Reflect on the first half of your stay abroad. How has your experience been so far? Are there any significant events or challenges that have occurred during your collaboration? Do you feel that the objectives of the program are being met? What adjustments, if any, do you think should be made to improve the remainder of your exchange? Provide a comprehensive update on your progress and any insights gained.
During the first half of my stay abroad, my experience has been very positive and enriching, both professionally and personally. From the beginning, I have been actively involved in the daily activities of the host organization, particularly in the areas of European project design, proposal development, and strategic planning. This has allowed me to move beyond a purely theoretical understanding and engage directly with the practical and managerial dimensions of project work. One of the most significant aspects of this period has been the opportunity to observe and participate in the full process of project development — from idea generation and needs analysis to partnership building and drafting specific sections of proposals.
Being involved in internal meetings and strategic discussions has helped me better understand how decisions are made, how priorities are set, and how sustainability and long-term impact are integrated into project planning. A key challenge during this collaboration has been adapting to a different organizational structure and working style. Each organization has its own rhythm, communication patterns, and internal processes. At the beginning, I needed time to fully understand expectations and align my working methods accordingly. However, this challenge has turned into a valuable learning opportunity, strengthening my flexibility, communication skills, and ability to work in an international and dynamic environment.
So far, I do feel that the objectives of the programme are being met. I am not only gaining technical skills related to European project design and implementation, but also developing a more entrepreneurial and strategic mindset. I am learning how to identify funding opportunities, position project ideas within broader European priorities, and think in terms of long-term organizational growth rather than single project applications. In terms of adjustments for the second half of the exchange, I believe it would be beneficial to further increase my involvement in the financial and budgeting aspects of project development, as well as in external stakeholder communication. This would allow me to gain a more comprehensive understanding of project management, from concept to implementation and sustainability.
Additionally, taking on more responsibility in specific tasks could help consolidate the skills I have developed so far. Overall, this first phase has confirmed my professional direction and strengthened my confidence in pursuing a career in European project design and social innovation. I feel more aware of my strengths, more conscious of the areas in which I still need to grow, and highly motivated to make the most of the remaining period of this exchange.