Hello my name is Christian Renner, I am from Biberach an der Riss in Germany which is twinned with the Tendring District.  I am 17 years old and I want to tell you about my job experience in Clacton on Sea

I attend the Wieland Gymnasium school in Biberach and am a pupil in the 11th year.  Last year,  I was required to organise a work experience placement which I chose to take place in England.  I wanted to experience working in England as job opportunities are opening all over the world and English is spoken everywhere.  First of all I asked my mum if she could organise something for me as I know she has been very active in our local twinning ‘Partnershaft’ organisation. 

The members of the Twinning Association Sharon Alexander, Alex Alexander and Bert Foster organised two volunteer work placements and also organised a two week stay with my very nice host family Derek and Ruth Land, and their son Daniel, where I had my second home for 2 weeks. Thanks for letting me stay at your house Ruth, Derek and Daniel!

Here is a typical day:
07.00   Wake up and get the typical English cooked breakfast (it was so delicious Derek thanks a lot!) 

08.20   Picked up by Sharon who took me to work.

17.30   Taken home by Sharon; Spend evening with the host family

22.00 Going to bed

During the two weeks I had many exciting times including some special outings:
The first weekend was spent at the Harwich Centre with young people from local schools, where I took part in a Film Workshop. 

I then visited the Tower of London and especially enjoyed going to the ‘Queen’ musical ‘We will Rock You’ thanks to Alex and Sharon.  I went to Colchester  and had a funny evening in a Club. I also visited the 6th form college in Colchester and many other things!

For my work experience I spent the first week working for the Tendring Furniture Scheme which was very interesting because I got many experiences with different people. .I think it`s a great idea to give furniture to poor people, it’s like a company called ‘The foundet’  by the German Catholic Church.  I also want to say thanks to Ian, Andy and the volunteers who created a really interesting and exciting time for me!

My second week was spent working at Tendring Community Voluntary Services. It was a real fun time to work with the TCVS people.  Everyone there was so nice to me I couldn’t believe it!
All in all working in England is more fun than going to school in Germany !!  Thanks Bert - you`re a perfect organiser!

I think I have to end now because I can write over 100 more things about my trip to England.  I only want to say thanks again to all the people who made my stay so enjoyable.

Christian Renner

March 2006