Our Erasmus+ experiences in Coimbra and Milan

Thanks to the Erasmus+ Accreditation of Ins. Ramon Turró i Darder, 12 students had the possibility to live a one-month learning experience in Milan and in Coimbra. Here’s how it went, according to them!

Xiomara Filigrana Quintero

This year I had the opportunity to participate in the Erasmus program in order to complete my practices as an informatics student inside a technological start-up in Coimbra, Portugal, named MGA Comunicações. This experience has surpassed my expectations, both academically and personally. 

During my internship, I worked as a web designer, bug finder, and photo editor. I focused mostly on company marketing, searching for new ways to make the business more attractive to young individuals. Since the first day, they integrated me as part of the team, which was a huge challenge due to the language barrier (a lot of Portuguese), but it was also a positive opportunity to learn and grow, acquiring new abilities that cannot be learned in class. 

On a personal level, living abroad in a house with a different culture helped me to see the world from a different perspective. Meeting people from different countries, communicating with locals, and learning how to move around the city alone. 

Not everything was easy, learning to manage money and searching for other ways of communication were part of the challenge. But these were the things that helped me enhance my capabilities. 

I recommend this experience 100%. It will change the way you see the future.

Cintia Ruiz Pardinilla

Hello my name is Cintia Ruiz Pardinilla, 

I am currently studying a mid-level vocational training program in Personal Image, which focuses on beauty and aesthetic care. Thanks to the Erasmus+ program, I had the incredible opportunity to complete a professional mobility in Milan, Italy, where I worked at the Brazilian Beauty Center, a salon specialized in treatments such as Brazilian waxing, facial and body care. 

From a professional point of view, this experience has been very valuable. I learned new techniques and procedures that are not commonly practiced in my hometown, and I improved my skills in handling specific products and equipment. Working in a real, multicultural environment allowed me to develop communication skills in both Italian and English, which was essential to properly assist clients and understand the team’s instructions. 

Additionally, this experience helped me better understand how a beauty center operates in another country, from managing appointments to maintaining hygiene and quality standards. All of this gave me a broader perspective of my future profession and motivated me to continue training and specializing. 

On a personal level, living and working in Milan was a challenge but also a great opportunity for growth. At first, I had to adapt to the language and local customs, which was not always easy, but over time I gained confidence and felt more comfortable. The experience helped me become more independent, solve problems, and handle new situations on my own. 

I also had the chance to meet people from different cultures, which greatly enriched my perspective and taught me to value diversity. In summary, my Erasmus+ mobility not only improved my professional skills but also allowed me to grow as a person, open my mind, and gain self-confidence. 

I recommend this experience to any student who wants to learn outside their usual environment, live new experiences, and grow both professionally and personally. Without a doubt, it has been a very important stage in my education and life.

Maria Alsina

Mi viaje Erasmus en Milán. 

Durante un mes he tenido la oportunidad de vivir una experiencia Erasmus en la ciudad de Milán, donde estuve trabajando como peluquera. Aunque al principio tenía muchas expectativas puestas en el trabajo, debo reconocer que la experiencia laboral no ha sido del todo positiva. No he podido desempeñar las tareas propias de peluquería que esperaba realizar, y en general, el trabajo no ha cumplido con lo que me habían prometido. 

Sin embargo, fuera del entorno laboral, la experiencia ha sido muy enriquecedora y divertida. He tenido la suerte de conocer a muchísima gente, con quienes he compartido momentos inolvidables. También he aprovechado mi tiempo libre para conocer nuevos lugares y explorar la ciudad de Milán, que me ha parecido increíble. He visitado monumentos emblemáticos, calles con mucho encanto y zonas menos turísticas que me han permitido ver una cara más auténtica de la ciudad. 

Además, este viaje me ha enseñado muchas cosas, no solo sobre otras culturas y estilos de vida, sino también sobre mí misma. Ahora me siento mucho más autónoma e independiente. He aprendido a desenvolverme sola en un país extranjero, a organizarme, a tomar decisiones por mi cuenta y a enfrentarme a situaciones nuevas. Sin duda, ha sido una experiencia que me ha hecho crecer a nivel personal. 

En resumen, aunque el aspecto profesional no fue lo que esperaba, mi estancia en Milán ha sido muy positiva. Me llevo recuerdos, amistades y aprendizajes que siempre formarán parte de mí. Erasmus ha sido una oportunidad única para salir de mi zona de confort y descubrir todo lo que soy capaz de hacer.