In a little over a week, I will fly to Porto for UA in Portugal: European Innovation Academy (EIA)! For three weeks, I will learn about business and entrepreneurship through an international pitch competition. But before any academics commence, my dad and I will spend a week in Porto and Barcelona just taking in the beautiful scenery, food, and culture of Portugal and Spain!
Last summer, I studied abroad in Oxford, England through UA in Oxford, so I have some experience in preparing to spend a month abroad. Check how I am gearing up for my time in Porto while at home:
Prepping for EIA
I have been up in Washington, D.C. for the last six weeks interning, so I have not had much time to prep for the program yet. Luckily, we don’t have any assignments due before the start date. Nevertheless, while I am home, I’m diving in and preparing for the pitch competition by rereading emails, checking out EIA’s recommended reading list, and researching the program’s past years, so I am ready to succeed when I arrive.
Shopping for Clothes
You can certainly buy any clothing you need while abroad. However, I did buy some bathing suits and linen outfits before leaving the States. I still will save room in my suitcase for purchases I make abroad!
Researching Porto
I am definitely the planner on trips I go on! Before any journey, I like to look into Yelp reviews, blogs, and even Reddit to find out top restaurants, cafes, and things to do. I have been talking to people I know that have been to Porto, either on this study abroad or independently. When I find a recommendation, I add the place to a guide on Apple Maps. Creating a guide not only makes the trip feel real and exciting, but it will also help me have great spots readily available when I explore Porto on foot.
Duolingo
Look, I realize I won’t achieve fluency in Spanish or Portuguese after a couple of weeks practicing with the owl. But, even though many people speak English, learning basic phrases in a local language can go a long way!
Planning Excursions
My dad and I are going to Barcelona for two days before my program starts. I have made dinner reservations, researched tapas, and asked friends for Barcelona’s must-sees, so we can make the most of our 48 hours in the city.
Also, I’ve started looking into day trips from Porto. On my last study abroad, it was so fun to travel somewhere else on the weekend, so you can maximize how much you see. Right now, it’s a bit too early to plan exactly where to go. I will want to see what other people on the program are interested in doing, but brainstorming and getting ideas allows for planning to come together quickly later. As of right now, I am looking at Sintra, Faro, and Madeira as potential weekend getaways!
Até a próxima vez!
-Emily A