My Erasmus+ Story Work Placement in Dublin 

When I heard that my school, the Villa Blanka Tourism College, was offering a two week Erasmus+ work placement in Dublin, I knew immediately that I wanted to be part of it. I wasn’t just looking for a trip abroad with my friends to party, quite the opposite I wanted to immerse in a new culture, speak English every single day, and understand the finer nuances of both the language and European diversity. I didn’t prepare much beforehand; I wanted to jump into the cold water, let the experience surprise me, and see how I would grow or maybe even change.

I lived with a host family in Raheny, in a beautiful house overlooking the sea. From the first moment, they made us feel at home. We connected incredibly well, shared meals, stories, and laughter, and learned a lot about everyday Irish life. We brought little gifts from Austria and told them stories from our home, so they also get to know our country a little bit. The location was perfect: every morning and evening, we ran along the coastline, with the winds from the Irish Sea in our faces and the sound of waves accompanying us. These runs became one of my favourite parts of the entire stay.

Our official program included a city tour on the first day, a visit to the EPIC Museum, and a trip across the country to the Cliffs of Moher. Even though the weather didn’t allow us to see the cliffs clearly, the journey itself, the landscapes, the atmosphere, the feeling of being far from home was unforgettable.

I did my work placement internship at the “Royal Marine Hotel” in Dun Laoghaire, a historic and elegant hotel right by the sea. I worked mainly at the starter section, but I helped wherever I could because I wanted to understand every part of the Irish kitchen. The ingredients were incredibly fresh: fish, prawns, oysters, octopus all of it prepared with a simplicity and honesty that I really admired. We had so many different nationalities and languages in the kitchen it was quite inspiring and produced some funny moments.

One moment I will never forget was running 15 kilometres along the coast and then eating a freshly caught oyster with a splash of lemon that was opened right in front of me. It tasted like the ocean itself pure, cold, perfect.

Of course, there were challenges. Adjusting to a new culture, a different work rhythm, and a fast‑paced kitchen environment wasn’t always easy. But it was never overwhelming. The team was welcoming, humorous, and supportive. I also met other Erasmus students who had been in Dublin for a longer period; we talked, ate together, and shared our experiences. It felt like a small European community inside the city.

What I learned goes far beyond cooking techniques. I realised how powerful Erasmus+ is in creating a sense of unity across Europe. Every person brings their own background, but together we form something bigger. I became more independent, more confident, and more open to the world. Dublin reminded me how much the European Union offers to young people in terms of opportunities, connections, and a feeling of belonging in a multicultural world.

These two weeks didn’t just shape my professional skills; they shaped my identity. They confirmed that I am on the right path in hospitality and that I want to continue exploring Europe and its cultures. Dublin wasn’t just a place I visited it became a part of me, a memory I will carry into my future career and life.