Before I left for my study abroad trip, my friend who had spent his spring 2019 in Germany gave me advice that would become my motto for the whole trip: “You can sleep when you get back home.” He told me that instead of waking up late on the weekends and staying in after class ends, I should participate in every opportunity that was provided for me.
Other classmates want to go check out a unique park after class? Go.
Passed by a unique bookstore and want to check it out? Go.
Smelled some amazing Portuguese cuisine and hear your stomach grumble? Go.
Though it sounds kind of funny, my friend’s advice truly helped me immerse myself and experience Europe to the fullest. Besides spending time in Porto, Portugal, for the majority of my Maymester, I was able to embark on multiple weekend trips to Barcelona, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; and Algarve, Portugal.
In Barcelona, I was able to see the beautiful Sagrada Familia:
In Lisbon, we got to see the Ponte 25 de April (a bridge that looks almost exactly like the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and the beautiful palaces in Sintra:
In Algarve, my friends and I experienced kayaking by the sea and saw some beautiful caves:
If, and when, you finally get to embark on your study abroad adventure, make the most of your time. It’ll be worth it in the end, and you can sleep when you get back! 😛
— Alex Chiu
This post was contributed by Alex Chiu, a 2019 Global Ambassador majoring in biomedical engineering. Alex is participating in the International Perspectives on Design in Healthcare Maymester program in Porto, Portugal.
Don’t get left behind. Read more about Alex’s experience in Portugal>>
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