Amidst the hustle and bustle of Lisbon’s streets and the tranquility of Sintra’s gardens, more than 550 international students participated in Técnico’s Orientation Weekend. The event aimed to foster a “spirit of integration” at the beginning of the semester, introducing students to the city of Lisbon, Portuguese culture, and the academic community that will welcome them.

Early on, the students planned their itineraries: exploring tiles, viewpoints, bustling streets, and curious smiles. The visit to Sintra, with its lush gardens and serene spaces, stood out as one of the most peaceful moments—a perfect opportunity to relax and talk. “The trip to Sintra was definitely the highlight of the weekend. It was the perfect place to make friends, thanks to the tranquility of the gardens and the fact that we didn’t have to shout like we do at parties”, shared Adam Dargóczi, a Slovak student currently enrolled in the Undergraduate Programme in Computer Science and Engineering at Técnico.

From the silence of the gardens to the vibrant energy of the sea, the students took to the surfboards at Carcavelos Beach. Filled with laughter, falls, and small victories, they faced the waves together. “It was great! The surf instructors were incredible and dedicated to helping everyone. My group was also fantastic, we had a lot of fun, which made the experience even more enjoyable”, said Doroteja Filipovic, a Swedish student enrolled in the Undergraduate Programme in Biomedical Engineering.

In the evening, social dinners brought students together over Portuguese cuisine. “We had fun at the table, sharing games and riddles from our countries”, recalled Adam, describing the atmosphere of closeness among the participants.

For many, the Orientation Weekend experience was also a time for reflection on the journey they were beginning at Técnico. “This weekend’s experience solidified my belief that I made the right decision in coming to Técnico. It inspired me to make the most of the opportunities available and to build friendships through the activities”, shared Maria Rogick, a Brazilian student enrolled in the Master’s Programme in Aerospace Engineering. Regarding her choice, she noted: “Of the Brazilian universities with which my faculty has double degree programmes, Técnico was one of the few that offered a master’s programme in this area, which I had always dreamed of pursuing”.

The student also highlighted the ease of interaction during the activities: “We engaged with complete strangers, and I saw my experiences reflected differently in each person’s stories. It’s incredible to realise how much I learnt about other places in the world and how much I was able to share about my own culture.”

“I can’t choose a favourite memory,” shared Doroteja. Ultimately, the experience was not defined by a single moment, but rather by a collection of many: from the joy of a successful dive to the peaceful silence of a garden, along with laughter and unexpected exchanges at the dinner table.

1st welcome day: “We were waiting for you”: Técnico kicked off three days of welcoming thousands of new students

2nd welcome day: “Get involved with the community”: New students learn about students’ organisations and projects on the second welcome day

3rd welcome day: Técnico welcomes around 800 international students on the last day of welcome week

Family welcome sessions: Técnico welcomed new students’ families in three welcome sessions