2025 Erasmus+ Student Traineeship Reflections: Clara Guyot

Clara Guyot was one of our Erasmus+ Student Traineeships in our 2024-25 programme. This is a reflection she wrote upon finishing here time here in May 2025. (Pictured: 2021 Volunteer Group)

I’m Clara Guyot, French and currently studying Event Communication. I studied in Bordeaux to obtain a two year Diploma in Communications.

As part of my professional training, I was selected to be part of the Erasmus+ programme to do a 6 month work placement in Europe, from 18 November 2024 to 19 May 2025. The selection is based on the student’s academic performance, work and volunteering experience. A clear professional project is also required.

Erasmus+ provides scholarships which allow people to have a professional experience abroad, learn a new language and discover a new culture. The amount is based on the cost of living in the destination country. For Ireland, I received 1200€ per month, which included rent, food, transport and leisure activities.

Ireland was my first choice because of the variety of landscapes, the different coastal walks, and the spectacular cliffs and lakes. I was also really excited to discover Ireland’s famous culture, where people talk a lot about pubs, food and music.

I have always been interested in theatre, arts performance and cultural activities.   After a lot of research, I discovered Crooked House Theatre Company’s programme for student trainees, which combines communication, administration and project management in the fields of theatre, drama and production. I immediately decided that this was for me, it was completely in line with the values and projects I had wanted.

The most difficult part was finding accommodation in Newbridge because of the high rents. I found mine on the website ‘hostingpower.ie’, which offers shared accommodation with host families. For six months, I lived with a fabulous host mother and a flatmate. I was lucky enough to feel really comfortable in this house, which cost 150€ a week to rent.

It was my first time living abroad, speaking another language, and meeting people from different nationalities and cultures. The international aspect of the company made me feel really comfortable, even though my English was not the best.

I learned a lot during that time. The first few weeks were a process of observation for me. In order to understand all the company’s activities and projects, I went to all the workshops run by the volunteers. Then, together with staff members Pauline and Oguzhan, we selected a programme based on my objectives and desires and created an adapted schedule. To make sure that my needs, schedule and tasks were in line with mine, I had a supervision meeting with Pauline once a month to discuss this.

I didn’t expect the number of projects and the dynamism of the company.  I’ve been involved in the ‘Is Mise Éire Eile’ project as the person in charge of social media. I was delighted to create the videos and designs to promote the project. 

I also had the opportunity to work as an assistant manager for an Erasmus programme called ‘Now You See Me’. It was impressive to work with and learn from the people in the company. 

I really appreciate the fact that I have the freedom to take part in many different activities in the company, such as facilitating drama in various workshops or being involved in the special ‘KARE’ performance featuring individuals with disabilities.

There are three things that really stood out for me at Crooked House Theatre Company : the atmosphere, the people and the relaxed, low-pressure way of working.

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If you're interested in applying to be a part of our Erasmus+ Student Traineeship programme click here.

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