Frankfurt is the European capital of Capital, and is clean, cosmopolitan and friendly. If you want an unforgettable time in a radically different environment then politely decline, but Frankfurt is a good place to live as a professional. “It's definitely a working person’s city,” said one trainee; “it's much livelier during the week.” The city is famous for its enormous airport (incorporating a nightclub and an adult cinema) and its business conventions, which include a major book fair. Even though much of the business is done in English, being able to speak German is of real advantage in terms of building up a rapport with clients and locals and making the most of your time there. The consensus was that the ski season is the best time of year to be in Frankfurt, but in the summer you can enjoy the riverbanks, lovely parks and open-air pools. Think Tooting Lido, but clean and green and pleasant.

Work: There are usually a dozen or more UK trainees in Frankfurt at any one time, invariably working in banking and capital markets. A lot of work is done in English and pertains to English or New York law, but “you can't be afraid of German law.” Trainees say the work, hours, atmosphere and manners in the office are essentially the same as found back in London. There’s always a danger of being roped into mundane translation work, but if you know what to expect of a finance seat in the UK, there should be few surprises in Frankfurt. The city is not the only one in Germany to receive visiting trainees. Several firms also have secondments to Berlin, Munich and Düsseldorf.

Rest and play: Trainees’ apartments are generally of an excellent standard and located within walking distance of the office, which always makes for a more pleasant start to the day. It also means “you can go shopping after work and afford a taxi home.” Ladies: Frankfurt has its own equivalent of Bond Street as well as recognisable favourites such as H&M; unfortunately they’re all closed on Sundays, as are supermarkets. All the UK trainees tend to be clustered in the same part of town so you’ve a ready-made social circle. “The city benefits from having a lot of professionals who want to spend money so there are lots of bars and restaurants and clubs.” The best thing is that you never have to stand up or queue to buy a drink and, we’re told, the waiters have excellent memories. If you fancy a more authentic German experience, simply cross to the south of the river and pop into a cafe for schnitzel and apple wine. Frankfurt’s location in the heart of Germany means it’s easy to hop on a train to pretty much anywhere else in the country at weekends.