Bilag 7:

Summary of the project on work placements abroad for 11 social and health care assistant trainees

When 11 social and health assistants in 1999 spent part of their last practical training period in Scotland and Sweden, it was the first European placement project undertaken by that specific school.

The students were in general very happy with their stay at a foreign employer. They learned a lot not only about the way of doing the job in another country, but also about the Danish methods and work in the social and health care system in Denmark.

All involved - students, teachers, hosting employer etc. - found it difficult to plan and carry out the placements abroad, but also found that this piece of pioneering work was worth the while! The advice from the students to future students is in short: "Be open-minded and observing about other ways of doing the job. Be well prepared both when it comes to the country and the culture you visit and when it comes to the way of doing things in Denmark".

"It is a good idea to read some vocational literature beforehand to better understand the specific vocabulary. Prior to departure, we were offered an English course, but many of us were too busy. After a while in the host country, we came to understand our colleagues better, in particular when they spoke slowly. So it worked out well." "Personally it has been a great experience - it was very exciting to work in and observe a different culture, and I am sure that I can use my competencies and intercultural skills in my future work in Denmark, where an increasing number of patients come from other cultures."

"International work or study is a very good way of promoting our education, as young people in general are very interested in travelling and experiencing other cultures. Many of my friends thought that the training programme for social- and health care assistants was dull, so they were very surprised when I told them about the possibilities of working in Scotland." The recommendations from the teachers are in short: "It is necessary to plan the stay well ahead. The process of applying for funding, permits, insurances, etc. is long." "Be sure to make clear agreements with anybody involved and react immediately, if something goes wrong!" "Delegate the responsibility of the preparatory work to several people - students and various teachers. It would be a good idea to appoint one person at the college to deal with international matters."

Denne side indgår i publikationen "Praktik i udlandet - for social- og sundhedselever" som bilag 7 af 7
© Undervisningsministeriet 2001