Before heading to Tenerife for my three-week Erasmus placement, I’ll be honest — I was extremely anxious. The idea of being away from home for that long was scary as it was something I had never done before, and at one point I even considered turning the opportunity down altogether. Looking back now, I can’t believe I ever felt that way, because it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
From the moment we arrived, we knew we were going to enjoy it. We were welcomed so warmly by the people we would be working with, and it immediately put us at ease. During our time there, we worked in professional spas and salons, carrying out a wide range of treatments including massages, facials, pedicures and much more! It was such an incredible opportunity to take what we’ve learned in college and apply it in real-life settings with actual clients.
One of the highlights for me was learning new types of massage that we hadn’t covered before. Working alongside experienced therapists allowed us to pick up new techniques, improve our confidence, and really understand the importance of creating a relaxing and professional experience for clients. Our managers and colleagues were absolutely amazing — so supportive, patient, and encouraging. Even though there were language barriers sometimes, it just made the days more interesting – teaching them classic Irish phrases and us learning new Spanish words. We genuinely loved working with them, and they made such a difference to our experience.
Outside of work, we made the most of every moment on the island. Tenerife itself is beautiful, and we got to experience so much of what it has to offer. One of the most unforgettable experiences was going on a boat trip where we got to see dolphins and whales in the wild — something I’ll never forget. Some of the group even went star gazing up Mount Teide volcano, learning about constellations and the history of the volcano, which was an incredible experience for them.
We also got to experience local culture in such a fun way. We attended a carnival in Los Cristianos where there were dancers, music, and such an amazing atmosphere. It was so lively and colourful, and it really gave us a taste of life on the island. We became regulars at a local pub where we called ourselves the ‘Corona Kings’. We even celebrated St. Patrick’s Day while we were there, which made it feel like a little piece of home away from home.
The trip wasn’t just about work and sightseeing — it was also about the people. We spent time getting to know locals, our colleagues, and each other. As a group, we became so close over the three weeks. We met new people from college, formed friendships that we’ll definitely keep, and supported each other throughout the whole experience. There were even a few birthdays celebrated while we were away, which made the trip feel even more special and memorable.
Personally, this experience changed me so much. I went from feeling anxious and unsure about going, to not wanting to leave at all. By the end of the three weeks, everyone was laughing at the complete 180 I had done — I honestly could have stayed forever, and I was so emotional coming home. It just shows how much of an impact the experience had on me.
This Erasmus placement has helped me grow in so many ways. I’ve become more confident, more independent, and more passionate about the career path I’ve chosen. It gave us real insight into the industry and showed us what it’s like to work in a different country and culture.
To anyone considering Erasmus but feeling unsure or nervous like I was — I would say absolutely go for it. It might feel scary at first, but it could end up being one of the most rewarding and unforgettable experiences of your life. Tenerife will always hold such special memories for me, I am so grateful to have had this opportunity and it’s something I’ll never forget.
