This summer has been nothing short of unforgettable. Two months may not seem like a long time, but from June to July, I experienced more than I ever expected, new places, new friendships, new challenges, and a completely different way of life. Looking back, it feels impossible to summarize everything that happened because every day brought something new.

One of the biggest highlights of my time in Portugal was the opportunity to work under Professor Hilário at the University of Lisbon. Through this internship, I was able to combine my interests in healthcare, research, and technology in different ways. I worked on a research brief exploring public perceptions of artificial intelligence in healthcare in Portugal, where I conducted a literature review on the benefits and risks of AI, explored how Portugal’s approach compares to the United States, and reviewed current policies surrounding AI in healthcare across Portugal and the European Union.

I also had the opportunity to help collect and analyze data for the project. While I gathered responses from the summer camp I helped run, the majority of the survey responses came from a festival where my professor and others collected nearly 500 responses. Using Python, I cleaned and organized the data, grouped survey questions into different constructs, and conducted statistical analyses to help support the findings. Creating graphs, tables, and a final presentation to share our results was one of the most rewarding parts of the experience, and I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to contribute to work that will eventually be published.

Beyond research, I also loved being able to work with high school students through the AI in healthcare summer camp. Helping introduce students to topics like artificial intelligence through activities like Kahoot, Jeopardy, and an escape room was such a fun experience. Seeing their curiosity and excitement reminded me how important it is to make complicated topics approachable and engaging. I also created infographics on vaccine hesitancy in Portugal based on previous research conducted by Professor Hilário, which allowed me to explore another important public health issue through a new perspective.

Outside of my internship, I was lucky enough to explore so much of Portugal and beyond. From Porto and Coimbra to Óbidos, Sintra, Setúbal, and Cascais, every place had its own history, culture, and personality. I even had the chance to visit Seville, Spain, which made me appreciate the differences between countries and communities even more. Getting to experience places I had only ever dreamed about while also meeting people from different backgrounds was something I will never take for granted.

Living abroad also taught me a lot about myself. Being away from home for two months pushed me outside of my comfort zone and helped me become more independent. I learned to enjoy my own company, adapt to unfamiliar situations, and work around the unexpected, like when my computer broke halfway through the trip. Every challenge became part of the experience and helped me grow in ways I never expected.

This summer gave me memories, friendships, and experiences that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I am incredibly proud of how much I have grown and grateful that I was able to call Portugal home, even if it was only for two months. Thank you, Portugal, you will always have a special place in my heart! Forever chugging and SiPN!