Erasmus+

“Studying for a Bachelor of Arts in Game Design was a very important experience for my artistic and professional development. The course helped me to further develop the foundations of my concept art, such as storytelling. It is also worth noting that receiving feedback and guidance from industry professionals, who monitored my work, is undoubtedly one of the course’s greatest strengths.
Another highlight was the opportunity to take part in mini-lectures and sessions with leading professionals in the video game industry, including, for example, one of the 3D artists who worked on the Final Fantasy franchise. These experiences allowed me to learn directly from professionals I admire and gain a closer insight into the reality of the industry.
For my final project, I also had the opportunity to be mentored by someone who works at Larian Studios, one of my favourite video game studios. Having someone with experience at a company I admire overseeing my project, providing feedback and advising me on how I could improve my work was an extremely valuable and motivating experience.
At the end of the course, I also had the opportunity to undertake a one-month placement at Tucan Studios, at Teesside University, which allowed me to put into practice what I’d learnt throughout the year. This experience ultimately led me to continue on this path, spending a further three months on the Erasmus programme at Teesside.”

It’s a bit of a mixed bag realising it’s all over, coming home, smelling the Algarve, seeing people I haven’t seen for three months – the funny thing is, it all went by so quickly that it doesn’t even feel like it’s been three months.

Now it’s time to make the most of it, try to learn as much as possible and embark on the journey of building my portfolio; this has only just begun, and the Erasmus programme was just the start – I’m very grateful to ETIC_Algarve for giving me this opportunity.

I’m going to miss Lithuania, although I never thought I’d miss the cold or being away from home; I must admit that, in a way, I’m already looking forward to going back to Vilnius, and I’ll be back sooner or later.
All that’s left for me to do is to thank everyone who was part of this experience, and especially ETIC_Algarve!

Everything went quite well; communication with the school was easy, and I feel we were warmly welcomed by both the students and the teachers. I was able to put what I’d learnt into practice and learn more about working on sound for film, as the school where we were doing our placement was a film school.

Throughout my Erasmus placement, I worked with various pupils at the school, forming a small circle of people I worked with most regularly; these were mainly international pupils who had come from a range of different countries.

All in general, it was an incredible opportunity for personal and professional growth that I would recommend to anyone. I felt very welcome in Warsaw and enjoyed my time there, but nothing lasts forever.

I’m leaving Vilnius with a full heart and no regrets. I’m really looking forward to returning to Portugal; I’ve missed everyone so much already and I can’t wait to give my loved ones a big hug. A few years ago, I don’t know if I’d have believed I’d be where I am now. For a long time, I was afraid and had lots of doubts, but I’m so glad I decided to take the plunge anyway – to take a chance on happiness and on what I love doing. This experience has really been worth it and has helped me grow in so many ways, both personally

I’ve learnt to step even further out of my comfort zone, to trust myself more and to cherish every moment of everyday life. This chapter in Vilnius has had a profound impact on me and I feel I’ve grown immensely. Now it’s time to bring this chapter to a close with gratitude and make room for whatever lies ahead.

Now that this experience has come to an end and I’m back in Portugal, it feels strange to look back and realise just how quickly it all went by. It feels as though it was all a dream and that nothing actually happened. What at first seemed like a huge change has, without me even realising it, become a comfortable routine, full of little moments that I’ll carry with me.

From a professional point of view, the work placement was extremely positive. Working in 3D modelling allowed me to develop, gain confidence and gain a better understanding of how an international company operates. In the last few days, there was even time for one last game of cards with my colleagues at work.

I’m heading home with a sense of longing, new insights and plenty of stories to tell. My Erasmus experience ends here, but everything I’ve experienced over these past few months will stay with me.

 I’m not going to lie, I really missed Portugal, but I think the Erasmus programme is something everyone should experience… it’s really strange at first, a new country, a new language, a new job, a new home, new people around you and you always feel that longing for what you’ve left behind, but then you get used to it, you settle into a routine and new people come into your life.  You’re practically living a whole other life, and after a while, just like that, you’re back to your normal life, back home with an experience that will stay with you.

I know it’s something everyone who’s been there says in one way or another, but it really is true, it goes by in a flash. If you get the chance, make the most of it.

I’m now back in Portugal, which means my Erasmus experience has come to an end. I’m pleased with the career path I’ve followed over the past six months, and I’m leaving the company feeling that I’ve made my mark and left my work in excellent shape.  

I am looking forward to seeing the final result of the project I have been working on all this time, in which many of my contributions will be showcased. 

I’ve learnt a great deal about the professional video games industry, and I’ll be putting all of this to good use in my next venture. All that remains is for me to thank everyone involved, from ETIC_Algarve, part of the European Union programme, to Nieko Games, who took me on and taught me some extremely useful skills in this field.