Erasmus+ Ireland
My Erasmus+ Experience in Ireland
During my Erasmus+ mobility in Ireland I had the opportunity to combine professional experience and cultural discovery.
For one month I worked on a real graphic design project while experiencing Irish culture, meeting new people and exploring some of the most iconic landscapes of the country.
The Experience
During my Erasmus+ period in Ireland, I had the opportunity to live a very enriching experience both professionally and personally. I spent about a month in a small Irish provincial town, much quieter than a big city like Dublin.
One of the things that struck me the most was the pace of life. Compared to Italy, people seem less stressed and daily activities start later in the morning, which creates a healthier balance between work and personal life.
In our free time my classmates and I often went to pubs, which in Ireland represent the main social meeting place. People gather there to talk, play games like billiards, or simply spend time together.
During the weekends we also joined several organised trips to discover the Irish landscape and culture. Among the places we visited were the Ring of Kerry, the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, and the city of Dublin. Ireland’s natural landscapes were definitely one of the most fascinating aspects of the entire experience.
The Work
During my Erasmus period I worked on a graphic design project involving the creation of a training book for a nail artist course for the nail salon chain Tiny Bee.
My role in the project included:
book layout design
content organisation and insertion
quality control of images and icons
I had the opportunity to work quite independently, with a high level of creative freedom while still respecting the brand identity and visual guidelines of the company.
The project progressed smoothly and efficiently. The experience I had previously gained working on similar projects helped me organise my workflow, manage deadlines and maintain a consistent pace of delivery.
At the end of each working day my tutor and I reviewed the progress together, planning the next steps for the following day. This process helped me improve several skills, including:
project organisation
time management
English communication in a professional context
Thanks to this workflow, I was able to complete the entire book in approximately one month.
The Erasmus Project
The Erasmus+ programme was an incredible opportunity. Thanks to the scholarship I was able to live and work abroad without having to sustain major expenses.
Accommodation was provided by a host family, which included breakfast, lunch and dinner. During the month I had some personal expenses for activities, souvenirs and social outings, but overall the experience remained financially manageable.
Erasmus is much more than just travelling. It offers the chance to develop new skills, improve language abilities and experience a different culture firsthand.
For anyone who has the opportunity, I would strongly recommend participating in an Erasmus programme. It is a unique experience that helps you grow both professionally and personally.
The People
One of the most important aspects of my experience was meeting new people.
During the project I worked with Sean, my company tutor. Our collaboration was very positive and based on constant feedback. At the end of every working day we reviewed the project together, deciding what worked well and what could be improved.
Sean is a professional videomaker with a remarkable attention to detail. I had the chance to see some of his video projects and I was impressed by his ability to refine and improve his work while remaining open to feedback from others.
Outside of work, I also had the opportunity to interact with many local people. Irish people generally appeared very open and friendly, which made it easier to start conversations and feel comfortable even in a foreign environment.
Conclusions
My Erasmus experience in Ireland was extremely valuable. It allowed me to work on a real professional project, improve my design workflow and experience a different cultural environment.
Beyond the professional aspect, the experience also allowed me to reflect on different lifestyles and work philosophies, particularly the stronger focus on work-life balance that I observed during my time there.
I would definitely recommend an Erasmus experience to anyone who has the opportunity to take part in one. It is a meaningful journey that leaves lasting memories and valuable lessons.
