My name is Gabriela, I am 20 years old, originally from Moldova, and I have been studying International Studies in Economics and Management (ISIEM) at the University of Lille, France, for the past two years. Thanks to the Erasmus+ Traineeship Programme, I had the opportunity to complete an internship at KEHSIA asbl in Luxembourg—an experience that exceeded all my expectations, both professionally and personally.
What made this traineeship unique was that it didn’t begin in Luxembourg, but with an international mobility in Thessaloniki, Greece. It was an exciting and unconventional start to the internship, bringing together participants from Italy, Greece, Portugal, Luxembourg, and many other countries. Beyond the workshops and activities, it was a wonderful opportunity to exchange ideas, discover different cultures, and build friendships that made the experience even more meaningful. It was the perfect introduction to the European spirit of collaboration that defines Erasmus+.
After returning from Greece, I joined the KEHSIA team in Luxembourg, where I immediately felt welcomed. From day one, I was trusted with meaningful responsibilities and became involved in the daily implementation of European projects. Rather than simply observing, I had the chance to actively contribute and understand how European-funded projects are managed from within.
Throughout my traineeship, I supported the coordination and implementation of EU-funded initiatives, collaborated with project partners and stakeholders, and contributed to communication and dissemination activities. One of my main responsibilities was increasing the visibility of KEHSIA and its projects through social media. I created and scheduled content, wrote captions, edited articles for the organisation’s website, and supported communication campaigns designed to engage a wider audience. I also assisted with project meetings, training activities, and dissemination events, gaining valuable insight into the lifecycle of European projects and the importance of effective communication in achieving their impact.
Professionally, this experience allowed me to develop practical skills in European project management, stakeholder engagement, digital communication, content creation, social media management, teamwork, and intercultural collaboration. It also strengthened my confidence in working within an international environment and showed me how NGOs contribute to creating positive social impact through European cooperation.
Beyond the professional side, what truly made this internship unforgettable was the people. I was fortunate to work with an incredibly supportive and welcoming team. Chiara and Silvia were inspiring supervisors whose enthusiasm, guidance, and approachable leadership created an environment where learning felt natural and enjoyable. I especially appreciated the informal yet highly professional atmosphere at KEHSIA. It encouraged open communication, creativity, and initiative, making every day both productive and rewarding.
Looking back, this traineeship was much more than an internship. It was an opportunity to grow, to challenge myself, to meet inspiring people from across Europe, and to gain practical experience that perfectly complemented my university studies. I leave KEHSIA with new skills, unforgettable memories, lifelong friendships, and a deeper appreciation for international cooperation.
I am sincerely grateful to KEHSIA asbl, the Erasmus+ Programme, and everyone who contributed to making this experience so enriching. I would wholeheartedly recommend this opportunity to any student looking to gain professional experience while becoming part of a dynamic and international community.