Why Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs is more than an exchange
In January 2025, I packed my bags in Latvia and flew to Tenerife, not for the sunshine, but to start a new chapter in my entrepreneurial journey. Thanks to the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs (EYE) program, I had the chance to work side by side with Olga Keliy, founder of TeneLearning, which is making educational courses and interactive workshops. My goal? To sharpen my digital marketing and business skills. Olga’s goal? To get fresh perspectives and new energy for her company. It turned out to be the perfect match.
When I first joined the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs (EYE) program, I knew it was going to be an adventure – but I didn’t expect just how much I’d grow in four short months.
Activities and Collaboration
In this short time we built a dynamic and productive partnership: one that combined fresh entrepreneurial energy with seasoned expertise. Together, we balanced creativity with strategy, turning ideas into concrete actions. Our collaboration wasn’t just about learning – it was about co-creating, testing and pushing each other to grow both personally and professionally.
- Business Development & Marketing.
Together, we rolled up our sleeves and dug into the essentials of business development – from detailed market research and competitor analysis to optimizing websites for better visibility. I learned how small adjustments can make a big difference in attracting the right audience. We applied tools such as Canva, CapCut and Adobe Lightroom to create professional digital content and develop a strong social media strategy.
- Leadership & Personal Growth.
One of the most rewarding parts of the exchange was diving into courses on emotional intelligence, motivation and mindfulness. Not just abstract lessons – they gave me practical tools to stay resilient when challenges come up and to lead with more empathy and clarity. It was a reminder that entrepreneurship isn’t only about numbers and strategies; it’s also about people, emotions and balance.
- Project Management & EU Opportunities
Another key learning area was project management, especially when it came to Erasmus+ opportunities. I got hands-on experience in writing project proposals, understanding funding processes and structuring budgets that actually work in the real world.
- Networking & International Cooperation
Beyond the skills and knowledge, one of the biggest gifts of this exchange was the people I met. Through events, mentoring sessions and international connections, we managed to expand our professional network not only in Tenerife but also in other parts of Europe.
The close mentoring relationship was reinforced through weekly sessions, feedback exchanges and co-creation of new project ideas that continue beyond the program.
Growing Beyond Expectations
By the end of the exchange, I wasn’t leaving Tenerife with a notebook full of ideas – I was leaving with something much more valuable: confidence, clarity and strong connections. Over these four months, I learned how to pitch my startup with a clear story and strategy and how to structure projects in a way that makes them stand out in the competitive funding world.
But perhaps the most surprising outcome was balance. Through mindfulness and stress-management practices, I discovered how to stay grounded even when things get intense – a skill that feels just as important as any technical knowledge.
Although the official exchange has concluded, the journey is far from over. Together with Olga, we’re already developing mindfulness, digital skills and sustainability focused initiatives for young mentors and entrepreneurs. Our shared vision ensures that the collaboration will continue to grow long after the programme itself.
Reflections
- Hugo Grūbe: “Olga’s experience gave me real-world insight into marketing and entrepreneurship, helping me grow both personally and professionally. Working with Olga was inspiring and opened the door to exciting opportunities across Europe.”
- Olga Keliy: “Collaborating with Hugo brought fresh ideas and energy to my business. His analytical approach and creativity enhanced our marketing efforts and helped me see new growth paths. I look forward to future projects together.”
To Sum Up
The Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs program has proven to be a powerful platform for growth, collaboration and innovation. My journey in Tenerife illustrates how international exchanges not only enhance business skills but also create lasting professional and personal connections. I strongly suggest Erasmus EYE programme to everyone for whom it may be relevant!!
For more information on the programme and how to apply, visit:
