One of the coolest parts of my internship is getting to sit in on guest lectures that are hosted by the University of Lisbon and that my supervisor helps to organize. On Tuesday we got to learn about militarization of democratic cabinets, and used Brazil as an extremist case study. In broader terms, what factors…
Quinn’s Camera: Seville
I fall in love with every city I visit. It feels impossible not to: there’s a siren song that pulls me in inexplicably, inevitably, and suddenly I find myself head over heels. Sometimes it’s the people, or the food, or the way of life, and sometimes it’s the complete departure from what I’m used to…
Lisbon, The Finale
I am sitting at the metro station writing this, fighting back tears, and I am sure I will end up posting this from the airport gate, actively crying. I am so grateful for this experience, and I miss home so much. At the same time I cannot imagine leaving this place that I got to…
Lisbon: The Internship
Hello everyone! As I previously mentioned, my internship is at the ICS, which is the Social Science Department of the University of Lisbon. I am working with a professor and helping her on her research project on the members of parliament in Ghana and South Africa. I basically am going into this blind and with…
Lisbon, Halfway!
Hello!! The heatwave across Europe has finally hit Portugal, and we are really feeling it. I have never been more thankful for Lisbons preference towards AC, at least in the buildings I have spent the most time in. And when I cannot be in air conditioning, I have been in the ocean. So, I’m definitely…
Looking Back to Lisbon
Since my return home from Portugal, I have had some time to reflect on my experiences this summer. My time in Lisbon not only provided me with valuable insights and lessons for my academic and professional career, but also helped me understand how to better enjoy life. While I learned countless things working in my…
Time Flies
Two months sounds like a long time. It can also feel like a long time; for example when you can’t sleep on the plane ride or when your allergy medication runs out. But two months can also feel incredibly short; like when one month into the program, half of the friends you’ve made go home…
World Cup!
The Portuguese love soccer. Children, teenagers, and adults pass around soccer balls in parks and on the sidewalks. My coworkers discuss their favorite club teams, praise their best players or criticize their coaches on a daily basis. It seems as though every other person I walk by wears a Ronaldo jersey. In normal times, the…
Working in a Different Culture
During the short time I’ve spent living and working in Lisbon, I have observed a significantly different work environment then what I am familiar with in the United States. The 9-5 here is not strict like in the U.S. As my boss Sarah put it, “nobody is looking at the clock”. At my office, if…
Reflecting on my Time in Romania (and Belgium)
This was an absolute whirlwind of a program. It was so incredibly fast-paced, with multiple engagements for us to go to as a group every single day, and so many knowledgeable and driven people at the top of their respective fields for us to take notes from and discuss with. It was a very draining…