I received a mobility grant for Erasmus+ staff to go to Perugia, Italy, in June 2018.

Developing my activities in the area of Pharmaceutical Technology and, specifically, in the field of drug delivery, I visited a department and a group with strong expertise in this area.

I had the opportunity to teach some hours of classes to master's students, mainly focusing on drug delivery for the lungs, which is my field of expertise and an area where the host group does not have experience.

Moreover, during an entire week with the group, I had the chance to participate in and observe work with equipment that is not available at the University of Algarve and that is very important in my area of specialization.

Therefore, I consider this staff mobility program to be of very high value, as it enables an exchange of essential experiences and knowledge, fostering the growth of research groups and, consequently, the quality of our students' education.

Additionally, it truly enhances student exchanges. On several occasions, students from my group visited groups I had visited during Erasmus mobility, and we also received several students from groups I visited or that visited us.

Internships are crucial for the training of any future manager, and contact with the professional world prepares us and helps us grow as future professionals. Regarding doing an Erasmus Internship, it also helps us enter a professional environment of a different culture or in a different language, which only brought me benefits. I tried to learn as much as possible during my experience, both technically and socially and culturally. I believe I achieved that goal with the help of the Escola Superior de Hotelaria e Turismo do Estoril (ESHTE) and, in the end, thanks to all the support provided by Le Meridien RA Beach Hotel and Spa (El Vendrell, Spain), I feel that this experience helped me grow in many aspects. I realized that work ethic is decisive. If we present ourselves as humble, hardworking, and eager to learn, people will care about teaching us and are willing to help, regardless of their nationality or language.

Another important factor of doing an international internship is the knowledge gained about another culture and society. In my case, one of the significant benefits I felt was my Spanish, which improved significantly. It is true that for those who want to learn a language deeply, there is no better way than going to work in a country where that language is spoken.

My name is Ana Cristina Rodrigues, and I have a degree in Hotel Management from ESHTE (Escola Superior de Hotelaria e Turismo do Estoril).

In the summer of 2012 (July, August, and September), I completed an ERASMUS internship in Barcelona at Hotel Claris.

One of the reasons that made me decide to do ERASMUS was my love for traveling and discovering new realities, although Barcelona is not very different from Lisbon.

The experience of traveling alone to an unfamiliar place forces us to develop resilience to overcome obstacles. After three months of exploring unknown places and creating friendships, I can confidently say that it is an enriching experience, and I highly recommend it!

I had been waiting for an internship in Portugal for a few months for the second year of my master's degree when I heard about the possibility of an Erasmus internship. I had already attended a summer course in England and participated in Erasmus study mobility in Valencia, and it had always been part of my plans to leave Portugal for a few years to work. When an opportunity like this came up, I couldn’t let it pass.

When I started preparing for the interview at Science4you, I fell in love with the project, and during the interview, I loved the atmosphere—young, open-minded, and friendly people! As soon as I was accepted, I had fifteen days to plan my trip—a challenging but achievable task. After all, it was a dream come true: the chance to be part of a project I like and believe in, with a great environment in a city I love!

Now, two months into my stay in Madrid, I realize that I have learned more in these two months than I ever imagined I would during my time here.
I am happy, I feel useful, and I am capable of making a difference!

My Erasmus week in Ireland was an opportunity to visit the country and one of its universities, University College Cork, for the first time.

While in Cork, I gave some lectures and seminars for students and staff and explored the fantastic university. But the most important part was meeting with the staff and students. We had so much to discuss! The interest and curiosity on both sides were immense, from science to history, culture to language. Everything was fascinating.

Of course, a visit to a traditional Irish pub was a must, and trying the delicious Irish food did not disappoint, for sure.

Thank you, Erasmus. Thank you, Cork University. I will be back!

Through my college, Escola Superior de Hotelaria e Turismo do Estoril, I had the opportunity to be part of the Erasmus Internship program.

It is fortunate to secure paid internships, and with this program, I was offered the possibility to intern within the European Union. That’s how I chose Brussels!

It was an incredible experience, and this scholarship provided the means to enjoy a good quality of life and live in a safe area, without the stress of not having enough for emergencies or any unforeseen situation. The city is beautiful, civilized, and I was very well treated by the host organization: The Four Points by Sheraton.

If you want to experience a new culture, learn another language, and gain lifelong knowledge about yourself and others, sign up! It’s three months of learning and an opportunity that, even in the short term, will help you adapt easily to the constant changes of the globalized world we live in today.

As a newly graduated student, I saw the opportunity to do an internship at NETVACATION GmbH in Hamburg as a valuable asset at the start of my professional journey and a chance to fulfill my desire to work abroad. Here, I am part of a young and dynamic team that frequently welcomes new interns who collaborate in building and developing this internet start-up, deepening their knowledge daily.

I believe that, beyond the personal enrichment and continuous learning I have experienced during these months, the most important aspect is the environment around me: there are no language barriers when it comes to communicating with the team members. The benefits of this international experience are primarily the friendships formed, as well as the cooperation and respect for the work being done here.

Currently, the awareness of the advantages of an academic and/or professional experience abroad is increasingly evident. These experiences prove to be highly significant contributions to the personal and professional development of those who undertake them. This is a fact that is becoming more widely acknowledged. However, the true understanding of the benefits of such an experience is only gained when you go through it yourself.

I embarked on a professional internship as part of the Erasmus program and my Master's in Languages and Business, seeking an enriching experience, and I am pleased to say that I found it.

At Science4you, I encountered a great work environment with people ready to help and teach those willing to work and learn. I gained a new perspective on the job market and acquired new knowledge through the variety of activities I performed.

Additionally, my language skills improved significantly through direct contact with the country and its culture.

These are just some of the advantages of a professional experience in a foreign country. The full scope of learning and personal growth can only be felt by going through it, but it is undoubtedly a highly beneficial initiative for anyone who ventures to be part of it.