Bridges of Culture: My Portuguese Erasmus Experience
When I first landed in Portugal to begin my Erasmus Mundus journey, I felt a mix of excitement and nerves. Growing up in my small hometown, I always dreamed of exploring the world, but the reality of stepping into it was overwhelming. My bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering had given me a strong foundation, but I knew I needed more—more exposure, more knowledge, and more opportunities to truly make an impact in my field. That’s when the Erasmus Mundus Master WAVES became my gateway to a bigger world.
Back home, education was structured and goal-oriented, but here, learning was alive.
Studying at the University of Coimbra was nothing short of transformative. Back home,
education was structured and goal-oriented, but here, learning was alive. Every lecture
challenged me to think differently, and every lab session opened up possibilities I hadn’t
imagined. One of the most defining moments for me was the Measurement Methods in
Acoustics module. I developed skills in numerical modelling and precision problem-solving under the guidance of seasoned professors at ISEC. I still remember one particular session when I struggled to perfect a simulation, only to have my professor patiently guide me through the process. His words stuck with me: “Engineering isn’t just solving equations; it’s about understanding the art of precision.” That lesson stayed with me, shaping how I approached every problem thereafter.
What made this journey even more enriching was the diversity of the Erasmus Mundus
community. It was like living in a global village, where every conversation brought new ideas and perspectives. One of my favourite experiences was collaborating on a modal analysis project with Jakub, a fellow scholar from Poland. His expertise in energy-efficient design complemented my focus on numerical methods perfectly. Together, we not only created a stronger project but also developed a deeper understanding of how collaboration could break barriers and unlock new solutions. It was in moments like these that I truly realized the power of diversity.
Beyond academics, living in Portugal opened my eyes to a way of life I’d never experienced before. The warmth of the people, the long dinners filled with laughter, and the soulful sounds of fado music—all of it left a lasting impression. I especially loved the tradition of slowing down during meals, taking the time to connect with loved ones and enjoy the moment. It’s something I’ve promised myself to carry back home, no matter how busy life gets.
Erasmus wasn’t just a program for me, it was a life-changing experience. It taught me resilience as I adapted to a new culture, patience as I navigated challenges and confidence as I worked with some of the brightest minds from around the world. As I plan my next steps, joining the RNCA Laboratory for Advanced Computing and working on integrating digital modelling into acoustic and energy-efficient designs, I know that the lessons I’ve learned here will guide me every step of the way.
Erasmus wasn’t just a program for me, it was a life-changing experience.
Looking back, the Erasmus Mundus program didn’t just expand my education—it expanded my world. It gave me the tools to dream bigger, think broader, and contribute to a future where innovation knows no boundaries.
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