Reflecting on My Erasmus Experience: Growth, Learning, and Collaboration
Embarking on an Erasmus exchange in Barcelona, Spain, was a significant step in my professional journey. Join me as I reflect on the transformative experience of my time at PROBENS, where I experienced growth, forged collaborations, and witnessed the impact of entrepreneurship firsthand.
- Growth: Throughout my Erasmus experience, growth has been a constant theme. I chose this keyword because my time in Barcelona has been a period of great personal and professional development. One episode that stands out is when I was tasked with leading 2 workshops for our training DIGI.NOW.. Initially, I felt nervous and uncertain, but as I created the activities and with the support of the team through the process, I gained confidence in my abilities as a leader. This experience taught me the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing new challenges.
- Collaboration: Collaboration has been at the heart of my experience in Barcelona. I selected this keyword because working closely with my colleagues has been both inspiring and rewarding. One memorable episode was when we organized the mobility week in Barcelona. Seeing the diverse perspectives and ideas come together from partners across Europe was truly inspiring. It reinforced the power of collaboration in driving meaningful change and innovation.
- Impact: Impact is another keyword that resonates with my Erasmus experience. I chose this word because I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact our projects can have on communities. One significant episode was witnessing the progress made session after session during our ‘Bon Aprofitament’ project – designed to create bonds and learn Spanish amongst immigrant communities. This experience highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship in driving social impact and change.
From the first day of my arrival at PROBENSl to my last, many changes have occurred. Initially, I was apprehensive about integrating into a new work context and not being sufficiently qualified. However, as time passed, I found that my colleagues were incredibly welcoming and supportive. We formed strong bonds through our shared passion for social entrepreneurship and collaboration.
Before departure, my expectations were simple: I was eager to learn a lot, and I’m pleased to say that they were not only met but exceeded. I anticipated a challenging and enriching experience because I had never done something similar before, and that’s exactly what I got. My time in Barcelona has equipped me with a range of new skills, from project management to cross-cultural communication, that will undoubtedly benefit me in my future.
My presence and role in the company have undoubtedly brought added value. Through my contributions to projects and collaborations with colleagues, I’ve been able to bring fresh perspectives and ideas to the table. My willingness to learn and adapt has helped foster a culture of innovation and creativity within the team.
Would I recommend this experience to a young entrepreneur? Absolutely. My Erasmus experience has been transformative in every sense of the word. It has provided me with invaluable opportunities for growth, learning, and collaboration that have shaped me both personally and professionally. For any young entrepreneur looking to expand their horizons and make a positive impact, I couldn’t recommend it more highly. Regarding my future project, I have decided to do a master degree in Cultural Management here in Barcelona and hopefully continue collaborating with Montse and the rest of the team on their new project: 3IN Social.
