Suzannah Murphy Geography2013

By doing this, I showed prospective employers that I'm not afraid to do what it takes to get the most out of every situation.

Between my first and second year, I worked as an au pair for 2 months in France. I took A Level French at school, continuing with it into university for my open unit in first year. I used a specialist website, aupairworld.net to upload information about myself and find families meeting my criteria. The selection process took a month or so, but that varies depending on the time of year.

The family I lived with owned a wildlife park, so the parents worked there every afternoon and evening, which was when I looked after their two children (6 and 10). Six hours is a long time to try and entertain 2 very different children so I had to think of different activities to entertain them- from bike rides to baking cakes. I particularly enjoyed teaching the children English, and helping the younger with her summer work- a learning steep curve for the both of us as I didn't know much of the vocabulary. I loved teaching the children but often found their lack of focus (and disobedience) frustrating, and I definitely have a renewed respect for the patience of teachers.

Working in France has improved my spoken French (always my weakest point) and has hugely improved my communication skills in both languages and my confidence in interacting with those I don't know well.

In terms of my future career, the skills I gained will prove invaluable in later life. The fact that I continued my French past A-Level and into university level would contribute anyway, but living and working in France and speaking only French for two months is something not everyone could cope with. You really have to throw yourself into every situation- stop listening to the conversation for a second and you get left behind! It was a difficult and daunting experience, but by doing this, I showed prospective employers that I'm not afraid to do what it takes to get the most out of every situation.