Meet Our International Intern: Behind the Scenes at the Gallery!

From Business Plans to Waterfalls: Sigruna’s Erasmus Experience in

Madeira

Hi, I am Sigruna, and I am from Latvia. I have been here (in Madeira) for four months, and this is my last week—actually, my last few days.

Can you tell us about the initiative that allowed you to come here? And why did you choose Art Center Caravel?

It is Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs. Iy is a program I applied to, where I had to sign up with a business idea and a business plan.

Once you’re accepted,you gain access to a platform where you can choose a mentor.But instead of selecting one through the platform, I found a mentor myself because I really wanted to come to specifically Madeira. I chose Art Center Caravel because it aligned with my business idea. It also seemed really fun,and I loved all the projects they had done.

Was this your first experience living abroad? What was the biggest challenge for you?

I lived in Belgium for five years as a child.

But that was different because I was with my family. As an adult, I lived in Porto for a few months two years ago, so this is kind of my second experience living abroad on my own.

I was quite lucky—everything was easy for me. It was easy to get into the program, easy to find an apartment, and easy to find a

mentor.

I like to believe it was just meant to be. Maybe that`s why everything aligned so perfectly, and it all felt so easy.

What activities have you done at Art Center Caravel over these months?

A lot of activities—starting with laughter therapy, art therapy,

and belly dancing lessons. I also lived on a farm for a week, which was an intense but really fun art therapy training.

Additionally, I helped organize some Erasmus activities, created a

workshop on promoting art on social media, and wrote an e-book. Now, Iam finishing up a chapter in a different book about cultural heritage. There was always something happening,and I was never bored! I also worked on creating content for social media.

Do you have a favorite activity?

It might be the art therapy training, but I really loved laughter therapy too. Then, while creating content, we also worked on creating content for sustainable fashion Anti-Voque project, run by Art Center Caravel and ARTE.M association together. We went to a thrift store and just tried on all sorts of outfits, which was so much fun.

Additionally, I loved visiting the local newspaper, experiencing virtual reality, and going to a local school—places.

I wouldn’t have had the chance to see otherwise.

How do you think this experience will impact your future career?

I think this has been an incredible experience that will definitely help me in the future. I am actually applying for jobs right now, and I believe having international work experience is highly valued.

What’s your favorite activity in Madeira?

I can’t choose just one! The first thing that comes to mind is

hiking—there are so many trails here, and I go almost every Sunday. There are also community hikes (shoutout to Madeira Friends for organizing them!).

Recently, I did canyoning—jumping from waterfalls and rappelling down them with a rope—which was an amazing experience. I’m afraid of heights, so I was really proud of myself for doing it.

It was just the best. I also loved going on boat trips, like whale watching and exploring Ponta de São Lourenço.

What would you say to someone who is thinking of coming here but isn’t sure yet?

I would say—just watch some videos on TikTok or Instagram and come! Why wouldn’t you want to be here?!

Coming from Northern Europe, where it’s cold—especially this time of year, when it’s snowy, dark, and grey—being in Madeira is the best. The nature is stunning, and there are so many cool activities to do. I’d say just go for it!

What was the most special moment during your time here?

I think some of the most special moments were on the hikes—just sitting at a viewpoint,looking around, and thinking, wait… am I really here? Is this real? It was like a pinch-me

moment.

Another special moment was one of the first days when my friend and I arrived. We were sitting outside on our patio, drinking wine, and dreaming about how our time here would unfold. Ever since childhood, my friend and I had been dreaming of living the “Mamma Mia dream,” which for us meant living on an island and living our best lives. And it actually came true! We put on some ABBA and danced. I think our neighbours thought we’re crazy.

What is something from Madeira that you will carry with you forever?

I think the calmness and the slow pace of life. Here, people work to live, not live to work. I will try to carry that mindset with me forever.