In a global world the knowledge of other trade forms in foreign countries and foreign language skills have become increasingly important and are a crucial aspect in global and national competition. Our aim was to send 12 apprentices to the Netherlands to do a six-week work placement in a local company. During this period the apprentices were supposed to develop not only social and personal skills and qualifications (selfconfidence, responsibility, teamspirit) but also theoretical knowledge of trade forms in the Netherlands, staff management, visual merchandizing and foreign language skills in Dutch and English. Our target group consisted of young adults having a contract with a trade company to do a two- or three year training course in retailing. They all needed to have at least a GCE or a NCE qualification and some basic knowledge in English. The trainees travelled to the Netherlands by train. In the Netherlands they were coached by teachers of Horizon College, which they attended once a week taking part in lessons and learning the Dutch language. On four days a week they worked in local companies. Guided tours to towns and sights in the vicinity, visits to model companies in the area and sports activities provided them with a better understanding of the country and its people. This was intended to help minimize or even remove possible prejudices and cliches. In order to record the results and success of the work placements the apprentices had to write weekly reports about their experiences and progress and send them to their teachers in Hoorn and at home. In addition, the teachers remained in permanent contact with the local companies and their representatives. They, too, gave a feedback and an evaluation of the trainees` performance at the end of the work placement. We are convinced that staying in the Netherlands and comparing the way of life in general and trade forms and business behaviour in particular will have invaluable effects on the trainees, their career prospects and their personality.