Hard act to follow

Danish students go home with stories to dine out on

If you’ve been out shopping in Renfrewshire recently you might have found yourself being served by a young Danish student.

A group of Scandinavian youngsters were taking part in an Erasmus exchange programme through West College Scotland and worked at some popular local stores.

The seven students from WCS partner school, Business College Syd in Sønderborg, Denmark, worked at Dobbies, M&CO, Game and Boots at intu Braehead and Maplin at Abottsinch Retail Park during their placements.

John Paterson, store manager for Dobbies Braehead, had two students, Rasmus and Oliver, on placement in the store.

He said: “Myself and the team enjoyed having Oliver and Rasmus with us over the past three weeks. They have been a credit to themselves and would be welcome back any time.”

He continued: “I hope the experience has been beneficial for them. They will be a hard act to follow for the next students who join us on placement in the future.

“We wish both boys all the best for their future studies.”

The retail students really enjoyed their time in Scotland and say working in Renfrewshire gave them valuable experience.

Anne- Mette Hansen, 17, said: “I have learned a lot about working in retail, and a greater understanding of your responsibilities as an employee, both towards the customers but also towards your co-workers.

“I have become more certain that pursuing a career within retail would be the right thing for me.

“I have learned to be less shy and more outgoing, and not to be afraid of just jumping in to something new. The people in Renfrewshire are very open, kind and willing to help.”

Another student added that being in Scotland helped improve the her language skills.

Linda Tomakjan, 18, explained: “My English has improved a lot and I have a lot more confidence when speaking a foreign language. This is a great place. People are so nice and helpful.”

A group of 15 WCS students will participate in an educational overseas trip, with a group of eight students, from Professional Cookery and Computing faculties travelling to Aarhus Tech in Aarhus, Denmark.

And seven students from Construction, Science, Travel and Tourism faculties are taking up placements with VAMIA school in Vaasa, Finland.