A Farewell to Remember: Erasmus+ Journey Concludes with Gratitude, Growth and Lasting Friendships

July 2026 | Rovigo, Italy

After six weeks of professional training, cultural discovery and international collaboration, the Erasmus+ mobility experience in Rovigo, Italy, came to an emotional conclusion. To celebrate this remarkable journey, participants recorded a farewell video sharing their gratitude, memories and reflections on an experience that has profoundly shaped both their personal and professional development.

The mobility brought together students from the Instituto das Artes e da Imagem (IAI) in Portugal, who travelled to Italy through the Erasmus+ Programme with the aim of expanding their professional skills while experiencing life in a different European culture. Throughout their stay, participants had the opportunity to apply their knowledge in real working environments, gain valuable international experience and develop new perspectives that will benefit their future careers.

Beyond the workplace, the project encouraged participants to fully immerse themselves in Italian culture. Living in Rovigo allowed them to discover local traditions, cuisine, history and everyday life, while also travelling to several iconic destinations across Italy. Visits to cities such as Venice, Bologna, Rimini, Ferrara, Verona and Rome offered unforgettable opportunities to explore the country’s rich cultural heritage and strengthen friendships outside the professional environment.

One of the most valuable aspects of the Erasmus+ experience was the opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds and cultures. Daily interactions promoted mutual respect, teamwork and intercultural dialogue, demonstrating how diversity enriches both personal relationships and professional collaboration. Every conversation, shared activity and challenge contributed to building stronger communication skills and greater self-confidence.

Throughout the project, participants were supported by dedicated teachers, mentors and coordinators from both Portugal and Italy. Their guidance and commitment ensured that every student could make the most of this unique opportunity, creating an environment where learning extended far beyond the classroom or workplace.

The farewell video captures not only words of appreciation but also the emotions that accompanied the end of this incredible journey. Participants expressed heartfelt thanks to the Instituto das Artes e da Imagem, the Erasmus+ Programme, the hosting organisations and everyone involved in making this mobility possible. Their messages reflect the friendships created, the memories collected and the personal growth achieved throughout the experience.

Experiences like these demonstrate the true value of Erasmus+: providing young people with international opportunities that foster professional excellence, cultural understanding and European cooperation. More than an internship abroad, this mobility became a life-changing experience that will continue to inspire every participant long after returning home.

Although this chapter has come to an end, the friendships built, the knowledge acquired and the unforgettable moments shared in Italy will remain with each participant for years to come.