live and work there, if the host family would be friendly and if the colleagues would be helpful. I had a lot to think about but at least I trusted that I would gain new experiences, would become familiar with the working methods and culture and that I would improve my English language skills.
The first days in England:
I drove to England with my own car and through that, I had to drive on the "wrong" side of the street for the first time in my life. At first, I was scared, but my fear disappeared quickly because it was not that complicated. After a long journey, I finally arrived at my host family on Sunday morning. They welcomed me very friendly and they showed me around in the city. Subsequently, the parents of my host mother invited us to a typical Sunday roast. The next day was my first working day at CLAAS UK, where I was also warmly welcomed, I was introduced to all my colleagues and shown around the company.
My first department was the Academy, where I directly had the chance to support the reception of the participants of the Operator Combine Trainings and I also took the minutes of a meeting. The first week passed by very quickly because of taking more minutes in meetings and editing Excel sheets. After a few days, I did the reception of the participants by myself.
My daily working routine:
I did not have a "typical" working day during my time in England, because I often changed the departments. I worked for the Academy, the Sales Department, the Marketing Department and the Parts Department. There I had a lot of different and responsible exercises, which I could do independently. In the Parts department I ordered spare parts for dealers and final consumers, I made a lot of phone calls and I organized transports. In the Sales & Marketing Department I had tasks of the "kids club", organized meetings and I prepared material for the new apprentices.
My highlight:
I liked most, that everyone welcomed me so friendly and that I got diverse tasks, which I could work on independently. I also loved the evenings with my colleagues and the great time with my host family. I got to know a lot of new people, the culture and working routine of CLAAS England, which I liked a lot.
My accommodation:
During my stay abroad, I lived in a very young host family. I had my own room in their house and cooked food in the kitchen. At the weekend, my host family and I went to their friends, where we had barbecue or we went in the city. They integrated me in their lives as if I would have been a friend for years.
What I did in my spare time:
In my leisure time I travelled a lot with other students and friends. We visited Wells-next-the-sea, Oxford, London and Bury St. Edmunds. I often was in the Wetherspoon Pub, at Barbecue evenings or in restaurants with my host family and friends. I got to know many people and I had a lot of fun in my leisure time.
My conclusion:
I had a wonderful time in England, which I never want to miss anymore! I am so grateful, that I got the chance to do a stay abroad at CLAAS UK and I can recommend such a chance to everyone: Use it! I learned a lot, I am more self-reliant now, and I only have beautiful memories. It was one of my highlights during my apprenticeship.