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Special Offer ...

ISPO for a limited time only are offering reduced rates for International Students, for more information click here.

What do we offer?

ISPO overseas student placements have enabled Midlands based companies to develop their international business performance. For over six years ISPO has been successfully skills matching international students with quality UK placement job opportunities. We are now working in partnership with the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and industry to help develop the international trade of UK busnesses over a wider area.

The role of ISPO

ISPO actively seeks companies that could benefit from hosting an international student placement. Any placement opportunities are advertised with universities throughout Europe.

How can ISPO help you?

The ISPO service has many benefits for you as the Host Company. The students we provide are selected around the criteria specified by you, allowing us to select the student who most compliments your business. ISPO also offers you the following: -

• An immediate "native-guide" & further research into new overseas and local markets.
• A first-hand knowledge of the business culture and consumer attitudes of overseas markets.
• A solution to language barriers and international communication difficulties.
• A cost-effective and flexible solution to short term staffing shortages allowing you to fill a position with a highly motivated member of staff.
• Eliminates the time and trouble of finding temporary workers with the right skills for short-term projects.
• Savings on both time and money in respect of training as ISPO students are well-trained young professionals who can contribute immediately to the success of your company.

How are students selected?

If you are interested in hosting an overseas student, an ISPO co-ordinator will contact your company to discuss your placement opportunity in detail. A company visit can be arranged if required. This will enable us to find an ISPO student that would most benefit your organisation. The placement is then advertised at universities and applications are invited. Upon receipt of CV's, we will telephone interview candidates and closely match your requirements. At this point you will be able to interview the most suitable candidates yourself and make the final selection.

During the interview we look at the following criteria:-

• Level of spoken English
• Academic background
• Previous work experience
• Communication skills
• Computer skills
• Interests, hobbies & other achievements

What is the role of the HOST Company?

In order to get the best out the placement, it is recommended that:

• A full induction and placement/project brief is conducted during the first week.
• A company mentor is available to meet the student for regular reviews and meetings.
• Facilities are available on a daily basis, including Desk, Computer, telephone, information and any specialist facilities.
• As the placements are a university requirement, you may be required to complete some placement review documents for University purposes.
• Monitor the student's attendance, informing ISPO of any long-term or unauthorised absences.
• Ensure the student is involved in suitable work activities. These placements are NOT to be seen as temporary cover for basic administrative duties.
• The host company is also responsible to refund the student for travel costs incurred in travel to and from the regular place of work.
• In many cases ISPO is able to help a host organisation in sourcing accommodation for their student. Host companies are advised, however, that ultimately the responsibility for accommodation rests with them. Where a placements occurs outside the East Midlands and South Yorkshire regions there is an increased likelihood that the host company will be required to source accommodation.

How much will it cost me to use the ISPO service?

• There is a one-off management fee payable for each student you host, to cover the cost of the recruitment and selection process. This fee is discounted to Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber members.
• The host companies are required to cover the cost of the students accommodation rather than paying a salary, as students registered with ISPO will receive funding from either the EU or their university.
• Costs for accommodation (shared student accommodation) are £300/month in the East Midlands, this may vary on location or on University City. Basic accommodation cost usually covers rent and utility bills. Services such as telephone and Internet are student's own responsibility. Where student chooses to be companied by a third party the host company will make a contribution towards accommodation expenses to a maximum of £250. The accommodation needs to fulfil the list of minimum accommodation requirement (see list for more information).
• NOTE: Students are also made aware of the fact that the accommodation benefit payable by the host-company is £300 per month. (Unless accommodation in the local area of the company is significantly more expensive upon which the upper limit will be arranged by agreement between all parties.) If students wish to stay in accommodation more expensive than the agreed amount they must make up the difference themselves.