Wendy’s Study Abroad Experience in Portugal
Economics and Business Management BSc student Wendy reflects on how her year studying abroad in Portugal helped her build confidence, develop transferable skills and discover new academic and career interests.
Q&A
Tell us about your study abroad experience – where was it and what did you study?
I spent a year studying abroad at Universidade Católica Portuguesa (UCP) in Lisbon, Portugal, I explored a wide range of new subjects, mainly Business and Marketing modules. Some of my favourites were Sports Economics, Corporate Social Responsibility, Fashion Sustainability, and Marketing.
What key skills did you develop during your time abroad?
The experience gave me a range of soft, transferable skills. My cultural awareness grew a lot as I travelled around Europe and visited friends from all over the world. This also helped me become more confident and open to meeting new people.
I learned how to adapt quickly to new environments and really enjoyed connecting with people from different backgrounds and cultures (I was usually the only person from the UK in my friendship groups and classes).
I really strengthened my presentation and public speaking skills — presenting in class almost every week pushed me well out of my comfort zone. Although I still find it challenging, I'm far more confident now, and much less nervous speaking in front of others.
What was the social scene like? Were there many opportunities for socialising and meeting other students?
It was amazing! Most people are all in the same boat and don't know anyone in the country, so every student you meet is super friendly. Plus Lisbon has so many students that it was always lively. At the beginning the University organised activities that made it easy to meet people and build friendships quickly.
In Lisbon there is always something cool happening, whether it’s on the beach or in the city parks. I loved doing creative activities like pottery with friends, discovering endless new restaurants, and finding hidden wine bars in the evenings. The music scene was also brilliant and I got to go to a couple of really fun festivals in the summer. There was always something exciting to do! My friends visited me in Portugal, and many of them are now planning on moving out to Lisbon after graduation!
Have your future plans changed as a result of your study abroad experience, or have you got new ideas for your future?
Definitely! I’ve always wanted to live abroad, but my year in Lisbon made me even more certain about it. I loved travelling, meeting new people, and learning in such a different environment.
Academically, I discovered new interests in marketing, tech, and AI, which led me to apply for a summer internship at a tech company. That experience was amazing, and I know I wouldn’t have had the confidence or even the idea to apply if I hadn’t studied in Portugal.
The year also pushed me to become much more independent. I’m really keen to do something similar again — whether that’s a master’s abroad or working overseas.