The corridors of Técnico – Alameda campus buzzed with new languages, cultures and perspectives as international students arrived. From 12 to 16 February, these students joined the academic community to embark on their mobility experience. This semester, 326 students from EU countries and non-EU countries chose Técnico to attend the 2nd academic semester.
‘I chose Técnico for its quality and well-recognised teaching. The information on the website is very clear and useful, which made my decision and application process much easier’, shares Beritan, a mobility student from Sweden. ‘Técnico is renowned for its excellence in engineering and science. Additionally, Portugal is an incredible country filled of history, culture and stunning landscapes that I wanted to explore at this stage of my academic journey’, comments Lola, a mobility student from France.
In the upcoming semester, Técnico will welcome 29 international undergraduate and master’s students, promoting academic and cultural diversity, exchanging experiences and sharing different perspectives.
The Welcome Ceremony, held on 14 February, was one of the highlights of the week. It brought the new students together in a symbolic integration event. The Vice-President of Técnico for International Affairs, Zita Martins, welcomed the students, emphasising the impact of academic mobility on personal and professional growth. ‘Técnico is the leading national institution in the teaching of Architecture, Engineering, Science and Technology, and we are very proud to welcome students from all over the world. More than an academic journey, this is an opportunity to create new friendships, establish international networks and live an enriching experience’, she added.
The programme extends over the weekend, featuring the Orientation Weekend, which focuses on cultural activities and leisure time aimed at enhancing the integration of new students into academic life and the city. Participants will have the opportunity to explore Lisbon through a guided tour, try surfing at Costa da Caparica and visit iconic sites like Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra. Gastronomy will serve as a significant cultural connection, allowing students to taste pastéis de nata, bolas de Berlim and travesseiros from Sintra, in a journey of flavours that unites diverse cultures at the table.
‘Portuguese hospitality was one of the things that surprised me the most when I arrived in Lisbon. From the very first moment, I felt welcomed. I’m excited about this new experience’, shares Sziszi, a mobility student from Hungary.
The Welcome Week and the Orientation Week, organised by the International Mobility and Partnerships Unit (NMPI) and the Student Support Unit (NAPE), featured a programme of welcoming activities, ranging from campus tours and meetings with mentors to information sessions and various social moments.
