Free Nonsense

Health and the price you pay to live unforgettable moments

by Paola Soto Rojas*

It’s been twenty days since I arrived from Brazil. I have got to know the city of Porto bit by bit and I really like it!

I never imagined that at the institute (INESC TEC) I would have the opportunity to get to know and talk to the people whose articles I had read and admired. This is really unique and it’s even better as they are really friendly!

Despite not speaking Portuguese very well as it’s not my first language, I have been able to make several friends in a short period of time. Before coming to Portugal I thought it would be difficult to adapt to the culture and the people. However, the people of Porto have always been helpful and receptive, which is great.

I think Porto is really incredible, the food is great. Most of the time I don’t even know the name of what I’m eating but I know I like everything! The transport system is fantastic and I can get to university or any other place in the city quickly.

Despite missing my family in Peru and my friends in Brazil a great deal, I am making the most of my little time in Portugal and I hope to pass on to others some of the things that I have learned here!

I also hope that students like me that participate in the University of Porto’s exchange programme make the most of this experience to learn and grow both professionally and as a person.

I would like to conclude by saying that I really love Porto and I’m certainly not looking forward to having to leave.

* Collaborator at the Manufacturing Systems Engineering Unit (UESP) and a mobility student at the University of Estadual de Campinas (Brazil)