‘I wanted to challenge myself to make work I was proud of’ Ella’s Erasmus+ experience in the Netherlands

A quick sketch I did of my first dorm in the morning

Ella Adams undertook an Erasmus+ study abroad in the Netherlands as part of her undergraduate degree at the National College of Art and Design (NCAD). 

During my third year of Moving Image Design in NCAD, I went on Erasmus+ to the Netherlands. I spent my first semester studying 3D animation at Utrecht School of the Arts to improve my 3D design skills.  

I chose Utrecht because I had heard from my sister, who had previously visited, that the people there were lovely. I also knew a girl in the year above me who had just completed her Erasmus+ in the city and she absolutely adored it there. I then secured a design internship with AOC for the next six months at their Amsterdam headquarters, working under a professional graphic designer. 

The interns at a company event on a boat in Amsterdam

How did you learn about Erasmus+?
Through my college. Before going into third year, it was explained to us by staff how we could apply and how to secure our spot abroad. 

What motivated you to do it?
Getting to do Erasmus+ is a privilege. My overall aim was to get as many opportunities out of it as I could. I really wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone and create new experiences. Living abroad can be quite expensive, so I didn’t want to return home after a year with nothing to show for it. 

Kayaking through Utrecht on a sunny day in August 2025

Choosing to study 3D animation was something I had always wanted to do, and while I knew it would be difficult, I wanted to challenge myself to make work I was proud of. I also knew gaining professional experience would be extremely beneficial for my career, so I jumped at the chance to work for AOC. 

Describe a typical day on your Erasmus+ – how did it differ from being at home?
A typical day involved A LOT of cycling, as is Dutch culture. In Ireland, I live in a pretty rural area, so it was amazing to be able to step out my front door and go wherever I wanted without needing to drive. 

The public transport was also very frequent (which I can’t say is the same case in Ireland), so I took the trains and buses almost every day.  

I had a tutor say to me: ‘Cycling is the best form of transport. It allows you to take everything in around you as you cycle by, whereas in a car you’re usually moving too fast, and on foot it’s too slow at times. Cycling is the perfect in-between.’ 

Cycling through the woods just outside of Utrecht

How did you make friends and network?
I was very lucky when it came to making friends and connections. I became very close with a good few of my flatmates, all our personalities just happened to click. I still text and chat with them now that I’m home and we’ve already planned trips to see each other again.  

I think a big part of Erasmus+ is simply putting yourself out there. You have to force yourself to talk to people, go to events, apply for things and say yes to whatever. 

How did you manage your search for accommodation?
I was also quite lucky with accommodation. For my first semester, I secured a dorm room through a scheme the host university had set up for Erasmus+ students.  

For my second semester, my flatmate found an advertisement on Facebook for a room just around the corner from my previous accommodation, which I had to move out when starting my internship.  

In the Netherlands, they hold things called ‘hospi nights’, where the owner of the room and current flatmates can meet you to see if you would be a good fit for the house. They met around ten different people and luckily trusted me to rent the room for six months! 

Below are group pictures with my flatmates from both of my accommodations: 

Taken with my film camera at a Greek Mythology themed dinner party thrown by one of my flatmates, Britt 

Taken at Landhuis in de Stad, where we would go for food, walks and swims

What about the language barrier? Do you have a favorite word or phrase in your host country’s native language?
My favourite word or phrase that I learned in Dutch was “helaas, pindakaas”, which directly translates to “unfortunately… peanut butter”. Essentially, it means “oh, that sucks”, which I think is so funny. I liked how unique their sayings were. 

The words I used the most were probably “dankjewel” (thanks) and “doei!” (bye!). I think it’s one of the nicest ways of saying goodbye that I’ve heard – it sounds so sweet. 

What were the highlights of your Erasmus+ adventure?
I think a lot of the highlights were in the everyday moments. Cycling to do my groceries for the week, wandering into bookshops or the tweedehandswinkels (second-hand stores) and chatting and cooking with my flatmates.  

I did do a fair bit of travelling when I could – places like Paris, Münster, Antwerp – as well as exploring as much of the Netherlands as possible, which was so much fun. I went to art galleries and design collective events which were always very informative. 

By the canal at Amsterdam Koningsdag, April 2025

The soundtrack of your stay?
I listened to a bucket load of music and podcasts during my cycles and commutes but two that stick out are What Once Was by Her’s and 17 by Froukje.  

Honourable mention to The Blindboy Podcast, which I would listen to whenever I felt a little homesick. 

Has Erasmus+ changed you? What lessons and skills did you take home? 
Erasmus+ made me way more confident in myself as a person. I learned that I can handle challenges on my own – like securing accommodation, budgeting and finding work, all while keeping my grades up.  

I became very good at disciplining myself and found that my determination to shape the life and career I want grew even stronger.  

I learned so much about other cultures through my work colleagues and peers and found that no matter what corner of the planet they were from, we always had something in common. 

What advice would you give to your younger self?
Let loose and trust yourself. Don’t be scared to talk to new people and especially don’t shy away from expressing yourself. You’ll open so many doors just by showing up, having a chat and putting in the work. 

Posing after a summer swim in Marineterrein, Amsterdam Centrum

Tell us what you’re doing now since undertaking your Erasmus+. 
I have returned to Ireland and am currently finishing my degree! So far, I have finished my bachelor dissertation and have continued working as a freelance designer for the company I completed my internship with, while also taking on other local projects. 

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All photos are reproduced here with permission from Ella.

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