Matilde's experience in Portugal

I came to Portugal with the desire to completely change my routine and to challenge myself after a long period spent within the walls of my home. I had no prior experience in volunteering and didn’t know what to expect; I had never even lived alone for such a long period (I’ve been here for almost three months now, but the project lasts another seven), let alone abroad.

I’m having the opportunity to get involved in a wide range of activities, from school sessions on interculturality and emotional intelligence to visits with residents at local nursing homes, and even environmental clean-up and restoration actions.

This experience goes far beyond what happens at the center—it completely reshapes your life and challenges you in every way. You have to adapt to a completely new social context, speak a foreign language, and share spaces and moments with people from completely different backgrounds.

Another remarkable aspect of this project is that it allows you to travel and discover places from a completely new perspective—not as a passing tourist, but as someone truly immersed in the local life. I can’t wait to see what the next months here in Águeda will bring!