My name is Ana María, I’m from Spain, and I’m currently in the Netherlands taking part in the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs program. It’s hard to believe I am already halfway through my stay. The weeks have gone by quickly, filled with new experiences, challenges, and opportunities for reflection.
During this first part of the exchange, I’ve been working on different creative activities that are very close to my field. I’ve had the chance to create and edit videos, take photographs, and prepare visual content for social media. I’ve also supported design-related tasks such as posters, cards, and layouts, as well as searching for creative solutions to small communication problems. One highlight for me was completing a set of visuals that helped strengthen the host’s social media presence, a small but meaningful result that showed how design can directly support business communication.
At the same time, I’ve been dedicating part of my stay to shaping the foundations of my own project, NEVA. Since it is a creative studio that starts with me alone, one of the most important elements is building a strong and representative portfolio. A key tool to present my skills, attract clients, and position myself in the market. Alongside this, I’ve been developing a structured action plan: setting priorities, organizing tasks, and identifying the first concrete steps I need to take once I return. This process has helped me see my business idea not just as a concept, but as something practical that I can begin to implement.
Another enriching part of this journey has been living and working in a new environment. Traveling, visiting new places, and meeting people here in the Netherlands has helped me understand different ways of working. I’ve observed how small businesses are managed and how their dynamics differ from what I was used to in Spain. This perspective is valuable because it helps me imagine what kind of working style and structure I would like for my future studio. And even consider approaches I hadn’t thought of before.
Emotionally, the experience has been rewarding. Of course, living abroad comes with its small challenges, like adapting to the language or daily routines, but I’ve been able to settle in and feel comfortable. I’ve also enjoyed the chance to explore the country and connect with others, which has made the stay even more special. So far, I feel that the objectives of the program are being met: I am gaining insights into how businesses operate abroad, practicing my skills in a real environment, and at the same time laying the groundwork for my own entrepreneurial path.
Looking ahead to the second half of my Erasmus journey, I want to continue building on this momentum: refining my portfolio, clarifying the structure of NEVA, and putting more focus on strategies for reaching my first clients. This way, I can make sure the time here leaves me not only with experience but also with concrete tools to take home. I’m convinced this exchange is giving me both the perspective and the confidence I need to take the leap as an entrepreneur.