The first half of my Erasmus+ mobility in Spain has been an incredibly enriching experience, both personally and professionally. I am currently completing my internship in a Spanish company, where all communication within the team is conducted entirely in Spanish. This immersion has proven to be one of the most valuable — yet initially most challenging — aspects of the exchange.
During the initial weeks, I encountered a significant language barrier. Despite having a basic understanding of Spanish prior to my arrival, I found it difficult to follow conversations, understand tasks, and communicate confidently with my colleagues. This was a challenge that required immediate attention. I devoted a great deal of time outside of work to improving my language skills, including practicing vocabulary related to my field, watching Spanish media, and using language-learning apps. Gradually, I began to feel more confident, and week by week, my ability to understand and communicate in Spanish improved noticeably.
Over time, I became more engaged in team meetings and more independent in completing my tasks. I also started to develop a deeper understanding of the work culture in Spain, which differs in some ways from what I was used to. Adapting to a new environment has taught me to be more flexible, patient, and open-minded — qualities that are essential in any international or multicultural professional setting.
From a professional development perspective, the experience has been equally valuable. I have learned to work with the specific tools and software used by the team on a daily basis. These technical skills are directly relevant to my career goals and will enhance my employability in the future. Furthermore, I had the opportunity to attend several professional events and workshops related to my field, which provided additional insight into industry trends and allowed me to make useful connections.
I feel that the objectives of the Erasmus+ programme are clearly being met through my experience so far. I am gaining practical, hands-on work experience in a foreign country, developing language proficiency, and learning how to navigate a different professional and cultural environment. These are precisely the kinds of outcomes that the programme aims to promote.
In terms of improvements, I believe that offering a short, intensive language preparation course before the start of the internship — or in the very first week — could help participants feel more confident and better prepared, especially in work environments where little or no English is spoken. That said, the immersive nature of the experience also encouraged rapid learning and adaptation, which has had a strong impact on my personal growth.
My Erasmus+ journey so far has been both demanding and deeply rewarding. I have been growing more confident, independent, and skilled — not only as a young professional, but also as an individual learning to navigate new challenges in a foreign context. I look forward to the second half of my stay with enthusiasm and determination, aiming to take on even more responsibility in the company, strengthen my professional network, and continue building my knowledge and skills.