My Erasmus + VET Experience. We introduce you to Filipe Marinho, a Portuguese hospitality student who has spent the month of January and February with us in Zaragoza doing internships at Cafés El Criollo. Filipe belongs to the Escuela Profesional Gustave Eiffel of Entroncamento of which we have been in charge of managing an Erasmus + project for 8 students.

We introduce you Filipe Marinho, a hostelry Portuguese student who has spent the month with us in Zaragoza doing an internship in Cafes El Criollo. Filipe belongs to the VET School Gustave Eiffel (Entroncamento), which we help to manage a Erasmus + project for 8 students this year.

Can you describe yourself in a sentence?

I am a young person who is able to dream but with the feet on the ground!

In Zaragoza, in which company are you doing the internship?

At Cafés “El Criollo”.

What are your tasks there?

I do several things: to serve coffees, to talk with the costumers, table service, to learn and put into practice different barman techniques…

How do you feel there as a trainee?

I like a lot working there. My colleagues are wonderful people who also love hostelry. We work as a team and we make it the best we can!

Tell us briefly what you do every day at “El Criollo”

When I work in “El Criollo” the time flies away! Because I am always focused on my job which I love, it is a lovely place and I like the people I work with.

Which is the funniest thing that has happened in your stay in Spain?

When I arrived at Spain I hadn´t spoken for a while Spanish, then it was very funny when I tried to talk with Spanish people but I couldn´t understand what they told me.

What do you do in you free time in Zaragoza?

I walk, visit museums, taste typical food and dance in few parties…

How do you find Spain? According to you, which is the biggest difference between Spain and your country?

I discovered this opportunity in my school, which open vacancies for people who wanted to participate. The biggest difference between Spain and Portugal is the language, because both countries are very similar and the traditions are almost identical.

What about Zaragoza? Is it what you were expecting?

Zaragoza is an amazing city! It has many places to know and an incredible history. In my opinion the best place in the city is my working place. I go there even in my free time because of two reasons: the quality of the products and because it is a very cozy place where I love to be.

Do you like the experience of an internship abroad?

I feel great!. It has been a fantastic experience, very enriching and fun.

Do you think that more young people should participate in projects like yours? Why?

Sure! Because being able to enjoy an experience of these dimensions is something that you can not refuse!