Internship in Spain, Crevillent

My Erasmus Experience

I did my Erasmus in Crevillent, Spain, a small town near Elche. Alicante is also close by and is a city many people are more familiar with. My work placement was at a local family-run business that included a restaurant, café, hotel, camping, and event services. I worked at the reception, but I was occasionally involved in other areas as well.

I really liked the atmosphere there, and it felt like everyone was part of one big family. Of course, I had some difficulties with the language at times, but making friends with other young coworkers helped my experience a lot. The location of my work was in a place with very few foreigners, and the ones who were there mostly stayed in the camping area. Most of the clients were native Spanish speakers. Because the town was mostly made up of locals, I felt like I got a very authentic Spanish experience- something I might not have had in a more tourist-heavy area. 

My first accomodation that I stayed in!

The restaurant served traditional Spanish food and desserts, and I got to enjoy the meals everytime I was at work, which was a huge bonus! Overall, I really loved my time in Crevillent and have nothing negative to say about it. In the first weeks, I sometimes felt like the ''outsider'', being the only foreigner in town but that feeling quickly faded the more time I spent there.

 

Typical spanish dessert

 Outside of work I also became friends with a German girl who was an au pair in a nearby city, and we went to Alicante together for a weekend that I had off. We’re still good friends even after our time in Spain.

Some quick pictures I took from Alicante below:

My last days in Spain

Two days before my return to Finland was my birthday. Coincidentally, the company also had a Christmas party on the same day, and everyone sang happy birthday to me. My bosses and some coworkers had bought me jewelry as presents, which I was really surprised and grateful for. The next day I also had a special celebration with some of my closest coworkers.

Birthday cake :)

Birthday table with friends

Pictures from the workplace itself:

Christmas decorations! I gladly had the opportunity to help with the decorations.

Looking back, I can say that I’m still friends with everyone I met during my Erasmus. I would love to go back someday, as I have nothing but fond memories of my experience! I'm so grateful to have had the chance. I’d also encourage other students to step out of their comfort zones- it’s guaranteed to be a valuable learning experience and an opportunity to discover new cultures! :)

Thank you