Wrexhamites are a friendly bunch. And we have strong links with towns and cities all over the world.
But one of our strongest links is with Märkischer Kreis in Germany.
So we were really chuffed to welcome Märkischer Kreis student Mara Schubert to Wrexham Council on an international work experience placement this month.
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Mara has already worked in local government in Germany as part of her course, and is now getting a feel for how things work here in the UK.
She’s mid-way through a three-week placement and living near the town centre with fellow students.
So what does she think?
In her own words…
So…Mara…what do you think of Wrexham?
“It’s the first time I’ve visited the UK. I’m really enjoying my time in Wrexham.
“It has beautiful parks for a walk after work. And the people are very polite to everyone and have made me feel very welcome.”
What’s it like at Wrexham Council? Are things very different here compared to Germany?
“It’s the second week of my placement and I’ve been working with different departments.
“I’ve noticed some differences in how things work.
“You have a Code of Conduct at Wrexham Council, which includes the contact you have with customers.
“We have a code at Märkischer Kreis [council] as well, but it’s different. In the main, it sets out how to work correctly – how long employees work, work-time models and how to protect personal data.
“There’s also a really big difference in duties and responsibilities.
“Wrexham Council – along with other organisations – is responsible for social care. You organise training for social carers and that kind of thing.
“But Märkischer Kreis isn’t responsible for social care. Other organisations do this work.”
So is your time here proving useful?
“I think my stay in Wrexham is proving really useful. I can improve my English skills and learn some important things about a council in a foreign country.
“I’ve heard a little bit of the Welsh language too, and hope to hear some more before I finish my placement.”
Can you teach us some German?
“Of course. I want to teach you a useful phrase in German… “Hals- und Beinbruch!”
“It translates as ‘neck- and leg fracture’, which might sound a bit strange! But it means something like ‘good luck!’
A bit like our saying ‘break a leg’?
“Yes…maybe!”
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