For many students, Erasmus+ mobility is an opportunity to acquire new knowledge, gain international experience and improve career prospects. For Ricardo Menjívar, a computing student at Universidad Tecnológica de El Salvador, however, his work placement at Academia in Maribor meant much more. It became a transformative experience that significantly influenced his perspective on education, media production and his personal mission.
When Ricardo first arrived in Slovenia, his goals were clear. He wanted to upgrade his technical competences, enrich his professional portfolio and gain valuable international experience. What initially seemed like an ordinary step in his academic development soon evolved into a significant life experience that marked both his personal and professional path.
From Technical Knowledge to Creating Positive Impact
Ricardo had already developed a strong interest in computing, programming and digital media whilst growing up in El Salvador. For him, technology never meant merely writing code or creating digital content, but above all an opportunity to solve challenges, contribute to community development and create positive change.
It was precisely this desire to connect technology with social impact that brought him to Academia, where he completed a work placement at the International Office as part of the Erasmus+ programme.
Discovering the Power of Media
During his work placement, Ricardo worked closely with the International Office team and encountered a different approach to media production – one based on collaboration, transparency and effective communication. He observed how every meeting, project and daily task was directed towards genuinely supporting students, partners and the wider academic community. Instead of merely creating content, the team focused their attention on preparing communication with a clear purpose and positive impact.
This experience significantly changed Ricardo's understanding of media production. He no longer perceives it as simply a creative profession, but as a bridge that connects people with new opportunities, ideas with solutions, and educational institutions with the communities they serve.
Education That Goes Beyond the Classroom
As a computing student, Ricardo had been primarily focused during his studies on acquiring technical knowledge and developing problem-solving abilities. The Erasmus+ work placement significantly complemented this knowledge by showing him that the greatest impact occurs when professional expertise is combined with integrity, collaboration and a genuine desire to help others.
He returned home not only with richer technical knowledge and better communication skills, but also with a deeper understanding of the values he wishes to incorporate into his future career path.
Looking to the Future
The experience at Academia further strengthened Ricardo's conviction that technology and media can be important tools for creating positive change. He continues to want to build new connections, support communities and participate in projects that have genuine and lasting social impact.
His Erasmus+ story is proof that international mobility means much more than studying or completing a work placement abroad. It represents an opportunity for professional growth, broadening horizons and shaping values that guide an individual in both professional and personal life.
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Source: Academia (18. 6. 2026). Fotografije: arhiv Academie.
This English summary was produced automatically from the Slovenian article and is pending editorial review. Slovenska različica
