Overview

You can expect to learn and experience many new things when you work abroad in the UK. Each experience is different, but we’ve put together a list of 5 things that you will definitely gain during your internship in a charity shop:

1. Practical work experience
   Whilst you are in the shop, you might experience till work, restocking/rotating stock in the shop, cleaning the shop and pricing items. This is all valuable experience you can use in your CV even if you don’t want a job in retail, because you’re showing that you can work hard, learn new skills and, by working abroad in the UK, you can adapt easily to new surroundings in a different country.
   
   
   
   
2. Communication and language skills
   Working in a customer facing role will encourage you to communicate with the public, which will improve your English language skills too. Having good communication skills is a very desirable trait that employers look for in potential employees.
   
   
   
   
3. Self-esteem and confidence
   The charity shop will improve your English speaking and listening skills, which will help to boost your confidence. Working in a charity shop can also increase your self-esteem because it gives you a sense of purpose. You will also gain a sense of selflessness, because you are helping those who are less fortunate than you.
   
   
   
   
4. A job reference
   If you have never had a job before, working at a charity shop is the perfect place to gain a good reference for your future job or career. The reference will also show that you are a dedicated and hard worker because you have helped others without personal gain, such as the benefit of being paid.
   
   
   
   
5. New friends
   You can expect to meet many people whilst you are working in a charity shop, such as staff who work in the shop and regular and one-time customers, which gives you the opportunity to practice your English with a variety of different people and also make new friends and memories!