Simone's experience in Portugal
01.10.2024
Hello! I’m Simone, and I’ve just completed almost a year of ESC in Lisbon, working with the Spin association and the Natalia Correia Library. Looking back, I feel truly fortunate. I enjoyed my experience, but most of all, it was thanks to my housemates, friends, and the people who welcomed and supported me along the way.
I spent 11 months working 35 hours per week, from Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., including an hour break. Within this schedule, I also dedicated 5 hours to helping my fellow volunteers learn and engage with the Portuguese language. This commitment allowed me to immerse myself in Portuguese culture through daily conversations about traditions, food, events, and the country’s geography, while also pursuing personal growth through books and learning. Reading every day—whether art books, comics, newspapers, Portuguese literature, or children’s stories—helped me develop skills that later supported my master’s program admission.
Spin played an essential role in facilitating dialogue between volunteers, ensuring everyone’s needs were met and fostering a positive, collaborative environment. Catarina and the library staff—Sonia, Maria José, Prazer, Rosario, and Isaura—welcomed me like family. Their kindness, patience, and openness made every day a learning experience in language, culture, and human connection. Even when minor challenges arose with the association or house dynamics, the overall experience was positive and enriching.
I also want to thank the cafeteria staff at the Padre Cruz primary school for making daily life easier and more enjoyable, as well as my friends, who made every morning and night brighter. These shared moments of conversation, cultural exchange, and simple companionship will remain in my memory long after this year ends.
It has been a wonderful almost-year.
Saúde,
Simone
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