Sara Erasmus’ Sports placement in Australia
“Placement Year International were able to find a placement really quickly for me, the process was smooth, & supported all along the way”
– Sara Erasmus, Loughborough University.
Sara is studying Sport & Exercise Psychology at Loughborough University, and joined us for a Sports placement in Australia, in 2024-25.
Before the trip
What’s your background (which uni / course)?
Sport & Exercise Psychology at Loughborough University.
Why did you choose to do a Sports placement in Australia placement as part of your degree?
To develop my knowledge and experience within a ‘real world’ setting and gain hands-on practical experience before completing my degree.
How did you first discover us?
Google search for companies that helped with placements abroad.
Were you finding it hard to find a placement?
Yes!
Did you think this was unachievable on your own?
To a certain degree yes, but it would have been a lot harder and more stressful.
What made you choose Placement Year International over other services?
One of the only companies I found that provided all the services to help secure a placement abroad and provide full support along the way.
How easy was the process from interview to getting to your placement with our help?
Really straightforward and steps were laid out really well to follow.
Sara Erasmus with her work colleagues in Brisbane, for her Sports placement in Australia arranged by Placement Year International
On placement
What are you doing for your placement?
Working as a sports intern at a gym / health and wellness centre.
What is your role?
To assist and shadow trainers in their day-to-day role and alongside complete an internship education programme.
What skills or knowledge have you gained so far during your placement?
- Learning to work with clients – create good relationships in the sports industry
- How to plan and run a group fitness session
- The structure and planning that goes behind creating a fitness programme for groups and individual clients (tailor the programme to the individual)
- Use programmes such as Team Buildr, Vald Testing and Excel.
Did you find it difficult adapting to a new working environment?
Yes, a little bit at the beginning but it didn’t take long to settle in.
Have you received good support & advice from your work colleagues at the host company?
Yes.
How has your placement helped you develop as a person so far?
- Grown a lot in confidence
- Learn to become a lot more independent
- Learnt how to communicate more effectively
- Become a lot more out-going and adaptable
Since joining Placement Year International, what have we done well?
- Constant support
- Quick replies to queries or more information that is needed
- Securing really great placement opportunities
- Support with all necessary documentation needed, accommodation and transport.
What do you think we can improve?
Maybe a bit more specific help with accommodation recommendations in cities other than Sydney (Brisbane for example). [We’ve now expanded our accommodation advice for Brisbane].
If you were to recommend us to friends, what would you say?
To join and use Placement Year International for help with securing a placement abroad – because they were able to find one really quickly for me, the process was smooth, support all along the way.
Find out more about our Sports placements in Australia.
More info: Click here to read more about Sports placements in Australia, or click here to send us a question or email us at: [email protected] for more information.
Sara Erasmus from Loughborough University working as a sports intern at a gym/health and wellness centre in Brisbane, Australia on a Sports placement arranged by Placement Year International
How do I apply?
It's easy and quick!
Complete our short application form including uploading your CV and Cover Letter. Please clearly state in your Cover Letter which destination and type of placement you are interested in.
Got more questions? Send us a message!
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