Buckle up, because I’m about to take you on a wild ride through my unforgettable education abroad trip to Portugal through the Broad College Full-Time MBA program!
From the moment we landed in Lisbon, I was blown away by the stunning views of the city. We settled into our hotel, the luxurious Eurostars das Letras, and then embarked on an exciting tuk-tuk tour of Lisbon. We saw everything from the breathtaking church of Sao Roque to the Panteão Nacional, and we even enjoyed refreshing pineapple drinks while taking in the mesmerizing skyline views.
But the excitement didn’t end there. That same evening, we dined at the rooftop restaurant and bar Ferroviário, which offered a stunning view of the Tagus River. We indulged in delicious Portuguese cuisine, savoring the flavors and spices that were unique to this country.
The next day, we got down to business with visits to Logoplaste and Lispolis. We met with the CEOs and CTOs of these innovative companies and learned about their missions and success stories. These experiences were incredibly inspiring and left us with a newfound appreciation for the entrepreneurial spirit of Portugal.
We also made sure to give back to the community by volunteering at Banco Alimentar Contra a Fome and Semear by BIPP. We helped pack crates of pasta boxes and separated potatoes and radishes at the farm. The satisfaction of knowing that we made a small difference in the lives of others was truly priceless.
But it wasn’t all work and no play. We explored the charming Mouraria Neighborhood on a Migrantour, where we witnessed different cultures living together in harmony. We stopped by quaint cafés and tasted delicious coffee, and we even learned about the Eid prayer center and halal food options available in the area.
We also had our fair share of adventure with a tour of the Volkswagen Autoeuropa Plant, where we saw the production of cars up close and personal. And I can’t forget the amazing day we spent at Costa de Caparica, lounging on the beach and savoring delicious Japanese food and gelato. We even got our workout in at the outdoor beach gym before heading to the Arsenal vs. Sporting game.
And finally, we couldn’t leave Portugal without a visit to the world’s oldest operating bookstore and a vineyard at Casal Santa Maria. We were treated to a farewell dinner at Sabores de Sintra, where we indulged in roast veal and codfish and toasted to an unforgettable week.
In the end, my education abroad trip to Portugal left me with memories that I will cherish forever. I got to experience the best of what this beautiful country had to offer — from the culture, food and people to the innovative companies and stunning scenery. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I can’t wait to see what other adventures lie ahead.