The first half of my stay abroad has been incredibly intense, insightful, and full of new learning opportunities. The past two months have brought a rich mix of emotions and experiences: exploring a new environment, navigating cultural differences, understanding team dynamics, learning a new language, and gaining hands-on knowledge about running a business.
Professional Development & New Competencies
A significant part of my work has focused on understanding the operational foundations of running a creative agency — knowledge that I was deeply missing as a young entrepreneur. Together with my host, we dedicated substantial time to the core principles of business management:
- transitioning from freelancer to agency owner,
- comparing different business models,
- understanding risks and opportunities,
- and approaching long-term planning with more structure and clarity.
My host has been extremely patient and thorough in explaining the specifics of the industry. His transparent and down-to-earth approach has helped me understand both the rewards and the challenges of entrepreneurship. I especially value the fact that he openly shares his mistakes, encouraging me to learn from them so that I can avoid similar difficulties in the future.
One of the biggest revelations for me was working with project-management tools such as CRM systems. Until now, I had no real exposure to such software, and I’ve come to realise how essential it is for productivity, team organisation, and workflow efficiency, especially in larger teams.
We also focused on legal aspects of entrepreneurship — contracts, formal documentation, and key processes that are crucial for protecting my future business. This was an entirely new field for me, but one that has already boosted my confidence as a business owner. Together, we created a detailed checklist of tasks and a personalised plan designed to help me structure my business, improve financial management, and strengthen my market presence.
Understanding Team Dynamics & Soft Skills
Observing my host’s team has taught me how complex and delicate team leadership can be — especially in a fully remote setting. I am learning:
- how communication affects productivity,
- how to handle shifting priorities and deadlines,
- how to maintain motivation,
- how to allocate tasks efficiently,
- and how to approach moments of crisis within a team.
The experience has given me a deeper appreciation of the human factor in business. I am fascinated by the positive aspects — collaboration, shared creativity, collective growth — but I also see the challenges and responsibilities that come with leading a team. This perspective is crucial for my long-term goal of building my own creative studio.
Cultural Exposure & Personal Growth
On a personal level, my stay has been equally enriching. I have been exploring new cultures, meeting digital nomads, and building an international network of professionals — many of whom work in IT, design, and tourism, which aligns perfectly with my field.
Being immersed in a different cultural landscape has also expanded my artistic sensitivity. I’ve noticed how local lifestyle, climate, and traditions shape design preferences and influence visual expression. The contrast between the Spanish and Polish markets has been particularly interesting and has pushed me to rethink some aspects of my creative practice.
Additionally, my host’s agency specialises in tourism and eco-activities, which gave our team the chance to join several trips around the island. These experiences allowed us to connect with the local community, learn about sustainable tourism, and bond as a team. Participating in such activities has strengthened our motivation and helped us internalise the agency’s values on a personal level.
Assessment of the Programme & Outlook for the Second Half
I strongly feel that the objectives of the EYE Programme are being met — and even exceeded. I’m gaining practical business knowledge, developing entrepreneurial skills, expanding my network, and stepping outside my comfort zone on multiple levels.
For the remainder of the exchange, I would like to make even more use of the opportunities to collaborate on real projects, strengthen my business model, and refine the structure of my own future agency. I believe that maintaining our current balance of mentorship, hands-on experience, and personal exploration will allow me to continue growing and make the most out of the remaining time.