Imagine leaving everything you know to throw yourself into an unknown country, whose language and culture you do not know. Imagine putting yourself on the line, not only professionally but also on a human level, facing challenges and discovering unexpected resources within yourself.
This is what 5 young Spanish NEETs from Catalonia experienced thanks to the ALMALBA project. From April to June 2025, Palermo became their home, the stage for a three-month mobility experience that combined professional internships with a profound path of personal growth, all with the support of CESIE ETS.
The participants immersed themselves in a variety of sectors, chosen according to their interests and desires. Some worked in social work, assisting children, people with disabilities and fragile individuals, making a concrete contribution and touching the importance of helping others. Others have explored the world of graphic design, putting their creativity to the test, or ventured into the electrical sector, acquiring practical skills. Each internship was a crucial step towards their future, a unique opportunity to gain experience and clarity about their goals.
But the ALMALBA project was not all work. Parallel to their professional commitment, the participants undertook a stimulating non-formal education course. They learnt Italian, through an Italian language course. They went through sessions on dealing with culture shock, turning initial difficulties into opportunities for adaptation and understanding.
Palermo and its surroundings provided the backdrop for three interesting cultural activities in which the participants took part. The young people participated in:
- An exciting orientation activity to discover the secrets of the city a few days after their arrival.
- A touching guided tour on the mafia and the history of judges Falcone and Borsellino, on a date as full of meaning as 23 May, the anniversary of the Capaci massacre. An opportunity to reflect on important pages of Italian history.
- A journey between Partinico and Trappeto, places linked to Danilo Dolci, to explore the life and legacy of this extraordinary sociologist, nonviolent activist, poet and educator.
Throughout the mobility, the participants were never alone. Tutors and mentors from the coordinating organisation and CESIE constantly supported them, from day-to-day logistics to the monitoring of activities. This careful accompaniment allowed the young people to fully focus on their experience, knowing that they could count on a solid and reliable network.
The ALMALBA project is proof that an experience abroad can be much more than just an internship: it is an opportunity to grow, learn and transform.
For more information about the project contact Cinzia Costa: cinzia.costa@cesie.org. cinzia.costa@cesie.org.
About the project
ALMALBA is a project funded by the Servei d’Ocupació de Catalunya (SOC) and the European Social Fund (ESF).
- Associació ALBA (Spain, coordinator),
- – CESIE ETS (Italy)
Forr further information
Read the project sheet.
Contact Cinzia Costa: cinzia.costa@cesie.org.
