This is a guest blog post written by Jana Haver who recently visited National College of Ireland as part of the Erasmus+ programme which provides staff working in higher education institutions in the EU with the opportunity to train in another participating institutions.
As an employee of Bielefeld University, I had the opportunity to embark on an Erasmus+ Staff Mobility exchange programme at National College of Ireland. For two weeks, I worked with NCI's Marketing Team while also exploring Dublin and Irish culture.
In this blog post, I share my experiences, from professional development to exploring Dublin and Ireland's beauty.
Why I Chose Ireland and NCI?
It was an easy choice for me to complete my Erasmus exchange in Ireland: I wanted to visit an English-speaking country and there are not many of those participating in the Erasmus programme!
I discovered NCI during my online search for universities and colleges in Dublin. I really liked the online presence of NCI, the website and, of course, their social media – which, from my marketing perspective, is an essential aspect - so I applied there and was thrilled when I got accepted.
My Erasmus Exchange and Professional Experiences in the NCI Marketing Team
Bielefeld University and NCI are quite different. My university has more students and is bigger. The communications team workflow is quite different. Therefore, I enjoyed gaining insights into NCI's Marketing Team over the two weeks I visited.
The team welcomed me warmly and introduced me to their work. Everyone in the team spent time showing me their work areas and answering any questions I had. Through shadowing various team members, I gained a comprehensive understanding of their roles and responsibilities. In addition, I shared my working life insights so that everyone benefited.
The timing of the exchange couldn't have been better, as I came during a very busy period. I took part in an Open Day, participated in creating content for Winter Graduation, attended an international event, and assisted at photo shoots. I particularly enjoyed the social media work, because I had the chance to create content and be directly involved in its publication on NCI’s channels.
Exploring Ireland's Countryside and the Highlights of Dublin
I had never been to Ireland before the exchange so getting to know the country as well as Irish culture was important to me.
Although my main priority was professional development, I couldn't resist exploring the beauty of Ireland, especially Dublin city, during my stay. I enjoyed many cafes, great restaurants and, of course, some Irish Pubs.
I visited many places such as Dublin Castle, Kilmainham Gaol and Trinity College to see the Book of Kells. My tour of the Guinness Storehouse, which included learning how to pull my own pint, was very exciting. My personal highlight was a trip to the Wicklow Mountains. I loved the beautiful countryside with its lakes and waterfalls. The hike through the autumnal landscape was impressive. My journey also took me to the picturesque village of Howth which is located on the Dublin coast and offers stunning views of the Irish Sea. I was also lucky to visit Dún Laoghaire, Dalkey and Killiney to the south of Dublin in the lovely sunshine.
Irish People and Culture
What truly made this Erasmus+ Staff Mobility exchange memorable was the warm hospitality of the Irish people. Whether it was at NCI or engaging with locals while exploring Ireland, everyone I met exuded a genuine sense of friendliness and willingness to help. Conversations with colleagues allowed me to gain insights into Irish culture and traditions, fostering a deep appreciation for the country.
Summary
All in all, my Erasmus+ Staff Mobility exchange with National College of Ireland was an amazing and a highly beneficial experience. The knowledge and skills I gained from working with the NCI Marketing Team will contribute to my professional development. I would encourage all employees to take the opportunity for personal and professional development.
National College of Ireland holds an Erasmus Charter of Higher Education 2021-2027 which empowers our students and staff to experience the opportunity of a lifetime that will broaden horizons both academically and personally.
