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.