Learning Log: My Journey with the Erasmus Program in Belfast, Northern Ireland

Hello, my name is Jan Ševčík, but you can call me JJ. I’m 18 years old and from a small town in Czechia. I study Computer Science and Information Technology at the Secondary School of Electrotechnical and Mechanical Engineering. Recently, I’ve been lucky enough to participate in a two-week Erasmus placement in Belfast, Northern Ireland, working with Christine Watson at Watson & Co. Chartered Marketing. This placement has been a fantastic opportunity to improve my skills in marketing, graphic design, and technology, while also improving my English and experiencing a new culture. Here’s a summary of what I’ve achieved and learned during my Erasmus journey:

Skills Development during the First Two Weeks

Design Using Canva

Before this placement, I had never used Canva. Thanks to this opportunity, I’ve learned to use it for creating designs, presentations, Instagram stories, and even videos. Canva is user-friendly, and the tutorials when you first open the platform make it easy to understand. I’ve used Canva multiple times during my placement and learned how to enhance designs with templates, colors, and customizations. For those looking for more advanced features, there’s a Pro subscription that unlocks additional elements and tools. Learning resources that I used to develop my Canva skills:

Developing Photography and Videography Skills

I attended Today at Apple courses to improve my photography and videography skills. These workshops teach you how to use Apple products effectively, and I participated in sessions focused on using the iPhone’s camera for taking high-quality photos and videos. I learned about camera settings, lighting, and editing tools to make my visuals look professional. Apple Workshop Links:

How to Use the Action Camera DJI Osmo Pocket 2

During my first two weeks, I worked extensively with the DJI Pocket 2 action camera. This camera is compact yet powerful, and mastering it involved understanding its various settings and features. I practiced daily, improving my ability to capture high-quality videos and photos for social media and client projects. By the end of the first two weeks, I was skilled enough to train others, including Christine and fellow trainee Sophie, on how to use the camera effectively.

Learning How to Blog

Christine introduced me to blogging, explaining how to structure and write an effective blog. My first blog was my learning plan, which helped me organize and understand my objectives. Writing this final learning log blog has reinforced my skills, and Christine was available to clarify elements I found challenging as a beginner.

Content Creation and Publishing with WordPress

I also learned how to use WordPress to publish blogs. WordPress powers a significant portion of the internet and provides features like “alt text” for accessibility. My blogs, including my learning plan and this learning log, were published on WordPress. Helpful resource: What is WordPress?

Achievements

Webinars on Marketing Platforms

I participated in Go Succeed webinars hosted by Christine, including one on “CanvaAI.” This session taught me how to use AI in Canva to reach a wider audience. These webinars are a great resource for upskilling and are free to attend. Find more webinars at: Go Succeed Events

Teaching Others How to Use the DJI Pocket 2

By the second week, I was confident enough to train Christine on how to use the DJI Pocket 2 camera. This allowed them to continue creating high-quality content after my placement ended.

Learning to Blog and Becoming a Google Local Guide

I also explored Google Local Guides, a program where you upload photos of places you visit to help others. I started at level 0 and reached level 2 with 30 points by adding photos of places like Clonard Monastery, Cavehill, and the Giant’s Causeway.

Cultural Immersion and Personal Growth

Experiencing Northern Ireland Culture

Living in Belfast has been eye-opening. I’ve noticed differences in the working culture, such as the flexibility to work remotely or from coffee shops. I’ve also been fascinated by the trust placed in employees, encouraging them to learn independently.

Improving My English

Being immersed in an English-speaking environment has significantly improved my language skills. Practicing with native speakers has been invaluable. Although the local accent was challenging at first, I’ve become more comfortable understanding and speaking English.

About Me

I’m Jan Ševčík, a student of Computer Science and Information Technology. In my free time, you’ll find me playing football, which is my favorite way to relax and find peace.

About Watson & Co Chartered Marketing

Watson & Co. Chartered Marketing is a consultancy and training company founded in 2005 by award-winning Chartered Marketer Christine Watson. The company provides creative marketing solutions to help businesses grow.

Erasmus+: A Life-Changing Experience

The Erasmus+ program has been a transformative experience. It allowed me to step out of my comfort zone, develop my professional and personal skills, and learn how to navigate life independently. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to grow and discover new opportunities.