Assignment 28: Reflecting - Katariina

1. Where have I succeeded in the project?
- I succeeded to put into practice my knowledge I gained during this semester. Municipality of Alcoy really liked my idea to implement “walking distance maps” I’ve seen in Netherlands to promote walking as a fast way to move in the city. I also succeeded to work in an international group and utilize my knowledge for the team and project.

2. What kind of challenges I have encountered?
- At first biggest challenge was a common language and lack of knowledge. Of course, I couldn’t express myself in English as good as in Finnish but my English improved quickly. In Finland I’ve got used to finish an autumn semester before Christmas so I was lacking of motivation after Christmas holiday. Luckily, I got my motivation back as soon as we arrived to Spain and were in the city we are making the project for.

3. What kind of challenges have you encountered as a group?
- In my opinion we haven’t encountered any big challenges. I think we all were quite busy during the semester so it was hard to find time to have meetings before the project really started. At first we didn’t know group members which was a little challenging but at the same time exciting. Working is easier now when we know how each group member prefer to work. During the field work period, we had some misunderstandings due to a language barrier but they were solved quickly.

4. What would I do differently?
- My pet peeve is postponing things to the last minute. So once again, I would start doing tasks early enough so I don’t need to suffer from last minute panic. Another thing I would do differently is to learn more Spanish. I had no clue that people in Alcoy don’t speak English. I didn’t expect high level English but I assumed that I can do groceries or order food in English but no.

5. Have I done something extra for the project?
- I haven’t done much extra for the project or at least it doesn’t feel like it. I have to admit that I’ve been a little stressed because of the project so maybe I have worked subconsciously on the project much more than I was planning to.

6. What have I learned?
- I learnt way more than I expected. Of course, I learnt a lot about reducing CO2 emissions but much more above that. During three weeks we spent in Spain, I learnt a lot about Spanish culture and mindset and also Spanish language. I faced situations where I wasn’t able to communicate with any language I know but somehow I coped. Working in international group taught me so much about different cultures and about myself as well. After these five months, I also appreciate my home country, Finland, more than before. It may not be the best country in the World but still it is pretty good place to live and love.