Aya worked at the National Maternity Hospital in back office and front office roles, while Gaja worked for Jennifer Rothwell Studio in all areas of communication, from using graphics software to creating printed materials. We interviewed them remotely and here is the story of their new adventure.
Let’s start with a simple question: how are you? How has this experience been? Gaja: Good morning, I’m doing great. This experience has been very helpful, especially in terms of getting myself organized and planning each day to go to work, but also to go out and go on excursions. Was it your first time participating in a European project? And traveling to another country? Aya: My experience in Ireland was peaceful. This wasn’t my first time participating in a European project. In fact, in September 2022, I spent three weeks in Malta doing an internship at a company.
Gaja: This isn’t my first time. I’ve been to Malta for a month, Lisbon, and Finland for two weeks.
Was it difficult to adapt to Irish rhythms and culture? Or did you feel at ease right away?
Aya: It wasn’t difficult to adapt to Irish culture… it’s similar to what you see in TV series such as “Normal People.” I spent most of my time in Ireland enjoying my adventures alone, discovering Dublin and its nature. Gaja:Irish culture is very similar to Italian culture, so I felt very comfortable and, above all, listened to and helped.
..the best moment? And the worst?
Gaja: The best moment was being able to meet so many people of different nationalities and becoming friends with them.
What was your typical day like?
Aya: My typical day during the first two months varied. For example, I would wake up very early at 5:30 a.m., have breakfast, take the bus, and start work at 8:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Around 5:00 p.m., I would return home, have dinner, and then enjoy my free time. During the last month, I would wake up a little later, around 6:30 a.m., start work around 9:00 a.m., and finish at 4:00 p.m. On weekends, I preferred to wake up slowly, take my time doing things, and go out to spend time outside.
Gaja: My typical day was to get up early, shower, get ready, and go to work, where I started at 9:00 a.m. and finished at 5:00 p.m. Then I would go home, have dinner, and go straight to bed… but between Friday and Saturday, I always organized myself to go on tours or go out with my new friends.
What advice would you give to a friend who is about to embark on the same mobility program?
Aya: One piece of advice I would give is to think carefully about it several times before participating in an experience like this, without listening to anyone else’s opinions, because it will be your experience, so if you don’t feel ready to go, don’t do it. I know very well that it is an enriching experience, but based on my own experience, I wouldn’t recommend it to people who prefer a bit of privacy, who like to be listened to, and who hate the cold, the rain, and, of course, working all the time and spending all their energy on work.
Gaja: Do it! Don’t wait, you don’t know how many beautiful things you will see.
A phrase/word in Irish
Aya: GO N – ÉIRÍ LEAT – may you be successful. Gaja: GRÀ=love
Is there anything you haven’t done/visited yet on your wish list?
Aya: Unfortunately, due to work and the weather, I’ve always put off touring the northern part of Ireland.
Gaja: The Guinness Storehouse was the only thing I missed.
Soundtrack for this experience? Recommend three songs!
