What have we been up to?

Well I must confess we have been fantastically busy just recently. As summer comes to an end there seems to be no shortage of students wanting to enjoy their European Work Placement in Torbay. We have already passed our record breaking total of 748 from last year...and more are near to booking! I think 800+ is going to be very realistic for 2012.

We have also had an increase in our 'programme' numbers with two groups in the last 2 weeks here for a Work Preparation course and Conversational English lessons, plus of course a practical Work Placement experience - fantastic the way that these young people from all over Europe adapt so readily to life here in the UK. Once again the people of Torbay, Exeter and Plymouth show how welcoming they can be, not to mention the many businesses that open their doors to host students and help them improve their English skills. What a great area we live in!

At the begining of September, Jayne and I went to London to the annual ALPHE conference, this is a huge event in our calendar and brings organisations from around the world together to meet and forge relationships. We were able to speak with representatives from all over Europe and showcase the fantastic area we live and work in, using our amazing video to help make Torbay the destination of choice for even more students and visitors. There is of course an awards evening and what a celebration of our industry that was - a fantstic event! We came back with many new contacts and potentially more groups coming to visit us in 2013.

This week also saw, amongst others, the arrival of a group of 5 students from Eurocentro in Italy. Prior to starting their work experience they have been enjoying a Work Preparation course and Conversational English. They also had the opportunity to visit 1-zero-1, a local IT company that also, by coincidence, look after all of the TTPL systems. The group visted the office and enjoyed a very informative talk with Chris Thompson.


Jayne and Mia are also busy preparing for a trip to San Diego, another conference and another busy week for them. Will update you all on how that went when they return.

There is also a relatively new web destination for anyone wanting to find out more about Torbay, English RivieraTV is the brainchild of John Reynolds and contains a number of interesting and informative videos - have a look. English Riviera.tv

Student meeting this week was a trip to the cinema to see Total Recall ...I remember the original!!! I know they all had a great time so a big thank you to The Merlin Cinema in Torquay.

Ciao for now...