At the beginning of the 2016/17 academic year, FIS student Urška Dolenc decided to take part in the Erasmus+ international mobility for traineeship. After a long search for the right country and the right company to do her itraineeship, she went to Brussels in February 2017, where she worked for three months at Obelis.

We asked Urška some questions and we believe that they will answer many students interested in international exchange and that the new information will encourage them to choose to study or do a placement abroad, which can make a real difference to an individual, both in terms of work experience, language skills and personal development. You are welcome to read!

Why did you decide to do an Erasmus+ exchange?

I have always been interested in what other European countries have to offer in terms of employment in my field of study (Informatics in Contemporary Society, VS), so when I had the opportunity to do a work placement abroad, I decided to do it.

What made you decide to go to Brussels?

At the beginning, I had no particular reason why Brussels, as I sent many CVs and cover letters to different EU countries. In the end, I was convinced by the responsiveness of the company where I did my traineeship, as they responded very quickly and positively to my application. Moreover, Brussels was relatively close to Slovenia, so this also helped me to make my decision.

Was it difficult to find a company to do your traineeship with? Where did you find it and what was most important to you in your search?

I found the company where I did my traineeship on the website www.erasmusintern.org. When looking for a traineeship, my main focus was on the work I would have to do there (it was important that it was relevant to the study programme I was currently studying) and that I would be paid at least a minimum monthly wage as an intern.

Was the organisation very demanding? How did you go about finding an apartment?

It was definitely a challenge to organise, especially as I planned everything from afar. The most stressful part was finding accommodation, as there are many websites that rent rooms to students. I found my room on one of these websites and I stayed there for 3 months.

First feelings when you arrive abroad? How were you received by your new roommates and colleagues?

The first feelings were “confused”. Arriving at the airport, I suddenly found myself in an unfamiliar situation that I had never experienced before. For the first week, I was getting used to the new environment and the people around me, but also to the fact that when I am outside, for the first time, I don’t really understand the people around me (the official languages in Belgium are French and Dutch).

I will never forget the people I met, both at work and in the house where I lived. By choosing to do my work placement abroad, I have had the opportunity to meet many different people, from all over the world, and I have learnt something new from each one of them, as well as making new friendships.

Was the traineeship or internship what you expected? How did you feel in the company?

Having never done an internship or traineeship before, I had no idea or expectations of how it should be before coming to Brussels. However, at the end of the internship I was more than satisfied with the work I had done throughout the internship, the experience I had gained, the friendliness of my colleagues and the relaxed atmosphere in the company.

What was your exchange life like, apart from your work at the company?

Belgium is certainly a country that offers many wonderful cities to visit, in addition to Brussels. Living there allowed me to travel by train on weekends to other famous cities in Belgium such as Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp, … Also, the excellent public transport system makes it possible to take a trip to the Netherlands or to other neighbouring countries. There’s certainly never a dull moment in Brussels, as there’s always something for everyone.

Is living in Belgium or Brussels expensive? Were you able to cover all your expenses with an Erasmus+ grant?

Compared to Slovenia, the price differences are certainly noticeable. Especially when it comes to spending time out with friends or just shopping for food and drinks. But you can also find cheaper versions in Brussels, as you can everywhere. The Erasmus+ grant mainly covered my accommodation for the whole duration of my placement, as this room wasn’t exactly the cheapest. Certainly without the other financial resources I had at my disposal, the experience would not have been what it was.

What was the most valuable part of this experience for you? What is the most memorable aspect?

As well as improving my working skills and having the opportunity to learn about working in another country, I will definitely remember all the people I met. Each and every one of them has stuck in my mind in their own way and made my Erasmus+ experience special and unforgettable.

Is there anything stuck? Any bad experience?

At the moment, I can’t think of any negative experiences.

What would you say to those who are considering studying/interning abroad? Anything in particular you would warn them about? Why would you recommend mobility?

International mobility is something that everyone who has the opportunity should experience. It is an experience that puts you outside your comfort zone and forces you to be independent. Once you get past the first days of “scared” and “not knowing”, so many new possibilities open up that you soon realise that three months is definitely not enough to see everything that is on offer. You get the chance to meet new people and make new friends – after all, most of the people you meet on mobility are in the same situation as you, which is why everything seems easier.