Are you a new international student in Portugal? If so, you may be wondering what to expect during your time here. Portugal is a beautiful country with plenty of things to see and do, but it can also be tricky to adjust to a new culture and way of life. That’s why we’ve put together this list of top tips for making the most out of your experience as a student in Portugal. Check them out below!
10 Tips for New International Students in Portugal
It can be difficult to adjust to a new culture and way of life when you move abroad for school, but there are plenty of things you can do to help you make the most out of your experience as a new international student in Portugal. Here are some top tips to get you started:
- Develop Your Language Skills
- Immerse Yourself in The Culture
- Practice Self-Care
- Get Involved in Campus Life
- Make Friends with Locals
- Explore Your Surroundings
- Learn about Portuguese History and Culture
- Seek Out Opportunities for Work and Travel
- Take Advantage of Portugal’s Incredible Natural Beauty
- Join a Society
Develop Your Language Skills
One of the best things you can do to make the most out of your time as an international student in Portugal is to develop your language skills. Whether you want to take classes or study on your own, investing in Portuguese language learning will allow you to immerse yourself in the culture and make new friends easily. It can also be incredibly valuable for your professional and academic development.
Immerse Yourself in The Culture
Another top tip for making the most out of your experience as an international student in Portugal is to immerse yourself in Portuguese culture. Be sure to try local foods, attend cultural events and festivals, and get to know people from all walks of life. Moreover, try to learn about Portugal’s history and traditions, as this will help you better understand your new surroundings.
Practice Self-Care
As a new student in a foreign country, it’s important to take care of yourself both physically and mentally. This might mean setting healthy boundaries with friends or family back home, eating nutritious foods, and getting plenty of sleep and exercise. It’s also important to practice self-care by finding a support system for other students in your program, especially those who may be experiencing similar challenges.
Get Involved in Campus Life
One great way to make the most out of your time as an international student in Portugal is to get involved with campus life at your school. This could mean joining clubs or societies, participating in campus events, and working with other students or staff members to improve the student experience. Furthermore, it’s a great way to meet people and make friends.
Make Friends with Locals
In addition to developing your language skills and becoming involved in campus life, another top tip for making the most out of your time as an international student in Portugal is to make friends with locals. This could mean meeting people through school or work, joining local clubs or societies, or volunteering in your community. It’s a great way to get to know the country and culture and build relationships that will last for years to come.
Explore Your Surroundings
Along with immersing yourself in Portuguese culture and making new friends, it’s also important to explore your surroundings when you study abroad. Whether this means visiting nearby cities and towns, hiking through nature preserves, or checking out cultural landmarks and museums, there are plenty of opportunities for adventure right outside your door. You can also find online guides and resources to help you plan your explorations.
Learn about Portuguese History and Culture
In order to make the most out of your time as an international student in Portugal, you should also take the time to learn about Portuguese history and culture. This might mean reading up on Portugal’s rich cultural heritage, taking classes or workshops on local traditions, or simply striking up conversations with people from all walks of life. It is definitely a very good way to make your stay in Portugal more enjoyable.
Seek Out Opportunities for Work and Travel
If you’re looking to gain professional experience and travel the world while studying in Portugal, there are plenty of opportunities for work and travel. This might mean working part-time while you study or seeking out international internships or volunteer programs during your time abroad. Moreover, traveling around the country and region is easy, so be sure to take advantage of Portugal’s incredible natural beauty!
Take Advantage of Portugal’s Incredible Natural Beauty
Another top tip for making the most out of your experience as an international student in Portugal is to take advantage of Portugal’s incredible natural beauty. Whether you enjoy hiking, surfing, or simply relaxing on the beach, there are endless outdoor adventure and relaxation opportunities in this beautiful country. It is very important that you are able to plan your time well while studying abroad since it will help you make the most out of your experience.
Join a Society
Finally, one of the best ways to make the most out of your time as an international student in Portugal is to join a society or club. Whether you’re interested in sports, art, culture, or politics, there are endless opportunities for connecting with other students and getting involved in your local community. You’ll never run out of things to do as an international student in Portugal! It is definitely a very good tip and is worth remembering.
Bottom Line
There are many great reasons to study abroad in Portugal, from immersing yourself in the local culture and making new international friends to exploring the incredible natural beauty and gaining professional experience. With the right preparation and mindset, you can make the most out of your time as an international student in this beautiful country. Also, you should be very careful and focus on your own safety when studying abroad.