What inspired you to travel abroad?
I was inspired to go abroad to learn more about myself and my cultural background. I wanted to take a step out of my comfort zone to learn more about Portuguese culture, traditions, and workplace environment. I wanted valuable experience in my field, all while learning more about myself and my capabilities.
Why did you choose Absolute Internship?
I chose to work with Absolute Internship for many reasons. Firstly, they offer a variety of placement locations to choose from, and with lots of on-site support for the interns.
It was important to me to find a placement where I had the opportunity to meet new people who were also adapting to a completely different environment. It was the first time I had ever been on my own, let alone in a completely different country, so having this additional support made the experience smooth and worthwhile.
Walking in the Algarve by the ocean
What was your favorite part about your host country?
My favourite part of my host country was having the ability to immerse myself in the culture. I had the opportunity to connect with locals, practice my Portuguese, and participate in cultural activities, like making pastel de nata or experiencing the Festas de Santo António.
I loved working alongside a passionate and driven team, able to contribute and witness the amazing work they do.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
My internship abroad was extraordinary because I was able to get hands-on experience in my field. I gained insight into the inner workings of an NGO and discovered my passion for helping other people.
I also learned so much from the psychologists I was working alongside. They supported my growth and mentored me throughout my placement.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
The local staff supported me throughout my entire internship in Lisbon—from the moment I landed until the day of my departure.
The Absolute team organized welcoming activities that allowed me to have someone to talk to and lean on while adjusting to my new work environment. After our first day at work, we had the chance to meet with our program coordinator to discuss how everything went.
The program coordinator lived in the same building as us, gave us a tour of the city and transportation, accompanied us on Absolute activities, and was available via WhatsApp.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
One thing I wish I had done differently during my time abroad was to be less fearful in my placement. It took me longer than expected to adjust to a new work environment.
I would have benefited from engaging more in meetings and going beyond what was expected of me during my placement. I should have been more confident in myself, my skills, and my capabilities.
The city from the castle
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
A typical day abroad started with my commute to work and arriving a couple of minutes early at my placement. Mondays typically began with a meeting to stay up to date on organizational goals, challenges, and values.
After the meeting, I would shadow a psychologist. If the client was comfortable, I was able to sit in on their visits and interact. Some days, I would prepare medication and pick up or drop off supplies for clients.
Once my workday was over, I would go home and meet up with other interns for dinner in the city. We usually walked home from dinner and spent some time talking on the rooftop before heading to bed for the next day.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
In my free time abroad, I enjoyed exploring the city, either on my own or with other interns. Sometimes I spent time after work shopping in the fashion district. Other times, I would meet my friends at the beach to wind down from the workday.
On weekends, we usually visited tourist attractions and experienced the nightlife.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
My accommodation would best be described as a kind of apartment complex. It was great because it was clean, near the city center, and had all the essentials.
After a tiring day, the pool was a great option to have instead of always going out of the city to the beach. It was near many transportation networks and was spacious enough for me.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
Future participants should know that the Absolute team is incredibly organized. They have the best team to support and guide interns.
They provide the option to participate in planned activities that help you explore the city and build friendships with other interns. They offer city guides, professional workshops after the internship to help you leverage your experience in future interviews, and preparation workshops to teach you about the country’s culture, including workplace expectations.
Sunset view ft. Chelsea
Would you recommend your program and Absolute Internship to others? Why?
I would definitely recommend my program and Absolute Internship to others. The experience was well-organized, the support from the team was consistent, and the location was ideal—clean, safe, and close to the city center.
I also gained valuable skills and insights that will benefit me both personally and professionally.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
I think the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is developing adaptability. Being in a new environment forces you to step out of your comfort zone and adjust to different cultures, languages, and ways of living.
It teaches you how to think on your feet, be open-minded, and handle unexpected situations with more confidence and resilience.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
Now that I'm home, I’ve realized how much my time abroad helped me grow. The experience gave me transferable skills like adaptability, cross-cultural communication, and independence, which have been incredibly valuable when applying for placements here.
It’s made me more confident and knowledgeable, and I’ve already noticed how these skills set me apart in interviews and work environments.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel means more than just seeing new places. It’s about connecting with people, embracing different cultures, and gaining a deeper understanding of the world.
It’s an opportunity to grow personally, challenge your assumptions, and come home with a new perspective. Meaningful travel leaves a lasting impact because it teaches you something about yourself and the world around you.
