I am a media and advertising graduate with a marketing, communications, and event coordination background. My Host is an Italian association focused on intercultural education, sustainable living, and community-based workshops in the Salento region. My business idea involves building a personal brand that promotes wellness through stretching classes, online content, and local collaborations. I discovered EYE during my search for international opportunities for young entrepreneurs. I joined to gain hands-on experience, explore grassroots project management, and see how value-based organizations operate abroad. I expected to broaden my skills, get inspired, and connect with like-minded people, and the experience met my expectations.
During my EYE stay, I supported the organization of local cultural and educational events, helped manage social media content, and contributed to communication strategies to promote sustainable and intercultural initiatives. I also assisted in planning workshops related to environmental awareness, local craftsmanship, and community engagement. Together with my Host, we exchanged ideas on entrepreneurship, project planning, and creative communication. Our relationship was based on mutual respect, curiosity, and inspiration. I had the chance to observe how values such as ecology, collaboration, and inclusion can be turned into concrete actions. This experience allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and actively participate in work that blends creativity, culture, and social impact.
Thanks to the EYE programme, I developed practical skills in event coordination, intercultural communication, and community-focused project planning. I improved my adaptability, creativity, and confidence in unfamiliar environments. I also gained a deeper understanding of how to combine social impact with entrepreneurship. The experience helped me clarify my business values and the type of initiatives I want to create. I built valuable relationships with local artists, activists, and entrepreneurs, possibly leading to future collaborations. My Host offered insights not only into running a small organization but also into building a meaningful, people-centered approach to work. This exchange inspired me to integrate sustainability, education, and wellbeing into my business path.
This experience was a turning point that reconnected me with my values and showed me that entrepreneurship can be both meaningful and creative. I’m grateful for the people I met, the lessons I learned, and the inspiration I gained to continue building my path.