Week 1: Arrival and New Beginnings

Our first week on Crete has been a whirlwind of new impressions, logistical challenges, and unexpected turns. Living in a house with seven other apprentices near Heraklion is a unique experience. We are a large group, and while coordinating eight people can be complex, having two rental cars gives us the necessary mobility to navigate the island and reach our various destinations.

The start of our stay was defined by getting settled into our accommodation. On Sunday, we arrived and traveled to our Airbnb via taxi and our rental cars. We met Andreas from Hellasbnb, who showed us the villas and gave us a crash course on local living. He emphasized some important rules for our stay, such as not disposing of toilet paper in the toilet and sticking to bottled water for drinking. Adapting to these local infrastructures is part of the cultural immersion, and so far, the group is managing well.

Professional Transitions and Challenges

The professional side of the week proved to be more turbulent than expected. On Monday, MD Hellas invited the group to the Akti Coralli Hotel for an introduction to the local companies. However, the meeting for Ali and me was postponed to the following day. We took the opportunity to explore the local area and familiarize ourselves with our surroundings.

On Tuesday, Ali and I began our internship at Legatron, an IT service provider for the hotel and gastronomy sector. We traveled with our supervisor to Hersonissos to work at two different hotels. I was assigned to work with Alex, an apprentice from Spain, checking TV boxes and ensuring infrared antennas were properly connected. The conditions were concerning. We encountered rooms filled with dead insects and cockroaches. More alarmingly, the technical equipment was in poor condition; cheap power adapters disintegrated when unplugged, leaving exposed 230V components in the sockets.

Furthermore, Alex and I were tasked with working on the roofs of the hotel buildings without proper safety instructions. After completing the tasks at the first location, we had to walk thirty minutes to join Ali and another Spanish colleague at a second hotel. At the end of the day, we were told our shift was over and were expected to find our own way back to Heraklion by bus. Given the safety violations and the lack of professional supervision, I felt it was necessary to take immediate action. I contacted MD Hellas via WhatsApp to formally complain about the dangerous working conditions and the unprofessional conduct of the placement, requesting an immediate change of company.

Reorganization and New Perspectives

That same Tuesday evening, Sofia from MD Hellas approached me while we were out at a bowling alley and scheduled a meeting with the manager for Wednesday morning. During that meeting, Ali and I made it clear that we would not return to Legatron. As an interim solution, the manager suggested we join MD Holidays, where our fellow apprentices Momo and Sarah were already working. MD Holidays is an agency specializing in international internships and accommodation services.

By Thursday, we were waiting for feedback on a permanent new placement. However, by Friday, after discussing the situation further with the manager, Ali and I expressed our wish to remain at MD Holidays permanently. We spent the day supporting Momo and Sarah with their work on EduReg, focusing on website maintenance and updates under the supervision of Maria.

Cultural Exploration and Social Life

Despite the professional hurdles, we made sure to experience the social side of Crete. On Friday night, we went out to dinner and later visited Senses Club, staying out until 4:00 AM. It was a great way to decompress after a stressful week.

Due to poor weather on Saturday, we spent most of our time at the house, which allowed us to rest. On Sunday afternoon, we headed into Heraklion to explore the harbor and the city center before ending the day with a group meal. This first week has certainly tested our flexibility, but it has also shown the importance of standing up for professional standards and supporting one another within the group.