Marisol Silva: “Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs takes us out of our comfort zone to learn”

Marisol Silva is 42 years old and lives in Madeira, a Portuguese Island where tourism is, undoudbtedly, the economy’s most meaningful sector. Marisol was working in a bank when she decided to board the Erasmus For Young Entrepreneurs’ adventure and travel to Lugo, Northen Spain.  Vida Lactea is the name of the company who played the role of Marisol’s Host Entrepreneur for three whole months – an experience became familiar with during a conference held at Madeira’s employment center. Wanting to pursue her own adventure, Marisol contacted ANJE – Associação Nacional de Jovens Empresários, one of the program’s local points, and started her Exchange in June.

Marisol’s idea is related to local accommodation and this was the main reason that lead her to Lugo. She followed the recommendation of Belén, from the Chamber of Commerce of Santiago de Compostela, who told her all about Vida Láctea being a local company that manages several activities – such as work camps, a youth hostel and a coworking space dedicated to young entrepreneurs. Although it was hard leaving her family and friends, as well as dealing with unforeseen events that happenned in her first days away, Marisol was right when she thought Spain would be her destiny. Even while having a hard time getting used to the weather and struggling with some allergies, Marisol went ahead and was able to live a great adventure and enriching experience.

While enjoying the Erasmus For Young Entrepreneurs’ program, Marisol worked mainly on reservations, receiving guests and explaining the hostel’s dynamics – as a hobby, she even cooked a few meals with very much love. Marisol certainly acquired knowledge and skills that she can apply in her return to Madeira - where she owns a very well located house with much potential for rural tourism – such as the importance of welcoming guests with joy and affection, while giving them the necessary comfort to make them feel at home. She also learned that a good manager must be a good leader and a great source of support for its team.

During her stay In Lugo, Marisol also appreciated the Spanish language and the city’s history, as well as the teamwork and friendship spirit spread in her workplace. She strongly recommends Erasmus For Young Entrepreneurs to everyone who wishes to embrace a learning opportunity that also gives you the chance to get in touch with a different culture, different languages and certainly new friends. In other words, the chance to be outsider your comfort zone. In other words, the chance of being happy.

MARISOL’S WORDS ABOUT HER EXPERIENCE

“I decided to participate in the Erasmus entrepreneurs program to give an incentive to my project. I was in the area of Galicia in the city of Lugo, a quiet and welcoming city. I carried out the program for three and a half months in a Vida Lactea company, which is dedicated from tourism to the pilgrims who make their way from Santiago to organizing events. I participated in meetings together with the assistant director in the Xunta de Galizia since they organized camps, as well as participated in various activities associated with the company. It was a life-long experience of entrepreneurial growth with innovative ideas that we can apply to our business idea. Thank you for the opportunity.”