The Smallpeice Trust runs a gap-year scheme for engineering students, allowing them to spend three months in European work placements. Tuition and accreditation in language, practical engineering and management skills are also on offer. The trust is now inviting applications for the 199899 academic year. Details: Angela Lilley, 01926 331606.

PENFRIENDS WANTED

Christine Iamuno, 14, enjoys swimming, reading novels, listening to music, and encouraging others. Address: Wanyange Girls’ Secondary School, PO Box 1209, Jinja, Uganda, East Africa.

Francis Manso, 14, is interested in football, reading storybooks, music and tennis. Address: St Peter’s Anglican JSS, PO Box 270, Sekondi, WR Ghana, Africa.

Helen Phillips teaches in a small town near Changbaishan mountain, North East China (on the North Korean border), and would like teachers with students aged 13 to 17 - keen to write to her pupils - to contact her at: No 1 Middle School, Baihe Forestry Bureau, near Dao Baihe Town, Antu County 133613, Jilin Province, China.

International Pen Friends is celebrating its 30th anniversary. It is open to all age groups and has helped many students with their language, geography and history studies.

Details: Jenny Lettice, Agent, International Pen Friends, 17 Longstone Park, Edinburgh EH14 2BL, Scotland.