Charley, Digital Media student, Crete

The motivation

When this opportunity arose, I jumped at it with both arms. I knew I’d never be able to experience something such as this again if I didn’t do it.

I had never flown for that long, nor been that far from home, and without family especially.

I wanted to prove myself, despite my anxieties. Greece is somewhere I’d always wanted to go, and to have that “solo” adventure.

The placement

My work placement was incredible. I was doing something I felt confident with from the work I do in the UK.

I’m a motorsport photographer (@charleygrayphotography), so am used to capturing fast paced moving objects.

My placement was with a rental boat company, photographing them in action. I was thrilled. I met the captain, and grew a lovely friendship. Although we had a slight language barrier, he tried so hard to speak to me and it really made me feel so welcome and comfortable. The manager was the same, a lovely man who wished for nothing but fun and enjoyment from my experience.

I am very hard on myself with what I produce so worried I wouldn’t produce sufficient work, but my supervisor was happy with the images.

I went on a trip along the coast to some caves and a popular viewing area, and was able to experience both the smaller boat and the luxury one, which is
something I never thought I’d do, especially in Crete.

The location

Rethymno was so safe and welcoming and I didn’t feel threatened at all. At first I felt weird walking alone in a new country, but I started to grow confident with my surroundings and didn’t need a map and could walk alone without a second thought.

The culture shock was the biggest I have experienced in a different country, but I quickly got used to it, and even began to adapt to it. I missed home
as expected, and had a mini meltdown, but the EELI ladies helped me so much to gain confidence. I am so grateful for this opportunity.