ERASMUS+ Experience in Portugal

Anghelina MARTINIUC, a student at the Faculty of Computers, Informatics and Microelectronics, majoring in “Robotics and Mechatronics”, had an amazing ERASMUS experience – a true personal and academic odyssey.

Anghelina’s decision to study for a semester at the Instituto Politécnico de Bragança (IPB) in Portugal was a courageous step. For her, a student from the Republic of Moldova, this Erasmus+ experience was full of all kinds of bureaucratic obstacles, the most notable being obtaining a study visa in a country without a Portuguese embassy. With a limited budget and short time, she had to travel to a neighboring country to submit the documents. “It was stressful, but after a lot of emotions and efforts, I obtained the visa and managed to get to Bragança, where I had an adventure full of emotions and discoveries,” Anghelina recalls. This determination exemplifies the spirit of initiative and resilience needed to overcome any barrier.

At IPB, Anghelina quickly integrated into the new academic and cultural reality. In addition to the academic challenges specific to the “Robotics and Mechatronics” specialty, everyday life in Portugal brought her a series of pleasant surprises. The Portuguese student card impressed her with its multitude of benefits: substantial discounts in stores, the possibility of paying at the cafeteria, bicycle rental facilities and printing services. These practical aspects considerably simplified the adaptation and allowed her to fully enjoy the experience.

What impressed her most, however, was the kindness and politeness of the people in Portugal. “One of the first and beautiful culture shocks was the way men behaved respectfully towards women – they would automatically open the door and always let them pass first, a simple but considerate gesture.” Even the language barrier was easily overcome, thanks to the kindness of the locals, who, although they did not speak English, helped her with gestures and kindness. These interactions opened up a new perspective on culture and student life for Anghelina, enriching her with valuable lessons about respect and human interaction.

The ERASMUS+ experience was much more than a series of courses and exams for Anghelina. It was an opportunity for deep personal development, to step out of her comfort zone and adapt to a completely different culture. She met wonderful people from all over the world, significantly expanding her network of contacts and improving her intercultural skills. Learning was not limited to the classroom; daily interaction with international and local colleagues was a school of life in itself.

“ERASMUS+ has been one of the most important and beautiful experiences of my life so far. Although the beginning was full of difficulties, everything that followed was fully worth it. I grew, I learned, I discovered and, most importantly – I discovered myself”, concludes Anghelina.

Anghelina MARTINIUC’s message for future ERASMUS students is clear: the program is an investment in yourself. The challenges are inevitable, but the rewards are immense: a global perspective, intercultural skills, an extensive network of contacts and a deeper understanding of your own potential.

Are you ready to turn your dreams into reality and embark on your own ERASMUS+ odyssey?