O Testemunho da Lucy

Hi! My name is Lucy, and I am from the United States.

I arrived in Lisbon about 3 weeks ago and have been volunteering at Spin for 2 of those weeks. So far, my experience has been nothing short of amazing, exceeding my expectations in several areas, from public transportation efficiency to culture and community. 

Thanks to CIEE (Council on International Educational Exchange), I’ve had a seamless transition, immersing myself in the community and creating a routine. Volunteering and working for non-profit organizations are vital parts of my life back in the United States, particularly through weekly excursions to a local elementary school, where I teach ballet to children.

After hearing about CIEE’s partnership opportunities with local NGOs, I was motivated to incorporate a volunteer experience into my semester. 

My Spin placement is very fitting. I am mesmerized by the cross-cultural dynamic, working alongside individuals from around the world in a collaborative environment. Although I haven't worked in an international setting before, I'm ready to take on this unique experience and push myself as a learner and colleague. Even in this short time, I am very excited to build meaningful connections and contribute to the impactful projects that Spin creates. 

I’ve truly found a home in Lisbon in such a short amount of time, and feel so fortunate to have chosen a city that complements my interests and lifestyle. As mentioned before, the public transportation system has made my time here that much more convenient, but the ability to walk everywhere in the city is the cherry on top. Walking to class, the supermarket, or shopping centers is the perfect way to explore daily, taking in scenery I wouldn’t have noticed otherwise. Lisbon is such a beautiful city to explore, and its proximity to the beach and other gorgeous green spaces makes it feel spacious and full of opportunities. I’ve even traveled a bit to further regions, including Tomar and Lagos! My favorite spot I’ve visited so far has to be Lagos because of the beautiful beaches and caves in the Algarve. Going to the beach and swimming several times since arriving is such a privilege for someone living in a city. I cannot wait to continue my journey in Portugal and take in all that the country has to offer.

 

O Testemunho do Manuel

 

Hello my name is Manuel.

Taking part in a CES project is something no young person should miss out on. During the six months I lived in Athens, I had the opportunity to meet dozens of people, make friends and broaden my horizons.

By working with Hellenic Youth Participation, I was able to find out a little about the work they have been doing in the field of youth, whether it be activities aimed at students or the international mobility opportunities they offer. Furthermore, I was able to experience a different way of life and gain a better understanding of the world around us. 

Of all the projects we worked on, the time I spent at the Saffron Kitchen Project is particularly close to my heart; it is a community kitchen that prepares hundreds of meals a day, which are distributed both by other organisations and on-site. Anyone who visits this place will realise that it is possible to serve delicious and nutritious food, even in this context.

But life isn’t just about work. Greece is also a wonderful country to explore. Wherever you go – the ruins of ancient Athens, the islands surrounded by blue waters, or the mountains towering above us – there’s always something new to discover. Steeped in history and nature, the country itself is something not to be missed.

O Testemunho da Irene

Hi My name is Irene.

I've been here in Lisbon for about two months now, and it's time to write my first testimonial.

From day one, Spin and ANFR made me feel truly welcome. I set out right away to explore the city and its surroundings, and I found so much to discover and be fascinated by.

Even though Italy isn't so far away, adapting turned out to be harder than I expected, especially when it came to the language. But I found kind, supportive people both at home and within the association, and that has made all the difference.

I'm coming to realize that this experience has a lot to teach me about myself, because it's often in facing difficulties that we discover something new.

O Testemunho da Julia

Hello! My name is Julia, and I am studying abroad in Lisbon for the next three months! My first week in Lisbon has been so much fun, meeting so many new people from around the world, learning about exciting topics in my CIEE courses, and exploring the beautiful city of Lisbon! Here’s a look into some of the things I have been up to.

I have loved getting lost in the streets of Lisbon: Miradouro de Santa Luzia, Pastéis de Belem, Praça do Comércio, and Sé de Lisboa have been some of the highlights of my time here so far. One of my favorite spots that I stumbled upon is Lisbon’s Tiles in Alfama! I have loved exploring all of the beautiful handmade ceramics and tiles here and have already bought several dishes for my apartment. I love learning about the rich culture and history in Portugal!

Over the weekend, I was able to take two day-trips from Lisbon- Cascais and Sintra. Being from Miami, my expectations for beaches are quite high, and Cascais certainly met them! The scenery was beautiful, and the water was so refreshing! I was also impressed with how easy it was to get to Cascais. I have loved taking public transportation all around the Lisbon metropolitan area.

Palácio Nacional da Pena in Sintra was unlike anything I had ever seen before! The castle looked straight out of a Disney movie with its grandeur and fun colors. This was an incredible day-trip, and I hope to go back soon to explore some of the other castles and pieces of history in Sintra!

I have loved my time in Lisbon so far, and I am so excited for all that is to come this semester. I am also so excited to work with Spin and enrich my study-abroad experience. The staff at Spin has been so welcoming and I cannot wait to learn more about this incredible organization and do my part in carrying out its mission. I am feeling inspired, optimistic, and ready for the next few months!