During this week, several activities took place inside and outside the campuses, in order to better integrate the nearly 400 students coming from different continents.

The Orientation Week started with an online welcome session hosted by the Vice-President for Research and International Affairs, professor Fátima Montemor, followed by sessions organised by the mobility coordinators of each course. On 14th and 15th February, 36 mentors (Técnico student volunteers) welcomed and took the international students around the different Alameda campus buildings. In one of these moments, 25 future mechanical engineers who have just arrived in Portugal introduce themselves grouped into semi-circles around the mentors. After breaking the ice, the campus tour starts and conversations unfold and multiply.

Aliki came from Athens (Greece) upon recommendation of friends. “Despite the distance, Greeks and Portuguese are very similar: very friendly and hospitable”. Sebastian arrived from Colombia two weeks ago and stresses “I want to study in Europe, at a prestigious University and learn another language. Both assure that they are enjoying the greenery and the architecture of the city, and also to be part of the campus tour. They visit study areas and classrooms, dining areas and places for parties. The tour ends in the locker hallways. It’s time to pick up the laptop and learn how to get the best class timetable.