The journey began with a mixture of excitement and anxiety. Leaving my home country for an international internship as part of the EYE program was a decision that, at first, seemed like an incredible opportunity. But the reality of stepping into the unknown hit me the moment I boarded my flight. I was heading to a football academy in a foreign city, a place where I didn’t know anyone, didn’t speak the language fluently, and where every day promised new challenges.
The first couple of days were a blur. I arrived in the city jet-lagged and overwhelmed, trying to adjust to the fast pace of life and the unfamiliarity of it all. The city itself was beautiful, but it took time to get used to the hustle, the language barrier, and the lack of comfort that comes with being in a completely new environment. I found myself walking around the city, trying to get a feel for the layout, struggling with street names that I couldn’t quite pronounce, and wishing for the ease of familiarity that I had left behind.
Despite the initial discomfort, there was a silver lining: the football academy itself. The moment I stepped into the academy’s facilities, something clicked. The walls were lined with posters of famous football players, the atmosphere was filled with energy, and I could feel the buzz of hard work and passion around me. It was clear from the start that I was in the right place. The staff were welcoming, though I could tell they had their own rhythm and way of doing things that would take some time to learn.
The first week was a bit of a learning curve. I wasn’t immediately thrown into the thick of things, but rather, I spent time shadowing coaches and observing the players. I watched drills, training sessions, and team meetings. Slowly, I began to get a better understanding of the academy’s culture and methods. The coaches were knowledgeable, passionate, and dedicated, and the players’ commitment was inspiring. But, as I struggled to communicate effectively in my non-native language and find my place in this new environment, I felt a sense of isolation creeping in. It wasn’t that I wasn’t welcomed—it was more about trying to find the right balance between observing and participating.
After a few days, I realized that getting used to the city and academy would take more time than I had expected. But in the end, the struggle was worth it. The breakthrough came during a project I was assigned to, which involved working on communication strategies for collaborating with other football academies. The idea was to create a message that could help build relationships with other institutions and foster partnerships. The task was challenging, but it pushed me to think critically and creatively, which helped me feel more engaged in the work.
The highlight of my second week was when I was asked to analyze players using iMovie software. The task was to compile footage of several players, break down their strengths and weaknesses, and use video analysis to suggest improvements. As someone who had always been passionate about football but never had the technical know-how, I was both excited and nervous. I spent hours watching clips, tagging important moments, and piecing together insights. It felt like I was contributing in a meaningful way, and that sense of accomplishment started to outweigh the early discomfort I had felt.
By the end of the second week, I had come a long way. I had adjusted to the city’s rhythm and the academy’s pace. I started feeling more confident in my role, as I was given more responsibilities and opportunities to collaborate with my colleagues. The bonds I formed with the team began to feel more genuine, and I no longer felt like just an outsider passing through.
Looking back, my first two weeks were filled with emotional highs and lows. There were moments of doubt and frustration, moments when I wasn’t sure if I had made the right choice. But in the end, it went well. The sense of growth and accomplishment I felt by the end of those two weeks was something I will always carry with me. The initial challenge of adapting to a new city and academy was just the beginning. It was a reminder that the most meaningful experiences often require patience, resilience, and a willingness to embrace discomfort.
In the grand scheme of things, these two weeks were just the beginning of what I hope will be a transformative journey. I can’t wait to see what the next few months hold as I continue to learn, grow, and contribute to the football academy’s mission.
