I took an Erasmus study abroad year as part of my course from September 2019 - May 2020. While I was in my second semester in February 2020, Italy went into a national lockdown, the first in Europe. Initially this seemed like the sci-fi disaster situation you read about in your childhood. However, after the initial confusion within the first few days, I realised this was a once in a lifetime opportunity. I could turn my very bad situation into a chance to be a live reporter in Milan, updating as the situation unfolded.

 

I contacted a few people I know to pitch the story and then waited. Within a few days I got calls back from BBC Radio Leicester, BBC East Midlands Today, Fosse 107 and Graham Torrington's Late Night Show. Over the next few months I acted as a reporter or interviewee for these shows. This was great industry experience for me and provided a chance for unique skill development that I greatly appreciate. All my work on this can be seen below.