Hi, my name is Andrea, I’m 18 years old, I come from Vacallo, Switzerland, and I study Computer Engineering, Programming and Internet Networks at the CPT in Trevano. Thanks to an Erasmus project coordinated by my school, I had the incredible opportunity to do an traineeship abroad in Belfast, Northern Ireland. In my first blog I shared a learning plan, a list of goals and places I hoped to visit. Now that my experience is coming to an end, I want to reflect on what I have really learned, both professionally and personally, and share some significant moments of this journey.
Getting out of my comfort zone: Living and working in another country for several weeks has been one of the most enriching experiences of my life. From day one I had to face challenges: orienting myself in a new city, communicating in a foreign language, adapting to a different working environment. But I immediately understood that it is precisely in these moments of difficulty that we grow the most. Belfast welcomed me warmly and, little by little, I found my rhythm and managed to settle in at my best.
Improving my English: One of my main goals was to improve my English, and I can confidently say that I have made a lot of progress. Speaking English every day at work, in stores, with customers and people in general, has helped me become more fluent and confident. I have learned to listen and understand better, to grasp new expressions, and to express myself better and with greater confidence. I also became more familiar with writing professional emails to work colleagues and directly to clients, social media captions and short texts, all in English.
Digital Skills and Marketing: At Watson & Co. Chartered Marketing, founded by Christine Watson, I had the opportunity to see up close how real-world marketing works. I learned to use new features in tools like Canva, such as the bulk create mass graphics cheat, Google Drive, WordPress, and understand how content is planned, created and programmed for social media and measured too. I also learned to take photos and videos professionally thanks to Apple courses that I was able to attend here in Belfast thanks to Christine’s advice. I discovered how important it is to write for an audience, communicate clearly and visually, and how to measure engagement on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Google Business Profile. I’ve also done some’ work on SEO and keyword research, a whole new world for me, which has really opened my eyes to how digital content can be found online.
Working in a multicultural environment: This traineeship also taught me a lot about collaboration and flexibility. I worked in a country culturally different from mine and interacted with clients of different origins from mine, which helped me improve my communication skills and open my mind. I understood how important it is to be patient, listen, ask for help when needed and know how to adapt. I also attended and successfully completed a WorldHost customer service training workshop, a valuable experience to better understand how to interact professionally with customers that I will talk about in more depth later.
Writing and Communication: One area where I feel I have grown a lot is writing. During my traineeship I wrote captions for various social media channels, professional emails, and contributed to the writing of content and blogs, all in English. This helped me improve not only my grammar and vocabulary, but also my ability to express ideas clearly and concisely. It was a real step forward that I consider very important and which I am very happy to have taken.
Personal growth: In addition to technical skills, this experience has taught me a lot about independence, responsibility and curiosity. I learned to organise my time, ask questions when I didn’t understand something, and be proactive in the tasks assigned to me. I also developed a more open mind: more open to discussion, more patient and more determined to test myself, even when situations were new or difficult. This experience has allowed me to grow on all fronts and I am very grateful for it.
Events: During this period I had the opportunity to participate in multiple events. I think it was a really beautiful and useful thing, as it allowed me to meet new people, to have new interactions, to create new bonds and also to learn more about the local culture. Furthermore, it also allowed me to learn more about the city as many events were held here in Belfast, but also to learn more about other places in Northern Ireland. This allowed me to grow professionally but also to be able to explore places that perhaps otherwise I would not have been able to see. I had the opportunity to attend an event in Belfast’s Linen Quarter where I listened to live music and was offered free Guinness ice cream! It was a truly wonderful experience and I am very happy to have been a part of it. I also had the opportunity to attend a webinar delivered by my employer Christine Watson in the Ulster University of Belfast for the Shopping Centres in Northern Ireland. I learned a lot about digital marketing and advertising using Facebook and Meta Business Suite which I didn’t know about.
WorldHost Workshop: I had the amazing chance to attend the WorldHost Customer Experience Workshop at The Harrison Hotel in Belfast. The course was taught by my boss, Licensed WorldHost Trainer Christine Watson, who did a really good job. I had the opportunity to better understand everything related to the customer experience, how to approach customers, how to make good first impressions, what customers’ needs and requirements are and when and how they must be satisfied. Furthermore, the workshop was accompanied by moments of practical activities as well as theory, so it was also much more interesting, as there was the possibility of applying the knowledge learned following the explanations. I would like to say that after carrying out this Workshop, a certificate is issued certifying the skills achieved, which made me very happy and grateful as for me this experience is an incredible addition to my people portfolio. I thank Christine infinitely for this opportunity which allowed me to grow further.
Discovering Belfast and its surroundings: In my free time I tried to explore as much as possible. Here are some of the most beautiful places that I would recommend taking the time to visit:
Ulster Museum & Botanic Gardens: Close to my accommodation, perfect for relaxing and learning more about local history and art. I found the botanical gardens to be really well maintained and peaceful, a great stop if you’re looking for a bit of tranquility and want to get away from the chaos of the city for a bit. Furthermore there are several greenhouses inside, where it is possible to admire different types of plants, such as the Palm House. The Ulster Museum amazed me greatly, as it has an immense variety of material inside. It is possible to admire many things, from the Paleolithic to space, from history to chemistry, from art to modern art. Highly recommended destination, plus entry is free.
Giant’s Causeway: One of the most spectacular places I’ve ever seen. Nature, history and legend in a single experience. My advice for getting there is to take bus 221 from Belfast, the day ticket costs only £10 day return and you travel comfortably and quickly. I spent almost the whole day admiring that place, which was truly splendid. At the beginning I went to see the coasts and some wild beaches, then I went to the Giant’s Causeway and finally I did the route along the coast, highly recommended, as it is possible to have a truly breathtaking view from above over the entire coastal panorama. If you happen to be in Belfast or anywhere else in Northern Ireland, or Ireland even, it is an experience not to be missed.
Carrickfergus Castle and Belfast Castle: Both offer incredible views and a fascinating history, as well as being perfect for some beautiful photos. Personally I appreciated Belfast Castle more, as in addition to the castle it is also possible to visit the splendid gardens and, moreover, entry is free, while at Carrickfergus Castle you have to pay for the ticket.
Game of Thrones Studio Tour: As a fan of the series, it was a must-see. I’m not saying anything so as not to spoil the surprise… but it really deserves it! If you are a fan it is absolutely a stop not to be missed. The museum is very well organised and is very large and well done. If you haven’t finished the series yet, I wouldn’t recommend you go and visit it, as you might come across some spoilers. Having said that, it really deserves an experience that I will keep in my heart.
Dublin: A weekend trip to the Irish capital was another unforgettable experience. Unlike Belfast, Dublin is a very large and very multicultural city. One of the things that impressed me the most was Trinity College, immense and truly breathtaking. I highly recommend going there if you pass through Dublin, plus entry is free. The only thing you have to pay for is the bookshop, which unfortunately I wasn’t able to go to, as all the tickets were sold out. If you would like to visit it, I recommend buying tickets on the website in advance. Another very nice stop is the Dublin portal, a circular screen, which, as can be deduced from the name, represents a portal. The screen changes and each time it connects with a different city, where it is possible to interact and see other people. Dublin also offers many botanical parks which I highly recommend going to.
Pub: A great way to experience the local culture, kind people, live music and a welcoming atmosphere. If you are in Belfast you absolutely must go there and try Guiness. One piece of advice I can give you is to go to The Union Bar, located near Queen’s University in Belfast. It is a university bar where you have the opportunity to listen to music and meet new people. Furthermore, the venue offers billiard tables for playing. Go there on Friday though, as every Friday there is an offer of drinks for only £2! Other pubs that I would like to recommend are: The Botanic Inn – traditional local, excellent if you are looking for something a little more “raw” and characteristic. It also offers numerous billiard tables, excellent for an evening with friends. The Post – Located opposite the Botanic Inn – this is a slightly more refined and modern pub with a quiet and relaxed atmosphere, if you go you absolutely must try the apple cider they have which is really excellent.
Holywood: This is a small coastal village about 20 minutes by train from Belfast. I would not advise swimming in this sea but rather looking for ‘blue flag’ beaches in Northern Ireland to swim in. There is a nice park near the beach where you can take a walk and have some fun.
Newcastle: Of all the places I’ve visited, I have to say that this is the one I liked the most, which is a shame because a lot of people don’t go there as it’s not as well known as some of the other sites such as the Giant’s Causeway for example, but I can assure you that it’s a hidden gem. This is also a small town on the coast, it is ideal if you like nature, as you can have both the sea and the mountains. I visited the National Trust Murlough beach and walked from here to a beautiful five-star hotel called Slieve Donard Hotel, where you can eat at the lounge for an overall affordable price in view of its reputation. I highly recommend visiting it, as it is truly a fantastic hotel. Furthermore there are many shops and clubs in Newcastle, so it is pleasant to take a walk to explore the area. Furthermore, if you like hiking, it is also possible to climb to the top of the Slieve Donard mountain, one of a number of mountains in the skyscape – you can also admire the Mourne Wall which is located about 4km from the valley departure. I highly recommend bringing a windproof jacket and hood, as the closer you get to the summit the more wind there is. The walk is pleasant and you will certainly be rewarded with effort once you reach the summit. Very recommended destination if you are a fan of this type of activity. On the way back to Belfast I visited the Peace Maze in Castlewellan Forest Park and Nicola, my fellow Erasmus trainee and I found our way through the maze quite easily.
A look back: If I compare the goals I set for myself in my learning plan with what I really learned, I can proudly say that I have made so many steps forward. I have not only improved my English and learned new digital tools – I have become more autonomous, more confident and more ready to face the world of work. This Erasmus traineeship was much more than a work experience – it was a life experience.
Thank you: I am immensely grateful to all the people who made this traineeship possible and to Christine Watson, who was not only my employer, but also my trainer, who took care to make me learn everything I could and encourage me to visit magnificent places. I had the pleasure of working for a very friendly and helpful person during my time here in Belfast and for that I am deeply grateful. Thank you for believing in me and for giving me this opportunity for growth.
Conclusion: This traineeship in Belfast was much more than just a training period abroad – it was a transformative experience. I had the opportunity to learn new things every day, to confront a reality different from mine, to test myself and grow from many points of view – linguistic, professional and personal and to meet some truly fantastic people. I bring with me not only new skills, but also indelible memories, new friendships, a greater awareness of what I want to build in my future and, above all, confirmation that leaving your comfort zone can really open unexpected doors. I recommend anyone who has the chance to have an experience like this: it changes you, enriches you and prepares you for the world with new eyes.
About Me: My name is Andrea, I am 18 years old and I come from Vacallo, Switzerland. I attend CPT in Trevano, where I am studying Computer Engineering, Programming and Internet Networks.
LinkedIn Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-suma-053a04373/
About Erasmus: I have done an Erasmus traineeship in Belfast, Northern Ireland, thanks to a project coordinated by my school. I completed my traineeship at Watson & Co. Chartered Marketing, a business founded by Chartered Marketer Christine Watson.
About Intern Europe: My Erasmus traineeship here in Belfast was coordinated by Intern Europe, an international team passionate about delivering work experiences in Belfast. In cooperation with European partners and local host organisations they organise work placements as part of a culture and language experience.
About Watson & Co. Chartered Marketing, my host employer in Belfast: Watson & Co. Chartered Marketing is a marketing consultancy and training company established by multi-award-winning and industry-experienced Chartered Marketer Christine Watson in April 2005.
Events: During this period I had the opportunity to participate in multiple events. I think it was a really beautiful and useful thing, as it allowed me to meet new people, to have new interactions, to create new bonds and also to learn more about the local culture. Furthermore, it also allowed me to learn more about the city as many events were held here in Belfast, but also to learn more about other places in Northern Ireland. This allowed me to grow professionally but also to be able to explore places that perhaps otherwise I would not have been able to see. I had the opportunity to attend an event in Belfast’s Linen Quarter where I listened to live music and was offered free Guinness ice cream! It was a truly wonderful experience and I am very happy to have been a part of it. I also had the opportunity to attend a webinar delivered by my employer Christine Watson in the Ulster University of Belfast for the Shopping Centres in Northern Ireland. I learned a lot about digital marketing and advertising using Facebook and Meta Business Suite which I didn’t know about.
WorldHost Workshop: I had the amazing chance to attend the WorldHost Customer Experience Workshop at The Harrison Hotel in Belfast. The course was taught by my boss, Licensed WorldHost Trainer Christine Watson, who did a really good job. I had the opportunity to better understand everything related to the customer experience, how to approach customers, how to make good first impressions, what customers’ needs and requirements are and when and how they must be satisfied. Furthermore, the workshop was accompanied by moments of practical activities as well as theory, so it was also much more interesting, as there was the possibility of applying the knowledge learned following the explanations. I would like to say that after carrying out this Workshop, a certificate is issued certifying the skills achieved, which made me very happy and grateful as for me this experience is an incredible addition to my people portfolio. I thank Christine infinitely for this opportunity which allowed me to grow further.
Discovering Belfast and its surroundings: In my free time I tried to explore as much as possible. Here are some of the most beautiful places that I would recommend taking the time to visit:
Ulster Museum & Botanic Gardens: Close to my accommodation, perfect for relaxing and learning more about local history and art. I found the botanical gardens to be really well maintained and peaceful, a great stop if you’re looking for a bit of tranquility and want to get away from the chaos of the city for a bit. Furthermore there are several greenhouses inside, where it is possible to admire different types of plants, such as the Palm House. The Ulster Museum amazed me greatly, as it has an immense variety of material inside. It is possible to admire many things, from the Paleolithic to space, from history to chemistry, from art to modern art. Highly recommended destination, plus entry is free.
Giant’s Causeway: One of the most spectacular places I’ve ever seen. Nature, history and legend in a single experience. My advice for getting there is to take bus 221 from Belfast, the day ticket costs only £10 day return and you travel comfortably and quickly. I spent almost the whole day admiring that place, which was truly splendid. At the beginning I went to see the coasts and some wild beaches, then I went to the Giant’s Causeway and finally I did the route along the coast, highly recommended, as it is possible to have a truly breathtaking view from above over the entire coastal panorama. If you happen to be in Belfast or anywhere else in Northern Ireland, or Ireland even, it is an experience not to be missed.
Carrickfergus Castle and Belfast Castle: Both offer incredible views and a fascinating history, as well as being perfect for some beautiful photos. Personally I appreciated Belfast Castle more, as in addition to the castle it is also possible to visit the splendid gardens and, moreover, entry is free, while at Carrickfergus Castle you have to pay for the ticket.
Game of Thrones Studio Tour: As a fan of the series, it was a must-see. I’m not saying anything so as not to spoil the surprise… but it really deserves it! If you are a fan it is absolutely a stop not to be missed. The museum is very well organised and is very large and well done. If you haven’t finished the series yet, I wouldn’t recommend you go and visit it, as you might come across some spoilers. Having said that, it really deserves an experience that I will keep in my heart.
Dublin: A weekend trip to the Irish capital was another unforgettable experience. Unlike Belfast, Dublin is a very large and very multicultural city. One of the things that impressed me the most was Trinity College, immense and truly breathtaking. I highly recommend going there if you pass through Dublin, plus entry is free. The only thing you have to pay for is the bookshop, which unfortunately I wasn’t able to go to, as all the tickets were sold out. If you would like to visit it, I recommend buying tickets on the website in advance. Another very nice stop is the Dublin portal, a circular screen, which, as can be deduced from the name, represents a portal. The screen changes and each time it connects with a different city, where it is possible to interact and see other people. Dublin also offers many botanical parks which I highly recommend going to.
Pub: A great way to experience the local culture, kind people, live music and a welcoming atmosphere. If you are in Belfast you absolutely must go there and try Guiness. One piece of advice I can give you is to go to The Union Bar, located near Queen’s University in Belfast. It is a university bar where you have the opportunity to listen to music and meet new people. Furthermore, the venue offers billiard tables for playing. Go there on Friday though, as every Friday there is an offer of drinks for only £2! Other pubs that I would like to recommend are: The Botanic Inn – traditional local, excellent if you are looking for something a little more “raw” and characteristic. It also offers numerous billiard tables, excellent for an evening with friends. The Post – Located opposite the Botanic Inn – this is a slightly more refined and modern pub with a quiet and relaxed atmosphere, if you go you absolutely must try the apple cider they have which is really excellent.
Holywood: This is a small coastal village about 20 minutes by train from Belfast. I would not advise swimming in this sea but rather looking for ‘blue flag’ beaches in Northern Ireland to swim in. There is a nice park near the beach where you can take a walk and have some fun.
Newcastle: Of all the places I’ve visited, I have to say that this is the one I liked the most, which is a shame because a lot of people don’t go there as it’s not as well known as some of the other sites such as the Giant’s Causeway for example, but I can assure you that it’s a hidden gem. This is also a small town on the coast, it is ideal if you like nature, as you can have both the sea and the mountains. I visited the National Trust Murlough beach and walked from here to a beautiful five-star hotel called Slieve Donard Hotel, where you can eat at the lounge for an overall affordable price in view of its reputation. I highly recommend visiting it, as it is truly a fantastic hotel. Furthermore there are many shops and clubs in Newcastle, so it is pleasant to take a walk to explore the area. Furthermore, if you like hiking, it is also possible to climb to the top of the Slieve Donard mountain, one of a number of mountains in the skyscape – you can also admire the Mourne Wall which is located about 4km from the valley departure. I highly recommend bringing a windproof jacket and hood, as the closer you get to the summit the more wind there is. The walk is pleasant and you will certainly be rewarded with effort once you reach the summit. Very recommended destination if you are a fan of this type of activity. On the way back to Belfast I visited the Peace Maze in Castlewellan Forest Park and Nicola, my fellow Erasmus trainee and I found our way through the maze quite easily.
A look back: If I compare the goals I set for myself in my learning plan with what I really learned, I can proudly say that I have made so many steps forward. I have not only improved my English and learned new digital tools – I have become more autonomous, more confident and more ready to face the world of work. This Erasmus traineeship was much more than a work experience – it was a life experience.
Thank you: I am immensely grateful to all the people who made this traineeship possible and to Christine Watson, who was not only my employer, but also my trainer, who took care to make me learn everything I could and encourage me to visit magnificent places. I had the pleasure of working for a very friendly and helpful person during my time here in Belfast and for that I am deeply grateful. Thank you for believing in me and for giving me this opportunity for growth.
Conclusion: This traineeship in Belfast was much more than just a training period abroad – it was a transformative experience. I had the opportunity to learn new things every day, to confront a reality different from mine, to test myself and grow from many points of view – linguistic, professional and personal and to meet some truly fantastic people. I bring with me not only new skills, but also indelible memories, new friendships, a greater awareness of what I want to build in my future and, above all, confirmation that leaving your comfort zone can really open unexpected doors. I recommend anyone who has the chance to have an experience like this: it changes you, enriches you and prepares you for the world with new eyes.
About Me: My name is Andrea, I am 18 years old and I come from Vacallo, Switzerland. I attend CPT in Trevano, where I am studying Computer Engineering, Programming and Internet Networks.
LinkedIn Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-suma-053a04373/
About Erasmus: I have done an Erasmus traineeship in Belfast, Northern Ireland, thanks to a project coordinated by my school. I completed my traineeship at Watson & Co. Chartered Marketing, a business founded by Chartered Marketer Christine Watson.
About Intern Europe: My Erasmus traineeship here in Belfast was coordinated by Intern Europe, an international team passionate about delivering work experiences in Belfast. In cooperation with European partners and local host organisations they organise work placements as part of a culture and language experience.
About Watson & Co. Chartered Marketing, my host employer in Belfast: Watson & Co. Chartered Marketing is a marketing consultancy and training company established by multi-award-winning and industry-experienced Chartered Marketer Christine Watson in April 2005. 
