Campus and Community

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

September 3rdupdated on September 5th at 14:52

Mobility, double degree and national students shared their expectations at the end of welcome week.

The last day of welcome week brought together students from different parts of the world at Técnico Innovation Center powered by Fidelidade, who shared first steps in their academic journey at Instituto Superior Técnico. The meeting marked the end of three days of activities dedicated to the integration of new students and the beginning of their academic journey.

Nives Ostojić, a Croatian student, chose Técnico to pursue a Master’s Programme in Information Security and Cyberspace Law. ‘I looked for the best schools in Europe and found exactly what I was looking for at Técnico. Also, Portugal has a pleasant climate and a culture similar to Croatia’, the student explained. Nives also highlighted: ‘It is a larger university than my previous one and I think it will bring me more opportunities, both at the academic and professional level’.

Ana Gusmão, from Brazil, also experienced the welcome day ‘with enthusiasm’. He enrolled in the Master’s Programme in Engineering and Management of Innovation and Entrepreneurship through the double degree programme. ‘I chose Técnico for geographical and linguistic reasons, and for its reputation in the field of engineering’, she said. Although she was a civil engineering student in Brazil, she sought to diversify and take advantage of the educational opportunities available in Lisbon.

Students admitted through the National Call also arrived at Alameda campus. Matilde Figueiredo, who is about to begin her Undergraduate Programme in Civil Engineering, shared: “I knew about the school’s reputation and that the Técnico degree can open doors in Portugal and abroad. I attended Técnico Open Day, where I had contact with laboratories, study programmes and also with students’ organisations, which helped me to better understand the reality of Técnico‘. As for her expectations, she showed confidence in the support among colleagues: ’Although I am a little anxious about the academic rigour, I know that there is a great spirit of mutual support and I believe that this will make my journey more accessible”.

Also looking to the future, Matilde Pacheco, a new Biomedical Engineering undergraduate student, brought with her the perspective of someone arriving from the Azores. ‘I’m very interested in the course, which is not available in Azores. Técnico is a very prestigious university in the field of engineering,’ she explained. Regarding the start of her academic journey, she added: ‘I hope to have some social life, get good grades and decide what I want to pursue.’

The last welcome day at Oeiras campus featured a ‘welcome’ message from Rogério Colaço, President of Técnico. “Técnico renews itself every year with new people, and from today onwards, you are part of this great family. You are about to start a unique phase of your lives, at a time when the world is undergoing a technological revolution. Here, you will transform your talent into knowledge and the ability to change.”

A barbecue took place on campus during the afternoon, with music, games and activities designed to promote closeness between colleagues and mentors. Between conversations and sharing experiences, Afonso Henrique, an Electronics Engineering student, shared: “Ever since I thought about going to higher education, Técnico was always my choice. This week showed me a welcoming, dynamic environment with mentors who are always ready to help.”

Daniela Ferreira, a recent Computer Science and Engineering undergraduate student, also shared her desire to join the Tuna Mista do IST (TMIST), highlighting the “many opportunities that exist, from students’ organisations to leisure activities.”

The third welcome day at Alameda campus culminated in a gathering of almost 800 students from five continents who, amid smiles and good cheer, began their journey at Técnico. ‘I’m very excited,’ shared Jisu Kang, from South Korea, who is about to begin a Master’s Programme in Engineering and Management of Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Halfdan Andersen comes from Denmark to study Electrical and Computer Engineering and shares his three biggest ambitions for the semester: ‘to have fun, study and learn Portuguese’.

The welcome programme ended with farewells and exchanges of contact, but also with the promise of new meetings at Orientation Weekend, which will include Lisbon tours, an introduction to surfing, social dinners and opportunities to learn more about Portuguese food.

António Jarmela, president of the Técnico Students’ Union (AEIST), left a few words to the new students ‘Técnico is special because of its students and their desire to innovate and create. Take risks.’

On the third and final day, Técnico welcomed the new students from the following courses: