The first half of my stay abroad as part of the EYE (Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs) Program at Casa Raro in Barcelona has been an extremely valuable and enriching experience, both professionally and personally. From the beginning of the exchange, I have been immersed in a creative, multicultural, and entrepreneurial environment that has allowed me to gain practical insights into how a creative organization operates within an international context. This experience has not only contributed to my professional development but has also encouraged personal growth, adaptability, and a deeper understanding of collaborative work dynamics.
My overall experience so far has been very positive. Casa Raro fosters an open and inclusive atmosphere where creativity, experimentation, and dialogue are highly encouraged. I have had the opportunity to actively observe and participate in various aspects of the organization’s daily operations, including project planning, creative brainstorming sessions, internal meetings, open studios and art events as “Swab” or “Loop”.
Through this involvement, I have gained a clearer understanding of how ideas are transformed into concrete projects and how creative businesses balance artistic vision with practical and operational considerations.
One of the most significant learning experiences during this period has been adapting to a different professional and cultural working style. The working culture at Casa Raro is less hierarchical and more fluid than what I was previously accustomed to, which initially presented a challenge. However, this environment has helped me develop stronger communication skills, become more proactive, and take greater ownership of my responsibilities. Working in a multilingual and international setting has also been a valuable challenge, pushing me to improve my ability to communicate clearly, collaborate across cultural differences, and remain flexible in my approach.
In terms of challenges, one of the main difficulties has been managing a high level of autonomy. While this independence has been empowering, it has also required me to be highly self-motivated, organized, and confident in seeking feedback and clarification when needed. Time management has also been an important learning area, especially when working on multiple tasks or projects simultaneously in a fast-paced creative environment. These challenges, however, have been instrumental in strengthening my entrepreneurial mindset and problem-solving skills.
I strongly believe that the objectives of the EYE Program are being successfully met. The program aims to promote the exchange of knowledge, entrepreneurial learning, and international collaboration, all of which have been central to my experience at Casa Raro. I have gained hands-on experience, expanded my professional network, and developed a more realistic understanding of the opportunities and challenges involved in running and contributing to a creative enterprise. This experience has also helped me clarify my own professional goals and entrepreneurial ambitions.
Looking ahead to the second half of the exchange, there are a few adjustments that could further enhance the experience. More structured mid-term or periodic feedback sessions could help align expectations, track progress more clearly, and identify areas for deeper involvement. Additionally, defining a specific long-term project or clear deliverable to be completed by the end of the exchange could help consolidate the skills and knowledge acquired into a tangible outcome.
In conclusion, the first half of my stay at Casa Raro through the EYE Program has been highly rewarding and impactful. I have gained valuable professional experience, developed important personal and entrepreneurial skills, and benefited greatly from the creative and collaborative environment. I am confident that the remainder of the exchange will build upon this strong foundation and further support my growth as an emerging entrepreneur.