Campus and Community

“Técnico reaches the four corners of the world” – Welcome Week celebrates the arrival of international exchange students

September 3rd

The activities also welcomed undergraduate students in Computer Science and Engineering, Applied Mathematics and Computation, and General Engineering—the latter making its debut this academic year.

This is the first time that Nicolas Serna has entered the Main Building on the Alameda campus of Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa. The Colombian student, who has been living in Braga for four years, is taking his first steps in Lisbon as a student in the Undergraduate Programme in Computer Science and Engineering. The second day of Welcome Week also welcomed students from the Undergraduate Programmes in Applied Mathematics and Computation and General Engineering, the latter being a new addition to the School’s curriculum, as well as international exchange students.

“I wasn’t expecting this level of energy”, confesses the South American student, looking around inside the Técnico Students’ Union (AEIST) Building at all the booths filling the space, showcasing the activities of dozens of Students’ Organisations. “I thought it would be simpler or more laid-back stuff, like a book club every now and then… not motorcycles and trains”, he shares, impressed, referring to the projects developed by TLMoto and ISTrain.

“One of the most prestigious universities in the country is Técnico” – says Joana Horta, one of the group guides, who is now starting her second year in the Undergraduate Programme in Applied Mathematics and Computation. Last year, she did not have the opportunity to attend Welcome Week or be paired with a mentor, but that didn’t stop her from wanting to offer help this year. “I want to support the new students—fortunately, I had a friend here at Técnico to help me”, she says, nodding toward her fellow guide, Rita Ferreiro, a classmate who is equally eager to assist the new students in acclimating to their academic environment.

At the official welcome ceremony for students in the three programmes, held that afternoon at the Técnico Innovation Center powered by Fidelidade, Rogério Colaço thanked those present for choosing Técnico and congratulated them with a standing ovation from the entire audience. The president of Técnico recalled the school’s founding—the need to train people with technical and scientific skills to contribute to the country’s development. From 1911 to the present, the main difference “is that now we are not training you to improve the country, but rather the world”. “Be very happy and enjoy this journey you’ll have here with us”, he urged, arguing that these students “will remain forever connected to Técnico”, just as he had been when, 40 years ago, he took his first steps at the School, much like the students to whom he was speaking.

Miguel Teixeira, the president of the Pedagogical Council, emphasised the importance of congratulating the students in the audience—after all, “you have entered the best school and, therefore, you are the best students and will become the best professionals”. He assured the new students that they should expect the same high standards from Técnico faculty – “They are extremely friendly, extraordinarily approachable, and exceptional at what they do. They are all world-class researchers who are also deeply committed to teaching in a way that ensures you learn effectively”.

AEIST President António Jarmela confirmed that “classes are great”, but also pointed out that, “more than the classes, what makes Técnico truly unique is you”, the students. “There are countless opportunities” within the Students’ Organisations, and for those who do not find existing ones that match their interests, “there’s the possibility of creating your own”. He mentioned two recent students’ organisations focused on sailing and blockchain work, as well as two that will be created in the future, centred on pharmaceuticals and a jazz club.

Speaking of students’ organisations dedicated to culture, let’s return to the morning and the AEIST Building, which was visited by new students, amidst prototypes of motorcycles and trains. Helena Mourinha and Iara Pereira are tuning their accordion and guitar, respectively, as they exchange chords for “Amanhã de Manhã” by Doce. Representing the Tuna Feminina do Técnico (TFIST), these students highlight the positive role the group played in helping them settle in when they first arrived at the School. “It’s the best way to embrace the tradition and the academic experience”, says Iara, who plays double bass in the ensemble. Helena agrees, explaining that “as soon as I entered Técnico, I went straight to join TFIST”, following a recommendation from a friend. “I think it was one of the best decisions I’ve made since I started, and I’m here to share just how incredible this experience is”, she says with a smile.

Nearby, wearing a pair of sunglasses, the GESTiceiro watches passersby while stroking the long white fake beard, along with a brown cloak adorned with a pointed hood. Identifying himself as a member of the Strategy, Simulation, and Tactics Group (GEST), he humorously describes himself as a magician, wizard, sorcerer, and druid. He shares, “having fun is just as important as working, and board games are a great way to relax and spend time with friends”. Struggling to maintain the hoarse voice for his character, he explains that amidst GEST gaming sessions, he practices black magic, white magic, striped magic, and polka-dot magic, “depending on the day of the month”.

Over a thousand international students, more than ninety nationalities

The second day of Técnico’s Welcome Week was also dedicated to international students, to whom the School’s president addressed a few words, also in a completely packed Técnico Innovation Center. “It’s wonderful to have so many friendly people from so many parts of the world at our school”, he noted, emphasising that “it’s important that, during your stay, you make the most of the experience of being here, sharing your impressions with classmates and professors”. In the presence of students from 91 different countries—a record—Rogério Colaço made a confession that drew laughter: “When I was little, my dream was to be a rock star—this is the closest I’ve ever come to that”.

Representing the International Affairs Unit, Joanne Laranjeiro also welcomed the students, announcing that they were now all part of the School’s community. “I encourage you to make the most of this opportunity—be curious, ask questions, get to know people outside your group, participate in activities, explore the campus…”.

Originally from Brazil, João Hossepian studies Industrial Engineering in São Paulo and chose Técnico for a dual-degree programme. The common language is an advantage, and Técnico “is a highly prestigious university”, he shares. Since his degree programme in Brazil does not include a financial management component, he was pleased to discover this aspect in the School’s curriculum. After listening to Técnico’s president, he exchanged views with Nayoung Koh. “I love the environment and want to preserve it”, says the South Korean Environmental Engineering student enthusiastically.

From the same scientific field as Nayoung, but from a very different geographic region, Myriam Wanzerley grew up in the Amazon. “I’ve encountered many issues such as deforestation, pollution, and river contamination… witnessing these changes since childhood made me feel that a career in environmentalism is both my professional and personal mission”, shares the Brazilian student, who chose Environmental Engineering to “propose solutions to these problems”. “Técnico’s mission is very much focused on finding solutions—engineering—so I think it’s the right place”.

Amaar Bukhari has been living in Portugal for a year, and after completing an Undergraduate Programme in Mechanical Engineering, the Pakistani student developed a renewed interest in the aerospace industry. “The Portuguese are friendly and kind”, he says, which is what made him want to study here and, in particular, build a career here. In his professional life, he wants to “be able to give back to the country the kindness they’ve shown [him]”. “I like living here—I feel at home”, he concludes.

Técnico welcomed the new students from the following courses: