My experiences during the internship

I worked for about five months in a reception center for unaccompanied minor refugees. The residents of the facility came from many different countries, including Egypt, Bangladesh, Somalia, Gambia, and Sudan. This situation created an extraordinary linguistic diversity, so that by the end of my internship I had developed a broad repertoire of languages. The young people inspired and encouraged me to further expand my language skills.

During my internship, a strong focus was placed on understanding the bureaucratic structures within the field of migration. I assisted with the registration of newly arriving minors and supported my supervisor with all administrative procedures. In addition, I taught the refugee youths Italian and always had an open ear for their questions. I also initiated musical and sports projects to create opportunities for creative activities.

Working with the young people on a daily basis enriched me profoundly in many ways, and I look back on this valuable time with great gratitude. It was much more the young people themselves, rather than the staff of the institution, who made this time unforgettable for me. For the first time, I experienced a completely new form of appreciation that made me incredibly happy and strengthened my desire to pursue my professional career in development cooperation and humanitarian crisis management abroad.

Every day I was confronted with very different life realities and personal stories that allowed me to feel the suffering of the world in a deeply moving way. And yet, within this great hardship, there was also a spark of hope, a radiance and a deep sense of gratitude that I was able to witness. For this, I would like to thank the people I met.

My experience with everyday life and free time on site

Because I found so much joy in my work, I dedicated most of my time and energy to it. However, before the start of my internship I made the most of my time exploring the beauty of the island and pursuing my hobby—kitesurfing—in western Sicily. Due to its proximity to the sea, the coastal region of Sicily is particularly well suited for water sports.

In Agrigento, I enjoyed relaxing evening walks along the promenade, from where one could admire a wonderful view of the sparkling surroundings and the sea on the horizon. There were also several restaurants and ice cream parlors that invited people to stay and relax. My absolute favorite: arancini con mozzarella e prosciutto.

Since the people in and around Agrigento were very helpful and talkative, I often found myself in friendly conversations with locals, which made me feel very welcome and never alone.

My conclusion & tips

In conclusion, I can say that this internship abroad enriched me profoundly and represents a key moment in my professional and personal journey. This experience has already given me a glimpse of what it feels like to have found exactly the right field of work.

I look back on this time with gratitude and a touch of melancholy, and I hope to return as soon as possible. It remains a gift to me that I was able to meet such inspiring and appreciative people from different countries and with such diverse life stories. They have left a lasting impression on me, and every time I talk about my experiences with someone, I cannot help but smile from ear to ear. Grazie mille!

I would also like to thank my contacts in the Erasmus+ program, who were always reachable and supportive when difficulties with the intermediary agency arose.