My experience at Willingness
Augustė Glumbakaitė Journey – First Impressions
The moment I first heard about this internship was during one of Matthew’s lectures at Vytautas Magnus University in Lithuania — lectures he delivers every year. I was amazed by how actively he included students in every discussion and how much new knowledge I gained in just three sessions. As someone who is always seeking opportunities to grow, I thought to myself: I want this internship, and I will do whatever it takes to get there.
Preparation for the Internship
It wasn’t an easy road. I had to gather the right documents, request reference letters, submit a motivational video, and — once accepted — search for accommodation, apply for the Erasmus exchange scholarship, and decide which warmest clothes to bring to Malta (because when you travel, you have to be ready for rainy or windy days… right? Side note: one long-sleeved blazer turned out to be more than enough ).
The preparation process was both serious and fulfilling. Before the internship started, we had online training sessions to prepare us for the journey ahead. “Imagine you are in an oven — that’s how hot it is here,” they told us. And yes… they were absolutely right.
Augustė Glumbakaitė Journey – Facing Challenges Abroad
But for young, “freshly cooked” individuals eager to experience unforgettable moments and learn exciting new things, the heat was never an obstacle. This internship filled my suitcase of knowledge not only with a wide range of diverse information and skills, but also with unforgettable memories — shared dinners, beach trips, and weekly fiestas with other interns.
Learning & Professional Growth
From workshops in different fields of psychology, case reviews, and supervision meetings, to the unforgettable experience of working with both neurotypical and neurodiverse children, I learned about ADHD, autism, and how to provide emotional support during festivals to those who needed it most. I explored how different drugs affect the brain and behavior, how to recognize the symptoms of overdose, and what steps to take in those situations.
This experience gave me a wealth of practical knowledge, which I deepened through constant self-reflection, additional research at home, and curiosity during every workshop and supervision session. In difficult moments, the smiles and clumsy dances of children reminded me how simple and joyful life can be if you choose to focus on the bright side rather than the negative.
A Journey of Growth
In general, this internship was not just a professional opportunity, but a deeply personal journey of growth. It taught me resilience when facing logistical challenges, adaptability in a new cultural and climatic environment, and above all, the value of curiosity in both work and life.
I returned richer in knowledge, friendships and experiences with a stronger belief that stepping out of my comfort zone is always worth it. Thank you for this opportunity to grow.
Sincerely, Augustė
